Gus M. Bilirakis

Bilirakis Plans to Seek Re-Election to U.S. House of Representatives

Earlier today, U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis issued the statement below regarding his plans to seek re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives. “I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished for Florida families this term, and I look forward to building on that success, which is why I’m running for re-election in 2026,” said Congressman Gus Bilirakis. “We’ve made real progress on affordability through policies like no tax on tips and overtime, and a new senior tax deduction, but there is still more work ahead to expand opportunity and ease the burden on workers, families, seniors, and small businesses. As Florida's Most Effective Legislator, I remain committed to results-driven leadership and strong constituent service as we work to lower costs, reduce burdensome taxes and regulations, and secure a brighter, stronger future for seniors, Veterans and families throughout Florida's 12th Congressional district and beyond.”

Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12), Don Davis (D-NC-01), and Tom Barrett (R-MI-7) to Host Bipartisan House Triangle Press Conference with Veteran Service Organizations in Support of the Written Informed Consent Act

Position: Representatives Bilirakis, Davis, and Barrett support the Written Informed Consent Act, which requires clear informed consent before veterans are prescribed medications and aims to strengthen patient protections and transparency in prescribing practices at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Gus Bilirakis, Don Davis, and Tom Barrett will be joined by leading Veteran Service Organizations at the House Triangle to host a bipartisan press conference in strong support of the Written Informed Consent Act (H.R. 4837 & S. 3314). The legislation seeks to improve prescribing practices, strengthen patient protections, and ensure that America’s Veterans receive clear, informed consent before being prescribed medications. The event will highlight growing bipartisan momentum and unified support from the Veteran community for enhanced transparency and accountability in health care decision-making. WHEN: Wednesday,April 29, 2026, 9:00 a.m. WHERE: House Triangle, Washington, D.C. EVENT SUMMARY: This press conference will bring together Members of Congress and national Veteran leaders to demonstrate broad, bipartisan support for the Written Informed Consent Act. Speakers will underscore the urgent need to ensure Veterans are fully informed before receiving prescribed medications and will call for stronger safeguards to promote safer, more transparent prescribing practices across the Department of Veterans Affairs. Participants will highlight real-world concerns raised by Veterans and advocates, and emphasize that informed consent is a fundamental component of patient safety, biomedical ethics, and accountability in medical care. MEDIA: This event is open press. Media planning to attend are strongly encouraged to RSVP in advance to summer.blevins@mail.house.gov Issues:Veterans

Bilirakis, Suozzi, Bean and Steube Introduce Bipartisan SEPTIC Act to Protect Homeowners and Improve Water Quality Nationwide

Position: The SEPTIC Act would exclude grants provided to homeowners for septic system upgrades from federal income taxation, codifying existing IRS guidance and expanding it nationwide to reduce the tax burden on families upgrading failing septic systems.

Washington, D.C. – Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL). Tom Suozzi (D–NY), Aaron Bean (R-FL), and Greg Steube (R-FL) proudly introduced the Septic Exclusion for Property owners through Tax-free Infrastructure Compensation (SEPTIC) Act which will ensure that grants provided to homeowners for septic system upgrades are not taxed as income. The bill would codify existing IRS guidance for Suffolk County and expand it nationwide, providing clarity and financial relief to families seeking to upgrade outdated and failing septic systems. "Outdated septic systems in Hernando, Citrus, and Pasco Counties threaten the health of our waterways and communities," said Congressman Gus Bilirakis. "I am proud to co-lead the SEPTIC Act to authorize septic replacement grants that will help modernize aging systems, reduce pollution, and protect Florida’s natural resources for future generations. This commonsense legislation supports homeowners, strengthens infrastructure, and helps preserve the waterways that are vital to our economy and way of life.” “Families shouldn’t be taxed for doing the right thing,” said Congressman Tom Suozzi. “Today, on Tax Day, Americans across the country are reminded of how much they already pay in taxes. Upgrading a septic system protects our drinking water, safeguards public health, and preserves our environment. The federal government should be encouraging that, not making it more expensive. This commonsense, bipartisan bill reduces the tax burden on homeowners who are trying to do the responsible thing for their families and their communities.” “Florida’s 2.6 million septic system households shouldn’t be taxed for improving their wastewater systems and protecting our clean water. The SEPTIC Act ensures septic replacement grants aren’t treated as taxable income, helping families upgrade failing systems, protect public health, and safeguard local waterways without unnecessary financial burden. I am pleased to join Congressman Suozzi in this effort,” said Congressman Aaron Bean. “Families shouldn’t be taxed for making critical upgrades that protect their health, water quality and their communities,” said Congressman Greg Steube. “Florida represents 12% of the United States' septic systems. Failing septic systems pose serious risk to our water supply and public health. In Florida alone, approximately 2.6 million households rely on septic systems, making this an issue that impacts millions of families across our state. The SEPTIC Act ensures homeowners can access assistance to fix these systems without being hit with an unexpected tax bill.” Across the country, millions of Americans rely on septic systems to manage wastewater. Aging and failing systems can contaminate groundwater, harm local ecosystems, and pose serious public health risks. While many states and localities offer grants and financial assistance to help residents cover the costs of upgrading to more efficient septic systems that mitigate pollution and keep our water safe, uncertainty in the tax code has created confusion and, in some cases, an unintended tax burden. The SEPTIC Act would fix this problem by ensuring that homeowners are not penalized for participating in programs designed to protect public health and the environment. This bill has the support of Food and Water Watch. Issues:Environment, Energy Production, and Infrastructure

Florida Congressional Delegation of Hellenic Descent Praises Pairing of Florida National Guard with Greek Military

Washington, DC - U.S. Representatives Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Jimmy Patronis (FL-1), and Mike Haridopolos (FL-8 ) today issued the following statement in support of the U.S. Department of State’s announcement pairing the Hellenic National Guard of Greece with the Florida National Guard under the State Partnership Program (SPP): “We welcome and strongly support the U.S. State Department’s decision to pair the Hellenic National Guard of Greece with the Florida National Guard through the State Partnership Program. This partnership represents a meaningful step forward in strengthening the strategic relationship between the United States and Greece and deepening cooperation between two vital allies. Florida and Greece share longstanding ties rooted in shared democratic values, regional security interests, and a strong people-to-people connection fostered by the vibrant Greek-American community in our state. This partnership will enhance military readiness, interoperability, disaster response coordination, and joint training, while promoting mutual understanding and collaboration across a broad range of civil-military priorities. This partnership reinforces Greece’s role as a pillar of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and underscores the United States’ enduring commitment to its allies. The collaboration between the Florida National Guard and the Hellenic National Guard will strengthen both forces and contribute to collective security, resilience, and preparedness. As proud Americans of Greek heritage from Florida, we are excited to support this historic partnership and commend the State Department, the Department of War, and National Guard leadership in both nations for advancing this important initiative. We look forward to seeing this relationship grow and deliver lasting benefits for the United States, Greece, and the broader transatlantic alliance.” Issues:Homeland SecurityDefenseForeign Affairs

Bilirakis and Brownley File Bill to Protect Foster Care Kids’ Access to Critical Mental Health Treatment

Position: The bill ensures that Qualified Residential Treatment Programs (QRTPs) serving foster children are not classified as Institutions for Mental Disease (IMDs) based on facility size, preserving Medicaid coverage for trauma-informed mental health services in these settings.

Washington, DC: Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Julia Brownley (D-CA) introduced the Ensuring Medicaid Continuity for Children in Foster Care Act of 2026 - commonsense, bipartisan legislation to ensure vulnerable children do not lose access to essential mental health care because of a bureaucratic technicality. Children in the foster care system have often endured severe trauma, abuse, or neglect. Many rely on specialized, around-the-clock care to begin healing. Congress recognized this need when it passed the Family First Prevention Services Act of 2018 (FFPSA), which created Qualified Residential Treatment Programs (QRTPs)—high-quality, trauma-informed settings designed to provide comprehensive mental and behavioral health services to children with the most complex needs. But due to a technical interpretation by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), many of these programs are being treated as Institutions for Mental Disease (IMDs) simply because they serve more than 16 individuals. As a result, children placed in these appropriate, clinically recommended settings can lose access to Medicaid coverage for the very services they depend on. In plain terms, this means that a child who has already experienced significant trauma could be denied care—not because it isn’t needed, but because of how a facility is categorized on paper. The Bilirakis-Brownley bill fixes this problem by ensuring that QRTPs are not unfairly classified as IMDs, as long as they meet the rigorous standards and accreditation requirements established under FFPSA. This targeted solution preserves accountability while ensuring that children can continue receiving the care they need, when and where they need it. “No child should lose access to critical mental health care because of a bureaucratic definition,” said Congressman Bilirakis. “Most children who enter the foster care system have already experienced unimaginable trauma. The last thing we should do is put up barriers to the care that can help them heal. This legislation ensures continuity of care in the settings best equipped to meet their needs. I am proud to work in a bipartisan manner to fix this unintended roadblock and ensure these children receive the support and services they deserve.” “Children in foster care deserve stability and consistent access to the mental and behavioral health services that support their well-being,” said CongresswomanJulia Brownley. “Yet because of how certain programs are classified, children placed in clinically appropriate settings can lose access to Medicaid coverage for the very care they rely on. That is a failure of our system. This legislation fixes that gap, strengthens continuity of care, and ensures foster youth can access the services they need without disruption. We have a responsibility to ensure no child’s health, stability, or future is put at risk by outdated policy, and to make sure every child has the support they need to thrive.” Issues:Health Care

Bilirakis, Lee, and Buchanan Bill to Crack Down on Dangerous Drug Reviewed During Legislative Hearing

Position: The representatives support scheduling concentrated synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) as a Schedule I controlled substance to address public health and safety risks associated with the drug, which is widely available in retail settings and linked to overdoses and deaths.

Washington, D.C. - Representatives Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Laurel Lee (FL-15), and Vern Buchanan (FL-16) have introduced critical public safety legislation to address the growing threat posed by concentrated synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). The END 7-OH Act would place concentrated synthetic 7-OH under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). This potent compound is commonly found in products sold in convenience stores, smoke shops, and online—often without adequate oversight, regulation, or consumer warnings. Use of concentrated synthetic 7-OH can produce opioid-like effects and poses serious risks, including addiction, overdose, and death. Across the country, reports of emergency room visits, severe adverse reactions, and fatalities have raised significant concerns among healthcare professionals, families, and law enforcement. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned that products containing concentrated synthetic 7-OH are novel, highly potent opioid-like substances that have not been proven safe or effective for any use and should be avoided. Despite these warnings, the substance remains widely available and is frequently marketed in ways that may appeal to young people and other vulnerable populations. Congressman Bilirakis and his colleagues have long championed efforts to combat the spread of dangerous substances and protect public health. The introduction and advancement of the END 7-OH Act represent a critical step forward in addressing this emerging threat and ensuring that federal law keeps pace with evolving drug trends. The legislation was among several proposals examined during today’s Health Subcommittee legislative hearing. “Protecting the health and safety of our communities, especially our children, must remain a top priority,” said Congressman Bilirakis. “When a substance is linked to hospitalization and even death, Congress has a responsibility to act. Scheduling 7-OH is a necessary step to ensure oversight, prevent abuse, and safeguard the public from dangerous and unregulated products.” “Protecting our children and keeping dangerous substances out of our communities must always come first,” said Congressman Buchanan. “We cannot allow unregulated substances with opioid-like effects, such as synthetic 7-OH, to be marketed and sold in ways that endanger our children. Florida has led the way in addressing emerging drug threats, but we need a clear, nationwide standard to prevent bad actors from exploiting gaps in the law. The END 7-OH Act will help us get ahead of this growing crisis and ensure families across the country are protected.” “Unregulated kratom products are being sold without basic safeguards, despite containing compounds that act like powerful opioids,” said Congresswoman Laurel Lee.“Concentrated synthetic 7-OH is a highly potent substance with opioid-like effects that is often marketed directly to young people and vulnerable individuals. The END 7-OH Act establishes clear federal standards and strong enforcement tools to address this growing threat. This legislation keeps dangerous products off our streets and gives law enforcement clear authority to stop these substances from reaching our communities.” Schedule I substances are defined as drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. While some states, including Florida, have taken steps to regulate 7-OH, others have pursued varying approaches - resulting in a patchwork of conflicting definitions, thresholds, and enforcement standards. This inconsistency can create confusion for retailers, complicate enforcement efforts, and lead to unintended consequences. Additionally, some state-level efforts have faced constitutional challenges, further underscoring the need for clear, consistent federal standards that can withstand legal scrutiny while effectively protecting public health and safety. Seminole County Sheriff Dennis M. Lemmatestified in support of the bill during today’s Subcommittee hearing and local law enforcement lauded introduction of this public safety measure. “I appreciate Congressman Bilirakis’ leadership in addressing 7-OH in our communities. The lack of regulation of this compound leads to people consuming these items with the inherent risk of overdosing due to the inconsistency of 7-OH dosing. This legislation will protect our communities and remove this potent compound,” said Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco. “We see what happens when dangerous products are sold with little oversight: families get hurt and local enforcement gets tied up in conflicting rules. A clear and consistent federal standard for concentrated synthetic 7-OH will help law enforcement nationwide act faster, keep retailers on the right side of the law, and better protect communities across the country,”added Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis. Issues:Health Care

Bilirakis, Hellenic Caucus Introduce the Bipartisan U.S.-Greece Defense Cooperation Advancement Act

Position: The release advocates for reauthorizing International Military Education and Training (IMET) assistance to Greece for five years, characterizing Greece as a reliable NATO ally and key regional security partner whose defense cooperation with the United States should be strengthened.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 19, 2026 WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today Representatives Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Dina Titus (NV-01), and Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), co-chairs and vice co-chairs of the Hellenic Caucus, introduced the U.S.-Greece Defense Cooperation Advancement Act, bipartisan legislation to reauthorize International Military Education and Training (IMET) assistance to Greece for five years. “The United States and Greece share a deep and enduring partnership rooted in our mutual commitment to democracy, stability, and security in a strategically vital region of the world. As a proud co-chair of the Hellenic Caucus, I am honored to help lead the U.S.-Greece Defense Cooperation Advancement Act, which further strengthens this critical alliance,” said Congressman Gus Bilirakis. “Greece has long been a reliable NATO ally, consistently meeting its defense spending commitments and serving as a key pillar of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean. This legislation builds upon our existing defense cooperation by enhancing joint military training, expanding security assistance, and reinforcing our shared capacity to address emerging threats. At a time of increasing global uncertainty, it is more important than ever that we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with trusted partners like Greece. This bill underscores our unwavering commitment to advancing peace, deterring aggression, and promoting security in the region. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to advance this important legislation and to continue strengthening the bonds between our two nations for generations to come.” “Greece is a steadfast democratic ally of the United States, a pillar of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, and an essential partner in ensuring regional security and prosperity. IMET assistance strengthens cooperation, training, and interoperability between our Armed Forces, a critical component of our bilateral relationship,” said Congressman Pappas. “That’s why I’m introducing this bipartisan legislation to reauthorize IMET for another five years, and why I will push for its passage as well as other efforts to strengthen cooperation with our allies to protect America's security interests.” “The diplomatic relationship and defense partnership between the United States and Greece are too important to be overlooked. I am proud to join my Hellenic colleagues in supporting the US-Greece Defense Cooperation Advancement Act to ensure regional security and economic prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean,” said Congresswoman Titus. “As Vice Co-Chair of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus, I applaud Greece’s decision to strengthen its national defense, including upgrades to its F-16 fleet and advanced air defense systems. As a steadfast U.S. ally and a pillar of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, Greece plays a vital role in promoting regional security and democratic values,” said Congresswoman Malliotakis. “As instability persists across the Middle East, threats from Iran persist and Turkey continues its illegal overflights above the Greek Islands and aggression toward neighboring Cyprus, the strong partnership between the United States and Greece is critical to advancing peace, deterrence, and collective defense.” This legislation is endorsed by the American Hellenic Institute (AHI), AHEPA, and the Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC). Background: Congress has recognized the significance of expanding U.S. cooperation with Greece through the Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act and the United States-Greece Defense and Interparliamentary Partnership Act which was signed into law as part of the FY2022 NDAA. The USGDIP recognized that Greece, a key NATO ally, is a pillar of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and that the United States should remain committed to supporting the region’s security and prosperity through cooperation with Greece. IMET appropriations for Greece help meet the increased need for education and training of the Greek Armed Forces. The funds facilitate the establishment of contacts between American and Greek officers, which will optimize cooperation and interoperability between the Armed Forces of the two countries. The strategic importance of Greece at NATO’s Eastern and Southern flanks has been more reflected in recent years, including the war in Ukraine, between Israel and Hamas following the October 7th attacks, and U.S. military operations in Iran. Issues:Foreign Affairs