Gus Bilirakis

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 2666, the No Rate Regulation of Broadband Internet Access Act, which will prohibit the FCC from regulating the rates charged for broadband Internet access service. This bill will help prevent further FCC overreach, save tens of thousands of jobs, keep rates affordable for consumers, and provide certainty for the future of broadband regulation. For the last year and a half, the FCC has insisted it would not regulate broadband Internet rates. That changed last month when Chairman Wheeler reversed course and contradicted all previous testimony on the FCC's intent to regulate rates. Many of our local businesses and organizations would suffer from further FCC overreach. Many already suffer from the uncertainty and vague new legal standards that have been imposed by the FCC. Regulating rates before and even after they are issued would further infuse the worst government meddling into a market that should remain nimble and competitive. I thank Congressman Kinzinger for his excellent and timely work on this bill, and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2666.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during National Volunteer Week to thank all of our Nation's unsung heroes: the millions of volunteers helping our communities throughout the Nation. This Monday we kicked off the week with our first annual Heroes Among Us event to recognize some incredible people in my district who go above and beyond to make a difference in our community. This week and every week it is important that we honor and thank these individuals for their selflessness and recognize the tremendous impact that their collective actions have on others. Thank you to all those who helped nominate the well-deserved award winners of our Heroes Among Us event and thank you to all the volunteers and unsung heroes of Florida's 12th Congressional District and throughout the Nation. Keep up the great work. Happy National Volunteer Week.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 195th anniversary of Greek independence. Citizens of Greece have always been a proud people in body, mind, and spirit. From Pericles, Greek statesman and general, dubbed ``the first citizen of Athens''; to Plato, who laid a groundwork in philosophy so vast that the entirety of European philosophical tradition is said to simply be a footnote to his work; to Count Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first head of state of an independent Greece, Greeks have been exceptional and continue to be exceptional, Mr. Speaker. I am almost certain that Thomas Jefferson cast an eye across the Atlantic towards Greece when he uttered these words in 1821: ``The flames kindled on the Fourth of July 1776 have spread over too much of the globe to be extinguished by the feeble engines of despotism. On the contrary, they will consume these engines and all who work them.'' I am blessed to be of two cultures, Mr. Speaker, that have been beacons of liberty for all of civilization: the place of my birth, the land of the free and the home of the brave, the United States of America; and the land of my ancestors, the birthplace of democracy, the Hellenic Republic. Many Greeks fought for years, holding on to their heritage, their culture, their faith. Bishop Germanos of Patras raised the emblem of freedom for Hellenes, the flag bearing a white cross and nine blue and white stripes representing the nine letters, ``Eleftheria,'' which means freedom. Eight years of bloodshed and battle led to the Treaty of Adrianople, the formal declaration of a free and independent Greece. Greece was the world's first advanced civilization, one that provided a cultural heritage that has influenced the world. Firsts in philosophy, mathematics, politics, sports, and art all stemmed from a free Greece. Liberty and justice, freedom to determine the path of one's own life, these are human desires and were embodied by Greece throughout their fight for independence. Those unyielding Hellenes paid life and limb for those desires, and generations of Greeks for decades to come owe their ancestors thanks. As George Washington once said: ``Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth.'' This held true in Greece in 1821, as it did in America in 1776. ``Freedom or Death,'' Eleftheria i thanatos, was the battle cry of the revolutionaries nearly 200 years ago. It rings true today. Freedom is a powerful and beautiful notion. The Greek people achieved that for themselves 195 years ago, and I am proud to celebrate in memory of those who fought bravely to shed the shackles of the Ottoman Empire. Greece has its own unique challenges today but, also, a history of resilience and ability to climb its way out of turmoil. As centuries- long allies, we must continue to creatively come up with solutions to help Greece control the flow of refugees arriving on its shores. I am encouraged by the growing cooperation and collaboration that our closest allies in the Eastern Mediterranean are proving this year. The trilateral agreements between Greece, Cyprus, and Israel are a refreshing reminder that we stand united with our allies in the fight for security, stability, and prosperity in a volatile region. We celebrate Greek independence to reaffirm the common democratic heritage we share, and, as Americans, we must continue to pursue this spirit of freedom and liberty which characterizes both of our great nations. Zito I Ellas. God bless America.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Women's History Month to highlight an outstanding woman in my district. My district has many female role models giving back to our communities. One example of a woman dedicated to service is Jamie Mick. Jamie has served our district through her role in the Rotary Club, the American Cancer Society, West Pasco Chamber of Commerce, Florida Gulf Coast Association of Commercial Realtors, and other organizations. Jamie is a cofounder of Women IN Charge, helping to empower women by supporting them in managing their businesses, furthering their professional goals, and promoting their health and financial independence. Jamie is one of the many role models I am proud to have in our community. This month we have the opportunity to celebrate women like Jamie, making history now for tomorrow's generation of innovators, news makers, and community leaders.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 1180, the Integrated Public Alert Warning System, or IPAWS, Modernization Act. Modernizing our alert and warning capabilities is essential to keeping us safe. We must effectively communicate important information to the public during national emergencies, and our warning efforts must evolve with the growing and emerging threats of today. During my time as chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications, this was a top priority of mine. I have worked to update our alert and warning systems and utilize innovative new technologies. Since the 112th Congress, I have introduced and advocated for the passage and enactment of this important piece of legislation, which is very similar to my bill, H.R. 1738. During my work on the Integrated Public Alert Warning System Modernization Act, I heard from many stakeholders and experts who highlighted the need to ensure alert systems are available to the largest number of people, including individuals with disabilities and those living in rural areas. In 2006, FEMA implemented the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System, which improved public safety by quickly disseminating emergency messages and lifesaving information to the public. However, these systems have not been modernized in decades, which is why I have consistently reintroduced this bill. With congressional oversight, we can ensure our constituents have alert systems that work reliably, effectively, and efficiently. S. 1180 provides authorization to update our communications infrastructure to allow important information and alerts for instantaneous message delivery over cell phones, text messaging, the Internet, and broadcasting. Additionally, this bill improves our capabilities and communications network by creating a national public warning working group to bring State and local officials together. This will ensure systems developers, regulators, users, and relay participants meet on a regular basis. This important legislation allows us to uphold our responsibility in the protection of the people we serve. I want to thank Senator Johnson for his work and advocacy on this issue. I also want to thank my colleagues: Representative Susan Brooks; chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, Chairman McCaul; and Subcommittee Chairman Donovan, for their support in cosponsoring my bill, H.R. 1738. This is a great step in the right direction, and we must continue this progress of modernizing our capabilities with the passage of this bill. I urge my colleagues to support this important piece of legislation. National Alliance of State Broadcasters Associations, April 29, 2015. Hon. Michael McCaul, Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: The undersigned, who are the chief executive officers of the fifty State Broadcasters Associations in the United States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, are pleased to offer our support and endorsement for H.R. 1738, the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System Modernization Act of 2015. If passed, this bill will ensure that more people receive life-saving information in more parts of America, more of the time, through current and future alert and warning technologies, while strengthening broadcasters' role as the backbone of America's public alerting system. Many of us serve as chairs or members of our respective State Emergency Communications Committees, which are charged with managing the Emergency Alert System (EAS) in our states. We have all worked tirelessly to ensure that a robust, reliable alerting system is available when it is needed. We have observed over the years that the system needs a higher level of coordination among the various federal, state and local public safety and emergency management agencies as ``message originators'' on the one hand, and the broadcast, cable and satellite ``message relayers'' on the other hand; and that the absence of any formal, ongoing training of state and local public safety and emergency management personnel on the proper use of EAS has hampered state and local officials' willingness and ability to use it efficiently in times of emergency, thus putting lives and property at risk. This bill will address these problems and will make giant strides toward improvement of alert and warning capability in our states and across our nation. We look forward to the successful passage of this important measure. Very truly yours, The Undersigned CEOs of the Fifty State Broadcast Trade Associations. Alabama Broadcasters Association, Sharon Tinsley; Alaska Broadcasters Association, Cathy Hiebert; Arizona Broadcasters Association, Art Brooks; Arkansas Broadcasters Association, Doug Krile; California Broadcasters Association, Stan Statham; Colorado Broadcasters Association, Justin Sasso; Connecticut Broadcasters Association, Michael C. Rice; Florida Association of Broadcasters, C. Patrick Roberts; Georgia Association of Broadcasters, Bob Houghton; Hawaii Association of Broadcasters, Jamie Hartnett; Idaho State Broadcasters Association, Connie Searles; Illinois Broadcasters Association, Dennis Lyle; Indiana Broadcasters Association, Joe Misiewicz; Iowa Broadcasters Association, Sue Toma; Kansas Association of Broadcasters, Kent Cornish; Kentucky Broadcasters Association, Gary White; Louisiana Association of Broadcasters, Polly Prince Johnson; Maine Association of Broadcasters, Suzanne Goucher; Maryland/D.C./ Delaware (MDCD) Broadcasters Association, Lisa Reynolds. Massachusetts Broadcasters Association, Jordan Walton; Michigan Association of Broadcasters, Karole L. White; Minnesota Broadcasters Association, Jim duBois; Mississippi Association of Broadcasters, Karla Hooten; Missouri Broadcasters Association, Mark Gordon; Montana Broadcasters Association, Dewey Bruce; Nebraska Broadcasters Association, Jim Timm; Nevada Broadcasters Association, Mary Beth Sewald; New Hampshire Association of Broadcasters, Jordan Walton; New Jersey Broadcasters Association, Paul Rotella; New Mexico Broadcasters Association, Paula Maes; New York State Broadcasters Association, David Donovan; North Carolina Association of Broadcasters, Wade Hargrove, Esq.; North Dakota Broadcasters Association, Beth Helfrich; Ohio Association of Broadcasters, Chris Merritt; Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters, Vance Harrison; Oregon Association of Broadcasters, Bill Johnstone; Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters, Rich Wyckoff. Radio Broadcasters Association of Puerto Rico, Jose A. Ribas Dominicci; Rhode Island Broadcasters Association, Lori Needham; South Carolina Broadcasters Association, Shani White; South Dakota Broadcasters Association, Steve Willard; Tennessee Association of Broadcasters, White Adamson; Texas Association of Broadcasters, Oscar Rodriguez; Utah Broadcasters Association, Michele Zabriskie; Vermont Association of Broadcasters, Jim Condon; Virginia Association of Broadcasters, Doug Easter; Washington State Association of Broadcasters, Mark Allen; West Virginia Broadcasters Association, Michele Crist; Wisconsin Broadcasters Association, Michelle Vetterkind; Wyoming Association of Broadcasters, Laura Grott.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. I thank my good friend from Kentucky. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 2017, the Common Sense Nutrition Disclosure Act. This bill, as the name suggests, truly is a commonsense bill. H.R. 2017 would lift many of the burdens on small businesses and help protect establishments from excessive regulations. This summer I visited many Florida food producers, distributors, and restaurants, including one of the local Publix Super Markets, in Land O' Lakes, Florida, where employees showed me how current policies and excessive regulations impact their store. However, it was clear that reasonable regulations are needed. This bill allows for providing nutritional information to consumers based on the different ways that foods are prepared and sold across venues and formats. Mr. Chairman, I thank Chairwoman McMorris Rodgers for sponsoring the bill and the committee for their good work. I urge passage of this great bill, H.R. 2017.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, as February is recognized as Heart Month, I rise on behalf of the nearly 40,000 babies born each year with congenital heart defects, CHD. CHD is the most common birth defect and the number one cause of birth defect-related deaths. A few decades ago babies born with CHD were not living into adulthood. Now, due to continued investment and research and a series of medical breakthroughs, 90 percent of babies born with CHD are living into adulthood. Let's makes it 100 percent. There is still work to be done, and we must ensure these efforts to improve the lives of those with CHD continue. This is why I introduced the Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act, to spend CHD research, raise awareness of the importance of specialized care, and ensure important research continues. We must advance this legislation for the millions of Americans who need our help.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor three remarkable and distinguished members of the Greek Orthodox community in the Tampa Bay area. These three Greek American educators continually demonstrate excellence in transmitting the value of Hellenic education to the next generation of scholars, tying historic Hellenic values and culture to today's contemporary policy and cultural discussions in the United States. Together, these scholars promote and enhance the teaching of our incredible culture and affect a change that enhances Hellenism throughout the world. The V. Rev. Fr. James Rousakis, Vicar for Western Florida, is a dear friend from Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Tarpon Springs, Florida, who demonstrates a tireless effort to preserve the Greek- American Orthodox values and instill the Hellenic culture to the next generation of Greek-Americans. He has served the Orthodox faithful in Rochester, New York; Atlanta, Georgia; Portland, Maine; Indianapolis, Indiana; Clearwater and now Tarpon Springs, Florida. With his boundless energy, Father James has helped to foster incredible growth in the membership and ministries at Holy Trinity. The Honorable Steve Christopoulos is a remarkable educator and coordinator who continually puts forth a dynamic effort to organize almost a dozen charter schools in the Florida community. Born in Akovos, Greece, Christopoulos moved to the United States at the age of twelve and his family settled in Lynn, Massachusetts. After a rewarding career in commercial real estate, Christopoulos began his current leadership of Superior Schools, which operates numerous schools of choice throughout the Tampa area. His unwavering commitment to excellence sets him apart in the world of challenging and supportive educational environments. His dedication to Hellenic values and the superior learning environments he has created consistently produces outstanding citizens and Philhellenes. Mrs. Catherine Diacogianni is a heralded educator who has contributed to our local Tampa Greek communities by teaching the Greek language and cultural history for over thirty years. After studying and working for the Red Cross in Athens early in her life, Diacogianni moved to Florida in 1977 and dedicated her life to teaching the Greek language to future generations as well as her peers. Despite a consistent tenure at Holy Trinity Greek School, Diacogianni also established the St. Stephanos Greek School in St. Petersburg where she worked tirelessly as teacher and director for 14 years. I am constantly in awe of Diacogianni's untiring efforts and passion to educate everyone she comes in contact with about the significance of Hellenic history and language so that it may live on in our community. I commend the Federation of Hellenic American Educators and the Greek Teacher Association of Florida for highlighting these three pillars of our community, and I hope every American can learn from and emulate the determined efforts of these extraordinary educators.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman. I rise today in support of a vote to override the President's veto of the Restoring Americans' Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act. With his veto, the President sent Congress and the American people a disappointing--but unsurprising--message. Protecting the rights of patients, families, the unborn, and American taxpayers is clearly not a priority for this administration. It is, however, a priority for me and for Congress. We worked to pass this legislation with bicameral support. We worked to help reduce government spending and reduce the burdens of the President's healthcare law on patients and families. We worked together to prevent taxpayer dollars from funding organizations practicing, in my opinion, shameful and unethical activities. We must now work together to override the President's veto and give the power of healthcare decisions back to the people.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 44, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' Personal Explanation

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise, obviously, to support the rule, but I also rise in strong support of the Restoring Americans' Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act, a crucial piece of legislation with bicameral support. This bill continues our efforts to protect patients, families, taxpayers, and communities across the Nation. It will lift the burdens of the President's healthcare law and give back the power over healthcare decisions to individual patients and families. This bill gives us the opportunity to take crucial steps toward a more patient-centered healthcare system. It gives us the opportunity to reduce our Nation's deficit by repealing the majority of the burdensome healthcare taxes and ending harsh penalties. This legislation also gives us the opportunity to save lives. In light of Planned Parenthood's unethical and potentially illegal activity, I firmly believe our taxpayers should not be forced to pay for such organizations. We must protect the rights of taxpayers and, more importantly, the rights of the unborn. As I have said before, I remain dedicated to giving a voice to our most fragile Americans who cannot speak for themselves. I am proud this legislation helps us protect those who need protection most. I urge my colleagues to support this good bill.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss important legislation that will help keep our country safe. In light of recent tragedies across the globe, our national security has been at the forefront of our minds. As elected officials, we have a responsibility to do everything we can to protect our Nation. That is why I reintroduced H.R. 4089, the Student Visa Security Improvement Act, to further address potential threats to our national security. It is clear there are significant gaps of vulnerabilities that must be addressed in our student visa program. This bill would provide additional scrutiny for foreign students and exchange applicants, and put mechanisms into place to ensure students are in this country for their intended purpose, rather than to do us harm. My legislation will safeguard our universities, communities, and our Nation. I urge my colleagues to support this very important piece of legislation.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize two outstanding local businesses in my district recently recognized in Florida Trend magazine. Local spots all over Florida help boost our economy and strengthen our communities. Two weeks ago, we celebrated Small Business Saturday and encouraged people to support small, local businesses. It is important we continue to shop small and keep our local communities growing. Two local establishments in my district recently received Florida Trend's Golden Spoon Awards and rank among the State's best restaurants. I would like to congratulate Dulcet Restaurant and Lounge in New Port Richey and Pearl in the Grove in Dade City. These awards are very well deserved. I am grateful to have such outstanding businesses in my home district, and I will continue my efforts to help small businesses thrive.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, today we recognize the somber 74th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. On this day in 1941, our Nation was gripped in shock and sadness. Over 2,000 lives were lost, and over 1,000 servicemembers were wounded. We honor and remember those lives lost during this horrific attack. These brave men and women fought for our freedoms and made the ultimate sacrifice. We also remember the strength our Nation demonstrated following this tragedy. From the ashes rose the Greatest Generation and a stronger United States of America. As President Roosevelt said: ``The American people, in their righteous might, will win through to absolute victory.'' Mr. Speaker, on this somber day, we honor the lives lost. We are reminded of the sacrifices made and of the strength of our great Nation. I am forever grateful for all those in our armed services and the sacrifices they make for each and every one of us.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S.J. Res. 23 and 24, resolutions that would protect my constituents from egregious EPA overreach. This burdensome regulation is projected to raise electric rates in Florida annually between 11 and 15 percent for over 10 years while providing virtually no environmental benefits. The regulations for existing power plants, commonly called the Clean Power Plan, could have disastrous consequences for the safety, affordability, and reliability of my constituents' electricity. In my district, there are over 200,000 residents who get their electricity from rural electric cooperatives, utilities formed during the Great Depression to serve rural, traditionally underserved areas with electricity. If the Clean Power Plan continues without serious alterations, it has the potential to negatively affect these underserved areas the most. The Clean Power Plan could close down power plants in rural areas that provide jobs and economic activity. In Florida, the Seminole Electric Cooperative operates two power plants whose baseload generating units do not meet the emission rate requirements. Their Seminole generating station employs over 300 individuals. If the EPA forces the plant to close prematurely, these jobs are at risk, and rural electric cooperative members, like my constituents, will still have to pay for the closed plant in their rates through 2042 while also paying for a new electricity source. The Congressional Review Act was created for a reason: to give this body the authority to check the executive branch when it oversteps its bounds and enacts policy against the will of the people. I urge my colleagues to support these resolutions, both of them, to protect my constituents from needless rate increases and to protect the powers of this institution.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise on behalf of our true American heroes, our veterans, to highlight important legislation that will help those who need it most. Last month I introduced the PROMISE Act to continue my efforts to promote safety, patient advocacy, and better access to quality care for our veterans. The PROMISE Act will increase safety for opioid therapy and pain management, encourage more transparency at the VA, encourage more outreach and awareness of the Patient Advocacy Program for veterans, and help provide alternative forms of care to address veterans' health needs. Our veterans sacrificed so much for our country. It is up to us to provide them with the care they have earned and deserve. We must encourage safe, quality care for those who have fought for our freedoms. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill and help fulfill our promise to our veterans.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Chair, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. MacArthur).

Mr. BILIRAKIS. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself the balance of my time. My Committee on Energy and Commerce colleagues and I worked to create this broad energy bill and modernize our policies. A generation ago, policymakers were concerned with managing a scarcity of energy resources, but times have changed. We are in the middle of a resurgence of American energy manufacturing. We should manage our surplus of energy resources with clear, straightforward policies that maximize our energy potential. This bill is a necessary legislative step to ensure our energy infrastructure is robust and continues to create jobs in the years to come. Modern energy challenges demand modern energy policies. We must cut outdated red tape and ensure the energy markets remain nimble and secure. With H.R. 8, America can continue to take advantage of recent technology advancements and encourage a growing market that yields jobs at home and more influence abroad. The world doesn't want to deal with unstable exporters, such as Russia or Iran, if they don't have to. We should be the secure and reliable trading partner that they can trust and they do trust. H.R. 8 strengthens international partnerships and reforms processes for energy exports that will pay important dividends for generations to come. I would like to thank my colleagues on the committee, especially Chairman Upton, for their work on this very important bill. This bill will keep energy affordable and ensure reliable electricity for consumers and families across the nation. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the nearly 1 in 100 newborns born with congenital heart disease. Congenital heart disease is the most common birth defect and is the number one cause of birth defect related deaths. This disease demands our attention. That is why I founded the Congenital Heart Caucus, and that is why, this week, I am introducing legislation to reauthorize the Congenital Heart Futures Act. This legislation focuses on studying, educating, and raising awareness of the continuing impact congenital heart disease has throughout the life span. It promotes more research at NIH and encourages the need to seek and maintain lifelong, specialized care. This bill helps give hope to the 40,000 babies born with congenital heart disease each year and their families across the U.S. I urge my colleagues to support this very important bill. We must continue our efforts to help our future generations live longer, healthier lives.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, this month we recognize Down Syndrome Awareness Month. As we celebrate the abilities of more than 400,000 Americans living with Down Syndrome, it is important that we address some of the problems these individuals and their families face. Families and patients who are affected by Down Syndrome face many related health issues. I had the privilege of meeting a very inspiring patient during the Energy and Commerce's work on 21st Century Cures legislation. Madison, a young girl diagnosed with Down Syndrome, had four major open-heart surgeries all before her 3rd birthday. An estimated 50 percent of children born with Down Syndrome have some form of heart defect, like Madison; yet, her surgeries are still fairly new in the medical world. Our Cures legislation encourages additional research for medications and procedures that could benefit children like Madison. We must continue our work to promote a better quality of life for all patients across the Nation.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to raise awareness for the more than 11 million Americans who suffer from severe mental health illness. As we recognize Mental Illness Awareness Week, we have the opportunity to discuss this complex issue and the impact it has on both families and society. We must continue to identify ways we can help those who are suffering. Our mental health system is broken. Many are going without treatment, and families often struggle to find appropriate care for their loved ones. As vice chairman of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I know this is an issue especially important to our veterans, our true heroes. My COVER Act, which was approved by the House earlier this year, helps provide alternative therapies for our veterans dealing with mental health issues. The Committee on Energy and Commerce's Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act, actually sponsored by Representative Murphy from Pennsylvania, further works to address the shortage of treatment options, lack of access to mental health services, and the lack of communication within the system. We must continue our efforts to improve mental health care and remove the stigma associated with mental illness.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC) for their 50th Anniversary and outstanding commitment to collegiate honors education. The National Collegiate Honors Council is dedicated to excellence in education, as they serve over 800 colleges and universities across the country and is composed of over 325,000 students dedicated to achieving excellence in diverse subject and curriculum areas to fulfill professional career goals. I would also like to call attention to Saint Leo University in my district for their dedication to academic excellence and for being a member of the National Collegiate Honors Council. Students at Saint Leo University experience and grow in core values such as excellence, community, integrity, respect, personal development and responsible stewardship. The Honors Program at Saint Leo University was started over 30 years ago. Alumni and current students continue to express to others the enormous impact the program has had on their professional work experience. One graduate is now a professional working in instructional technology developing safety training in the energy field and credits the Honors Program at Saint Leo for preparing him to adapt intellectually and to be ready to explore new fields. Students are encouraged to broaden their horizons with a change of scenery and culture through this program. One student interned for a museum in London and was able to incorporate this experience in with their history course. Another student worked on an oral-care education project for the small children of migrant farmworkers who live within a short drive of the campus. As you can see through the Honors Program, students have been challenged to think deeply about what they want to accomplish personally and professionally, and are already making strides toward those goals. Saint Leo Honors Program has shown and continues to show their commitment to educating students and influencing their lives positively to help shape them in every way. Once again, please join me in commending the National Collegiate Honors Council on their 50th Anniversary. Their service to programs like those at Saint Leo University and their dedication to academic excellence and achievement is honorable.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following code of ethics for AMVET's Attorneys-in-Fact. AMVET is one of America's leading veterans' service organizations with over 250,000 members with a proud history of assisting veterans. An attorney in fact is a person who is authorized to perform business-related transactions on behalf of someone else (the client), but not necessarily authorized to practice law. In order to become someone's attorney in fact, a person must have the client sign a power of attorney document (VA Form 21-22). Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 1: All AMVETS attorneys in fact will be honest when dealing with veterans and surviving family members. They will do the same when dealing with Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) employees and other officials. Rule: 2 AMVETS attorneys in fact will submit quality claim packages for issues that may be granted; not sheer quantity to swell report numbers. Rule 3: The attorney in fact claimant relationship is confidential by law and VA regulation. It will be protected at all times. The mandate to protect privileged information continues forever and applies equally to any clerical staff assigned to the office. Rule 4: The attorney in fact will pursue a course of continuing education. They must stay current with new laws, regulations, VA's policies and procedures as well as all AMVETS policies and procedures promulgated by the AMVETS national service director. Rule 5: The attorney in fact will determine all issues that occurred in-service. This is done through discussions with the client and a review of their supporting documents and records. Rule 6: The attorney in fact will not sign off on any rating decisions that do not fully address, or defer for additional development, all issues contained in the claim. Rule 7: Hardship claims will be expedited and closely monitored by the AMVETS attorney in fact to ensure a rapid decision and release of compensation and other benefits needed by the client. Rule 8: AMVETS' attorney in fact will participate in all VA staff/ veteran service organization (VSO) meetings called by the VA if available. Additionally, they will request staff meetings if problems arise due to VA's internal policy and procedures that need to be addressed. Rule 9: AMVETS' attorney in fact will ensure VA examinations are complete, accurate and meet the current guidelines necessary for accurate rating decisions. Anything less than a complete examination may result in the client being denied benefits that are deserved under the current law. Rule 10: It is not ethical for an attorney in fact to ask veterans to change their power of attorney (POA) from one VSO to another. Veterans represented by another organization should be referred to the organization that currently holds the power of attorney. However, if a veteran has a valid claim and insists on AMVETS' representation, then the POA may be accepted. Rule 11: It is highly unprofessional to make any derogatory comments about another VSO. Rule 12: AMVETS attorney in fact will establish rapport to educate and advise the client in the basics of VA law, policies procedures so they understand what documentation is required for their claim. Rule 13: AMVETS will file an appeal only if the reason to appeal is based in fact (evidence contained in the client's record) or law (VA's failure to grant the benefit requested violates provisions contained in 38 Code of Federal Regulations). If a client wishes to file an appeal that the VA may never grant under the current law, then the AMVETS attorney in fact will not represent the claim since it has no merit. Rule 14: Appeals should only be used as the last resort since they are a three to five year process. Other avenues such as a request for reconsideration based on overlooked evidence of record or new and material evidence should be used first. Rule 15: An AMVETS attorney in fact will not tell a client that they may not file an appeal. However, they will explain to a client, based on current law, what they must do in order to win an appeal. If the client is unable to provide the necessary records then AMVETS will not represent that claim as an appeal. Rule 16: Under no circumstances will an AMVETS' attorney in fact solicit or accept any monetary gifts, goods or products in appreciation or compensation for their professional services. Rule 17: AMVETS attorney in fact will never present a membership application to a veteran during the initial claim process. Doing so is akin to extortion. However, if a client requests a membership application, then they will be provided with one after they explain that membership is not required for their services.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, as this Suicide Prevention Month comes to a close, I believe it is crucial we remain committed to all suicide prevention efforts. We must continually ask ourselves: Are we doing enough when it comes to addressing mental health and suicide in our Nation? I don't think so. As vice chairman of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I know that this issue is especially important for our Nation's heroes. Recent data has shown that every day in this country approximately 18 to 22 veterans take their own lives. This statistic answers the question I posed earlier. It is obvious more needs to be done. My COVER Act addresses suicide prevention for veterans by promoting access to better alternative complementary mental health treatments. While traditional forms of therapy may work for some, tailoring therapies to the veteran and finding the balance between traditional and complementary alternative treatments could be the difference in saving lives. The COVER Act passed the House several weeks ago. I encourage my Senate colleagues to do the same in the Senate so we can get it to the President's desk for his signature.