Gus Bilirakis

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark an anniversary that has pained the Cypriot and Hellenic communities for 40 years. On July 20, 1974, in a blatant violation of international law, Turkey violently invaded Cyprus and captured much of the northern part of the island. Since the invasion, Turkey has occupied nearly 40 percent of Cyprus. Settlers were sent to inhabit homes that were previously owned by Greek Cypriots, forcibly relocating 160,000 Greek Cypriots. Religious artifacts and cultural relics have been destroyed in the wake of the Turkish Army's invasion, and after 40 years of displacement, they are now lost to time. Hundreds of churches and monasteries have been shamefully desecrated, losing all sense of their historic and religious significance. Despite this neglect, the Republic of Cyprus recognizes Turkish Cypriots as citizens of the Republic of Cyprus, and provides numerous benefits to them as they would any citizen. Turkish Cypriots are entitled to official passports, which allow them to enjoy the benefits of EU membership, including the freedom of movement within EU member countries. Turkish Cypriots are recipients of free medical care from public hospitals, and they are eligible for benefits from the Republic's Social Insurance Scheme. These policies have resulted in Greek and Turkish Cypriots living among each other with little trouble. Indeed, there have been millions of crossings at the Green Line without incident. So why the Turkish troops? Why the continued occupation? Despite the increase in citizen- level cohesion, the ``Cyprus problem'' remains a diplomatic challenge at the highest levels of government. Greek and Turkish Cypriots deserve an end to this senseless division. In February of this year, it looked like progress was being made for legitimate negotiations that would lead to a real solution based on the rule of law. There is potential for significant economic value from the discovery of offshore gas reserves in the eastern Mediterranean, which stand to benefit a unified Cyprus. By reaping these natural resources, Cyprus' allies--the United States, Greece, Israel, and many European countries--will also flourish. In the face of the optimism for financial recovery and other incentives to unify, this year, Turkish Cypriot leaders have refused to implement even the simplest of confidence-building measures, which would be a sign of good faith and would foster an atmosphere of honest negotiation. The failure to enact the most basic, practical steps continues to impede a process for reunification that is long overdue. Words lose their meaning when inaction is all that follows. Today, the United States stands in a unique role as a friend of both Cyprus and Turkey. As an honest broker to both sides, we can help them see that a unified future is far more promising than the present. The United States' relationship with all of its allies, Turkey included, must be based on shared values and mutual respect. At the core, the rule of law must be respected above all else. It is our duty to continually reinforce this message that 40 years of illegal occupation is 40 years too long. It is time for Turkey to engage in sincere negotiations and in concrete confidence-building measures instead of going through the motions and creating more obstacles when tough decisions are on the table. Both sides know a solution will demand compromise and cooperation. The time to talk is nearing its end. The time to act is here. Cyprus has long been a strong and faithful ally of the United States, and we owe our support for both peace and the end of this illegal occupation.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Reclaiming my time, thanks for giving me those assurances. This is very important for public safety purposes. Our constituents need evacuation routes in case there is a hurricane or any kind of disaster. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent that my amendment be withdrawn.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Chair, I rise today to ask my colleagues to support increased accountability of the Army Corps of Engineers. I thank, of course, Chairman Rogers and Chairman Simpson for their work on this appropriations bill and leadership to ensure scarce taxpayer dollars are well spent. My amendment seeks to strike all funding for the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works. Under current law, fringe groups are allowed to, for the cost of a postage stamp, Mr. Chair, file lawsuits against any infrastructure project needing a clean water permit that they spot in the Federal Register. This is outrageous. These lawsuits and the fear of them have stopped a number of worthy projects that were necessary for local governments to protect their constituents. The Corps' failure to defend the public safety is because of a serious lack of leadership by the Corps, in my opinion. One such project in Pasco County, Florida, my Congressional District, is the Ridge Road extension, a much-needed route for hurricane evacuation. For over two decades, this project has been in the permitting process because of the bureaucratic paper shuffling and duplicative environmental studies. During this time of scarce taxpayer dollars and economic uncertainty, we have pending infrastructure projects that can create jobs and protect the public, but the Corps often drags out the application process to push the applicant to drop their application out of fear that the agency will have to engage in litigation. These lawsuits are solely to kill worthy public safety projects, in my opinion, and not based on the merits of the projects. I note this bill's committee report, which says that, ``the committee is concerned that the administration has not been taking congressional direction seriously,'' in regards to these permit projects. There is clearly a serious leadership problem at this agency. This is an opportunity for the administration to act and ensure the public is protected. The committee report also includes encouragement from the committee ``to keep in mind the public safety aspects of the project when considering permit applications and to pursue ways to shorten review times, including by performing reviews currently and eliminating duplicative reviews to the maximum extent practicable.'' I call the Corps to work with the communities across the country and approve these needed public safety projects to prevent needless loss of life. With reassurances from Chairman Simpson that the committee will continue to encourage the Corps to prioritize public safety projects, I would consider withdrawing the amendment at this time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. I yield to the gentleman from Idaho.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Posttraumatic Stress Awareness Day on Friday, June 27. Approximately one in five veterans that served in Iraq and Afghanistan has been diagnosed with PTS, with many also affected by other mental illnesses and physical disabilities. All our veterans deserve treatment, Mr. Speaker. There is almost one veteran suicide an hour. This is inexcusable. It is vital that we recognize the invisible wounds that are just as serious as the physical ones. The one-size-fits-all doesn't always work. That is why I am introducing the creating options for veterans expedited recovery act tomorrow that will pave the way towards alternative treatments for those suffering from PTS. All options should be on the table to treat our true American heroes, Mr. Speaker. I urge my colleagues to cosponsor this legislation, and let's get our veterans covered.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of H.R. 3301, the North American Energy Infrastructure Act, of which I am a cosponsor. This legislation will ensure that transnational pipeline construction permits are considered on their merits instead of politics. Importantly, it is a substantive step towards more affordable energy prices. People are hurting, Mr. Chair. According to the American Automobile Association's daily fuel guage report, today's average gas price in the Tampa Bay market: $3.64, well up from $2.35 per gallon in 2009. Not only are gas prices up, but so too are the price of groceries and costs of heating and cooling your home or apartment. Domestic energy production helps Americans with their everyday costs. This is the bottom line. H.R. 3301 will aid in that effort. Support this bill and help lower energy costs for all Americans. I yield back.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4631, the Autism CARES Act, of which I am an original cosponsor. I want to commend a sponsor, Mr. Smith from New Jersey, as well as a Democratic prime cosponsor, Mr. Mike Doyle from the great State of Pennsylvania, for sponsoring this bill. Autism is serious and it does not discriminate. People in all racial, socioeconomic, and ethnic groups are impacted, Mr. Speaker. Autism awareness and research is something people from all walks of life can support. One in 68 children is diagnosed with autism. That is a disturbing statistic. This legislation will help direct autism research on a Federal level. This research is vital, and I am glad my colleagues and I have come together in a bipartisan manner to continue autism research, early identification, intervention, and education. I am proud to support this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support final passage of this legislation.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to ask for the collective prayers of this Chamber to help bring my constituents back home to Tarpon Springs, Florida. Robert Mayne, James Kelly Garrett, Devon Butler, Nick Cook, Steve Matanich, and Michael Mayne are the crew of the Aqua Quest, a boat company hired to teach locals in Honduras how to safely scuba dive. On a quest to do good, these men have been illegally detained without benefit of due process for 44 days and have spent several, as I said, several weeks in a dilapidated Honduran jail living in unacceptable conditions. Together with my colleague, Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick, we have urged the State Department and Honduran officials to work towards a quick resolution to free these men so that they may return to the loving arms of their families. Your prayers are appreciated, and I have confidence that we will bring them home.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for your leadership on behalf of our true American heroes, and thank you for filing this bill. I also want to thank the ranking member. He does an outstanding job, as well, on behalf of our heroes. Mr. Speaker, as a proud original cosponsor, I rise in strong support for H.R. 4810, the Veteran Access to Care Act. In upholding our promise to our Nation's heroes, this legislation will provide necessary relief for thousands of veterans who have waited far too long within the VA health system. Many of these veterans are forced to wait months, even years. This is beyond unacceptable and represents a disservice for their sacrifice and service. H.R. 4810 empowers the veterans with choice. It will address an immediate problem, allowing veterans to access non-VA care or stay within the VA system if they desire. Our colleagues in the Senate have introduced similar legislation, which includes, again, a very similar provision. Mr. Speaker, I hope that this needed solution to care for our veterans will move quickly and be presented before the President without delay. Long term, the VA's systemic failures that promote a culture of mediocrity and discourage transparency and accountability must be addressed. However, our first priority is to ensure veterans are receiving timely quality care, but we must also continue our oversight to root out this culture of corruption. I want to thank again the chairman for filing this bill, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, next week is June 1, and it marks the beginning of hurricane season. My constituents and Americans across the country in coastal regions are susceptible to these devastating storms. Disasters can strike at any time, often with little warning. It is important to have a plan in place. Make sure the plan includes a supply kit filled with potentially lifesaving items like flashlights, radios, and batteries. It is also crucial to follow local weather forecasts and heed any emergency warnings during hurricanes or other extreme weather. Hurricane season is starting. The best way to guarantee that you and your family are safe, you have to be prepared. My Web site, bilirakis.house.gov, as well as fema.gov, both have important resources available to you. This year, be sure you are ready and safe.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Chair, I rise today in support of my amendment, which would allow disabled veterans with service connected permanent disability rated as total to travel on military aircraft on a space- available basis. The Space-Available program is administered by the Department of Defense (DOD), which allows active duty service members, their families, retirees and certain other individuals to fill empty seats on DOD flights. Unfortunately, veterans who are 100 percent disabled do not qualify to participate in this program. My amendment will correct this unintentional oversight and provide equality to service members who were severely injured while serving their country honorably. Had they not been medically discharged with a service connected disability in the line of duty, these veterans were likely to have served until retirement. At no fault of their own, these deserving individuals did not have the opportunity to continue their military careers. It is an injustice that they would be penalized from this benefit due to their bravery and valor. I would also like to note that under current DOD guidelines for Air Transportation Eligibility, it states, ``Every effort shall be made to transport passengers with disabilities who are otherwise eligible to travel. Passenger service personnel and crew members shall provide assistance in loading, seating, and unloading the disabled passenger.'' There is already guidance in place to address passengers with disabilities, and my amendment will codify our commitment for their sacrifice. This initiative has strong bi-partisan support, which has over 230 current cosponsors to the stand alone bill I introduced, H.R. 164. Moreover, this initiative has support in the Senate with the companion bill S. 346 offered by Senator Jon Tester from Montana. While I was very pleased to see my amendment accepted in last year's National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2014, it was unfortunate it was not accepted in the Senate process during consideration for the bill's passage. The National Federation of the Blind has been very active in both the House and the Senate in its advocacy for our nations' disabled veterans. I submit a support letter for this amendment by the National Federation of the Blind (NFB). While active duty members and their families will remain the primary beneficiaries of this program in order to assist them with the rigors of military life, my amendment simply allows these veterans the opportunity to fill available seats, a benefit I believe they have earned through their personal sacrifice. Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to end the inequality for our nation's wounded warriors by voting in favor of my amendment. I thank the committees and their staff for their assistance through this process National Federation of the Blind, Baltimore, MD, May 19, 2014. Subject: Support for H.R. 164 Hon. Gus M. Bilirakis, House of Representatives, 2313 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Congressman Bilirakis: The National Federation of the Blind is the Nation's oldest and largest consumer group of blind Americans. We are composed of blind individuals who come from many different backgrounds, and we work to ensure that the concerns of all blind Americans are met. Included in our organization is the National Association of Blinded Veterans. Recently these men and women who served our country brought to our attention a policy that we believe needs to be changed. The Space Available program is a program that allows a number of military personnel to fly on military transport planes if there is space remaining. This may include members of the Active Military, Family members of the Active Military, some components of Reserve Forces, individuals who are responding to emergency situations, such as the Red Cross, and retirees. We believe that individuals who have become disabled in the service of our country should be allowed to participate in this program. Shortly after being made aware of this issue by blinded veterans, we learned that you introduced legislation to solve this problem in the last Congress. We are pleased that you reintroduced this legislation, H.R. 164, early in this session of Congress. The National Federation of the Blind stands firmly in support of this legislation, and will dedicate our support and our efforts to ensure its passage in this session of Congress. Last June, thanks to your leadership, the United States House of Representatives voted to include this language in the 2014 National Defense Authorization Act. Unfortunately our Senate companion amendment was not allowed to be considered during Senate consideration in December. We appreciate the support shown by the House of Representatives, and urge the House to continue to fight for Service Disabled Veterans, by joining with you to include this language in the 2015 National Defense Authorization Act. We thank you for your leadership to support these men and women who have given service to defend our rights, and we now join with you to defend their rights to participate in the Space Available program. John G. Paree, Jr., Executive Director for Advocacy and Policy.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the inspiring prayer service between Pope Francis and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew this Sunday at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem. These two spiritual leaders of 1.5 billion Christians worldwide are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first historic meeting in Jerusalem between their predecessors: Pope Paul VI and Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras in 1964. Sunday's meeting in the Holy Land serves to recognize mutual respect and admiration between the two churches that was reignited 50 years ago. It is fitting that it takes place at the birthplace of Christianity: Jerusalem. I commend the leadership of Pope Francis and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who both glorify God and demonstrate that Christianity is characterized by love, peace, and compassion.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support policies that will grow our economy. The travel industry employs over 1 million Floridians. Recently, tourism to Florida has resulted in more than $70 billion of revenue, and it has generated nearly $900 billion nationally. I recently introduced the Travel Promotion, Enhancement and Modernization Act, which would extend the activities of Brand USA, a public-private partnership that markets the U.S. as a tourism destination. This will continue to promote job growth in Florida. Florida's trend, however, is not reflected nationwide, unfortunately. Sadly, over 800,000 Americans gave up looking for work in April alone. This should not be the new normal. The House has passed over 40 jobs-related bills that will promote private sector growth. The Brand USA reauthorization is another jobs bill that will get America working again. I urge support to grow our economy.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Operation Helping Hand on its 10th Anniversary. Operation Helping Hand is a labor of love dedicated to providing support for our United States Military active duty personnel who have been injured in military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and are currently being cared for at the James A. Haley VA Hospital in Tampa, Florida. Started in May 2004, Operation Helping Hand is a special initiative of the Tampa Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), which currently has over five hundred members. Operation Helping Hand is governed by five retired officers, one prior enlisted Non-Commissioned Officer, and operated by many dedicated volunteers. In the ten years since its inception, its efforts have assisted hundreds of active duty, recently retired, and wounded heroes and their families. Operation Helping Hand knows that one of the most important aspects of the patients' rehabilitation is having family support during their recovery. That is why it helps facilitate this through a myriad of services such as travel assistance with roundtrip air fare for immediate family members, rental cars for traveling, gas, lodging, and other various arrangements that help connect family members to their loved ones during their rehabilitation. These services would not be possible without the generous contributions and grants from individuals, corporations, and associations, which, through Operation Helping Hand's fundraising efforts, have been able to give well over $1.8 million back to assist our wounded military service-members and their families. Mr. Speaker, for wounded heroes and their families, Operation Helping Hand hosts monthly dinners--many of which I have been privileged to attend--at the James A. Haley VA Hospital. On May 15th, Operation Helping Hand will proudly host its 120th consecutive dinner. Those in regular attendance at the monthly dinners consist of concerned citizens, community leaders, active duty military and military retirees. Deliciously catered dinners are provided by local restaurants that, in conjunction with other local businesses, generously stuff gift bags chock full of useful personal items and gift certificates for the loved ones of wounded veterans. Mr. Speaker, for its incredible charitable work, it is no wonder that Operation Helping Hand has received many accolades from, but not limited to, the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, the United Way of Tampa Bay, and the Mayor's Alliance. Additionally, Operation Helping Hand has been a recipient of the ``Newman's Own'' recognition, the 2010 Governor's Points of Light Award, the Florida Distinguished Service Medal, and the President's Call to Service Award. But, according to Operation Helping Hand, the most valuable and honored recognition comes from the grateful patients and their families once their rehabilitation has been completed. Mr. Speaker, I could not be prouder to have many of these wonderful citizens as constituents. Caring folks like the ones at Operation Helping Hand are what makes America the land of the free and the home of the brave. God bless them, God bless our veterans, and God bless America.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of Autism Awareness Month. April is Autism Awareness Month, and today, April 2, is Autism Awareness Day. Autism is serious. It does not discriminate. People in all racial, socioeconomic, and ethnic groups are impacted. One in 68 children is diagnosed with autism. Let me say it again: one in 68 children. This is a very disturbing statistic. Mr. Speaker, Florida has a lot of great programs and resources for individuals with autism. The Centers for Autism and Related Disabilities, or CARD, all across the State of Florida will be offering resources and awareness month activities. The Partnership for Effective Programs for Students with Autism pairs teachers and schools with a professional from one of the many CARDs across Florida to assist students with autism. This program's motto is to ``provide quality educational programs to students with autism spectrum disorders.'' It is the graciousness and generosity of organizations like these and of the individuals involved with them that help in the fight against autism. It is important to raise awareness. It is important to provide programs to assist children and adults with disorders on the autism spectrum. Ultimately, through groups like these and through public and private partnerships, we can continue to work towards a cure. I am committed to this cause, and I encourage my fellow Members on both sides of the aisle to get involved. This is an issue that truly overcomes partisan lines. The Light It Up Blue campaign draws awareness for autism as well. Today, thousands of businesses and landmarks will be lit blue. Together, we can shine the light on autism.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Speaker, the SGR cuts would reduce doctors' compensation for treating Medicare patients by 24 percent. Seniors and physicians cannot afford that, and Congress cannot let it happen in 5 days. The legislation before us would patch the SGR for a year. I support this legislation--of course, reluctantly. Two weeks ago, the House passed a permanent repeal and replacement of the SGR that was fully paid for. The fix provided certainty for doctors who treat Medicare patients--that is what they need--and it incentivized and rewarded doctors to keep seniors healthy. The Senate needs to negotiate, Mr. Speaker. If they don't like the House pay-for, come up with one. Let's come together and get this done. A patch isn't the best solution. We can replace the SGR, but the Senate has to work with us. Again, let's get this done. Let's work together, and let's get it done for our seniors.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. I rise today, Mr. Speaker, in support of religious liberty. The Affordable Care Act, better known as ObamaCare, forces businesses to provide services like the morning-after pill as part of their health insurance. For businessowners who believe that life begins at conception, this aspect of the ACA violates their religious principles. The First Amendment is sacred to Americans. At the time of its creation, the First Amendment was completely unique. God, not government, gave unalienable rights to women and men, including freedom to practice their religion without interference. No individual should be forced to violate their religious beliefs. Opponents will say that this is restricting access to health care. I disagree. This is about ensuring the integrity of religious freedom for all Americans, regardless of religion. That is a founding American principle.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 193rd 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, Mr. Speaker. I am almost certain that Thomas Jefferson cast an eye across the Atlantic towards Greece when he uttered these words in 1821, when Greece declared their independence: The flames kindled on the 4th of July 1776 have not spread over 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. It is no coincidence that the Feast of Annunciation, a commemoration of the conception of Jesus Christ, was chosen to ignite the action for independence. I am blessed to be of two cultures 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, clutching to the heritage, culture, and 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 in 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--Americans of Greek descent as well--for decades to come owe their ancestors many 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 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 193 years ago, and I am proud to celebrate in memory of those who fought bravely to shed the shackles of the Ottoman Empire. Long live Greece--zito Hellas--and God bless America.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Speaker, I rise today supporting repealing the SGR formula. The SGR cuts would reduce doctors' compensation for treating Medicare patients by 24 percent. H.R. 4015 repeals and replaces SGR with a merit-based incentive payment system--MIPS--that pays doctors based on quality, not volume. Paying doctors based on quality incentivizes physicians to be as efficient and effective as possible in keeping their patients healthy. MIPS is fully paid for by a delay of ObamaCare's individual mandate--a tax on Americans to force them to purchase more expensive health care that doesn't meet their needs. This bill will provide doctors who treat Medicare patients with certainty, incentivize and reward doctors to keep seniors healthy with better care, and provide individuals relief under ObamaCare. Support our seniors, our doctors, and fairness for individuals under ObamaCare. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4015.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this legislation sponsored by my good friend from New York, Congressman Grimm. It will provide relief for homeowners struggling to keep their homes. It will ensure that all participants in the program are treated fairly, and it will eliminate an untenable financial burden during these tough economic times. Some allege this bill will solely benefit the rich in beachside mansions. Middle class retirees and those on fixed incomes are the ones who are suffering from rate increases of $10,000 or more. They are the ones who risk losing their homes. If Congress fails to pass this bill, we will risk destroying all the reforms made to the National Flood Insurance Program. We cannot let the perfect be the enemy of the good. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this commonsense legislation, a solution that addresses a long-term issue and helps people immediately, and I thank Representatives Waters, Cassidy, and Shelley Moore Capito for their leadership on this bill.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of health care choices for our seniors. Nearly 30 percent of all seniors, 15 million Americans, choose Medicare Advantage. Individuals have testified before the Energy and Commerce Committee that Medicare Advantage provides better results than traditional Medicare by embracing free-market principles. Medicare Advantage focuses on preventive care. Before ObamaCare, competition in Medicare Advantage kept costs for beneficiaries low and choices for plans abundant. With ObamaCare, choices will be reduced and costs for seniors, unfortunately, will increase. ObamaCare cuts Medicare by $700 billion. Medicare Advantage has been successful for its enrollees. These cuts will reduce the access seniors have to Medicare Advantage. This is unacceptable as far as I am concerned. Medicare Advantage should be touted. Instead, seniors are facing an on-average 13 percent rate cut in 2014, compared to 2013. We should not be penalizing seniors and reducing their access to health care to pay for others. Medicare Advantage is a successful program, and Congress should protect it from being gutted by the Obama administration and the Affordable Care Act.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. I rise to congratulate Saint Leo University in Pasco County on their 125th anniversary. Back in 1889, Saint Leo was first founded as a college by the Benedictine Monks and was the first Catholic college in Florida. The Florida legislature granted their charter on June 4, 1889. Saint Leo opened their doors in 1890 and started with a first class of 32 students. They focused on establishing a liberal arts education curriculum. From its humble beginnings, Saint Leo College grew and in 1999 Saint Leo College became Saint Leo University. Today, Saint Leo University serves over 16,000 students with students from all 50 States, the District of Columbia and more than 60 countries. Saint Leo University has been a longtime supporter of our Nation's active duty soldiers. In 1973, Saint Leo began offering degree programs on military bases. Saint Leo today is one of the largest providers of higher education to active duty military with an extensive online program. GI Jobs & Military Advanced Education magazine recognized Saint Leo University as one of the Nation's most military-friendly institutions. I want to congratulate Saint Leo University for its service to our community during the past 125 years and look forward to it being around for another 125 years. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Florida, Chairman Miller, for all of his good work on behalf of our true American heroes, and I also want to thank the ranking member for his good work on behalf of this particular bill and all of its provisions. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 357, the GI Bill Tuition Fairness Act of 2013. This is an important package of veterans' legislation, of which I am a cosponsor, that works to increase access for our Nation's heroes and the benefits they have earned through their service to our country. In particular, I want to highlight three sections of this legislation that I am very proud to support. H.R. 357 will make informed changes to the GI Bill program that will allow States to jump-start the process to provide instate tuition to veterans. The bill would require that in order for an educational institution to receive GI Bill funding, they must offer instate tuition to veterans, regardless of the veteran's residency. That is the least we can do. And I really appreciate the chair sponsoring this provision. Mr. Speaker, our members of the armed services are not given options as to where they will reside. They move according to the needs of the military. It is only fitting that, when these veterans use their earned benefits, they are not penalized because of residency requirements that they have no control over. H.R. 357 also provides an extension of the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program, also originally sponsored by our chair. This important program offers 12 months of training assistance to unemployed veterans between the ages of 35 and 60. Again, it is the least we can do. During these difficult economic times, it is important that we do everything we can to assist our veterans in their job search and retraining efforts. I also want to commend the chairman for another provision, and it is the VA's patients' privacy act. And, of course, we need to give our veterans the privacy that they so deserve, as patients. I would like to urge all our Members to support this great bill.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. I must say, Madam Chair, you are doing an outstanding job chairing this committee. Thank you for your help on this bill. I also want to thank Mr. Payne. Your father would be very proud of you today. He was a good friend of mine. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1791, the Medical Preparedness Allowable Use Act, which amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to make it clear that grant funds under the State Homeland Security Grant Program and the Urban Area Security Initiative may be used to enhance medical preparedness and purchase medical countermeasures. I originally introduced the Medical Preparedness Allowable Use Act in 2012 after a series of hearings on medical countermeasures in the Committee on Homeland Security's Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications. At these hearings, we received testimony from representatives of the emergency response community on the importance of stockpiling medical countermeasures in the event of a WMD attack. This includes pre- deployed medical kits for first responders and their families similar to those provided to postal workers participating in the national U.S. Postal Medical Countermeasures Dispensing Pilot Program. The grant guidance for the State Homeland Security Grant Program and the Urban Area Security Initiative currently permits this funding to be used to procure medical countermeasures and for other medical preparedness and medical surge capacity equipment and activities. However, this guidance is developed on an annual basis, as our chair said, and there is no guarantee that these uses will be authorized in the future. That is why this bill is so very important. To be clear, no new funding is authorized in this bill. However, these expenditures authorized and codified by the bill we are considering today can make a big difference in the protection of the public, including emergency responders, in the event of an attack, and there should be no doubt that grant funding may be used to support them now and in the future. As the former chairman of the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications, I consistently find myself in awe of our first responders and the sacrifices that they make for the public. In the wake of events such as Hurricane Sandy, I am committed to ensuring Congress does all that it can to support those brave men and women. I am pleased that this legislation is supported by the Emergency Services Coalition on Medical Preparedness, which works to ensure that we ``protect the protectors,'' and other agencies as well. I also thank the ranking member for adding that great amendment because we must protect our children as well. I thank and commend, of course, Representative Susan Brooks, our chair, for her assistance with this bill and for her willingness to join me as an original cosponsor. I urge all Members to support this great, very important bill.