Congressman Gus Bilirakis

10/07/2026

The VA's recent policy announcement strengthening informed consent practices is an important step forward and advances several objectives of my bipartisan Written Informed Consent Act (H.R. 4837). Veterans deserve full transparency about the medications they are prescribed, including potential risks and alternatives, so they can make informed decisions about their health. I’m encouraged that our legislation helped spur action by the VA, but there is still more work to do. I continue to believe signed, informed consent should be required for all medication categories covered by our bill, and I will keep working to ensure Veterans receive the information and protections they deserve.

10/07/2026

Aripeka residents have waited far too long for a solution. I have been engaged with USPS since the hurricanes, pushing for answers and reliable mail service for this community. Their response to date has been unacceptable. Two years later, residents are still forced to travel to Hudson to retrieve their mail. They deserve a concrete plan and timely action. I will not stop pushing USPS for a solution that enables my constituents to have their mail delivered in Aripeka. This community deserves better.

Aripeka residents are growing tired of the 14-mile trip to retrieve their mail in Hudson.

10/06/2026

In my conversations with colleagues and the Administration, I’ve consistently advocated for relief that puts money directly into seniors’ hands instead of benefiting Big Pharma. I’ve also introduced legislation to help deliver meaningful relief from prescription drug costs. That’s why I’m encouraged by the Administration’s announcement that eligible Medicare beneficiaries will receive a one-time $90 payment to help offset their Part B premiums, with most payments delivered by direct deposit. This is a welcome step toward easing the financial burden on seniors, and I’ll continue fighting to make health care and prescription drugs more affordable for those living on fixed incomes.

Medicare Improvement Fund Premium RebateFrequently Asked Questions Q: What will the Medicare Improvement Fund do for Medicare beneficiaries?

10/06/2026

Seniors who have earned Medicare deserve reliable access to high-quality health care - regardless of where they live. Medicare Advantage plays a critical role in delivering care to seniors across Puerto Rico, yet longstanding disparities in the program can threaten the stability and access beneficiaries and providers depend on. That’s why I’m proud to join Representatives Raul Ruiz and Darren Soto in reintroducing the bipartisan Puerto Rico Medicare Advantage Fairness Act. Our bill will help address these disparities, strengthen access to care, and provide greater stability for Puerto Rico’s seniors and the doctors and health care providers who serve them. Where you live should never determine whether you can access the Medicare benefits you’ve earned.

10/05/2026

Medicare and Medicaid fraud doesn’t just waste taxpayer dollars - it drains critical resources from the seniors, children, expectant mothers, and Americans with disabilities who rely on these programs. Our Energy & Commerce Committee investigation uncovered serious vulnerabilities that fraudsters are exploiting. That’s why I’m proud to co-sponsor this important program integrity package, which includes my bipartisan Medicaid RAC Improvement Act. My bill strengthens oversight of state Medicaid Recovery Audit Contractor programs, improves transparency and accountability, and expands safeguards to Medicaid managed care - helping identify improper payments, recover taxpayer dollars, and prevent fraud and abuse across the system.

House GOP lawmakers unveil 14 bills targeting Medicaid fraud after a report warns billions in taxpayer dollars are lost annually.

10/05/2026

Every child deserves the opportunity to grow up healthy, thrive and reach their full potential. On National Child Health Day, I’m proud of my record of working across the aisle to expand access to quality health care, strengthen pediatric research and improve outcomes for America’s children. Several bipartisan child health initiatives I’ve championed have become law, including the ACE Kids Act, the longest-ever reauthorization of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act. But our work is far from finished. I’m continuing to advance bipartisan solutions that improve access to care, accelerate treatments and cures for childhood diseases, and give parents the resources they need to keep their children safe and healthy. Our children are our future, and I’ll keep fighting to ensure every child has the best possible start to a long, healthy and successful life.

10/02/2026

I enjoyed attending the Pasco Economic Development Council’s Annual Banquet and celebrating the continued economic growth and success we’re seeing throughout Pasco County. It’s exciting to see new opportunities continue to materialize - bringing investment, innovation, and, most importantly, good-paying jobs right here to our community. This progress is a testament to the entrepreneurs, business leaders, educators, workforce partners, and community leaders who are working together to make Pasco an increasingly attractive place to live, work, and do business. Congratulations to the Pasco EDC and all of this year’s honorees. I look forward to continuing to support efforts that strengthen our local economy and create even more opportunities for families throughout Pasco County.

10/02/2026

On National Manufacturing Day, we recognize the hardworking men and women who make, build and innovate right here in America. Manufacturing is a cornerstone of our national economy and an important part of the economic strength of Florida and communities throughout Tampa Bay. It creates good-paying jobs, strengthens our supply chains, drives innovation and helps ensure our nation remains competitive and secure. I will always champion Made in America. We need to make more of the products our families, businesses and national defense depend upon right here at home while supporting the American workers and businesses who make it possible. Just as importantly, we must prepare the next generation of American workers. That means ensuring today’s students have access to career and technical education, apprenticeships and hands-on training so they can develop valuable skills, pursue rewarding careers and meet the needs of our growing manufacturing sector. I regularly meet with local manufacturers throughout our community to hear directly from these small business owners about the opportunities they see, the challenges they face and what we can do to help them grow and succeed. I will continue working alongside our manufacturers to find commonsense solutions, strengthen our workforce and create an environment where American manufacturing can thrive. When we make it in America, we strengthen America. Today, we celebrate our manufacturers and the skilled men and women behind them - and recommit ourselves to building, making and innovating more right here at home.

10/01/2026

Congratulations to Shanna and Josh Brady of Land O’ Lakes on being selected as a 2026 Angels in Adoption Honoree! Shanna is a Pasco County teacher and Josh is a Pasco County Corrections Officer. I was proud to nominate this remarkable couple, who opened their hearts and home to three children from Florida’s foster care system - Charley, Chloe, and Chevy. Together with their two biological children, Christian and Chandler, their “Brady Bunch” is now a family of seven! Their compassion and commitment remind us of the life-changing difference a loving, permanent home can make!

10/01/2026

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month - a time to stand with the courageous women and men battling breast cancer, celebrate survivors, and remember the loved ones we have lost. Early detection saves lives. I encourage everyone to talk with their health care provider about appropriate screenings and to remind the people they love to do the same. We also recognize the families, caregivers, health care professionals, researchers, and advocates who provide hope and support throughout this journey. Together, we can continue raising awareness, advancing research, and working toward a future where no family has to face breast cancer.