Gus Bilirakis

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding contributions that Carol Brisbois has made through her work with Metropolitan Ministries. Carol has been a dedicated volunteer at Metropolitan Ministries since 2016. Monday and Friday mornings at the Metro Welcome Center are lively and welcoming, thanks to this remarkable woman. She greets both new and returning volunteers with enthusiasm, ensuring newcomers feel comfortable and understand the importance of their roles. Her humor, empathy, and dedication ensure smooth operations across all areas, from kitchen prep to client shopping in the metro market. She welcomes everyone--volunteers, clients, residents, and community members--with warmth, compassion, and genuine joy in service. Carol is always ready to tackle any task that needs attention. Metropolitan Ministries relies heavily on her to keep Volunteer Services running smoothly, not just during the holidays but all year round. She embodies the four key values of Metro's culture, including: Character, Chemistry, Competency, and Calling. It is clear Carol Brisbois has made a profoundly positive impact on our community, and I am grateful for strive to serve our communities with the same dedication and humility.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding contributions that Ms. Carol Noble has made to our community in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. In addition to providing countless hours of direct support to neighbors and flood victims, she helped coordinate the collection and distribution of emergency supplies, meals and donated services to help those who needed help. A truly selfless leader, Ms. Noble was a strong advocate for bringing in government and non-profit resources to aid in the recovery process. It is clear that Carol Noble has made a profoundly positive impact on our community, and I am grateful for her service. May we all strive to serve our communities with the same dedication and humility.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding contributions that Carol Berti has made on through her work with Oasis Pregnancy Centers. Carol is a rare gem in the volunteer world; dedication is her middle name. For 16 years, Carol has served Oasis with warmth, compassion, and dedication to the families of Oasis. Carol was an integral part of the start-up of Oasis in 2009 and continues to be a cornerstone of the ministry at the Land O' Lakes center. Her unwavering desire to be a light to each woman who walks through the door of Oasis is a shining example of her obedience to Christ and His call on her life. Carol helps vet new volunteers and works with Center Directors to find the right fit for each volunteer and for Oasis. Carol is an inspiration to the staff and the team she serves with. Additionally, Carol has served for years as a Sunday School teacher each week and Poll Captain of elections in her area. She truly is a Hero in the community. It is clear Carol Berti has made a profoundly positive impact on our community, and I am grateful for her service. May we all strive to serve our communities with the same dedication and humility.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. I rise today to recognize the outstanding contributions that Alyssa Reas has made through her volunteerism at Gulf Highlands Elementary School. Alyssa stepped onto the campus with big plans to support students. She has seen the value that peer mentors have made in student lives and is determined to help cultivate success on the campus. She has been working diligently to match big brothers and big sisters with students on campus, with 10 success stories to date. It is exciting for students to have someone from their community encouraging them in their educational journey. It is clear Alyssa Reas has made a profoundly positive impact on our community, and I am grateful for her service. May we all strive to serve our communities with the same dedication and humility.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding contributions that Carol Smith has made to our community through her work with New Beginnings Youth Shelter, which serves homeless kids aged 10-17 who are between foster homes, abandoned, or homeless. The whole team jumps in to take care of the kids that have no one else looking out for them. They teach kids structure, respect, understanding and so much more in a loving environment. The team really cares, and each member is deeply invested in the kids' long-term success. It is clear Carol Smith has made a profoundly positive impact on our community, and I am grateful for her service. May we all strive to serve our communities with the same dedication and humility.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding contributions that Ann Wilkinson has made through her work with Seniors in Service--Retired Senior Volunteer Program in Pasco County. This group of 245 volunteers, spread across Pasco County, work tirelessly with a shared goal of making their community shine, dedicating 24,210 hours to addressing critical needs in food support, companionship, disaster relief, and mentorship. By establishing partnerships with 25 local Pasco County organizations, RSVP Pasco connects volunteers to critical areas of need. Volunteers support food pantries, like Our Lady Queen of Peace, St. Vincent DePaul and Shady Hills Mission Chapel. They work to ensure families in high-need areas receive essential resources. At Good Samaritan Health Clinic, RSVP volunteers assist with patient intake and front desk duties, while at BayCare, they recruit participants for the Health Buddies program to enhance senior well- being. Recently, RSVP Pasco partnered with Solo Moms to empower single mothers and with the American Cancer Society to help patients access life-saving treatments. Each partnership reflects the program's commitment to addressing diverse community challenges with tailored support. Led by Ann, the leadership team within RSVP Pasco has also been a driving force behind its success. Ambassadors have taken on vital roles in recruitment, outreach, and event planning. When the CARES Senior Center closure displaced 25 volunteers, RSVP Pasco worked diligently to connect them with new opportunities, ensuring their passion for service was not lost. Similarly, at Grace's Food Pantry, Ambassadors stepped in to address staffing shortages, ensuring continuity in service. Their proactive approach has strengthened the program's ability to adapt and grow. RSVP Pasco demonstrates the transformative power of volunteerism. From hurricane recovery to improving healthcare and food security, the program embodies resilience, compassion, and connection. This remarkable program truly exemplifies the spirit of service and is a shining example of what can be achieved when a community comes together to make a difference. It is clear Ann Wilkinson has made a profoundly positive impact on our community, and I am grateful for her service. May we all strive to serve our communities with the same dedication and humility.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding contributions that Ms. Barbara Sprague has made to our community through her work with the Community Food Bank, leading the charge in our fight against food insecurity. Since Barbara joined the organization, her leadership, tenacity, and compassion for those in need have led the Community Food Bank to grow from supplying 1-2 million meals each year to over 5 million nutritious meals and critical supplies to fill the meal gap and basic needs for over 70,000 of our neighbors in need. She has taught the entire team to ``BELIEVE that they will end hunger because they are BETTER TOGETHER!'' With Barbara's continued vision and drive to end hunger, the Community Food Bank is embarking on an expansion that will not only double its impact capacity but will add a tremendous outreach opportunity for all service organizations and providers to meet our most at-risk clients right where they are with their programs and critical support as we work together to dismantle the pillars of poverty. The RISE Empowerment Center and Food Bank targets the specific needs of residents with the collaborative power of our most effective resources. Barbara's vision, outstanding leadership, and unyielding drive to make a true difference not only make her a hero in her organization's mission, but she is also a community treasure. It is clear that Barbara Sprague has made a profoundly positive impact on our community, and I am grateful for her service. May we all strive to serve our communities with the same dedication and humility.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding contributions that Ms. Ashley Porter has made to our community in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. In addition to providing countless hours of direct support to neighbors and flood victims, she helped coordinate the collection and distribution of emergency supplies, meals and donated services to help those who needed help. A truly selfless leader, Ms. Porter was a strong advocate for bringing in government and non-profit resources to aid in the recovery process. It is clear that Ashley Porter has made a profoundly positive impact on our community, and I am grateful for her service. May we all strive to serve our communities with the same dedication and humility.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding contributions that Mr. Brody Verosic has made to our community in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. In addition to providing countless hours of direct support to neighbors and flood victims, he helped coordinate the collection and distribution of emergency supplies, meals and donated services to help those who needed help. A truly selfless leader, Mr. Verosic was a strong advocate for bringing in government and non-profit resources to aid in the recovery process. It is clear Brody Verosic has made a profoundly positive impact on our community, and I am grateful for his service. May we all strive to serve our communities with the same dedication and humility.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the exceptional dedication and hard work of one of my outstanding constituents, Brian Dillon. Brian has recently completed an internship in the Office of the Clerk for the House of Representatives, where he has been an invaluable asset, assisting with a wide range of matters that have come before him. This opportunity came after Brian made the remarkable decision to graduate from high school early, demonstrating not only his drive but his commitment to public service. With a deep sense of purpose, he traveled all the way from Florida to Washington, D.C., to contribute to the work of our government and lend a helping hand to the people of Florida and the United States. Throughout his time here, Brian has played a role in supporting the office with various tasks, including assisting staff with vacant offices, processing administrative paperwork, and assisting with other legislative duties. His dedication and tireless work ethic have not gone unnoticed, and he has made an impact during his time with the House. As Brian's internship draws to a close, he plans to return to Florida, where he will embark on a new chapter of his career as an electrician apprentice. I have no doubt that his future is bright, and I wish him the very best of luck as he takes this important step toward a successful career. It is young individuals like Brian who inspire all of us with their initiative, hard work, and commitment to their communities. I am proud to have him represent the great state of Florida, and I look forward to seeing the great things he will undoubtedly achieve in the years to come.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, in honor of February marking Rate Disease Month, I rise today to reaffirm the critical importance of the Orphan Drug Act's exclusivity incentive to the development of life-changing therapies for patients with rare diseases. Congress designed the Orphan Drug Act to provide meaningful incentives, including a seven-year period of market exclusivity, to encourage biopharmaceutical companies to take on the significant risks and costs associated with developing therapies for rare diseases that otherwise would not be developed and approved. Orphan exclusive approval generally prohibits FDA from approving the ``same'' drug for the same use during this exclusivity period to ensure the innovator receives adequate protection to justify the many years of investment in research and development of a product intended for a small population. This protection is especially critical in cases where there previously had been no FDA-approved therapy for the rare disease--or condition. In these instances, the unmet medical needs and the scientific challenges in addressing these needs are the greatest. Without the exclusivity incentive in the Orphan Drug Act, biopharmaceutical companies would never have invested the resources to develop and commercialize first ever treatments for AADC deficiency, achondroplasia, Batten disease, epidermolysis bullosa, Friedreich's ataxia, metachromatic leukodystrophy, mucopolysaccharidoses, phenylketonuria, and Pompe disease, among many others. The innovators that pioneered these therapies took substantial risks investing in these unserved markets and then therefore should receive the full value of the seven years of exclusive approval. Despite this, FDA may approve the ``same'' drug for the same use during an exclusivity period following a demonstration of ``clinical superiority'' by the sponsor of the follow-on product. Originally established in 1992 through regulation, FDA intended this condition to balance the need to ``protect the primary incentive that Congress created in the Orphan Drug Act'' with ``the development of safer and more effective orphan drugs.'' In 2017, following two court decisions that concluded FDA lacked the authority to establish the clinical superiority pathway, Congress enacted the FDA Reauthorization Act of 2017 (P.L. 115-52), which clarified FDA has such authority, and expressly enumerated the three ways a sponsor could demonstrate clinical superiority for the ``same'' drug for the same use. Specifically, the subsequent product must demonstrate a ``significant therapeutic advantage'' relative to the previously approved drug ``in terms of greater efficacy, greater safety, or by providing a major contribution to patient care.'' Congress intended for this standard to be rigorous, particularly for ``major contribution to patient care'' (which is only considered when neither greater safety nor greater effectiveness has been shown), to ensure it is reserved for truly transformative advancements in treating the underlying rare disorder Congress did not specifically define ``major contribution to patient care,'' intentionally allowing FDA to exercise its judgment with the understanding that this threshold would remain high. In fact, FDA's orphan drug regulation itself describes ``major contribution to patient care'' as a ``narrow category'' to be used in ``unusual cases.'' In the unique circumstance when FDA applies ``major contribution to patient care'' to allow a follow-on product to break the exclusivity of a previously approved orphan drug, the subsequent drug must fundamentally elevate the standard of care for the rare disease or condition by providing a significant measurable clinical benefit relative to the previously approved drug. Without maintaining a rigorous threshold, the incentive underpinning the Orphan Drug Act risks being diluted and diminished, threatening the progress made in care disease drug development and undermining future innovation. As a co-chair of the Rare Disease Congressional Caucus, I am committed to ensuring that FDA's authority to evaluate whether a follow-on treatment provides a ``major contribution to patient care'' is exercised judiciously, in a manner that does not diminish the value of orphan exclusive approval. This incentive is fundamental to driving new investments into rare disease research and development, leading to new treatment options and ensuring that patients with significant unmet medical needs continue to see meaningful innovation. With 95 percent of the more than 10,000 rare disorders lacking an FDA-approved therapy, FDA must be especially diligent in protecting the exclusivity period for innovators that took the initial substantial risk to bring a first- ever FDA-approved therapy to a rare disease community. The intent of Congress is clear--orphan drug exclusivity must be preserved as a powerful incentive for race disease drug development, and the criteria for demonstrating clinical superiority must not diminish that value. The Orphan Drug Act has provided tremendous benefits for patients with rare diseases, and its continued success depends on the preservation of strong exclusivity incentives for innovator therapies. Congress expects FDA to apply the clinical superiority framework as originally intended, maintaining the high standard requited to protect the value of orphan exclusivity, especially for those orphan drugs that were the first FDA-approved therapy for a rare disease or condition. The success of the Orphan Drug Act and the continued development of rare disease therapies depends on the integrity of orphan exclusive approval. I urge FDA to remain steadfast in maintaining an appropriately high bar in its application of ``major contribution to patient care'' of the clinical superiority threshold. As we look to Rare Disease Day 2025, recognized on February 28th, the mission of the Orphan Drug Act remains as important as ever. I urge my fellow members to work with me and with FDA to keep these incentives strong in order to get new treatments and cures to rare disease patients in need.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, the Hernando County School District has long been committed to providing high-quality education that prepares students for success in both academic and career pursuits. The district believes in the power of Career and Technical Education (CTE) to support students in achieving economic independence and contribute meaningfully to the community. For its more than 23,000 students, the Hernando County School District offers a wide variety of CTE programs across 14 of the 16 career clusters identified by the Florida Department of Education. These programs provide students with a comprehensive education focused on technical, ``soft'' and industry specific skills in fields ranging from Healthcare, Information Technology, and Agriculture to Skilled Trades and Entrepreneurship. More than 86 percent of Hernando School's graduating seniors have participated in CTE programs, underscoring the district's commitment to introducing and expanding access to these rich and experiential courses that will inform students long after graduation. A fundamental component of the growth and popularity of CTE in the school district is the collaboration between the school district, local industries, governing agencies and workforce leaders. This partnership ensures there is alignment between the needs of employers and industry leaders to the school districts CTE program, strengthening the talent pipeline and highlighting employment opportunities within the community. As an example, Hernando Schools was an early adopter of the Space Academy initiative led by Space Florida. As an advocate for this exciting and novel initiative, in 2024, HCSD was one of 22 school districts named a Space Academy District to grow Space Industry momentum in Hernando County. A significant milestone for the expansion of Career and Technical Education was the opening of the Wilton Simpson Technical College, the first postsecondary site in the county. Wilton Simpson Technical College or ``STC'' will provide the community with access to advanced technical training and certification programs, expanding postsecondary educational opportunities in needed workforce industries. Through the use of voter approved millage funds, Hernando Schools demonstrates a commitment to ensuring this new facility is outfitted with cutting-edge resources to enhance a variety of programs. The vision of the Hernando School District is to ``grow our own'' by providing educational pathways that lead to stable, rewarding, and local careers. We embrace our role and are honored to serve as a driving force for creating a healthy community through quality workforce education, strong partnerships with local leaders and as a proponent of forward-thinking industry initiatives that will position Hernando County as a lifelong home for residents. Hernando County is well positioned to be a place where education, industry, and community work hand-in-hand to create lasting success.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I am here to talk about my good friend, an outstanding leader, Chairwoman Rodgers. We are going to miss her. I am glad we can gather today, actually this evening, to recognize the outstanding leadership of Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers. For the last 4 years, she has been an inspiring partner, leading priorities on our side of the aisle to protect consumers from harm, hold the administration accountable for regulatory overreach, and save children from the mental health crisis of the online generation. This leadership is best exemplified in the work done to ban Chinese access to Americans' personal data and national security information, starting with the divestiture of TikTok from the Chinese Communist Party. Throughout her tenure, Chair Rodgers' tenacity to fight for the people is a trait that should be emulated by us all. It is this determination that has served a great service to our committee and our country. While Chair Rodgers returns to Washington State as a constituent to her successor, she does so having improved the lives of Americans, and she should be proud of the work achieved under her leadership. Mr. Speaker, this is an outstanding individual, what a role model and great statesperson. We are going to miss her. She has helped me in so many different ways over the years, first as Conference chair and as chair of the best committee in the House of Representatives. I will always be grateful to her. I thank her, and God bless her.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark an important anniversary. This month, the Daughters of Penelope, an international woman's organization and affiliate organization of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), celebrated its 95th anniversary on November 16. Founded in San Francisco, the Daughters of Penelope originally worked to improve the status and well- being of women and their families. They also sought to provide women with the opportunity to make significant contributions to their communities and country. After successfully achieving many of their early goals, the Daughters of Penelope now promote the ideals of ancient Greece: philanthropy, education, civic responsibility, and family and individual excellence, achieved through community service and volunteerism. I am a proud Greek-American. As a young boy, my grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles instilled in me an appreciation for our beautiful Greek culture, which focuses on family, community, and faith. As Co-Chairman of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, it is with great pride that I see these values shine through the Daughters of Penelope today, across all its 250 chapters worldwide. Through the exceptional Penelope House in Mobile, Alabama and Penelope's Place in Brockton, Massachusetts, the organization vigorously supports efforts to combat domestic violence in Greece, as well as the United States. The development of these shelters brought renewed hope to many areas with suffering families who previously did not have access to the same level of care. As a member on the Health Subcommittee of the Energy and Commerce Committee, I am impressed with the organization's efforts to provide financial support and raise awareness for medical research on treatments for breast cancer, Thalassemia (Cooley's anemia), muscular dystrophy, and Alzheimer's disease. The Daughters of Penelope are also a leading sponsor of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Section 202 Housing for the Elderly Program, which offers affordable housing to senior citizens in Alabama, Indiana, Iowa, Massachusetts, Minnesota and Texas. Recently, the Daughters of Penelope has also demonstrated support for senior nutrition and isolation with support for Meals on Wheels of America. In addition to helping the elderly, the Daughters of Penelope Foundation, Inc., supports the educational objectives of the Daughters of Penelope by providing tens of thousands of dollars annually for scholarships, sponsoring educational seminars, and donating children's books to schools, shelters and churches through the ``Penelope's Books'' program. After ninety five meaningful and productive years, it excites me to see what the Daughters of Penelope will accomplish and how they will help our country and our culture in the next century.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the life of one of my constituents, Reverend Dr. Vassar Calvin Crews, Jr., a dedicated servant of God, a distinguished Veteran, and a pillar in his community. Following his high school education in Lynchburg, VA, Reverend Crews pursued an Electronics Engineering program at Central Virginia Community College before enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1970. He served honorably as a Fire Control Technician aboard the nuclear-powered submarine, USS James Madison, SSBN 627 Blue Crew. After four years of service at sea, he was stationed in Virginia Beach, where he simultaneously pursued a degree in Electrical Engineering Technology from Old Dominion University. It was during his time in Virginia Beach that Reverend Crews recommitted his life to God, a decision that would shape his future and calling. Following his discharge from the Navy in 1979, he moved to New Jersey and later to Pinellas Park, Florida, where his faith continued to guide him. At Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, he served in numerous leadership roles, including as Choir Director, Trustee Board Member, and Sunday School Superintendent. Reverend Crews's dedication to education and ministry was evident throughout his life. He earned multiple degrees, including a B.S. in Engineering Technology from the University of South Florida, a B.A. and M.A. from Florida Beacon Bible College, and a Ph.D. from Andersonville Theological College and Seminary. Licensed as a minister in 1986, he was ordained in 1988 and installed as Pastor of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in January 1989, where he faithfully led his congregation until September of 2024. Reverend Crews's legacy is marked by his deep faith, his commitment to education, and his unwavering service to his community and to his country. He is a man of conviction and compassion who has touched the lives of many through his ministry and mentorship. As we honor his lifetime of service, let us celebrate a life well-lived and a calling answered. Dr. Calvin Crews, Jr.'s impact will continue to resonate through those who served. May we all strive to serve our communities with the same dedication and humility.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material in the Record on the bill.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Valadao).

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, again, I appreciate Mr. Valadao putting forth this bill. We have got to do it. We have got to protect our seniors and others who use these apps. I encourage a ``yes'' vote on this particular bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6125) to require online dating service providers to provide fraud ban notifications to online dating servicemembers, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6125, the Online Dating Safety Act of 2023, sponsored by my good friend and colleague, David Valadao. Over the last three decades, online dating platforms have transformed the way people find their partners. According to the Pew Research Center, 30 percent of U.S. adults say they have used a dating app or site, many of whom say it has made the dating process much easier. However, these technologies have also led to the rise of dating scams and fraud, unfortunately, and the FTC reported that romance scams resulted in victims losing $1.3 billion in 2022. There are countless examples of victims losing their investments and retirements. One victim was tragically driven to suicide after losing his life savings. That is terrible. H.R. 6125 seeks to protect users of online dating platforms against harmful and fraudulent accounts by requiring platforms to send a fraud ban notification to a user who has been communicating with a suspended account or profile. This crucial step of communication and transparency has been missing from online dating platforms. This is an opportunity to create a safety mechanism to better protect Americans from falling victim to such devastating scams. The bill advanced out of committee with unanimous support, a bipartisan vote of 44-0. I look forward to the bill passing the House this week. Really, we have got to take care of this. Too many people are being taken advantage of, particularly our seniors. We can't have this happen. I strongly support H.R. 6125 and ask my colleagues to vote ``yes.'' I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my bill, H.R. 7189, the Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act of 2024, and I urge my colleagues to support this particular bill. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will reauthorize a national congenital heart disease research, surveillance, and awareness program at HHS for the next 5 years through FY 2029. I am so proud to have been involved in the creation of this pivotal program and its reauthorization efforts, and I am grateful to my colleagues on this bill; Representatives Schiff, Carter, Soto, Salazar, and Cardenas, as well as our bicameral partners, Senators Durbin and Young, and I thank them for their efforts. I have been glad to lead the Congressional Congenital Heart Caucus with Representative Schiff. Over the last years, we have become all too familiar with the struggles this patient community faces on a daily basis, unfortunately. In particular, I also thank the broad set of stakeholders that support this initiative and the thousands of advocates speaking on behalf of the approximately 2 million patients living with congenital heart defects. This includes the Adult Congenital Heart Association, Conquering CHD, Mended Little Hearts, and The Children's Heart Foundation. I thank them for their partnership on this issue and again for support of this bill. We have to get this done together, folks. Let's pass this in a bipartisan fashion. Now, the advocates that come up here do an outstanding job for family members and friends that have congenital heart defects as well as the patients. In the United States, more than 40,000 babies are born with heart defects each year, making it the most common type of birth defect. It is estimated that more than 2 million people are currently living with a heart defect nationwide, but thankfully, they are living much longer into adulthood. Thankfully, medical care and treatments have advanced. Individuals with heart defects, as I said, are living longer and healthier lives. Thank goodness. This bill will continue the support for research and education regarding congenital heart disease and the impact heart defects have on individuals throughout every stage of life. It would also require HHS to develop a strategy to address any research gaps and workforce shortages, particularly as it relates to healthcare providers who treat adult patients living with congenital heart disease. Importantly, this strategy will be developed with the input of expert stakeholder groups and relevant Federal entities. I urge my colleagues to support this particular bill. It is so very important, Mr. Speaker. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material in the Record on the bill.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I encourage a ``yes'' vote on this particular bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 7189) to amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize a national congenital heart disease research, surveillance, and awareness program, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I reserve the balance of my time.