Some Votes Gus Forgot to Mention

Touting 101 accomplishments on his website, Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-9th CD) stands not only with the minority party of Congress, but with the minority of Americans.

In a recent press release, Congressman Gus Bilirakis touted his "101 Accomplishments During the First 100 Days." Most were uncontroversial, and some were hardly worthy of the designation "accomplishment" (e.g., caucus memberships, committee appointments, etc.) What the Congressman's press release DIDN’T mention is that regarding the major, important issues of the day, he voted against the will of the American people, time and again.

GusWatch thinks that the Congressman’s performance exceeds 101 actions, and would like to continue the list as follows:

#102 - Congressman Bilirakis voted AGAINST citizens who suffer from disease and injuries, including our troops, when he voted NO on the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act.
A recent poll of 1,000 Americans showed a clear majority favored Stem Cell Research (Source: Opinion Dynamics / Fox News). Here are the results of that polling:

Approve 63%
Disapprove 24%
Don't know 14%

#103 - Congressman Bilirakis voted AGAINST senior citizens when he voted NO on the Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act.
1,000 Americans were polled on Drug Price Negotiations (Source: AARP), and this is what the polling found: 87% favor allowing Medicare to negotiate with drug companies

#104 - Congressman Bilirakis voted AGAINST energy independence when he voted NO on the Long Term Energy Alternatives.
Polling by Pew Research (February 2006), Gallup (April 2006), and the LA Times (July 2006) showed that a clear majority of Americans support the development of alternative energy sources, with more emphasis on conservation and regulation of energy use and prices.

#105 - Congressman Bilirakis voted AGAINST the troops when he voted NO on the Iraq Accountability Act (funding the troops and setting deadlines for bringing them home from Iraq.)
According to an NBC/WSJ poll conducted April 20-23:

56% agree with the Democratic plan to begin withdrawing troops by October 1, 2007
37% agree with George Bush and Gus Bilirakis that no deadline should be set

#106 - Congressman Bilirakis voted AGAINST open government and accountability when he voted NO on the Freedom of Information Act Amendments of 2007.
No polling available, but the final vote in the House of Representatives was 308 to 117.
80 Republicans voted with the majority for more openness in government. Gus Bilirakis voted with the minority for more secrecy.

#107 - Congressman Bilirakis voted AGAINST working families when he voted NO on the Employee Free Choice Act.
Again, no polling available, but Gus Bilirakis voted with the minority on the bipartisan bill that would protect workers and strengthen the middle class by allowing workers to form, join, and assist labor organizations.

Gus Bilirakis is not representing the will of the American people. He is rubber-stamping George Bush and the minority in Congress. He must be held accountable for these votes at election time.

Round 2: Intelligence Authorization Act Passed - Gus Bilirakis Votes NO

H R 2082
11-May-2007
QUESTION: On Passage

BILL TITLE: Intelligence Authorization Act

VOTE PASSED
Bilirakis - NO

H.R. 2082:
to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2008 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes

Recap from Washington Post:
House Approves Revised War Bill - Two-Part Funding Faces Veto Threat
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/10/AR2007051000104.html?nav=rss_print/asection

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Quick Recap of Day's Events that Ended at 1:30AM with Passage:

1. H RES 388
RECORDED VOTE
10-May-2007
QUESTION: On Agreeing to the Resolution

BILL TITLE: Providing for the consideration of H.R. 2082, Intelligence Authorization Act

VOTE PASSED
Bilirakis - NO

H. Res. 388:
providing for the consideration of the bill ( H.R. 2082) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2008 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes

2. H RES 387
10-May-2007
QUESTION: On Agreeing to the Resolution

BILL TITLE: Providing for the consideration of H.R. 2237, H.R. 2206, and H.R. 2207

VOTE PASSED
Bilirakis - NO

H. Res. 387: providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 2237) to provide for the redeployment of United States Armed Forces and defense contractors from Iraq, providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 2206) making emergency supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007, and for other purposes, and providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 2207) making supplemental appropriations for agricultural and other emergency assistance for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007, and for other purposes


3. MOTION
RECORDED VOTE
10-May-2007
QUESTION: On Holding A Secret Session

VOTE FAILED
Bilirakis - YES

PRIVILEGED MOTION - Pursuant to clause 9, of rule XVII, Mr. Flake moved that the House resolve itself into a secret session. The Chair put the question on adoption of the non-debatable motion and by voice vote announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Flake demanded a recorded vote.

4.H R 2237
RECORDED VOTE
10-May-2007
QUESTION: On Passage

BILL TITLE: To provide for the redeployment of United States Armed Forces and defense contractors from Iraq

VOTE FAILED
Bilirakis - NO

H.R. 2237:
to provide for the redeployment of United States Armed Forces and defense contractors from Iraq

5. MOTION
YEA-AND-NAY
10-May-2007

QUESTION: On Holding a Secret Session

PRIVILEGED MOTION - Pursuant to clause 9, rule XVII, Mr. Issa moved that the House resolve itself into a secret session.

VOTE FAILED
Bilirakis - YES

6. H R 2206
YEA-AND-NAY
10-May-2007

QUESTION: On Passage

BILL TITLE: Making emergency supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007

VOTE PASSED
Bilirakis - NO

H.R. 2206:
making emergency supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007, and for other purposes

7. H R 2207
YEA-AND-NAY
10-May-2007
QUESTION: On Passage

BILL TITLE: Making supplemental appropriations for agricultural and other emergency assistance for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007

VOTE PASSED
Bilirakis - NO

H.R. 2207:
making supplemental appropriations for agricultural and other emergency assistance for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007, and for other purposes

8. 1:30AM - Vote Passes (See #1)

Gus Bilirakis Votes Yes on Homeland Security - Supports Democrat Rep. Castor on Tampa Safety

H R 1684 RECORDED VOTE
9-May-2007
QUESTION: On Passage

BILL TITLE: Department of Homeland Security Authorization Act

Vote: Passed
Bilirakis: Yes

H.R. 1684: to authorize appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for fiscal year 2008, and for other purposes

Tampa Tribune Article -
Port Workers Won't Need 2nd ID Under Security Bill
http://www.tbo.com/news/nationworld/MGBZZ4OMI1F.html

(Congressman Biliarkis Supports Congresswoman Castor's Views on Tampa's Port Security Measures)

Gus Bilirakis Votes Against Funding to Prosecute Hate Crimes

H R 1592
3-May-2007
QUESTION: On Passage

BILL TITLE: To provide Federal assistance to States, local jurisdictions, and Indian tribes to prosecute hate crimes.

VOTE PASSED
Bilirakis - NO

H.R. 1592:
to provide Federal assistance to States, local jurisdictions, and Indian tribes to prosecute hate crimes, and for other purposes

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

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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.