Gus Bilirakis

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 5378, the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act. I hear from my constituents on a regular basis that the cost of healthcare is too high, and it remains a burden for everyday Americans who are struggling to get by. This bipartisan package led by Chair Rodgers, who I appreciate so much, finally looks to turn the tide of these high costs by injecting much-needed transparency and accountability into our healthcare system. This includes updating CMS' price transparency rules so they actually work effectively for patients. It ensures we better understand and reduce consolidation among hospitals, insurers, and PBMs alike. This also includes my bill with Representative DeGette to reauthorize the Special Diabetes Program for 2 years with increased funding, all while reducing the deficit by $750 million. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this transformative package.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring to the attention of the Congress and Citizens of the United States a praiseworthy statement signed by thousands of our staunch ally, the United Kingdom, whose thought leaders and public figures declared solidarity with Israel and the Jewish people during one of the greatest periods of catastrophe, suffering, and trial since the Nazi Holocaust. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Hellenic-Israel Alliance, as well as the International Religious Freedom Caucus, I feel it a duty highlight and commend these significant gestures. At a time when the world is in urgent need of moral clarity, leaders of media, government, business, sport, and the arts of the UK have risen masterfully to the occasion to establish British Friends of Israel with its clear-eyed statement--the October Declaration, signed by, as of this moment, nearly 100,000 of some UK's most influential, accomplished, and notable citizens. Many excerpts best express what much of the world holds true regarding our Jewish brothers and sisters who are tragically confronting the ugliness of anti-Semitism in real time. In part, the Declaration reads: ``We unequivocally condemn all acts of terrorism against civilians in Israel, especially the massacre on 7 October 2023. ``On 7 October 2023 the State of Israel and her citizens, both Jews and non-Jews, were subjected to a brutal terrorist attack, which resulted in the murder, torture, rape and kidnapping of over 1,500 people. ``More Jews were killed on that day than on any other day since the Holocaust. We are aware that Jews are not the only victims of this tragedy. Hamas knew that there would be consequences to 7 October, but the consequences did not weigh with Hamas. ``Its ongoing terrorist operation is calculated to cause maximum fear and distress. The people of Israel have been subjected to a near constant bombardment of rockets from Gaza and Lebanon. Civilians of all kinds--including the elderly, disabled, women, children, and babies--have been targeted in a direct breach of the rules of war. ``We call for all the hostages taken on 7 October to be released immediately. It is an essential step on the path to peace and the cessation of hostilities. ``We stand in support of British Jews and condemn acts of anti-Semitism. ``British Jews should not live in fear because of actions taken by the state of Israel to defend itself. The British state must do everything in its power to protect them. ``We ask the media, members of all political parties and everyone in public life to call out Hamas for what it is: a terrorist organisation. ``Hamas, whose actions have led directly and indirectly to the tragic deaths of many Palestinian civilians as well as Israelis, is a proscribed terrorist organisation in the UK as well as in many other states. The Home Secretary and the Prime Minister have identified Hamas as a terrorist organisation. Failure to use the correct language--describing Hamas as `militants' or `fighters', for instance--creates the false impression that Hamas and Israel's armed forces are morally equivalent and is an affront to the group's victims-- the dead, their families, and those currently being held hostage. Mr. Speaker, in our time, who could have anticipated the need to take such a stand in nations like the United States and the United Kingdom against unspeakable events that unfolded exactly one month ago today. But regrettably, denial of the atrocities and the willingness of some to side with Hamas have exposed a layer of society that raises concerns about the value placed on Jewish lives. The idea for British Friends of Israel came from leading British public figures including journalists Laura Dodsworth, Allison Pearson, Toby Young, legal scholar Francis Hoar, Think Tank head Emma Webb and others who recognize the duty to express solidarity with global Jews. The speed at which the media narrative shifted from the savagery of Hamas attacks to concern about the destruction in Gaza is disheartening. We have witnessed bias and antagonism by public figures, some in this Congress, some in the media, and some at leading American universities in the face of these atrocities. This is beyond troubling. In the words of Sir Tom Stoppard, ``Before we take up a position on what's happening now, we should consider whether this is a fight over territory or a struggle between civilization and barbarism.'' Let us stand united with British Friends of Israel and The October Declaration. By lending our voices, we send a powerful message of support to our Jewish brothers and sisters in Israel and around the world. The stakes are critical in the fight for Civilization over barbarism.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise to recognize Nick Adams and the incredible work of his organization, the Foundation for Liberty and American Greatness, or FLAG. Mr. Adams was born in Sydney, Australia, and immigrated to the United States in 2016 as the recipient of the Extraordinary Ability Green Card. He became a naturalized citizen on December 20, 2021, and I was proud to be there with him for that special moment. After coming to the United States, Mr. Adams founded the Foundation for Liberty and American Greatness, also known as FLAG, dedicated to educating Americans about the values and principles that make our nation exceptional. To date, FLAG has provided educational resources to more than 1.6 million students around the country. Mr. Adams is of the Greek-Orthodox faith, is a Stage IV cancer survivor, a patriot, and the embodiment of the American Dream. His life is a testament to the free spirit that has made America great. I am proud to call him friend.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, Chairwoman Rodgers is doing a great job. We are so fortunate to be on this committee. I think it is the best committee in Congress. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this legislation that I co- lead with Representatives Joyce, Latta, and the gentleman from California (Mr. Obernolte). The California ban would have far-reaching national effects, not only indirectly forcing EV vehicles onto consumers outside of California and the 17 other States tied to California standards, but also likely increasing the cost of all new vehicles nationwide and giving consumers fewer choices. We are all about choices, Mr. Speaker. Currently, auto manufacturers face significant losses with their EV divisions and rely on the profits from their gas-powered vehicle sales to maintain profitability. If this California rule stands, auto manufacturers will likely be forced to increase retail costs on all their vehicle options to remain profitable. Many of my constituents are on fixed incomes and cannot afford to humor California's or the Biden administration's radical green policies. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of this particular bill.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my commendation for the outstanding performance displayed by Division Chief of Training Kevin Rittenhouse during Hurricane Idalia. His dedication and exemplary efforts went above and beyond the call of duty. In the face of extreme adversity, Chief Rittenhouse demonstrated exceptional leadership, ensuring the safety and well-being of both his team and the affected community. His quick thinking and decisive action played a pivotal role in mitigating potential hazards and securing vital resources. Chief Rittenhouse was the area incident commander for the Hernando Beach area as storm surge was rising, structure fires were difficult to access due to flooding, and high-water rescues were being performed. Simultaneously, Chief Rittenhouse's home was being damaged by storm surge waters. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I acknowledge Kevin's exceptional performance. We are immensely grateful for his invaluable contributions during this critical time. His actions embody the highest standards of professionalism and serve as an inspiration to us all.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize heroic efforts on behalf of wildlife worldwide. American Humane, the first and most experienced national humane organization, which was created in 1877 to ensure the safety, welfare, and well-being of animals, has awarded Prof. Theo Pagel, CEO of the Cologne Zoo in Germany with the 2023 Wolfgang Kiessling International Prize for Species Conservation. This award was created in honor of Wolfgang F. Kiessling, the founder of Loro Parque and global leader in conservation. Prof. Theo Pagel has dedicated his life to ensuring the survival of countless species, and inspiring and educating generations of people. As the CEO of the Cologne Zoo, the former president of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and Chair of the Reverse the Red Committee of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, Pagel has led significant change for animals both in the wild and in zoos. He was inspired at an early age by his father, also an animal lover, and started a breeding program in 1988 to save the endangered Bali Starling--a program he coordinated for nearly 20 years. Pagel created sustainability strategies and guidelines for conservation education during his tenure as president of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. He approaches conservation through inspiring the public as well as leading high-level strategies on saving countless species from the very largest Asian Elephant to the smallest Asian songbird. He has led a global charge to push back the effects of what scientists call a ``Sixth Mass Extinction,'' with up to one million species at risk of disappearing forever. Mr. Speaker, wildlife conservationists put the world first, wildlife first, the future first. They don't seek a hero's reward, a medal, or a prize. But they surely deserve it. Mr. Speaker, I ask today that we recognize the impact Theo Pagel has had on saving species, honor his work and acknowledge American Humane's Kiessling Prize as a way to shine a light on the important work of saving species for future generations to love.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an individual who embodies the spirit of selfless service, dedication, and commitment. Joyce Gardner Baker will be celebrating a milestone birthday on September 16, 2023, and today, I wish to honor her remarkable journey. Joyce, originally from the Midwest, relocated to St. Petersburg in 1985. There she married her college sweetheart, Rick, and brought with her a fervor to serve and make a difference. From her professional endeavors at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to her influential role as St. Petersburg's First Lady, Joyce's contributions have been invaluable. Joyce's passion for service is evident in her unwavering dedication to both the community and church. Yet, above all, she holds her roles as a loving wife and dedicated mother to Julann and Jacob closest to her heart. Mr. Speaker, it's individuals like Joyce Gardner Baker who are the pillars of our communities. I wish to convey our deepest appreciation for her years of service, for her unwavering spirit, and for the countless lives she has touched. May she continue to inspire, serve, and be a beacon of light for many more years to come.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close. I am proud to be able to work with these great people here on a very important bill. We need to encourage legitimate foreign investment in our country. I know that other countries create the right environment for us to invest in their countries, and it has really been a great success. We want to continue to do that, but, again, we are emphasizing that these have to be legitimate foreign investments from legitimate allied countries. Mr. Speaker, I commend the sponsors, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from the great State of Indiana (Mr. Pence), my good friend.

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 this particular bill.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 813) to direct the Secretary of Commerce, in coordination with the heads of other relevant Federal departments and agencies, to conduct an interagency review of and report to Congress on ways to increase the global competitiveness of the United States in attracting foreign direct investment, as amended.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 813, the Global Investment in American Jobs Act of 2023. I thank Representative Pence for his work on this legislation and Representatives Eshoo and Blunt Rochester and all the cosponsors for their support of this very important piece of legislation. Foreign direct investment, or FDI, has proven to be critical for America's economy, and it is also an integral part of our Nation's technological leadership. Still, FDI can be deterred by unnecessary barriers that prohibit its expansion from trusted countries, allies, and friendly economies. Removing these barriers will ensure that the United States remains the global leader in attracting FDI. This legislation will require the Secretary of Commerce, along with heads of other relevant Federal departments and agencies, to conduct an interagency review and report to Congress on ways to increase the global competitiveness of the U.S. in attracting FDI from trusted countries--I repeat, trusted countries--and economies. This is an important distinction that my friend from Indiana included, and I appreciate this, to ensure we focus on ways to increase FDI from our allies--again, from our allies--rather than countries like China, Russia, or anyone else who wants to do harm to our great country. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and 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 today in support of H.R. 1418, the Animal Drug and Animal Generic Drug User Fee Amendments of 2023, sponsored by my good friend, Mr. Pence, and, of course, Ms. Schrier on the Democrat side and their members on the Energy and Commerce Committee. Our committee has worked hard on this legislation for many months, holding a legislative hearing in March and two markups this spring before advancing it out of full committee last month by a vote of 49-0. At each step, our members worked in a bipartisan fashion to consider ways to make improvements to this legislation and keep any controversial policies from getting in the way of passing this bill before its September deadline. Great work. Overall, the ADUFA amendments of 2023 will reauthorize the two user fee programs established to support the development and review of animal drugs and generics. These drugs keep our animals healthy, from our household pets to our farm animals, and they ensure that our food supply is safe for humans too. That is how important this bill is. The bill before us also includes provisions to support the review process in getting new drugs to the market faster and adds new reporting requirements to improve transparency and accountability within the FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine. It also takes steps to support utilizing the conditional approval pathway for animal drugs, which will bring more drugs to the market for small animal populations with unmet clinical needs. There are even more program enhancements contained in these agreements, addressing foreign inspections, fiscal responsibility, and the need for more innovation. If this legislation is not signed into law before September 30, Mr. Speaker, the review and approval of the medicines that farmers and pet owners rely on will dramatically slow down. We can't let that happen. Drugmakers will also face regulatory uncertainty in getting their therapies to the market, impacting access to new cures and treatments. They are relying on Congress to do its job, and we will, which is why I strongly urge support of this legislation and encourage my colleagues to vote ``yes.'' I reserve the balance of my time, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1418) to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to reauthorize user fee programs relating to new animal drugs and generic new animal drugs, as amended.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, this is a great bill. It is a necessary bill for our farmers but also our animal owners. I used to be the chair of the Humane Bond Caucus, and we absolutely love our animals. Mr. Pence and Ms. Schrier are doing an excellent job on this particular bill, and I urge unanimous passage. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Pence), the sponsor of the bill along with Ms. Schrier.

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. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to celebrate the city of Crystal River, Florida's 100th anniversary, which will be celebrated on July 3, 2023. This city is home to more than 3,500 residents and to some of the most beautiful natural resources on the planet. More than half a million people from around the world travel to Crystal River each year to kayak, fish, dive, swim with the manatees and enjoy the pristine waterways within this gem of Florida's Nature Coast. Trip Advisor lists Crystal River's own Three Sisters Springs as one of the Top 10 Places in the World to Visit Before You Die. Crystal River is also home to a National Wildlife Refuge located in Kings Bay, which consists of 20 islands and small parcels of that that was established in 1983 to protect the West Indian manatee. In addition to its tremendous natural resources, the people of Crystal River are its best asset. The residents work together to create a sense of community and ensure that their city remains a wonderful place to live, work and play. Over the last 100 years, Crystal River has achieved many important accomplishments: In 1924, its first school was built. In 1933, airport construction began. In 1939, the first ever City Hall building was built. In 1948, Crystal River High School became state football champions. In 1951, Paradise Point, a deluxe resort for sportsman was built. In 1961, Elvis Presley visited to film ``Follow that Dream''. In 1969, Crystal River schools were fully integrated. In 1975, The federal government designated the Crystal River and Kings Bay as critical habitats for the manatees. In 1976, the Crystal River nuclear power plant opened. In 1978, Seven Rivers Community Hospital opened. In 2013, Three Sisters Springs was featured in National Geographic Magazine. In 2015, Crystal River became a Main Street community. I look forward to working with the residents and compassionate leaders of Crystal River as we celebrate many more important milestones in this wonderful city within the years to come.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 40th anniversary of the Arc Nature Coast. The Arc Nature Coast is an organization that assists adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. They provide individually tailored quality support and advocacy to promote their self-determination and inclusion in community life. They serve about 200 individuals annually through various programs such as residential, skill training, transportation, and employment. More than 80 individuals have secured employment in the community through their employment services programs. Under the leadership of their current Executive Director, Mark W. Barry who has served for the past 20 years, the Arc Nature Coast has established itself as a quality organization that makes a profound impact on the lives of those it serves and their families. The Arc Nature Coast provides an invaluable service to our community, and we are better for it. I thank everyone involved for their tireless dedication and wish them nothing but continued success.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Chairman, this is a good amendment and will make the bill stronger by preventing product regulation based on the type of fuel it uses. I appreciate Mrs. Boebert for offering this particular amendment. Mr. Chairman, I urge a ``yes'' vote.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Chair, I move that the Committee do now rise.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mast), a great American hero and my fellow Floridian.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Lawler).

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Pfluger), a good friend of mine and a very effective member of the Energy and Commerce Committee.