Gus Bilirakis

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. I support repealing the misnamed Affordable Care Act because it is a law that Americans cannot afford. A recent report from the Energy and Commerce Committee shows that health insurance premiums for small businesses could rise by an astonishing 400 percent. For my home State of Florida, the report notes that individuals enrolled in some current plans could see increases of over 100 percent. In the small group market, we expect to see increases as well. This law is not affordable for individuals or small businesses. The health law tries to hide these new costs through subsidies and tax credits paid for through new taxes and cuts to Medicare. We need to repeal this job-crushing, premium-rising, government- expanding law. I am proud to be a cosponsor of H.R. 45, and I support repealing this unaffordable act.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, with Orthodox Christians across the world observing Holy Week next week, it is only fitting that today we remember a time in history that tested the will and character of the Armenian people. Like the earliest Christians, the Armenians proved themselves not only survivors of persecution, but also masters of their destinies. I have been a strong supporter of Armenia and of the Armenia Genocide resolution, which recognizes the massacre of 1.5 million innocent Armenian men, women and children at the hands of the Ottoman Empire as genocide. These atrocities should not be ignored whether they took place in the early 20th century by the Ottomans, the mid-20th century by the Third Reich, or now with the ongoing violence in the Nuba Mountains and Burma. Genocide is a scourge on the human race and must be acknowledged as such. As we continue to seek the truth, a final acknowledgement of the horrific events that took place so long ago, I will always stand in solidarity with the Armenian people.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, today I introduced legislation to prevent illegal immigrants from claiming the refundable portion of the child tax credit. The refundable child tax credit provides cash payment to low-income families who pay no income tax. The program was intended to be an additional cash benefit for families who receive the earned- income tax credit. While administered through the tax code, it is a means-tested welfare expenditure. Since Social Security numbers are issued only to those who have the legal right to work in the United States, illegal immigrants use Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs), which are issued by the IRS regardless of legal status. ITINs allow a person to file a tax return and thus claim the tax credit. The Internal Revenue Service's (IRS's) Certifying Agent Program, which allows a person to apply for an ITIN on behalf of an individual with no verification of their immigration status, has compounded the abuse of ITINs for fraudulent tax claims. With no verification of a person's status on their tax return or at the issuance of an ITIN, the system has a significant fault, which allows taxpayer dollars to go to those who are not eligible. The Treasury Department's Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) has reported that illegal immigrants claimed $4.2 billion through this child tax credit in 2010. With the federal government borrowing heavily to finance deficits of nearly $1 trillion, we need to ensure federal benefits are only going to law-abiding citizens. We must take steps to solve this waste of taxpayer money by ending this gap in the tax code. If enacted, this legislation would require those claiming the tax credit to list their social security number or other proof of lawful immigration status on their tax return. It would also require the IRS to verify the proper documentation before issuing ITINs. The TIGTA has estimated this legislation would reduce federal spending by $8.4 billion over two years. At a time when the federal government is operating under significant deficits, we must ensure scarce taxpayer dollars are used responsibly. Allowing them to go to those who are in this country illegally is grossly irresponsible. This simple and common sense measure will ensure better accountability to all taxpayers, while also saving money. In short, this legislation will ensure this welfare program is only available to its intended recipients, ensuring those who follow the law can continue to receive this assistance. I look forward to working with my colleagues to move this legislation through Congress.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the heroic efforts of a constituent of mine, Mr. Jim Flaherty. An Army veteran, who served over twenty years with the New York Police Department, Mr. Flaherty was driving to his job with the TSA at Tampa International Airport in the early morning hours on March 13th, 2013. He was passed by a speeding car and, minutes later, Mr. Flaherty watched that same car crash into the woods by the side of the road and catch on fire. Mr. Flaherty stopped his car and, without concern for his own well- being, ran to aid the victim who was unable to escape on her own due to her injuries and the driver's door unable to be opened due to the accident. Along with another passerby, Mr. Flaherty proceeded to pull her out of the passenger-side of the burning vehicle. When it was clear that the injured woman was unable to walk, the two men carried her to safety before the car was consumed by fire. They stayed with her until local first responders arrived on scene. Mr. Flaherty then selflessly continued onto work, demonstrating his commitment to helping others and his official duties. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Flaherty's heroic actions are an example of the best in humanity that all of us should strive for. I applaud his actions and thank him for the bravery that he exhibited that day.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, April 9th, 2013, I missed rollcall vote numbers 90, 91, and 92 for unavoidable reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: Rollcall no. 90: ``yea'' (On motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 254, to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to facilitate the development of hydroelectric power on the Diamon Fork System of the Central Utah Project.) Rollcall no. 91: ``nay'' (On motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 1033, to authorize the acquisition and protection of nationally significant battlefields and associated sites of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 under the American Battlefield Protection Program.) Rollcall no. 92: ``yea'' (On approving the Journal.)

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the Anthony Telesca Foundation for selflessly working to improve the safety of communities in Florida by promoting safe driving habits to Florida's teenagers. The organization helps to educate and encourage teenagers to drive safely by hosting safety awareness functions with local high schools and law enforcement officials. In December 2002, 16-year-old Anthony Joseph Telesca passed away as the result of a reckless driving incident. As a result of this unfortunate and tragic incident, the Anthony Telesca Foundation was created to work with local high school and law enforcement officials to increase driver safety awareness among teenagers. The Foundation also provides scholarships and philanthropic support in order to meet its mission of preventing reckless teenage driving and driving accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Among other activities, the Foundation has hosted events with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office and high schools in northern Pinellas County, Florida, which I represent, to reward teenagers who have been observed practicing safe driving habits. Educating and rewarding teenagers to drive safe has helped to prevent needless motor accidents from occurring. Mr. Speaker, in the decade since the unfortunate passing of Anthony Telesca, the foundation that was established in his honor has represented the best of the human spirit, and the organization has become a shining example of how to turn an unfortunate tragedy into something meaningful. The Anthony Telesca Foundation's humanitarian efforts and successes exemplify the strength and compassion within people, and I commend them for their contributions.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of a great American and a dear friend, Mr. Andy Athens, who passed away last week at the age of 91. Since coming to Congress, Andy's counsel and wisdom have been invaluable to me in my role as cochair of the Hellenic Caucus. His presence will be greatly missed by my colleagues and me on Capitol Hill. Andy was a veteran of World War II, the chairman of Metron Steel, the first and longest tenured president of the World Council of Hellenes Abroad, and the founder of Orthodox Christian Charities. Andy's contributions to the Greek Orthodox Church must also not be overlooked. He was a tireless advocate for the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and his devotion was an inspiration for all of us in the Orthodox Church. He was truly an example of how Christ instructed us to live. Mr. Speaker, the Hellenic and Orthodox communities have lost an unparalleled leader, but we can rest assured his dedication and love for America, Greece, Cyprus, and the Orthodox Church will continue in the many lives he touched. May his memory be eternal.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor and commemorate the 192nd anniversary of Greek Independence Day. Like the American revolutionaries who fought for independence and established this great Republic we call the land of the free and the home of the brave, Greek freedom fighters similarly began an arduous struggle to win independence for Greece and its people 192 years ago on March 25. The Greeks faced four centuries of Ottoman oppression, a David versus Goliath situation, if you will. Beginning their revolution on March 25 was no coincidence. This was the holy day dedicated to the mother of God, Theotokos; and as such, they had their champion, their savior, and their protector by their side. As Archbishop Germanos of Patras raised the flag of revolution over the Monastery of Agia Lavra in the Peloponnese, ``Eleftheria i Thanatos''--Liberty or Death--became their battle cry. As is true in our own country, the price of freedom was great, with brave men and women fighting for God and country in the hope of a better world for future generations. Our Greek brothers sacrificed much for their independence, and there are many stories which I could share to demonstrate the heroism they exhibited. Most Greeks will remember that of Athanasios Diakos, legendary hero, priest, patriot, and soldier who led 500 of his men in a notable stand against 8,000 Ottoman Turk soldiers. While Diakos' men were wiped out and he fell to enemy hands which tortured him before his death, he became the image for Greeks to give all for love of faith and homeland. May his memory be eternal, Mr. Speaker. The revolution brought independence to Greece and emboldened those who still sought freedom across the world. It proved a united people, through sheer will and perseverance, can prevail against tyranny. And it is a sentiment which can still be found among Greeks today. Greek soldiers served alongside Americans in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. They've always been our allies, Mr. Speaker, and continue to be today. This week, the joint naval exercise Noble Dina is expected to conclude. And for the 3rd year, the navies representing the United States, Greece, and Israel have come together to engage in maritime evacuations and search and rescue drills, a symbol of the ongoing and growing friendships between the countries. The lessons the Greeks taught us in 1821 continue to provide strength to victims of persecution throughout the world today. By honoring the Greek struggle for independence, we reaffirm the values and ideas that make America great. Each time I perform my constitutional duties, I am doing so in the legacy of our American forefathers and the ancient Greeks. As Thomas Jefferson once said, ``To the ancient Greeks, we are all indebted for the light which led ourselves, American colonists, out of gothic darkness.'' We celebrate Greek Independence Day 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 great nations. Zito i Ellas. Long live Greece.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, March 14th, 2013, I missed rollcall vote number 70 for unavoidable reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: Rollcall No. 70: ``yea'' (On ordering the previous question.)

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I introduced today legislation that would prevent the payment of unemployment compensation to individuals fired for drug or alcohol use. Under current federal law, employees who are terminated by their employer for ``misconduct'' cannot collect unemployment compensation. However, since federal law does not clearly define misconduct, each state must develop its own definition. Consequently, more than one-third of states do not currently have a provision to prevent these individuals from receiving benefits, which are funded using scarce taxpayer dollars. These differing standards allow for lax treatment of these individuals when they apply for unemployment insurance benefits. We must take steps to ensure that a fair and equitable standard is in place for unemployment insurance eligibility. This commonsense legislation would strengthen the unemployment compensation system; ensuring benefits go to those who have lost their job for reasons outside their control. Under this legislation, individuals fired for drug or alcohol use in connection with work would also be required to secure new employment and meet state criteria before becoming eligible for unemployment compensation again. However, it would not require the recipient to undergo drug testing to receive unemployment compensation benefits. At a time when state and federal resources are strained, rewarding individuals who willfully violate the law and workplace policies is fiscally irresponsible and unfair to law-abiding citizens. In short, this legislation would create a fair and equitable standard, which not only protects the taxpayer, but also ensures displaced employees who do follow the law and workplace policies can continue to receive this assistance. I look forward to working with my colleagues to move this legislation through Congress.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Thank you, Mr. Messer, and I appreciate you introducing this very good bill. Mr. Speaker, Washington continues to spend money we don't have. As we all know, the Federal Government borrows nearly 46 cents on the dollar, much of it from China, and we are sending the tab to our children and our grandchildren. What a shame. Across America, working families have had to tighten their belts, and it is past time for Washington to do the same. That's the bottom line. Ignoring runaway deficits and out-of-control spending is not an option. With a national debt of more than $16 trillion, Mr. Speaker, every American now has a $52,000 share. We must control spending so Washington will not saddle future generations with burdensome debts that crowd out the private sector and lead to increased taxes and higher interest rates. The lack of fiscal discipline and the rising costs of the Federal debt have created a dangerous combination, necessitating action to prevent Washington from dipping into the bottomless cookie jar. This legislation before us would simply require the President's budget submission to provide an estimate of the cost per taxpayer of the deficit the budget would run. This commonsense legislation forces us to face this fiscal danger with eyes wide open. I support this good bill, this effort by my colleague, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. I couldn't have said it better myself, Dr. Gingrey. Again, I have constituents in Florida, and it's above 20 percent in my district and closer to 40 percent, who have chosen Medicare Advantage. It's all about choices, as far as I'm concerned. If I want to get hearing aids, if I want to get a gym membership or eyeglasses, I should have the choice to choose my plan. It works so very well in our area, and we want to continue to give seniors that choice. I want to thank you guys. My father, as you referenced, worked so many years to fix this SGR, and I'm very proud now to serve on the Health Committee to contribute. But I appreciate the two doctors here and all the doctors who have really sacrificed to run for Congress and do what's good for our people, patients. Treating patients is what it's all about. So thank you very much for allowing me to participate.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Thank you, I appreciate it, Dr. Gingrey. Thank you, Dr. Roe, I appreciate it. Thanks for bringing up and sponsoring this Special Order that is so very important to our constituents. Thank you for informing them. This is a very, very serious issue. We must repeal this SGR and replace it. Again, since coming to Congress more than 6 years ago, doctors in my district have consistently stressed the unsustainability of the SGR and how it impedes them from developing long-term business models. Each year, Congress has implemented, of course, a temporary stopgap measure to avert the payment cliff, but the doctors have to have certainty. Again, we have a shortage of doctors in the State of Florida, and it's only going to get worse. We must repeal this SGR and replace it. It has led to uncertainty for medical providers, again, as I said, which threatens patient care. Again, access to care is what it's all about. I'm glad that the chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, of course, Chairman Upton, has made this a top priority in fixing, again, the SGR. Again, not only is the uncertainty associated with reimbursement rates impacting physician practices; it also impacts how the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services plans to update Medicare Advantage rates for 2014. That's a huge issue. I know that the seniors in my district love their Medicare Advantage. Even though, year after year, Congress has not only allowed the devastating SGR cuts to take effect, CMS is assuming these cuts will take place as it determines the Medicare Advantage adjustment. So in other words, we always fix it at the end of the year, but they're assuming that the cuts will take place. I worry this will result in reduced benefits and increased premiums for the many seniors who like--really love--their Medicare Advantage.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 101 inventors who were recently recognized at the University of South Florida in Tampa and inducted as the 2012 National Academy of Inventors' Charter Fellows by the United States Commissioner of Patents, Margaret A. Focarino. In order to be named as a Charter Fellow, these men and women were nominated by their peers and have undergone the scrutiny of the NAI Selection Committee, having had their innovations deemed as making significant impact on quality of life, economic development, and welfare of society. Collectively, this elite group holds more than 3,200 patents. The individuals making up this year's class of Charter Fellows include individuals from 56 research universities and non-profit research institutes spanning not just the United States but also the world. This group of inductees touts eight Nobel Laureates, 14 presidents of research universities and non-profit research institutes, 53 members of the National Academies, 11 inductees of the National Inventors Hall of Fame, two Fellows of the Royal Society, five recipients of the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, four recipients of the National Medal of Science, and 31 AAAS Fellows, among other major awards and distinctions. The contributions made to society through innovation are immeasurable. I commend these individuals, and the organizations that support them, for the work that they do to revolutionize the world we live in. As the following inventors are inducted, may it encourage future innovators to strive to meet this high honor and continue the spirit of innovation. The 2012 NAI Charter Fellows include: Dharma P. Agrawal, University of Cincinnati; Anthony Atala, Wake Forest University; Benton F. Baugh, University of Houston; Khosrow Behbehani, University of Texas at Arlington; Raymond J. Bergeron, University of Florida; Gerardine G. Botte, Ohio University; Robert H. Brown, Jr., University of Massachusetts Medical Center; Robert L. Byer, Stanford University; Sir Roy Calne, University of Cambridge; Curtis R. Carlson, SRI International. Nai Yuen Chen, University of Texas at Arlington; Stephen Z. D. Cheng, The University of Akron; Paul C. W. Chu, University of Houston; James J. Collins, Boston University; James G. Conley, Northwestern University; Joseph T. Coyle, Harvard University; James E. Dahlberg, University of Wisconsin- Madison; Roger J. Davis, University of Massachusetts Medical Center; Sandra J. F. Degen, University of Cincinnati; Hector F. DeLuca, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Donn M. Dennis, University of Florida; Akira Endo, Tokyo University of Agriculture & Technology; Howard J. Federoff, Georgetown University; Thomas J. Fogarty, Fogarty Institute for Innovation; Kenneth M. Ford, Institute for Human & Machine Cognition; Eric R. Fossum, Dartmouth College; Robert C. Gallo, University of Maryland; Alan N. Gent, The University of Akron; Morteza Gharib, California Institute of Technology; Ivar Giaever, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Barbara A. Gilchrest, Boston University; Richard D. Gitlin, University of South Florida; Leonid B. Glebov, University of Central Florida; D. Yogi Goswami, University of South Florida; Mark W. Grinstaff, Boston University; Greg Hampikian, Boise State University; Barbara C. Hansen, University of South Florida; Patrick T. Harker, University of Delaware; Martin E. Hellman, Stanford University; Nick Holonyak, Jr., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Leroy E. Hood, Institute for Systems Biology; Richard A. Houghten, Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies; Ernest B. Izevbigie, Jackson State University; Stephen C. Jacobsen, University of Utah; Eric W. Kaler, University of Minnesota; Linda P. B. Katehi, University of California, Davis; Joseph P. Kennedy, The University of Akron; Sakhrat Khizroev, Florida International University; Sung Wan Kim, University of Utah; George V. Kondraske, University of Texas at Arlington. John J. Kopchick, Ohio University; Roger D. Kornberg, Stanford University; Max G. Lagally, University of Wisconsin- Madison; Robert S. Langer, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Brian A. Larkins, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Victor B. Lawrence, Stevens Institute of Technology; Virginia M.-Y. Lee, University of Pennsylvania; Jean-Marie Pierre Lehn, University of Strasbourg; Shinn-Zong Lin, China Medical University; Thomas A. Lipo, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Barbara H. Liskov, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Alan F. List, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute; R. Bowen Loftin, Texas A&M University; Dan Luss, University of Houston; Robert Magnusson, University of Texas at Arlington; Richard B. Marchase, University of Alabama at Birmingham; Stephen W. S. McKeever, Oklahoma State University; Craig C. Mello, University of Massachusetts Medical Center; Shyam Mohapatra, University of South Florida; Theodore D. Moustakas, Boston University. George R. Newkome, The University of Akron; C. L. Max Nikias, University of Southern California; David P. Norton, University of Florida; Julio C. Palmaz, U. of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio; Thomas N. Parks, University of Utah; C. Kumar N. Patel, University of California, Los Angeles; Prem S. Paul, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; David W. Pershing, University of Utah; G. P. Peterson, Georgia Institute of Technology; Leonard Polizzotto, Draper Laboratory. Huntington Potter, University of Colorado Denver; Paul R. Sanberg, University of South Florida; Timothy D. Sands, Purdue University; Raymond F. Schinazi, Emory University; Dean L. Sicking, University of Alabama at Birmingham; Oliver Smithies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Solomon H. Snyder, Johns Hopkins University; Franky So, University of Florida; M. J. Soileau, University of Central Florida; Nan-Yao Su, University of Florida. Jack W. Szostak, Harvard University; Esther Sans Takeuchi, Stony Brook University; H. Holden Thorp, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Charles H. Townes, University of California, Berkeley; John Q. Trojanowski, University of Pennsylvania; Roger Y. Tsien, University of California, San Diego; James L. Van Etten, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; James W. Wagner, Emory University; John E. Ware, Jr., University of Massachusetts Medical Center; Herbert Weissbach, Florida Atlantic University; Shin-Tson Wu, University of Central Florida.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, February 26, 2013, I missed rollcall votes 48, 49, and 50 for unavoidable reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: Rollcall No. 48: ``nay'' (On motion to adjourn.); Rollcall No. 49: ``yea'' (On motion to suspend the rules and pass H. Res. 77, the Academic Competition Resolution of 2013.); Rollcall No. 50: ``yea'' (On approving the Journal).

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, February 25, 2013, I missed rollcall votes 46 and 47 for unavoidable reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: rollcall No. 46: ``yea'' (Approval of the Journal); rollcall No. 47: ``yea'' (On motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 667, to redesignate the Dryden Flight Research Center as the Neil A. Armstrong Flight Research Center and the Western Aeronautical Test Range as the Hugh L. Dryden Aeronautical Test Range.)

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Rotary International for selflessly working for 108 years to improve communities around the world and to recognize the Rotary Clubs of the State of Florida for the important work they do in our communities. The organization's motto of ``Service Above Self'' inspires its members to provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards, and promote good will and peace in the world. Founded in 1905, Rotary International has become one of the world's largest non-profit service organizations. In my home State of Florida, there are nearly 400 Rotary clubs throughout 8 Rotary districts. These clubs represent thousands of Floridians who actively sponsor service projects throughout the State and internationally. Through their charitable spirit, these clubs provide solutions to problems impacting society, including poverty, hunger, illiteracy, and more. Since its founding, Rotary has contributed more than one billion dollars and countless volunteer hours in the fight to eradicate polio. Last year alone, the organization raised more than $200 million for global polio eradication. Rotary is also the world's largest privately-funded source of international scholarships. Annually, more than 7,000 secondary school students are able to study abroad through the organization's Youth Exchange Programs. Mr. Speaker, for more than 100 years, Rotary International has represented the best of the human spirit, and the organization and its State and local chapters have become pillars in their communities. Their humanitarian efforts and successes exemplify the strength of compassion, and I commend them for their contributions.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Thank you, Madam Chairwoman. I appreciate it very much. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 6649, the Naval Vessel Transfer Act of 2012. As part of this legislation before us, the United States would transfer two Oliver Hazard Perry class guided missile frigates to the Government of Turkey. I have serious concerns, and I oppose this military transfer, Mr. Speaker, because the Turkish navy, as recently as last year, held naval live-fire exercises in the eastern Mediterranean. These provocative exercises took place near the natural gas fields of Israel and the Republic of Cyprus and threatened to disrupt peaceful and productive economic activity. Instead, Mr. Speaker, it is my hope that, in the eastern Mediterranean, Congress will continue to work to foster the relationships between the United States, Greece, Israel, and Cyprus in order to promote and foster issues of mutual, economic, and diplomatic importance. For those reasons, Mr. Speaker, I oppose the bill.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers. Does the gentlelady have further speakers?

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, what I'd like to do is I'll reserve the balance of my time, and then I'll close once the gentlelady does.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to support this commonsense piece of legislation and that the President promptly sign it into law. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 6328) to amend title 49, United States Code, to direct the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration) to transfer unclaimed clothing recovered at airport security checkpoints to local veterans organizations and other local charitable organizations, and for other purposes.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include any extraneous material on this bill under consideration.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of S. 3202, the Dignified Burial of Veterans Act. I appreciate my colleagues' diligence in moving this language through the Senate, and I am grateful for the work they have done on behalf of our veterans. I would also like to thank my good friend and fellow Floridian, Chairman Jeff Miller, and Ranking Member Bob Filner for the work they have done this Congress to improve the quality of services for our veterans--our true American heroes. This truly bipartisan piece of legislation incorporates language similar to H.R. 6073, which is legislation that I introduced in the House after learning that Private Lawrence Davis, Jr., a World War II veteran, had been buried in a cardboard box in a veterans cemetery not far from my district. This legislation ensures that veterans with no next of kin and insufficient funds for proper and dignified burials will receive assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Our Nation's heroes deserve to be buried in the same way they served our great Nation--with dignity, honor, and respect. Private Davis deserved better. While we cannot go back and rewrite what has already happened, we can ensure that it doesn't happen again. This legislation is the right thing to do; and in the final hours of this Congress, I am very pleased that this Chamber is taking action on this important piece of legislation. Again, I urge the passage of S. 3202.