Gus Bilirakis

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I have no additional speakers, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I encourage a ``yes'' vote on this particular bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1767) to require the Consumer Product Safety Commission to promulgate a mandatory consumer product safety standard with respect to retractable awnings.

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 extraneous material in the Record on this particular bill.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1767, the Awning Safety Act of 2025, led by my good friend, Representative Balderson. This legislation directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to establish a consumer product safety standard for retractable awnings to help prevent serious injuries and deaths. Motorized awnings pose a known hazard to the public, so the CPSC issued a recall covering 270,000 units following reports of injuries and one tragic death unfortunately. These preventable incidents occur when the tie-downs on the awning unexpectedly release, causing the awning to strike the consumer. Coming from the State of Florida, I know how important this is, and I know how popular awnings are, but they have to be safe for consumers. Consumers should not have to fear that their awning might suddenly spring open and cause harm. This bill will make sure they won't have that problem. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this particular bill. I commend the primary sponsor, my good friend, Mr. Balderson, from the great State of Ohio. H.R. 1767 should be passed by this body and sent over to the Senate. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Balderson).

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support this particular piece of legislation in memory of Dr. Michael Hnat, a cherished part of the Energy and Commerce Committee family, who tragically lost his life, as has been said, in an awning accident. I thank his family for joining us here today. Mr. Speaker, let's pass this good bill in his memory, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1664) to direct the Secretary of Commerce to take actions necessary and appropriate to promote the competitiveness of the United States related to the deployment, use, application, and competitiveness of blockchain technology or other distributed ledger technology, and for other purposes, as amended.

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 extraneous material in the Record on this particular bill.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1664, the Deploying American Blockchains Act of 2025, championed by my good friend and fellow Florida Gator, Representative Cammack. This legislation directs the Secretary of Commerce to take the necessary actions to promote the competitiveness of the United States in the development and application of blockchain technology. Blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize industries by enhancing security, transparency, and efficiency. Whether it is used as a privacy enhancement technology, a supply chain management tool, or as a method to provide a secure ledger to enhance data security, blockchain can usher in a new era in American technological leadership. By fostering innovation and establishing best practices, this bill positions the United States as a leader in blockchain technology, driving economic growth and technological advancement. I urge my colleagues to join me in passing this very good bill primarily sponsored by my good friend Mrs. Cammack from the State of Florida. Let's get this done. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Cammack), one of the most hardworking Members of Congress and my good friend.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I encourage a ``yes'' vote on this particular bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1520) to prohibit discrimination on the basis of mental or physical disability in cases of organ transplants.

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 extraneous material in the Record on this particular bill.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1520, the Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act led by my good friend Mrs. Cammack. She is on a roll. This legislation prohibits healthcare providers and other entities from denying an individual's access to organ transplants based solely on the basis of an individual's disability. According to the National Council on Disability, such denials are usually based on assumptions regarding the patient's quality of life and misinterpretations surrounding the ability for these individuals to comply with postoperative care. Though existing Federal laws prohibit organ transplant centers from discriminating on the basis of disability, there is limited enforcement and a lack of Federal guidance to ensure patients are protected. No one should be denied access to an organ transplant just because they have a disability. H.R. 1520 clarifies that individuals with disabilities shall not be denied an organ transplant or related services based solely on the individual's disability and includes an expedited review and enforcement mechanism through the Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Civil Rights. This is a must-pass bill. We must protect individuals, our constituents, and in some cases family members, with disabilities. They should not be discriminated against. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in voting in favor of H.R. 1520, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Cammack).

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Carter), the chairman of the Health Subcommittee under the Energy and Commerce Committee.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close. Mr. Speaker, there is no cost. There is no cost to this particular bill, and it is necessary. Mr. Speaker, the bottom line is that you cannot put a price on the value of life. As a matter of fact, no one should determine a person's quality of life, as far as I am concerned. God bless Charlotte for advocating on behalf of this bill and, of course, my good friends Mrs. Cammack and Mrs. Dingell. We have to get this done. Time is of the essence. Mr. Speaker, it is a responsible thing to do, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1082) to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a national, evidence-based education campaign to increase public and health care provider awareness regarding the potential risks and benefits of human cell and tissue products transplants, and for other purposes.

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

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1082, the Shandra Eisenga Human Cell and Tissue Product Safety Act, led by my good friend Chairman Moolenaar from the great State of Michigan. This bill was borne out of a heartbreaking tragedy that we hope will never be repeated again. In 2023, a Michigan constituent died from tuberculosis caused by a contaminated bone graft. This bill would require the HHS Secretary to conduct a national educational campaign to increase public and healthcare provider awareness regarding the risks and benefits of human cell and tissue transplants. It would also require FDA to streamline the regulatory oversight of these particular products, including by publishing educational materials and best practices and by conducting workshops and public stakeholder sessions. Ultimately, H.R. 1082 will increase public awareness, patient safety, and public trust in these lifesaving medical products to help ensure that preventable tragedies, like the unfortunate death of Ms. Eisenga, do not ever occur again. This bill passed the House unanimously last December, and I look forward to its timely passage once again so that we can get it to the Senate. Mr. Speaker, let's pass this very critical bill, H.R. 1082, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Moolenaar), my good friend and the chairman of the select committee on China. I am very proud to serve under his leadership.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I encourage a ``yes'' vote on this particular piece of legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to rise today to recognize Mr. Gary Steele for his service at Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative (WREC) and his remarkable role in the Light Up Navajo Project. In May, a courageous team of 16 WREC employees traveled over 1,800 miles to the remote, rugged terrains of Arizona and New Mexico, where they spent two weeks installing vital electrical infrastructure for Navajo families who have lived without power for generations. Their efforts brought light, safety, and hope to communities long overlooked, allowing children to study after dark, families to preserve food, and elders to live with greater comfort. Despite daunting challenges and limited equipment, the WREC team completed a demanding project in just eight days--far ahead of expectations--demonstrating professionalism, humility, and unwavering commitment to this life-changing mission. The impact of WREC's work goes far beyond electricity; it represents a bridge to connection, opportunity, and the return of future generations to their ancestral homes. The emotional moment when power was turned on for the impacted families--bringing tears of joy and renewed hope--is a testament to the profound difference this project made. WREC's participation in the ``Light Up Navajo'' initiative reflects not only their technical expertise but also their heart and respect for the people they serve. Their dedication has energized ten homesteads and countless lives, creating a legacy of service that embodies the true spirit of cooperative values. The WREC team's journey inspires us all, proving that with compassion and teamwork, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome to light up lives and communities. I commend the entire team for their efforts on this worthwhile endeavor and for their ongoing service to our local community.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to rise today to recognize Mr. Patrick Sullivan for his service at Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative (WREC) and his remarkable role in the Light Up Navajo Project. In May, a courageous team of 16 WREC employees traveled over 1,800 miles to the remote, rugged terrains of Arizona and New Mexico, where they spent two weeks installing vital electrical infrastructure for Navajo families who have lived without power for generations. Their efforts brought light, safety, and hope to communities long overlooked, allowing children to study after dark, families to preserve food, and elders to live with greater comfort. Despite daunting challenges and limited equipment, the WREC team completed a demanding project in just eight days--far ahead of expectations--demonstrating professionalism, humility, and unwavering commitment to this life-changing mission. The impact of WREC's work goes far beyond electricity; it represents a bridge to connection, opportunity, and the return of future generations to their ancestral homes. The emotional moment when power was turned on for the impacted families--bringing tears of joy and renewed hope--is a testament to the profound difference this project made. WREC's participation in the ``Light Up Navajo'' initiative reflects not only their technical expertise but also their heart and respect for the people they serve. Their dedication has energized ten homesteads and countless lives, creating a legacy of service that embodies the true spirit of cooperative values. The WREC team's journey inspires us all, proving that with compassion and teamwork even the most daunting challenges can be overcome to light up lives and communities. I commend the entire team for their efforts on this worthwhile endeavor and for their ongoing service to our local community.