Gus Bilirakis Votes Against Ending War & Funding for Veterans

H R 1591
25-Apr-2007 9:27 PM
QUESTION: On Agreeing to the Conference Report
BILL TITLE: Making emergency supplemental appropriations for fiscal year ending September 30, 2007, and for other purposes

VOTE PASSED
Bilirakis - NO

H.R. 1591:
making emergency supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007, and for other purposes

From the St. Pete Times, April 26, 2007:

House OKs Iraq Pullout

The $124 billion measure funds the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan through the end of the year, and provides billions for veterans' health care and other nonmilitary programs.

"How many more suicide bombs must kill American soldiers before this president offers a timeline for our troops to come home?" asked Rep. Patrick Murphy, D-Pa., a freshman Iraq war veteran who lost nine fellow paratroopers this week in one of the deadliest attacks of the war.

"How many more military leaders must declare the war will not be won militarily before this president demands that the Iraqis stand up and fight for their country? How many more terrorists will President Bush's foreign policy breed before he focuses a new strategy, a real strategy? This bill says enough is enough."

The Democratic plan allows some U.S. troops to remain to train Iraqi forces, protect American interests and conduct limited counterterrorism operations.

Highlighting the growing readiness crisis facing the military, the plan also requires Bush to explain why military units are being deployed if they have not met standards for training and rest at their home bases.

"This bill supports our troops, honors our commitments to our veterans, rebuilds our military and holds the Iraqi government accountable," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said on the House floor. "It winds down the war by providing for the responsible redeployment of our combat forces."

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DC Doesn't Count - According to Gus Bilirakis

Today, Congress passed the three items below.

The first lays out the ground rules for two bills that would create a new legislative district in Washington, DC. and allow Congress to provide for the 'Pay as you Go' (Paygo) promise the Democrats made when they took over the majority.

In order to fund the new legislative district (H.R. 1905), there will be a tax of 1/10 of 1% on individuals who make $5,000,000 or more a year (H.R. 1906)

Congressman Bilirakis voted AGAINST all three motions.

Is it because he'll move down to the 439th least powerful congressman, instead of just being 438th??

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H RES 317
QUESTION: On Agreeing to the Resolution
BILL TITLE: Providing for the consideration of H.R. 1905 and H.R 1906

VOTE PASSED
Bilirakis - NO

H. Res. 317:
providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 1905) to provide for the treatment of the District of Columbia as a Congressional district for purposes of representation in the House of Representatives, and for other purposes and providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 1906) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to adjust the estimated tax payment safe harbor based on income for the preceeding year in the case of individuals with adjusted gross income greater that $5 million

_____________________________________________________________________________

H R 1905
QUESTION: On Passage
BILL TITLE: District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act

VOTE PASSED
Bilirakis - NO

H.R. 1905:
to provide for the treatment of the District of Columbia as a Congressional district for purposes of representation in the House of Representatives, and for other purposes

__________________________________________________________

H R 1906
QUESTION: On Passage
BILL TITLE: Adjustment of Estimated Tax Payment Safe Harbor for Individual Taxpayers with Adjusted Gross Income Greater than $5 Million

VOTE PASSED
Bilirakis - NO

H.R. 1906:
to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to adjust the estimated tax payment safe harbor based on income for the preceding year in the case of individuals with adjusted gross income greater than $5 million

Helping Victims of Katrina - Gus Bilirakis Votes NO

H R 1361 RECORDED VOTE
QUESTION: On Passage
BILL TITLE: Relief for Entrepreneurs: Coordination of Objectives and Values for Effective Recovery Act

VOTE PASSED
Bilirakis - NO

H.R. 1361

to improve the disaster relief programs of the Small Business Administration, and for other purposes

The Congressman did vote YES on the following Amendments to limit the amount of relief offered by the government and the SBA (amendments failed):

An amendment numbered 1 printed in House Report 110-97 to strike section 211, thereby requiring anyone receiving both a grant and a disaster loan to use the grant to repay the disaster loan thereby preventing the government from compensating the same person twice for the same disaster.

An amendment numbered 2 in House Report 110-97 to strike section 210, thereby eliminating the authority of the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to offer grants to certain small businesses that were severely affected by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, or Wilma but that were denied disaster loans.

And he voted YES to Recommit the bill with the following instructions (motion failed):

The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill report the same back to the House with an amendment that says if a person or small business is convicted of a crime under the Federal or State law, the person or small business shall not receive assistance under the Small Business Act.

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Cost Estimate from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) found here:
http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/79xx/doc7973/hr1361.pdf

INTERGOVERNMENTAL AND PRIVATE-SECTOR IMPACT:
H.R. 1361 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates, as defined in UMRA,
and would impose no costs on state, local, or tribal governments.

Bill Summary -

SUMMARY AS OF: 3/17/2005--Introduced.
(May be some changes on today's passed bill - full text hasn't been posted yet)

International Security Enhancement Act of 2005 - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to provide assistance for stabilization and reconstruction operations in a country or region that is in, or is in transition from, or is likely to enter into, conflict or civil strife.

Amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to direct the Secretary of State to establish within the Department of State an Office of the Coordinator for Stabilization and Reconstruction, which shall: (1) be headed by the Coordinator for Stabilization and Reconstruction; and (2) have primary responsibility for planning and administering stabilization and reconstruction operations in a country or region that is in, or is in transition from, or is likely to enter into, conflict or civil strife.

Establishes within the Foreign Service Institute an International Stabilization and Reconstruction Training Center.

Directs the Coordinator to establish within the Office: (1) a Stabilization and Reconstruction Corps of up to 250 persons; and (2) a Stabilization and Reconstruction Reserve of volunteers. Authorizes presidential deployment of Corps and Reserve members.

Establishes in the Treasury the Department of State Stabilization and Reconstruction Operations Support Fund. Authorizes the President to provide Fund amounts to the Office for a country of impending or immediate risk.

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) funds appropriated to carry out the amendments made by this Act should be offset by reductions in redundant or duplicative functions and foreign assistance programs of the Department of State; and (2) increased staff levels required by the amendments made by this Act should be offset by the transfer of staff within the Department of State, and the elimination of resultant redundant Department of State functions.

The 101 Accomplishments of Gus Bilirakis

(I apologize for the delay in updates to Gus Watch. Too many meetings on my calendar!)

Gus has a new posting on his website in which he touts his 101 accomplishments in 100 days. Notice that many of his accomplishments are committee assignments (Is that fair?) I also see he's following in daddy's footsteps by paying special attention to veterans. It's a shame he doesn't care about the active duty soldiers. If he did, wouldn't he have supported the legislation that requires them to be properly armed, trained, and rested before being sent to possible slaughter in Bush's Iraq Occupation? Oh, well, maybe he has a yellow magnet on the back of his car to show his real support for the troops.

Here's the link and the text from the post (I started to summarize but wanted to share the entire thing):

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/fl09_bilirakis/pr_070301_101.html

Bilirakis Touts Accomplishments

101 accomplishments during the first 100 days

Washington, D.C. – With the 100th day of the 110th Congress approaching, Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-Palm Harbor) released a list of his first 101 accomplishments in Congress. This includes legislation he has sponsored and co-sponsored, caucuses joined, positions he has attained and amendments he has successfully included in legislation (full list below).

To date, Bilirakis has introduced 12 pieces of legislation, along with five amendments, many of which are targeted at helping veterans and their families. The average Freshman Member in the 110th Congress (including defeated and reelected Members) has averaged two pieces of introduced legislation, with the median being one bill. Nine Freshmen Members have yet to introduce legislation and three have introduced six bills – which is the next closest to Bilirakis.

Bilirakis has also been selected as the Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Task Force for the Republican Conference, as-well-as Senior Freshman Republican Whip. Additionally, he is a Co-Chair of the Congressional Hellenic and Congressional Military Veterans Caucuses – along with memberships in 22 other Congressional caucuses.

“When the people of the Ninth District of Florida elected me to Congress I promised them that I would work hard on their behalf,” Rep. Bilirakis said. “I have done my best to stay true to this promise by never resting and aggressively pursuing an agenda that best serves them and the country. This is only the beginning, more work still needs to be done on behalf of my constituents as-well-as Americans in general – especially the brave men and women that serve this country in uniform and our veterans.”

1. H.R. 89 Combat-Related Special Compensation Act. (Sponsored)

2. H.R. 303 Retired Pay Restoration Act. (Sponsored)

3. H.R. 446 Christopher and Dana Reeve Quality of Life for Persons with Paralysis Act. (Sponsored)

4. H.R. 704 Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Remarriage bill. (Sponsored)

5. H.R. 722 Increasing Access to Higher Education Act. (Sponsored)

6. H.R. 843 Employer tax credit of 50% for compensation paid to employees on active duty. (Sponsored)

7. H.R. 844 Employer tax credit of 10% for value of service not performed while employees are performing duties as member of Ready Reserve or National Guard. (Sponsored)

8. H.R. 913 The Hurricane and Tornado Mitigation Investment Act. (Sponsored)

9. H.R. 1197 The Prisoners of War Benefits Act. (Sponsored)

10. H.R. 1313 To direct the Joint Committee on the Library to obtain a statue of Constantino Brumidi for display in the Capitol Visitor Center. (Sponsored)

11. H.R. 1436 To amend title 10, United States Code, to permit certain retired members of the uniformed services who have a service-connected disability to receive both disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs for their disability and either retired pay by reason of their years of military service or Combat-Related Special Compensation. (Sponsored)

12. H.R. 1580 To create a Department of Defense-wide Ombudsman Office. (Sponsored)

13. H.AMDT.79 Amendment to the Wounded Warrior Assistance Act (H.R. 1580 was incorporated as an amendment to this legislation). (Sponsored)

14. H.R. 25 Fair Tax Act of 2007 (Co-Sponsored)

15. H.R. 82 Social Security Fairness Act of 2007 (Co-Sponsored)

16. H.R. 91 Homeowners Insurance Protection Act of 2007 (Co-Sponsored)

17. H.R. 111 Community Choice in Real Estate Act (Co-Sponsored)

18. H.R. 137 Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act of 2007 (Co-Sponsored)

19. H.R. 211 Calling for 2-1-1 Act of 2007 (Co-Sponsored)

20. H.R. 327 Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act (Co-Sponsored)

21. H.R. 330 Homeowners' Insurance Availability Act of 2007 (Co-Sponsored)

22. H.R. 418 To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permit military death gratuities to be contributed to certain tax-favored accounts (Co-Sponsored)

23. H.R. 432 Seniors' Tax Simplification Act of 2007 (Co-Sponsored)

24. H.R. 493 Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2007 (Co-Sponsored)

25. H.R. 511 To pledge the faithful support of Congress to members of the United States Armed Forces serving in harm's way (Co-Sponsored)

26. H.R. 514 To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 16150 Aviation Loop Drive in Brooksville, Florida, as the "Sergeant Lea Robert Mills Brooksville Aviation Branch Post Office" (Co-Sponsored)

27. H.R. 579 Military Retirees Health Care Protection Act (Co-Sponsored)

28. H.R. 599 To direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to streamline the SAFETY Act and anti-terrorism technology procurement processes (Co-Sponsored)

29. H.R. 634 American Veterans Disabled for Life Commemorative Coin (Co-Sponsored)

30. H.R. 652 Veterans Eagle Parks Pass Act (Co-Sponsored)

31. H.R. 689 To amend the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to provide for the expedited consideration of certain proposed rescissions of budget authority (Co-Sponsored)

32. H.R. 690 To amend title 10, United States Code, to reduce the minimum age for receipt of military retired pay for non-regular service from 60 to 55 (Co-Sponsored)

33. H.R. 731 National Small Business Regulatory Assistance Act of 2007 (Co-Sponsored)

34. H.R. 768 To provide that Executive Order 13166 shall have no force or effect, and to prohibit the use of funds for certain purposes (Co-Sponsored)

35. H.R. 769 To amend title 4, United States Code, to declare English as the official language of the Government of the United States, and for other purposes (Co-Sponsored)

36. H.R. 784 To amend title 10, United States Code, to change the effective date for paid-up coverage under the military Survivor Benefit Plan (Co-Sponsored)

37. H.R. 797 To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve compensation benefits for veterans in certain cases of impairment of vision involving both eyes, and for other purposes (Co-Sponsored)

38. H.R. 895 To take certain steps toward recognition by the United States of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel (Co-Sponsored)

39. H.R. 900 Puerto Rico Democracy Act of 2007 (Co-Sponsored)

40. H.R. 995 To amend Public Law 106-348 to extend the authorization for establishing a memorial in the District of Columbia or its environs to honor veterans who became disabled while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States (Co-Sponsored)

41. H.R. 1065 To streamline the regulation of nonadmitted insurance and reinsurance, and for other purposes (Co-Sponsored)

42. H.R. 1091 Save Our Shores Act (Co-Sponsored)

43. H.R. 1093 Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2007 (Co-Sponsored)

44. H.R. 1110 To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow Federal civilian and military retirees to pay health insurance premiums on a pretax basis and to allow a deduction for TRICARE supplemental premiums (Co-Sponsored)

45. H.R. 1112 To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide individuals relief from the alternative minimum tax (Co-Sponsored)

46. H.R. 1284 Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2007 (Co-Sponsored)

47. H.R. 1314 Photo Identification Security Act (Co-Sponsored)

48. H.R. 1370 To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs an Office of National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events (Co-Sponsored)

49. H.R. 1402 To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 320 South Lecanto Highway in Lecanto, Florida, as the "Sergeant Dennis J. Flanagan Lecanto Post Office Building" (Co-Sponsored)

50. H.R. 1421 To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase tax benefits for parents with children, and for other purposes (Co-Sponsored)

51. H.R. 1456 To amend the International Claims Settlement Act of 1949 to allow for certain claims of nationals of the United States against Turkey, and for other purposes (Co-Sponsored)

52. H.R. 1522 One-stop Student Financial Aid Information Act of 2007 (Co-Sponsored)

53. H.R. 1577 To create a Department of Defense-wide program of patient navigators for wounded members of the Armed Forces (Co-Sponsored)

54. H.R. 1578 To establish and monitor medical holdover performance standards (Co-Sponsored)

55. H.R. 1579 To create a standard solider patient tracking system (Co-Sponsored)

56. H.R. 1609 To award posthumously a Congressional Gold Medal to Constantino Brumidi (Co-Sponsored)

57. H.R. 1679 To protect the environmental integrity of coral reefs and other coastal marine resources from exploration, development, and production activities for petroleum resources located in a maritime exclusive economic zone of the United States that is contiguous to a foreign exclusive economic zone (Co-Sponsored)

58. H.R. 1722 To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 601 Banyan Trail in Boca Raton, Florida, as the "Leonard W. Herman Post Office" (Co-Sponsored)

59. H.R. 1727 To enhance and further research into paralysis and to improve rehabilitation and the quality of life for persons living with paralysis and other physical disabilities, and for other purposes (Co-Sponsored)

60. H.R. 1832 To establish the National Hurricane Research Initiative to improve hurricane preparedness, and for other purposes (Co-Sponsored)

61. H. Res. 44 Congratulating the Florida Gators on their NCAA Football title (Co-Sponsored)

62. H. Res. 72 Recognizing the work and accomplishments of Mr. Britt "Max" Mayfield, Director of the National Hurricane Center's Tropical Prediction Center upon his retirement (Co-Sponsored)

63. H. Res. 106 Affirmation of the United States Record on the Armenian Genocide Resolution (Co-Sponsored)

64. H. Res. 111 Establishing a Select Committee on POW and MIA Affairs (Co-Sponsored)

65. H. Res. 119 Supporting the mission and goals of National Crime Victims' Rights Week in order to increase public awareness of the rights, needs, and concerns of victims and survivors of crime in the United States during such week and throughout the year (Co-Sponsored)

66. H. Res. 131 Recognizing and honoring the lifetime contributions of Rafael Jose Diaz-Balart on the dedication of the Rafael Diaz-Balart Hall at the Florida International University College of Law (Co-Sponsored)

67. H. Res. 134 Recognizing and honoring the employees of the Department of Homeland Security for their efforts and contributions to protect and secure the Nation (Co-Sponsored and managed floor time for the Republicans)

68. H. Res. 148 Recognizing and appreciating the historical significance and the heroic human endeavor and sacrifice of the people of Crete during World War II and commending the PanCretan Association of America (Co-Sponsored)

69. H. Res. 273 Supporting the goals and ideals of Financial Literacy Month, and for other purposes (Co-Sponsored)

70. H.J. Res. 1 Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States (Co-Sponsored)

71. H. Con. Res. 71 Commemorating the 85th Anniversary of the founding of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), a leading association for the Nation's 1.3 million American citizens of Greek ancestry, and Philhellenes (Co-Sponsored)

72. Senior Freshman Republican Whip

73. Chairman Veterans’ Affairs Task Force for the Republican Policy Committee

74. Co-Chair of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus.

75. Co-Chair of the Congressional Military Veterans Caucus.

76. Member of the Congressional Armenian Caucus.

77. Member of the Congressional Italian-American Caucus.

78. Member of the House Community Health Center Caucus – First Freshman Member of the 110th Congress to join the caucus.

79. Member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus

80. Member of the Air Force Caucus

81. Member of the Congressional Travel and Tourism Caucus

82. Member of the Coast Guard Caucus

83. Member of the Renewable and Energy Efficiency Caucus

84. Member of the National Guard and Reserve Caucus

85. Member of the Special Operations Caucus

86. Member of the Community College Caucus

87. Member of the Congressional Vision Caucus

88. Member of the Congressional Hearing Health Caucus

89. Member of the House Law Enforcement Caucus

90. Member of the Bi-Partisan Congressional Pro-Life Caucus

91. Member of the House Republican Israel Caucus

92. Member of the US/Israel Security Caucus

93. Member of the Task Force on Terrorism and Unconventional Warfare

94. Member of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus

95. Member of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus

96. Member of the US-Afghan Caucus

97. Member of the Zero AMT Caucus

98. Amendment to H.R. 1401, the Rail and Public Transportation Security Act. Requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct physical testing of rail cars to determine the most likely successful means of attack against them. Included in legislation during committee mark-up. (Sponsored)

99. Amendment to H.R. 1401, the Rail and Public Transportation Security Act. Requires the security coordinator positions required under the legislation to be filled by U.S. citizens. Included in legislation during committee mark-up. (Sponsored)

100. Provision in H.R. 1684, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008, which will require DHS to fully implement US-VISIT requirements at airports and seaports by December 31, 2008. Also requires DHS to develop a comprehensive strategy for implementing biometric exit capability at all land, air, and seaports. Passed by Committee on Homeland Security on March 28. (Sponsored)

101. Amendment to H.R. 1685, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008, which will establish a pilot program for the collection of biometric information on interdicted aliens in the maritime environment. Passed by Committee on Homeland Security on March 28. (Sponsored)

Gus Bilirakis gets kid glove treatment while Castor is subtly slammed

Check out the way intrepid Tampa Tribune reporter Billy House paints Gus as the affable, self-deprecating, hard-working freshman Congressman while subtly slamming Kathy Castor in this article from last week. I'm not sure which line was funnier to me, the one where Gus claims that one-party, Jeb-controlled Tallahassee wasn't as partisan as Washington, or the one relating an incident of an eight-term Congressman not realizing that Gus was Mike's son. Give me a break.

http://www.tbo.com/news/politics/MGBETJ54WZE.html