Gus Bilirakis

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me time. I appreciate all his help on this particular bill, and the committee's help as well. It has been a priority of ours. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1222, the Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act as amended by the Senate, which will ensure continued investment in surveillance research to evaluate the lifelong needs of individuals with congenital heart defects, or CHD. These surveillance efforts will help improve our understanding of CHD across the lifespan, from birth to adulthood. This research will help us learn more about demographic factors such as age, race, gender, and/ or ethnicity. In addition, the legislation emphasizes a need for continued biomedical research at the National Institutes of Health on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of CHD. NIH will further research into the causes of congenital heart defects, including genetic causes, and study long-term outcomes in individuals with CHD of all ages. NIH may study data to identify effective treatments and outcomes, and identify barriers to lifelong care for individuals with congenital heart defects. CHD is the most common birth defect and the leading cause of birth defect-related infant mortality. For the Down syndrome community, about half of the children born with Down syndrome have CHD. The road ahead may be scary and uncertain for any parent with a newborn who has CHD, but this bill gives hope to those coping with the diagnosis. Nearly 1 in 100 babies, Mr. Speaker, are born with CHD and more than 5 percent will not live to see their first birthday. We have to fix that. Despite its prevalence and significance, there are still gaps in research and standards of care for CHD patients, but for the sake of the estimated 40,000 babies who will be born in the next year with CHD; there is more work to be done. Mr. Speaker, I began on this journey almost 10 years ago with my good friend, then-Congressman Zack Space. So what we did is we first introduced the Congenital Heart Futures Act back in 2009. Last Congress, Congressman Schiff and I introduced the reauthorization of the original law. During this time, I met with a lot of patients with congenital heart defects, and I have been touched by their stories: people like Trey and Nicole Flynn, a young Florida couple who lost their son Holden while waiting for a heart transplant. He was 2 years old. This bill supports the essential research necessary to make sure another family doesn't have to leave the hospital without their child in their arms. Lucas Iguina is a young man born with a complex congenital heart defect that essentially left him with half a heart. Despite having three open heart surgeries and countless doctor visits and medical procedures, Lucas has hopes and dreams. This bill ensures that the medical research will keep pace with his generation as they grow to be adults with this complex illness. Jackson Radandt, born with half a heart, has hypoplastic left heart syndrome, which means the left side of his heart was underdeveloped. He depended on lifesaving research to help his failing heart survive until his heart transplant at the age of 11. He is about 16 years old now, Mr. Speaker, and he will live his life with a heightened sensitivity for his new heart. Nicholas B. was born with a complex heart disease and wasn't getting blood to the lower part of his body, requiring heart surgery when he was just 2 days old. He now is in the top of his class. This bill will ensure that his future remains bright as he navigates this chronic illness through adulthood. Who knows? Nicholas may be a congressman one day. Abigail Adams, a very familiar name, a young Florida advocate with Down syndrome. Roughly half of the babies born with Down syndrome have a congenital heart defect. Abigail continues to advocate for individuals with Down syndrome. Then there is my friend, Dave. Dave was born with pulmonary stenosis, a condition where a heart valve will not open properly. He had emergency open-heart surgery when he was 2 days old, another surgery at the age of 10, and many hospital visits and procedures in the meantime. Today, he is a husband and a father of two, but he lives with atrial flutter. This bill will continue the surveillance program so we can collect data on children and adults with congenital heart problems. And Carolyn H., born with tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia, had open-heart surgery when she was 10 years old to repair her heart, but she will need periodic surgical updates to replace the cadaver artery. This bill continues the NIH research into why these defects occur. These are just some of the patients that I have met over the years, Mr. Speaker. There are many, many, many, many more. Lastly, I want to thank some of the advocates who have worked with me on getting this legislation passed. I want to thank: Dave Peluso, David Kasnic, Amy Basken, Dr. Brad Marino, and Jessica Chenevert from the Pediatric Congenital Heart Association. Mark Roeder and Daniel Hile from the Adult Congenital Heart Association. Vince Randazzo, Sara Weir, and Nicole Patton from the National Down Syndrome Society; and, most importantly, our chairman for getting this through. Mr. Speaker, I urge swift passage of this lifesaving bill. Let's get it to the President as soon as possible.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 7217, the IMPROVE Act, which includes several important Medicaid provisions, including the ACE Kids Act. I have been a cosponsor of the ACE Kids Act since its first introduction. Mr. Speaker, in the Tampa area, we have St. Joseph's Children's Hospital. They run a Chronic-Complex Clinic for children. This medical home is a great model that the ACE Kids Act is trying to build on. This integrated care model, where the care is built around the needs of the patient, has made a huge difference in the lives of so many children. I am excited that, finally, we have reached the finish line on the ACE Kids Act. I thank former full committee chairman and also, I guess--well, I am not sure, but he is a great guy. Yes, he is vice chairman of the committee. I thank him for all of his hard work on the ACE Kids and the IMPROVE Acts. I also thank my colleague Kathy Castor for being relentless. The two of them are relentless on behalf of our children. I thank all the children that came up and advocated for this bill as well. So, in any case, we are going to get this done. We couldn't do it without these two, so thank you very much.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the House amendment to S. 2248, the Veterans Benefit and Transition Act. I am proud of the work Chairman Roe and the rest of our committee did to pass the multiple historic pieces of legislation over the course of this Congress, including the Forever GI Bill and the VA MISSION Act. Despite all the progress we have made, there is still more work to be done. I look forward to working on these issues for our heroes. This legislative package contains many commonsense, zero-cost bills we passed in the House over the past year but have stalled in the Senate. But I know there is an agreement in the Senate, and we are going to get this done before the end of the year. I am especially proud that this package contains a provision that includes my bill, H.R. 4830, the SIT-REP Act, which will hold student veterans harmless from bureaucratic red tape and delays at higher education institutions and at the VA. This legislation prevents educational institutions from imposing a fee on student veterans or denying their access to education when tuition payments are delayed by bureaucracy, no fault of the veteran. In our subcommittee hearings on the implementation of the Forever GI Bill, we heard many concerns about delays and processing of tuition payments between schools and the VA. I also had roundtables in my district and heard the same concerns, Mr. Speaker. This fall semester, IT failures and delay at the VA led to an artificially created backlog, adding a significant amount of stress to our heroes who rely on their monthly stipends and tuition benefits. In some cases, delays meant the schools putting a hold on a student's account or forcing the student to begin payment of tuition and fees on a payment plan until they receive the money from the VA. It is unacceptable. We cannot allow this type of uncertainty for our Nation's heroes, Mr. Speaker, and my SIT-REP bill protects these veterans from additional penalties from schools. It is not the veterans' fault, and they should not be punished for the actions of others. It is as simple as that. I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this commonsense, bipartisan legislative package which contains many additional provisions to help our veterans, such as a study on community-based transition assistance programs, a report on the feasibility of expanding access to dental care for veterans at the VA, and the expansion of eligibility under the Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program. I hope the Senate takes this up quickly, and I know they will. I want them to pass the Veterans Benefit and Transition Act of 2018 so we can send it to the President's desk before the year's end. Mr. Speaker, the chairman did an outstanding job as chairman, and my friend Ranking Member Walz did as well on behalf of our heroes. I thank Mr. Takano and congratulate him on being the next chairman of the committee. I look forward to working with him.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the important mark that Ioannis Giannopoulos had on American society, as the original founder of one of the oldest known wooden school house in the country. In order to fully understand the cultural motivation to establish this historic treasure, one must examine Giannopoulos's early life. A carpenter by trade, Ioannis Giannopoulos was the son of George and Maria-Canelas and hailed from the Petalidi area in Messinia that was then known as ``Koroni'' (the village of Skoutari, Mani). He was known by the Spanish as Juan Genopoly. Giannopoulos--at the age of 13--was one of a group of indentured laborers brought to the New World by Andrew Tumbull to work an indigo plantation at New Smyrna. This group of 1,403 Minorcans, Greeks and Italians suffered mistreatment, starvation and overextended servitudes at Turnbull's plantation. The people were reduced to slavery, and treated with great cruelty by Trumbull, whose partner in the enterprise was the English Governor of the territory, who kept the colonists in subjection with English troops. This slavery lasted nine years, during which time nearly two- thirds of these colonists perished; but large crops of indigo were raised for the company--one year 30,000 lbs. it is stated. In 1776, a new Governor having arrived, the petitions of these people for relief were listened to, and they were released from the tyranny of their master. One year later six hundred refugees, led by Ioannis Giannopoulos, Francisco Pellicer and Antonio Llambias, walked to St Augustine and were granted asylum by Governor Tonyn. They became the largest group of immigrants to settle in America in one group at one time. Collectively called ``Minorcans'', they were an important part of the fabric of St Augustine history. It was on Saint George Street where the survivors of the New Smyrna Colony first settled after their escape. Since that time, this area of Old St Augustine has been called ``the Greek Quarter'' and alternately ``the Minorcan Quarter.'' Ioannis Giannopoulos built a little house out of red cedar and cypress and put it together with wooden pegs and handmade nails, sometime around 1800. This building was a home first but, as early as 1811, members of the Genopoly family taught the children of other Minorcan families in the first floor ``schoolroom'' of this building. As the story goes, Genopoly, in typical Greek fashion, was worried his children would grow up without an education. Genopoly and his daughter Maria Manuela Barbara ``Mary'' Genopoly Darling were the first teachers. Then Genopoly hired a school teacher, and generations of children from St. Augustine went to school in this building. Juan Genopoly died in 1820. Today, this preserved building is recognized as one of the oldest schoolhouses in North America. It has become the symbol of their hard work and perseverance. It's now the main attraction of the historical precinct in St. George Street, Saint Augustine, Florida. John Giannopoulos left a deep imprint in the educational history of St. Augustine by establishing a school in his house. Now restored, it stands as one of the oldest school buildings in the United States.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary contributions of John Catsimatidis to our nation. John's story showcases the very best of what immigrants can accomplish in our great nation through hard work, ingenuity, and perseverance. John was born on the Greek island of Nisyros and came to this country when he was just a few months old. He grew up in East Harlem, and attended New York University to pursue a degree in electrical engineering. Beginning with partial ownership of a friend's supermarket, he grew his business into a proud pillar of American industry. In addition to Gristedes supermarket, John Catsimatidis's Red Apple Group is primarily an energy company with holdings in oil refining, real estate, aviation, and medical and industrial technology. His businesses, which post annual sales of approximately $5 billion, employ more than 8,000 people. John's business success came directly from the integration of his own ingenuity with American opportunity, and adds to a long legacy of immigrants who have pushed our nation to greater heights. John and his family have also been exceptional in their commitment to philanthropy. The Catsimatidis Foundation has been instrumental in supporting numerous worthy causes including the Police Athletic League, the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, the Hellenic Times Scholarship Fund, AHEPA and countless others. His family's generosity will ensure that many thousands will find relief from their suffering and future generations will have access to resources that will allow them to pursue their dreams. As a benefactor of John's philanthropy, the Order of AHEPA, has promoted the ancient Hellenic ideals of education, philanthropy, civic responsibility, family and individual excellence through community service and volunteerism. AHEPA was instrumental in welcoming the early Greek immigrants as they disembarked at Ellis Island, and eased their assimilation into the American culture by teaching English and finding employment opportunities for these new arrivals. The Delphi Chapter No. 25 of AHEPA was founded in Manhattan, New York. It has had many notable and prominent members in its history, including many Phil-Hellenes who embraced AHEPA's ideals and values. On March 11, 1931 the then New York State Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt became a member of the Order of AHEPA and joined the Delphi Chapter No. 25 in New York City. The Delphi 25 Chapter continues on today the tradition of AHEPA's ideals and values of promoting education and Hellenism through many efforts of public service and philanthropy. I join the AHEPA in honoring John Catsimatidis for his numerous achievements and philanthropic efforts in service to the Greek-American community and humanity at large. I thank him for his outstanding service to our country. Worthy. Worthy. Worthy. (Axios. Axios. Axios.)

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act is the product of a year of hearings and investigations into America's opioid crisis. This thoughtful bipartisan legislation will provide more tools to our communities to help them. I am proud that we included my legislative efforts to help Medicare beneficiaries, begin reforms to the sober home industry, and address the problem of patient brokering. We need to pass this bill and give our constituents the help they need.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Congresswoman Brooks, who is doing an outstanding job. We both served on the House Committee on Homeland Security, and we chaired a subcommittee prior to Energy and Commerce. She is doing an outstanding job. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 6378, the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Advancing Innovation Act. From storm-related injuries and illnesses to delivery and logistics issues, last year's historically costly hurricane season tested the mettle of our health delivery system, and I am pleased to see children, seniors, and other at-risk patient communities being addressed in this reauthorization. This bill also encourages innovative partnerships and coalitions, like the Nicklaus Children's Hospital and the Florida International University, to continue to develop novel approaches to healthcare delivery and, ultimately, save lives. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this critical piece of legislation.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, October 10, or Double Ten Day, is the national day of Taiwan. Given the warm ties between the United States and Taiwan, I would like to take this opportunity to wish the people of Taiwan a very Happy Double Ten Day. The United States and Taiwan, despite our lack of an official diplomatic relationship, are important economic and security partners. From a security standpoint, as pledged in the Taiwan Relations Act, we continue to support democracy in Taiwan through our arms sales. I would also like to call to attention the recent Taiwan related provisions, enacted into law in August of this year, in conjunction with the National Defense Authorization Act for the fiscal year 2019. This newly enacted law reiterates that the TRA and the Six Assurances are the cornerstones of our relations with Taiwan. In addition, it calls for the strengthening of defense cooperation with Taiwan to ensure Taiwan can maintain sufficient self-defense capability; for supporting Taiwan's acquisition of defensive weapons; and for more predictability with respect to U.S. arms sales to Taiwan. Where trade and economic prosperity are concerned, our two countries have made great strides. In 2017, Taiwan was ranked as the 11th largest trading partner of the United States, the 11th largest U.S. export market overall and the 7th largest market for U.S. agricultural products. Taiwan imported $3.57 billion of food and agricultural products from the U.S., representing more than 28 percent of total imports of those products. Taiwan regularly sponsors trade missions to the United States in pursuit of agricultural products. Last year those missions culminated in the signing of letters of intent to purchase approximately $2.8 billion in U.S.-produced grains between 2018 and 2019. Just in late September, another trade mission from Taiwan visited the United States in pursuit of $300 million of soybeans purchases. Our two countries should and will continue to seek avenues where we can work together, and I hope my colleagues will join me in promoting this cooperation wherever possible. I ask my House colleagues to join me in wishing the people of Taiwan all the best as they celebrate Double Ten Day.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to the Palm Harbor 9/11 Memorial located at Curlew Hills Memory Gardens in Palm Harbor, Florida and to recognize all those who worked diligently to make this venerable memorial a reality. On September 11, 2001, the world was changed forever by a senseless act of terrorism; the worst attack against civilians on U.S. soil in our nation's history. In August, 2011, Palm Harbor Special Fire Control and Rescue District received a steel beam from the remains of the World Trade Center, identified as I-0053B. On December 12, 2011, the Palm Harbor Board of Fire Commissioners and Curlew Hills Memory Gardens entered into an agreement to lease the artifact as a focal point in a permanent 9/11 Memorial located at Curlew Hills Memory Gardens in Palm Harbor, Florida. Through the efforts of the original committee, the Palm Harbor 9/11 Memorial was unveiled on September 11, 2012. Since then, the Palm Harbor 9/11 Memorial Planning Committee, consisting of members from Palm Harbor Fire Rescue, Curlew Hills Memory Gardens, Gene O'Kane Division of FDNY Retired, NYPD Retired Suncoast 10-13 Club, Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, and others, organize the annual Palm Harbor 9/ 11 Memorial Ceremony. This ceremony is attended by thousands to pay tribute to the heroes who gave their lives on September 11 and to the countless others who have perished in defense of liberty since that day. I am proud of these wonderful and patriotic constituents and ask my colleagues to join me in acknowledging the efforts put forth by this committee to ensure that the events of September 11, 2001, will never be forgotten.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Rhode Island for those remarks. He is a great advocate for Cyprus. Cyprus is a great partner, a great strategic ally, and will continue to be. We wanted to highlight that this evening, and I think we have. Mr. Speaker, I yield back 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 on the topic of my Special Order.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Cicilline), a great advocate for Cyprus. We have cosponsored legislation together.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, as co-chair of both the Hellenic Caucus and the Congressional Hellenic-Israel Alliance, I rise tonight with my colleagues to provide an update on one of the United States' most strategic allies, the Republic of Cyprus. Sadly, Mr. Speaker, this year marks the 44th anniversary of the illegal invasion and occupation of 40,000 Turkish troops in Cyprus. Turkey, a NATO ally, must cease its inflammatory rhetoric, normalize relations with the Republic of Cyprus, and commit to peacefully working toward a negotiated solution. Greek and Turkish Cypriots, Mr. Speaker, deserve an end to the senseless division and occupation. Despite the challenge of continued occupation, Cyprus has long been a strong and faithful ally of the United States. Due to Cyprus' unique geopolitical role in the eastern Mediterranean, it is in the best interests of our country, the United States of America, to support peace and the end of this illegal occupation. Cyprus' special geopolitical position stems from its location at the southeasternmost corner of the EU. The eastern Mediterranean is turbulent, Mr. Speaker, but holds a promise of significant opportunity. Cyprus' status as an EU member state, as well as its excellent longstanding relations with its neighbors, enhances its strategic importance to the United States. Cyprus has taken steps in recent years to facilitate international partnerships and demonstrated an impressive ability to serve as a catalyst in the development of mutually beneficial goals among countries in the region and around the globe. Of equal importance, Cyprus also enjoys a longstanding record of serving as an unwavering U.S. ally by promoting regional stability, energy security, and counterterrorism efforts. Regional stability is a necessary precursor to attainment of its full economic, social, and strategic potential. Moderate countries in the eastern Mediterranean have an obligation to strengthen their ties because, the stronger the bonds, the greater the opportunity for building a more prosperous, peaceful future. As discussed by Cyprus' Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides, Cyprus recognizes the importance of regional stability. Along with Greece, it has spearheaded efforts to create trilateral cooperation mechanisms with moderate countries of the region, including Israel, Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon. This initiative has been one of the most successful developments of the past decade and has laid the foundation for regional cooperation on a variety of priority goals that are crucial to the international community. These trilateral discussions are now commonplace, and the meetings are taking place at regular intervals, creating and facilitating the development of mutually beneficial partnerships around a broad range of areas, including economic cooperation, culture, and education. Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel and Prime Minister Tsipras joined President Anastasiades in Nicosia in May for a trilateral meeting. Currently, preparations are under way for a trilateral meeting between Cyprus, Greece, and Egypt in Crete, and in December with Israel. Minister Christodoulides has explained that the central tenets of the trilateral cooperation are neither exclusionary nor exclusive; additionally, they are not directed against any country but, instead, are utilized as an opportunity for promoting enhanced cooperation. As with everything in life, there is no one-size-fits-all approach, as you know, Mr. Speaker, but each trilateral meeting has been crafted to meet the needs of participating countries when it makes sense to do so. Additionally, Cyprus has taken the lead to include countries from outside the regions to further economic, social, and international goals. For example, Cyprus, Greece, and Israel have expanded their talks to include Italy and the European Commission in negotiations on energy-related issues. The benefits from these regional developments positively impact participating countries as well as the United States of America and the international community as a whole. Cyprus holds the potential to play an important role in international energy security, Mr. Speaker, which is obviously a natural interest to the United States of America. The discovery of hydrocarbons in the eastern Mediterranean has motivated countries within the region to work together in order to maximize the benefit of these natural resources. The U.S. Geological Survey assessments indicate the eastern Mediterranean region holds large quantities of natural gas and oil. It is in the United States' best interest, in my opinion, Mr. Speaker, to ensure that these resources held by an allied nation contribute to the availability of affordable energy. This development can help ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the region. Minister Christodoulides, again, also heralds the work of Egypt, Israel, and Lebanon, in partnership with Cyprus, again, to formulate their own exclusive economic zones, or EEZ, which has created greater transparency based on international law, outlined new economic border structures, and established a proven framework for cooperation around a common goal. This framework also created the necessary legal and institutional structures to attract investment in Cyprus by major oil and gas companies. ExxonMobil, Eni, Total, Noble Energy, and Shell have entered into agreements with Cyprus for exploratory drilling and development work. Energy expansion in Cyprus holds even greater future potential, and it will compete directly with Russian energy in the region. Cyprus is also close to concluding agreements for the export of natural gas from its Aphrodite reservoir in its EEZ to Egypt and the plants there in Egypt. It is also concluding an intergovernmental agreement with Egypt that will create a direct, underwater pipeline to carry Aphrodite's natural gas to Egypt. Similarly, the East Med pipeline project will allow for the transfer of natural gas, by an underwater pipeline, from Israel and Cyprus to Greece via Crete and from Greece to Italy. Energy potential and its accompanying economic benefit has become a tool of cooperation and alignment of initiatives that would create an economy of scale and invite investment while meeting the energy security needs of the region. Cyprus has also proven itself as an important partner in the global war against terrorism. Since their inception, the trilateral meetings led by Cyprus have always included counterterrorism cooperation as a priority. Minister Christodoulides, again, correctly asserted earlier this year that it is not enough to secure one's country and borders; close cooperation with reliable and like-minded partners is also necessary. Cyprus has entered into a close dialogue with its regional neighbors to create a unified approach to battling terrorist ideology, understanding that there are no firm barriers to the spread of radical indoctrination, especially given the advent of social media, Mr. Speaker. Cyprus is participating in a number of international efforts, including the Coalition Against the Islamic State and the Aqaba Process. Minister Christodoulides further noted that Cyprus has actively, and in cooperation with some of its European allies, provided military assistance and nonmilitary support to international efforts in the African region of the Sahel. Cyprus has cooperated with the U.S. in providing specialized training assistance to officials from neighboring countries and collaborated closely with Egypt. The training revolves mostly on civilian type of expertise, in customs and border controls. Additionally, Cyprus has provided training on the identification and containment of various chemicals, as well as better storage and handling of dangerous substances. Cyprus has also explored collaborative efforts to counter violent extremism and radicalization in an attempt to attack the problem at its root. In recent years, Cyprus has invested a great deal of energy and resources in education and the exposure of its communities to the historical roots of anti-Semitism and racism. This is an invaluable investment, not only because it is the right thing to do, Mr. Speaker, but because it is the best proven way to prevent radicalization and violence. Cyprus is committed to remain at the forefront of these efforts. After suffering a profound financial crisis not long ago, the previous decade, Cyprus has undertaken significant reforms under the great, capable leadership of President Anastasiades that have stabilized and strengthened the country's economy and its banking sector. The result of these reforms, coupled with other government policies and the ingenuity of the very special Cypriot people, is that the Cypriot economy is experiencing strong growth and is one of the fastest growing economies in Europe. The future is bright for Cyprus. They are really a great model to go by. Again, the future is bright for Cyprus and its banking sector. This is the fourth year in a row, Mr. Speaker, that they have had positive GDP growth. The EU predicts that real GDP growth is expected to reach 3.6 percent in 2018 and 3.3 percent in 2019. Unemployment continues to shrink with the rate being cut in half to 8 percent since the financial crisis, and it was a crisis, there is no question. I talked to many people who live on the island and many relatives here in the United States of those folks, and they went through a lot, but they recovered. Cyprus can survive, Mr. Speaker. It is surviving without dependence on Russian money. Russian deposits have dropped nearly 50 percent and make up just 5 percent of the three largest banks' portfolios. Cyprus has been actively promoting policies to counter money laundering and terrorist financing activities. The powers and tools of the regulators, principally the Central Bank of Cyprus, the office of the attorney general, and financial intelligence units have been greatly upgraded. As a result, the Cyprus banking sector has significantly improved ultimate beneficial ownership transparency, greatly reduced its dependency on foreign deposits and transactions, and terminated accounts that do not meet its rigorous new standards. Ending the illegal occupation of Cyprus, Mr. Speaker, would safeguard the country's independence while amplifying its bridge-building capacity. What a capacity it has. They have done so much. So just think, if there was reunification, Mr. Speaker. Again, further stabilizing and bringing peace to the region, it is in our national interests, Mr. Speaker. All of which, again, makes Cyprus an even stronger ally of the United States. After stalling earlier this year, reunification efforts are once again underway. Former U.S. Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Jane Holl Lute has recently been appointed the U.N.'s new special adviser in the Cyprus reunification talks. Ms. Lute plans to tour Nicosia, Athens, and Ankara this month and provide an assessment to the U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres on whether there is potential for the assumption of negotiations on the issue of reunification. The Republic of Cyprus has been a steadfast ally, and Cypriots of all backgrounds desire an end to the senseless division of their homeland. Today, the United States, despite Erdogan's provocative language and actions, still enjoys a unique role as a partner for both Cyprus and Turkey. As an honest broker to both sides, we can help them see that a unified future for Cyprus is far more promising than the present division. Our relationship with our allies must be based on shared values and mutual respect. At the core, the rule of law must be respected above all else. I encourage the Greek and Cypriot leaders to keep up the hard work of unifying a people divided for more than a generation. Tough and important issues remain, but, hopefully, this illegal occupation will come to an end. A reunified island nation would serve as a spark for further cooperation and economic stability. In short, it would unleash the region's incredible potential. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Carolyn B. Maloney), co-chair of the Hellenic Caucus. She is a founder, along with my father, Michael Bilirakis, of the Hellenic Caucus and also a member of the Congressional Hellenic-Israel Alliance.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize a group of unsung heroes who help keep our country and communities safe. Public safety aircrews fly every day across the Nation to ensure the safety of our domestic airspace, often in very hazardous conditions. They also support first responders during disaster response and rescue missions throughout the country. We honor the commitment of those public servants, both past and present, and recognize that some have made the ultimate sacrifice. It is only fitting that a day be set aside to honor the thousands of public servants, both past and present, who have served. To this end, I introduce H. Res. 991, to recognize June 26 of each year as National Public Safety Aviation Day.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate Mr. Vice Chairman. Mr. Speaker, we have all heard the upsetting statistic of 21 veterans committing suicide each and every day. It is unacceptable. This is a crisis for our veterans, their families, the future of our current servicemembers, and our country. As vice chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, I have worked to make it a better and healthier life for our true American heroes. That is why I am proud to support H.R. 2345, the National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act. When a veteran is in crisis, they need immediate assistance from the Veterans Crisis Hotline. Unfortunately, the current suicide hotline number can be difficult to remember during a time of need and can add minutes to getting help or, even worse, discourage veterans from accessing this important service. H.R. 2345 would study the feasibility and need of a three-digit dialing code, similar to 911, for the suicide hotline. The bill also studies the effectiveness of the hotline for our Nation's veterans. This study is an important step in recognizing suicidal thoughts as an emergency, providing those in need the most reliable tools to get help, and continuing to improve a hotline that has already saved countless lives, including many veterans. For these reasons, I am proud to cosponsor H.R. 2345 and support its passage.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, as members of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee, we have heard of the impact pirate radio operators have had on the authorized radio community. There have also been instances in which emergency service communications have been hindered because of their illegal operators, including off the Gulf Coast of Florida. In Florida, we have worked closely with local law enforcement to identify and shut down pirate radio operators, as well as confiscate their equipment. However, I have heard from the Federal Communications Commission countless times that, on a Federal level, there is limited authority to crack down on these operators and prevent their reestablishment. The PIRATE Act will help give teeth to FCC enforcement of illegal radio operators. By hitting them in their pocketbook, the FCC can better stop these illegal actors for good. The recent success we have had in Florida proves the need for stronger penalties on these bad actors. The PIRATE Act will help give teeth to the FCC enforcement of illegal radio operators. For this reason, I am proud to cosponsor H.R. 5709, and I support its passage.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, as we enter the hurricane season, I would like to recognize those within the building and code enforcement community for the work they do to maintain the resilience of our homes and commercial buildings. The International Code Council has established a building safety campaign that is recognized annually by jurisdictions across the Nation. Its purpose is to reinforce the need for the adoption of modern building codes; a strong system of code compliance; and a well-trained, professional workforce to provide public safety. In the 10 years since Florida adopted the statewide building code under Governor Bush--I was in the legislature at the time; he showed great leadership--the code's adoption and application reduced windstorm actual losses by as much as 72 percent. Year after year, we see the type of devastation that Mother Nature can bring, and it is important we are doing all that we can to minimize its damage.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, July 10, 2018, I was unavoidably detained and was unable to make votes that evening. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' for: Roll Call 314, H.R. 5793--Housing Choice Voucher Mobility Demonstration Act; and Roll Call 315, H.R. 5749--Options Markets Stability Act.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 299, the blue water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act. Mr. Speaker, this is really a great day in the United States Congress, Mr. Speaker, and a great day for our heroes, our blue water Navy veterans. This important piece of legislation will enable blue water Navy veterans to receive the compensation benefits they have earned and deserve. In 2002, the VA unjustly removed the disability eligibility to almost 100,000 veterans who served in the territorial seas of Vietnam during the Vietnam war. This bill restores the presumption of service connection for those suffering from diseases that have been linked to Agent Orange. Our Nation's heroes have answered the call to protect the liberties we enjoy on a daily basis. Today it is our turn to answer the call and assist our veterans in return. I urge my colleagues to support this very important bill. I want to thank Chairman Roe and Representative Valadao for leading the charge and not giving up. I know we didn't agree on the pay-for initially. Chairman Roe did not give up. He worked tirelessly on behalf of our veterans. I appreciate it so very much. Mr. Speaker, I am so proud to serve on this committee. Let's pass this good bill and get it to the Senate.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 6, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, a bipartisan bill that will aid our overall efforts to combat the opioid crisis. I am proud that two provisions of mine are included in the final package of the bill. These provisions would establish a mandatory drug management program for at-risk beneficiaries in Medicaid and Medicare. This bipartisan effort shows that we can do things when we put partisan politics aside and work together. I want to thank Chairman Walden for all of his hard work over the past year as we crafted this bill. He led the charge, and I appreciate it, Mr. Chairman, so much. I also want to thank Congressman Ben Ray Lujan, my Democratic colleague and friend. Five years ago we developed the first drug management program in Medicare, and now we developed a drug management program in Medicaid. Mr. Chairman, I encourage my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, June 13, 2018, I was unavoidably detained and was unable to make votes. Had I been present, I would have voted: ``Yea'' for rollcall 261, the Previous Question; ``yea'' for rollcall 262, on adoption of the resolution H. Res. 934; ``yea'' for rollcall 263, H.R. 5890--Assisting States' Implementatilon of Plans of Safe Care Act; and ``yea'' for rollcall 264, H.R. 5891--Improving the Federal Response to Families Impacted by Substance Use Disorder Act.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, June 12, 2018, I was unavoidably detained and was unable to make votes that evening. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' for rollcall 258, H.R. 5327-- Comprehensive Opioid Recovery Centers Act; rollcall 259, H.R. 5041-- Safe Disposal of Unused Medication Act; and, rollcall 260, Approval of the Journal.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4684, the Ensuring Access to Quality Sober Living Act. Patient brokering is and continues to be an issue in Florida and across our nation. In light of the Nation's opioid crisis, an increased demand for recovery from substance use disorder has sadly attracted bad actors into the recovery space in order to make a quick buck by taking advantage of patients and families in crisis. Currently, regulations for addiction recovery providers vary from state-to-state and are virtually non-existent in some states. As a result, patients and families are unable to confidently identify quality sober living environments. Upon learning that various mental health and substance use disorder facilities were making payments to individuals for the referral of patients identified in Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, homeless shelters, and other similar environments, Florida's legislature passed The Patient Brokering Act to prevent it by making the perverse practice a third-degree felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison. However, monitoring and enforcement continue to pose a challenge. As communities and states, like Florida, crack down, these parasites simply relocate, rebrand, and victimize a new community--leaving broken patients and families searching for quality recovery in their wake. Unfortunately, the lack of and adherence to an industry-wide standard in the addiction recovery space has led to the industry becoming an incubator for fraud, waste, and abusive practices. Law enforcement cannot solve this problem alone. It is vital that we work in a bipartisan manner to address laws and regulations, or lack thereof, which exacerbates this national crisis. H.R. 4684, the Ensuring Access to Quality Sober Living Act does just that. H.R. 4684 authorizes the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to develop best practices for sober living facilities in addition to providing technical assistance and support to states providing renewed confidence to families whose loved ones are in recovery in sober homes across this country. Mr. Speaker, in crafting the opioid legislation that the House will be considering this week, Members of the Energy and Commerce Committee took the time to hear directly from those who have lost loved ones to this crisis. H.R. 4684 represents an important step in addressing concerns voiced by these courageous advocates. Ryan Hampton's testimony reminds us that no one should have to learn their friend died of an overdose in a sober living facility due to a lack of basic operational training. Lisa Daniels' and Gail Smith's testimony reminds us that no one should lose a child and learn later that their child was a victim of patient brokering and only ended up in a substandard recovery facility due to criminal business practices. I urge my colleagues to support this critical, common-sense bill to improve patient safety in sober homes across our country.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday and part of Thursday, June 6 and 7, 2018, I was unavoidably detained and was unable to make votes. Had I been present, I would have voted: ``Yea'' for rollcall 234, the Previous Question; ``Yea'' for rollcall 235, on adoption of the H.R. 918; ``Yea'' for rollcall 236, the approval of the Journal; ``Yea'' for rollcall 237, the motion to recommit; ``Yea'' for rollcall 238, the final passage of the Water Resource Development Act (H.R. 8); ``Yea'' for rollcall 239, the final passage of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program Authorization Act (H.R. 3249); ``Yea'' for rollcall 240, the Previous Question; ``Yea'' for rollcall 241, on the adoption of H. Res. 923; and ``Yea'' for rollcall 242, the approval of the journal. Personal Explanation