Gus Bilirakis

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Nurse Practitioner's Week. All over our nation, nurse practitioners serve as trusted health care providers for patients. They work tirelessly to diagnose and treat patients with COVID-19 and to combat community spread nationwide, while grieving their colleagues who have lost their lives during the pandemic. Nurse Practitioners work to expand access to care in underserved communities, and end health disparities in health care. They provide high-quality primary, acute and specialty care services while focusing on health promotion, disease prevention, health education and counseling, guiding patients to make smarter health and lifestyle choices every day. They are highly skilled practitioners with advanced education and clinical training, building upon their initial registered nurse preparation. The confidence that patients have in Nurse Practitioner-delivered health care is evidenced by the more than one billion visits made annually to Nurse Practitioners across the country. This week I am proud to recognize and honor the service of Nurse Practitioners in the State of Florida. During this International Year of the Nurse, it is imperative that we recognize the sacrifice that so many have made in order to keep us safe and healthy.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to call up H.R. 8265 to extend the Paycheck Protection Program to keep millions of employees on the payroll for America's small businesses.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring some thunder to the House Chamber and recognize the now two-time Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lightning. Behind the leadership of Captain Steven Stamkos and Stanley Cup MVP Victor Hedman, the Bolts have enshrined themselves as one of the greatest teams of all time. Although COVID prevented fans from attending the playoffs, the distant thunder of the greatest fans in hockey and the determination of the Lightning got them to the top of the mountain, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as we say in Tampa Bay, Stanley Needs a Tan. And let me just say, it is sunny back in Tampa Bay. While one Tampa Bay championship run comes to an end, another begins. Best of luck to the Tampa Bay Rays as they begin their quest to secure their first World Series title. Let's make Tampa Bay Title Town USA.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4439, the Creating Hope Reauthorization Act. Tragically, pediatric cancer remains the number one disease that leads to the death of American children. While survival rates have improved for some types of pediatric cancers, thousands of children are lost to cancer each year, and many more encounter life-threatening complications relating to harsh chemotherapies. Children have significantly fewer treatment options than adults, Mr. Speaker, and oftentimes must rely on treatment regimens developed for adults because pediatric-specific treatments simply do not exist. Unfortunately, as the popular healthcare adage goes, children are not little adults. Despite their significant need, pharmaceutical companies have had trouble developing treatments for pediatric cancer and rare diseases because of the small population and high cost of bringing these specific treatments to market. FDA's priority review voucher program has proven to be a boon to incentivizing the development of therapies to treat rare pediatric diseases. While progress has been made in the development of pediatric therapies--in fact, 22 therapies have been approved for the treatment of 18 rare pediatric diseases since 2012, which is really great--there is still more work to be done however. Nearly 95 percent of all rare diseases do not have an FDA-approved treatment, leaving many patients without options. As co-chair of the Rare Disease Caucus, I sincerely appreciate the good work from Ranking Member McCaul, of course, the ranking member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and the chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce for bringing this bill forward, and also Congressman Butterfield. So, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join us in passing the Creating Hope Reauthorization Act, which will extend this vital innovation lifeline for rare pediatric treatments and cures at FDA.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman yielding. I rise today in support of H.R. 4861, the Effective Suicide Screening and Assessment in the Emergency Department Act. Our Nation remains in the midst of a suicide crisis, Mr. Speaker. Over the past several decades, the suicide rate has risen sharply, increasing by 31 percent since 2001--this is unacceptable-- making suicide the 10th leading cause of death and claiming an estimated 47,000 lives annually. A 2016 study found that 11 percent of all emergency department patients exhibited suicidal ideation. However, only 3 percent of those patients were diagnosed by current screening tools. Furthermore, about 70 percent of patients who leave the emergency department after a suicide attempt never attend their first outpatient follow-up appointment. At the same time, emergency departments, which are often the place within our healthcare system that provides care for people who are at risk for suicide, have inconsistent protocols for screening and treating high-risk patients. For this reason, I introduced with my friend and colleague, a true statesman, Congressman Engel, the Effective Suicide Screening and Assessment in the Emergency Department Act. The bill creates a voluntary HHS program to assist emergency departments in developing protocols for identifying, assessing, and treating individuals at risk for suicide, with preference given to either critical access hospitals or hospitals located in a geographic area with a suicide risk that is higher than the national rate. Grants last for 2 years, and grantees must submit a report annually on their efforts to improve the identification, assessment, and discharge policies for individuals who are at risk for suicide. This proactive approach is very vital, because emergency departments are often, again, the first and, sadly, too often, the only point of contact within the healthcare system for those most at risk for suicide, like individuals living with severe mental health conditions or substance use disorders. With the added physical, mental, emotional, and economic stress this pandemic has inflicted on American lives, there is growing data and a consensus of concern from public health experts and stakeholders that these stressors could lead to even more lives lost to suicide. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to pass the Effective Suicide Screening and Assessment in the Emergency Department Act to further equip our health providers to recognize and assist these patients in crisis.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4764, the Timely Reauthorization of Necessary Stem-Cell Programs Lends Access to Needed Therapies, or the TRANSPLANT, Act. As co-chair of the Blood Cancers Caucus, I urge my colleagues to support the TRANSPLANT Act. This bill is about providing hope to those who are struggling with life-threatening illnesses. The TRANSPLANT Act reauthorizes the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program in addition to the National Cord Blood Inventory. I know that this was a priority for Congressman Young, and it was an honor to serve with him and help him pass this bill initially. This Federal program provides critical support in the advancement of research for better treatments and the infrastructure necessary to organize registries which help ensure transplant patients have access to lifesaving procedures. Simply put, its continued reauthorization is vital for patients with diseases like blood disorders, blood cancer, sickle cell anemia, and inherited metabolic or immune system disorders. I sincerely appreciate the work of my friend and colleague and fellow Blood Cancers Caucus co-chair, Congresswoman Matsui, in addition to the legacy of bipartisan leadership and support of these programs by Members like Congressman Chris Smith and, of course, our good chairman and ranking member. Additionally, I appreciate the critical daily work of the National Marrow Donor Program, operating the Be the Match national registry, connecting patients in search of a cure with lifesaving bone marrow donors, even in the midst of this historic pandemic. I also would like to take a moment to recognize the great work of Dr. Joanne Kurtzberg, the president of the Cord Blood Association. She also serves in multiple roles at Duke University, including director of the Carolinas Cord Blood Bank. Dr. Kurtzberg has dedicated her professional career to cord blood research, banking, and transplantation, and is an internationally recognized umbilical cord blood transplanter. She advised Congress on the creation of the public cord blood banking program, which was part of the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act of 2005, and I believe that was led by Representative Chris Smith. Dr. Kurtzberg continues to be a trusted adviser to Congress on this important program. Again, I urge my colleagues to join us in expediting the passage of this lifesaving bipartisan bill, and it is a very crucial bill for a lot of people, Madam Speaker.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the ranking member and the chairman for all of their good work and, of course, Congressman Peters. This is a great committee, and we get things done, that is for sure. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7293, the Suicide Training and Awareness Nationally Delivered for Universal Prevention Act, or the STAND-UP Act. There is no higher priority than keeping our children safe. I think everyone agrees with that. Since 2010, suicide has been the second- leading cause of death for young Americans ages 10-24, unfortunately. From 2007 to 2015, the number of children and teens visiting emergency rooms for suicide-related injuries doubled. In 2017, 517 Americans aged 10-14, and 6,252 aged 15-24, committed suicide. Sadly, some communities in my district are among those with the highest suicide rates in Florida. Research has shown that most of these young Americans tell someone that they are contemplating suicide or school violence, and 68 percent of averted violence was stopped because of a student reporting concerns about a threat, plot, or other concerning behavior involving a peer. The STAND-UP Act encourages States, Tribes, and schools to create policies for student suicide prevention training using SAMHSA-provided best practices, training, and technical assistance. By providing high-quality screening and prevention training to school staff and peers, threats can be identified before they materialize, and those who are at risk have an opportunity to get the mental health treatment they need and deserve. I have seen firsthand the power of this particular program through, again, nonprofits, like Sandy Hook Promise. They have been very instrumental in getting this bill done, with their SAVE Promise Club. My kids have gone to Palm Harbor University. I still have one there, and that is in my district. Mr. Speaker, when properly equipped, students can be empowered to prevent violence in their schools, and I have witnessed the great work that they do in that particular school. I appreciate the bipartisan work of my colleague, again, Congressman Peters, and I urge my colleagues to join us in passing this critical piece of legislation to reverse the troubling trend of youth suicide and violence. We have to get this through the Senate as well and to the President's desk, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman for putting forth this bill, and I also thank my good friend Ranking Member Roe, who does an outstanding job. He has really done excellent work. It has been an honor to serve with him on behalf of our veterans. I thank him so much for his service, his continuing service to our country and our true American heroes. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of S. 785, the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act. This bill will help prevent veteran suicide by expanding access to care, services, and support for at-risk individuals within the VA healthcare system and their local communities. It contains the IMPROVE Act, a bill by my friend General Bergman that I was proud to support as one of the first cosponsors. This section creates a grant program for community providers to collaborate and assist in suicide prevention services and is modeled after the bipartisan SSVF program, which has been very successful in reducing veteran homelessness. We need new and innovative ways to tackle this tragic problem that our veterans are facing today. Tragically, 20 servicemembers and veterans take their own lives each day, not in combat, not by violent crime, but due to suicide. We must do everything to stop this, Madam Speaker. We know, too, that many of those 20 per day are not currently using VA services. That is why this grant program may be particularly helpful, since it specifically targets to reach those veterans who are actively suicidal or at risk of suicide who are not current users of the VA health system. Madam Speaker, the status quo is unacceptable, and none of us should stand idly by and allow this epidemic of veteran suicide to continue. When we called on them, our heroes, these servicemembers and veterans answered the call to serve. It is time for us to answer the call and support our heroes and get them the help that they have earned and deserve.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the eight inventors who have been recognized as the 2020 Inductees of the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame. To be named as an Inductee, these inventors were nominated by their peers nationwide and have undergone the scrutiny of the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame Selection Committee. As a result, their innovations have been identified as significantly impacting the quality of life, economic development, and welfare of their communities, the residents of Florida, and the United States. The Florida Inventors Hall of Fame was founded in 2013 at the University of South Florida. It was recognized by the Florida Senate with Senate Resolution 1756, adopted on April 30, 2014. Its mission is to encourage individuals of all backgrounds to strive toward the betterment of Florida and society through continuous, groundbreaking innovation by celebrating the incredible scientific work that has been or is being accomplished in Florida and by its citizens. Nomination to the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame is open to all Florida inventors (living or dead) who are or have been residents of Florida. The nominee must be a named inventor on a patent issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The impact of the inventor and his or her invention should be significant to society, and the invention should have been commercialized, utilized, or led to important innovations. The 2020 Inductees of the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame are: Christopher Batich: University of Florida Professor of materials science and engineering and biomedical engineering, who developed groundbreaking treatments in patient care, most notably the anti- bacterial surface treatment material, Bioguard, which is used as the standard of care for advanced wound dressing and bacterial barriers in hospitals and healthcare facilities. Nicholas Bodor: Founder and CEO of Bodor Laboratories, University of Florida Professor Emeritus and prolific inventor whose innovations in drug discovery established the field of retrometabolic drug design and led him to develop a portfolio of novel drugs to treat numerous inflammatory disease processes. Harvey Firestone (1868-1938): Founder of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company whose pioneering innovations revolutionized the commercial rubber industry, and who advanced scientific research in Florida and co-founded the Edison Botanic Research Corporation to develop a domestic source of natural rubber. Leslie Kramer: Vice President of Engineering and Manufacturing at TaiLor Made Prosthetics; scientist, engineer and entrepreneur whose long career in industry led to groundbreaking innovations in composite materials, military defense applications and most notably an advanced carbon-fiber composite prosthetic foot that has improved the lives of amputees. Israel Morejon: Founder and President of Integrated Engineering Technology whose inventions have provided innovative solutions across multiple industries, most notably state-of-the-art LED lighting technologies, Nano projectors, wireless modem technology, optical tomography for cancer detection systems, and cutting-edge HVAC Load Reduction technology. Joshua Rokach: Florida Institute of Technology Professor who was the first to synthesize major inflammatory triggers responsible for asthma, allergies, and inflammatory bowel disease, which revolutionized medical research in allergy and inflammation and led him to develop a number of groundbreaking drug discoveries, including Singulair and Flexeril. Jean-Francois Rossignol: Co-Founder and Chief Medical & Scientific Officer of Romark Laboratories and University of South Florida Affiliate Professor of Medicine whose breakthroughs in treatments for parasitic diseases led to his discovery of thiazolides, a new class of antiparasitic agents, later discovered as a new class of broad-spectrum antiviral drugs also used in the fight against novel infectious diseases. Christine Schmidt: University of Florida Professor and Chair of the J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering whose pioneering research in biomaterials science led to her development of decellularization techniques used in Avance Nerve Graft, a biochemically processed nerve graft that benefits patients with peripheral nerve damage. Innovation and invention are the building blocks of our nation. I applaud these highly accomplished individuals and the organizations that support them in their quest to change the world in ways that truly benefit humanity. It is because of the perseverance of these inventors that future generations are encouraged to reach beyond their limits and push the boundaries of innovation.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I thank my good friend from Texas for yielding. Madam Speaker, today is a sad and mournful day for worldwide Christians, the most persecuted believers on Earth. In accordance with Turkish President Erdogan's grand plan to reconstitute the Ottoman Empire, the beautiful, majestic jewel of Christendom for nearly 1,000 years, Madam Speaker, the Hagia Sophia, Church of the Holy Wisdom, was converted to a mosque and Muslim religious services were observed there today. As the Christian faithful and their houses of worship continue to dwindle in Turkey, this move by Erdogan was a step to extinguish Christianity once and for all, sadly. But it also poisons respect between religions and people of faith, Turkish citizens included. Turkey must reestablish Hagia Sophia's status as a historic monument of universal significance and as an unquestioned symbol of respect between religions and among people. The holy wisdom that we all call upon requires this approach, in the interests of common humanity and goodwill. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Gohmert), my good friend, for yielding to me.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I thank the ranking member for yielding me the time. Madam Speaker, I rise in favor of my amendment, which is included in the en bloc package. My amendment builds upon the successes of the East Med Act, signed into law last year, by taking steps to increase the United States rotational deployments to Greece and diplomatic ties with Greece, Cyprus, and Israel--the trilateral agreement. In an increasingly unstable region, and with Turkey making a decisive turn from the West, the United States needs to focus on strengthening our bonds with our reliable allies in the region. This amendment sends a strong message of deterrence to Turkey as it attempts to undermine the sovereignty of our friends in the Eastern Mediterranean. Madam Speaker, I urge passage of this amendment.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the great sacrifice of our Nation's men and women in law enforcement. May 10th is the beginning of National Police Week. This week is a time for all Americans to pause and pay tribute to those who serve in law enforcement, and to remember those who have fallen. Everyday our nation's law enforcement officers leave their homes and families to make sure that our communities are safe. During these uncertain times, law enforcement officers play a vital role on the front lines to reduce the spread of COVID-19. I have always been amazed at the willingness of our law enforcement officers to put themselves in harms way for their neighbors, friends, family, and strangers. During this National Police Week, take a moment and say thank you to your local law enforcement officers and continue to be grateful that there are those among us who are willing to risk their lives to keep our communities safe. I thank the Law Enforcement Agencies of the Florida 12th Congressional District. We are eternally grateful for their sacrifice.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I appreciate the ranking member yielding me the time. Madam Speaker, since the establishment of the PPP, I have heard from countless local, small businesses that the application process was difficult to navigate. In response to these revelations, I submitted to leadership a letter asking that any future funding for PPP loans contain a set-aside for the truly small businesses, like the mom and pops. I was pleased to see this take its form in today's funding package that sets aside funds for small community banks and credit unions, which have a good track record working with our small businesses. Madam Speaker, it would be a tragedy if we lost these mom-and-pop businesses. I have a business in my district. It is Faklis' Department Store and Shoe Repair. They have been around since 1912, Madam Speaker. I don't want to see them go. The store was established by Greek immigrants and passed on from generation to generation. It would be a great tragedy if we lost them. They survived World War II, of course, World War I, and the Great Depression. Let's save our small businesses. They are the backbone of America.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, this is a historic moment in the U.S. House. We need to pass an unprecedented economic package that will prevent financial disaster for millions of Americans. We must get people working again. This bill funds programs for small businesses, including independent contractors and nonprofits. It provides up to $1,200 for taxpayers who earn $75,000 or less, as well as $500 per child. Additionally, seniors and disabled veterans are also eligible for checks. These payments will not be considered taxable income for 2020, Mr. Speaker. Most importantly, critical funding to provide personal equipment and test kits for healthcare professionals is on the way. For sure, this is a spending bill. I am not happy with everything, but I will vote ``yes'' to save the lives and livelihood of my constituents. I ask for swift passage as soon as possible, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the birthday of the great Abraham Lincoln, an attorney, a Congressman, and the 16th President of the United States. In this day and age, let us honor President Lincoln by remembering his words: ``A house divided against itself cannot stand.'' While these words rang true 3 years before the Civil War, they are just as true today, Madam Speaker. As we move past the cloud of impeachment, let us come together and remember why we are here in this Chamber: to serve the American people. That is why we are here. Let today be the day that we come together and serve the people of our great Nation in a way that would make Abraham Lincoln proud.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. It has been a great experience to work with Representatives Roe and Takano to improve the lives of our heroes. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.J. Res. 80, which will approve the VA secretary's request for a waiver under the MISSION Act, allowing for innovative collaborations to expand dental care for veterans. As a member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, I was proud to be a strong advocate in support of the VA MISSION Act last Congress. One of the provisions of this new law established the VA Center for Innovation for Care and Payment, allowing the VA to create pilot programs that test innovative approaches to payment and service delivery models to improve the quality of care at the VA subject to congressional approval. Many studies suggest that regular dental care, as the good doctor said, equates to lower overall healthcare cost and better health outcomes. Earlier this year I introduced H.R. 2628, the VET CARE Act, designed to determine the potential health benefits to veterans and potential cost savings to the VA associated with periodontal care. One provision specifically authorizes the VA to provide administrative support to local providers who agree to furnish dental care at low to no cost, including information about the VA Dental Insurance Program, which provides a discounted low-cost insurance plan provided by private insurers. At a legislative hearing on my bill, the VA testified its strong support for this particular section. Currently, the VA only provides outpatient dental services to a limited number of the disabled veteran population. Some may be eligible to sign up for the VADIP, but I believe we can do more to move this issue forward and I am glad to see that the VA agrees with me on this particular issue. Last month, the VA finalized a rule requesting congressional approval to allow coordination of care between veterans and dental providers in the community. I applaud VA for recognizing the need to increase access and coordination of care to dental providers and educate veterans on the potential opportunities available to them in the local community. I thank Dr. Roe for sponsoring this joint resolution, and I urge the Senate to take this up as soon as possible so that the VA can get to implementing this pilot program and better providing access to much- needed dental care our veterans have earned and deserve. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this joint resolution.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I want to thank my Republican colleagues who have toiled honorable in defense of the Constitution and the rule of law under difficult circumstances. Madam Speaker, it is a darn shame that we have found ourselves in this position today. Every time I step into this Chamber, I am humbled to be serving in the greatest legislative body in the history of the world. However, it is deeply disappointing that the hyperpartisanship that has gripped this country has made its way into this Chamber. I pride myself on being a consensus builder who works across the aisle to get things done for the American people, but when it comes to the matter of impeachment, I have no doubt that the entire process has been politically motivated. There is absolutely no evidence that President Trump committed an impeachable offense, which is why I will vote ``no.'' This whole process has been a ploy to circumvent the will of the people by removing a duly elected President of the United States. It is a national disgrace, and it sets a dangerous precedent. But we are a great nation, and we will survive this indignity. Let's put this ugly chapter behind us, Madam Speaker, and get to work.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to mark an important anniversary. Last month, the Daughters of Penelope, an international woman's organization and affiliate organization of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), celebrated its 90th 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 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 ninety years.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I thank the ranking member and the chairman. I appreciate them working with us on this very good bill. Also, Chairman Levin, who is not here at the time, does an outstanding job, and I look forward to working with him on many more bills. Madam Speaker, as Ranking Member Roe just mentioned, one of the most important jobs of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs is defending and protecting programs like the GI Bill that continue to provide life- changing education and training benefits to our Nation's veterans and servicemembers. I am proud that provisions in H.R. 4625 will continue this goal and are a byproduct of several bipartisan hearings that I have led with Chairman Levin to improve oversight of the GI Bill. I am also pleased that this package includes all the provisions from my bill, H.R. 4085, the Student Veteran Empowerment Act. My bill is designed to limit overpayment of GI Bill funds to students and schools, improve oversight of the GI Bill program by VA and State approving agencies, and, most importantly, extend the restoration of entitlement for student veterans impacted by school closures. This last section extends benefits we originally provided to a limited number of students in the Forever GI Bill to all students. It extends to all students; that is important. It is critical to ensure that a student's entitlement is not lost when a school closes or is disapproved before the student completes their education. My provisions in this bill would make important structural improvements regarding GI Bill oversight and accountability. These changes are important so that we can do all we can to prevent unnecessary school closures and ensure that a student's hard-earned benefits are used on training and education programs that will set up the veteran for long-term economic success. Again, like Dr. Roe, I thank the veterans service organizations for their advice and suggestions, especially Veterans Education Success. I also thank the bill's sponsor, as I said before, the chairman of the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee, my friend from California, Mike Levin. It has been my distinct pleasure, as the ranking member, to work with him on this bill and on other issues that come before our subcommittee. He is a thoughtful legislator, and I thank him for including the provisions of my bill in this legislation before us. I urge passage of this great bill, H.R. 4625.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I offer congratulations again to Chairman Engel and Ranking Member McCaul for this very important Turkey sanctions bill. Mr. Speaker, for nearly 13 years, I have felt like I have been one of the lone voices in the wilderness decrying the actions of Turkey as it systematically denies its citizens basic human rights by invading and occupying an EU country, the Republic of Cyprus; stripping religious minorities of their religious freedom; persecuting journalists and academics for writing about the Armenian genocide; and invading and provoking hostilities on a daily basis in the Eastern Mediterranean. As co-chair of the International Religious Freedom Caucus, I am especially grateful for this PACT Act calling for the administration to outline how it will assist religious and ethnic minorities affected by war crimes perpetrated by Prime Minister Erdogan. Additionally, in my role as co-chair of the Hellenic Caucus, I have called for the administration to halt the delivery of F-35s to Turkey, given its purchase of Russia's S-400 missile defense system. I am pleased this bill goes further and imposes 231 sanctions for Turkey's intransigence. I urge support of this legislation so that we can send a unified, bipartisan message to Turkey that, if you want to be considered a strategic ally of the United States, a true ally, you have to act like one. Mr. Speaker, I want to again thank the chairman, the ranking member, and the entire Foreign Affairs Committee for bringing up this very important bill.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, it has been more than 100 years since the atrocities committed against innocent Armenians and other ethnic and religious minorities at the hands of the Ottoman Empire. The Ottoman Empire genocidal campaign from 1915 to 1923 killed 1.5 million Armenians, men and women and children, as well as Greeks, Assyrians, Chaldeans, and Syriacs throughout a series of executions and death marches. Finally, today, we are entering into the United States Record the Armenian genocide and the historical fact. Today, we end a century of international silence. There will not be another period of indifference or international ignorance to the lives lost to systematic murder. Genocides, wherever and whenever they occur, cannot be ignored, whether they took place in the 20th century by the Ottoman Turks or mid-20th century by the Third Reich and in Darfur. Genocide must be acknowledged for what it is: a scourge on the human race. Genocide is genocide, Mr. Speaker, even if our so-called strategic allies perpetrated it. President Ronald Reagan explicitly referred to the Ottoman Empire's actions as the genocide of the Armenians in a 1981 Holocaust Remembrance Day speech. Over 30 nations have formally recognized the genocide, including France, Germany, and even Russia. Today, Mr. Speaker, the United States is going to acknowledge it as well. I found Pope Francis' words and explicit use of the term ``genocide'' to be another wake-up call for the world. We must acknowledge the atrocities of the past so that we might, hopefully, prevent them in the future. Our darkest moments as a human race have come during times when those who knew better stood silently, making excuses for passivity and allowing injustice and persecution to reign. Turkey's current actions in northern Syria against our Kurdish allies is extremely concerning, and we cannot stand by and let egregious human rights violations happen. Turkey's offensive into Syria is unacceptable behavior from a U.S. ally and so- called secular democracy, as well as a NATO member. It is simply deplorable, Mr. Speaker. We also need to make sure that other genocidal campaigns being waged in the Middle East are also properly recognized. ISIS is a perpetrator of genocide. Christians and other minorities are being killed solely because of their religion, and no modern society should sit silently in the face of such barbaric brutality. Again, I am thankful that we are finally recognizing these atrocities and these acts against the Armenian people. Like the earliest Christians, the Armenians proved themselves not only survivors of persecution, but also masters of their destinies. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition and celebration of Oxi Day. Seventy-nine years ago today, the Greek Prime Minister, Ioannis Metaxas, replied, ``oxi,'' or ``no,'' to the fascist forces looking to enter Greece initially in their quest for total conquest of the continent. With this historic response, Greece rejected submission to the Axis Powers, proving it would not go easy. Though the invasion of the Greek homeland ultimately happened, the fascist forces could not contend with the ferocity of the Greek resistance. The delayed invasion marked the first Axis setback in the entire war and actually precipitated a fatal delay in the German invasion of Russia, serving as the turning point for Allied Powers during World War II. Mr. Speaker, I celebrate the bravery and resistance of Greek warriors, which serves as an example for all freedom-loving people.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Tarpon Springs native and devout University of Florida Gator and inspired Greek Orthodox theologian, Archbishop Nikitas Lulias, who will be enthroned this weekend in London as the Greek Orthodox archbishop of Great Britain under the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. Archbishop Nikitas has had a blessed life, which started with the retrieval of the Gold Cross in Tarpon Springs for the 1974 celebration of the Epiphany. His proud parents, my great-aunt and great-uncle, Gus and Kally Lulias, knew at that moment that Nikitas was destined for greatness. Archbishop Nikitas has had an extraordinary ecclesiastical career. His devotion to orthodoxy and to the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate make him a worthy choice as the archbishop of Great Britain. I wish this son of Tarpon Springs, Florida, and my constituent and my cousin, a blessed ministry. Axios, which means worthy. Recognizing Public Safety Aircrews

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge a group of heroes who work tirelessly to keep our country and communities safe. Public safety aircrews ensure the safety of our domestic airspace, repeatedly operating in very hazardous conditions. They are also an essential form of support for first responders during disaster response and rescue missions. Today, we honor the dedication and devotion that these public servants demonstrate and acknowledge those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. It is only right that a day is set aside to recognize the thousands of men and women who have served in this role. To that end, I am reintroducing a resolution today to recognize July 26 as National Public Safety Aviation Day.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I thank the chairman and I thank the ranking member. Robocalls and spoofing have been a burden to Americans for years. It is very simple; it goes without saying: We must end these bad robocalls. Our constituents are fed up. At a hearing 3 years ago, I was able to highlight a constituent who received hundreds of calls daily to his home phone. His quality of life became so poor, Madam Speaker, he had to replace his phone hardware and phone number to get the peace he deserved in his own home. The Stopping Bad Robocalls Act will help ensure that situations like this become less frequent and, eventually, nonexistent. This bill will provide much-needed authority for the FCC to develop rules for blocking robocall violators and enhance the ability to pursue these bad actors and bring them to justice for taking advantage of the American people, especially our seniors. I am also pleased this package includes the Ending One-Ring Scams Act, which Representative Clarke and I introduced this year. This provision will direct the FCC to target one of the newest forms of caller scams and show that we are serious in combating all forms of illegal phone fraud, no matter the tactics used. I strongly support the Stop Bad Robocalls Act, and I urge the Senate to pass this much-needed legislation, as well.