Gus M. Bilirakis
Representative for Florida · Republican · United States
“Madam Speaker, AM broadcast radio is a critical public safety resource and our emergency alert system is based around those signals. AM radio is also used for communications between public safety officials and for information sharing to the public during national and local emergencies.”
House of Representatives15 September 2026Source ↗
“If a vehicle does not have AM broadcasting abilities, it takes away the last resort of communication and leaves people vulnerable during moments when seconds matter. This is what makes the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act so very important.”
House of Representatives15 September 2026Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding. I rise today in strong support of the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act, bipartisan legislation that will save lives by ensuring continued access to stem cell, bone marrow, and cord blood transplants for patients across our Nation.”
House of Representatives20 July 2026Source ↗
“I am grateful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for working together to advance this important piece of legislation. Mr. Speaker, Representative Smith of New Jersey has done an outstanding job over the years. He has done a great job leading this particular bill. He works on bills, Mr.”
House of Representatives20 July 2026Source ↗
“For far too long, medically retired servicemembers wounded in combat have been forced to forfeit a portion of the retirement pay they earned simply because they also receive VA disability compensation, and that is wrong. That is the so-called wounded veteran tax, and it is fundamentally unjust.”
House of Representatives16 July 2026Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for his leadership and thank him for this great package that will support our veterans. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Take Care of America's Veterans Act. First and foremost, this legislation delivers long-overdue justice by including key provisions of my Major Richard Star Act.”
House of Representatives16 July 2026Source ↗
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“If a vehicle does not have AM broadcasting abilities, it takes away the last resort of communication and leaves people vulnerable during moments when seconds matter. This is what makes the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act so very important. By ensuring automakers include AM broadcast radio in their cars, we can protect Americans and ensure this critical service remains available. It is that simple, Madam Speaker. I thank Ranking Member Pallone for working with me on this particular bill and, of course, the chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Mr. Guthrie, my good friend. We need to pass this critical piece of legislation as soon as possible. Madam Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote.”
House of Representatives15 September 2026Source ↗
“Madam Speaker, AM broadcast radio is a critical public safety resource and our emergency alert system is based around those signals. AM radio is also used for communications between public safety officials and for information sharing to the public during national and local emergencies. During a natural disaster, many people find their electricity out, cell service out, and have a limited ability to get information, unfortunately. In many instances, people end up listening to the radio in their car for their only source of information. People in States like Florida know all too well that evacuation routes during emergencies require constant information sharing, and AM radio is the go-to. Just imagine if in that critical moment you find that your vehicle is not receiving those AM alert transmissions.”
House of Representatives15 September 2026Source ↗
“I am grateful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for working together to advance this important piece of legislation. Mr. Speaker, Representative Smith of New Jersey has done an outstanding job over the years. He has done a great job leading this particular bill. He works on bills, Mr. Speaker, that positively directly affect our constituents. We appreciate him and the great chairman and, of course, Ranking Member Pallone. I urge my colleagues to pass this good piece of legislation.”
House of Representatives20 July 2026Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding. I rise today in strong support of the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act, bipartisan legislation that will save lives by ensuring continued access to stem cell, bone marrow, and cord blood transplants for patients across our Nation. Every year, thousands of Americans battling leukemia, lymphoma, sickle cell disease, and other blood disorders rely on the C.W. Bill Young program to help find a compatible donor. For many patients, that match is their only chance at survival, Mr. Speaker. This legislation reauthorizes the program, modernizes the National Cord Blood Inventory, and strengthens our Nation's transplant system to help ensure patients continue to have access to these lifesaving transplants.”
House of Representatives20 July 2026Source ↗
“Most importantly, this bill honors the legacy of Major Richard Star, who fought tirelessly to correct this injustice before his passing. His determination has brought us to this moment, and today, we have the opportunity to continue that fight on behalf of thousands of deserving veterans.”
House of Representatives16 July 2026Source ↗
“I appreciate it so very much, and I thank the chairman for his leadership. It enhances mental health services, expands care in rural communities, improves transition assistance for servicemembers entering civilian life, and modernizes VA facilities to better serve future generations.”
House of Representatives16 July 2026Source ↗
“For far too long, medically retired servicemembers wounded in combat have been forced to forfeit a portion of the retirement pay they earned simply because they also receive VA disability compensation, and that is wrong. That is the so-called wounded veteran tax, and it is fundamentally unjust. These men and women sacrificed their health in defense of our Nation. They earned both benefits, and they deserve to receive both. This legislation also strengthens veterans' access to healthcare by expanding choice, improves the VA claims and appeals process, and increases support for catastrophically disabled veterans, caregivers, and surviving spouses. Republicans have been working on these issues for many years, Mr. Speaker, and it looks like it is going to come to fruition.”
House of Representatives16 July 2026Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for his leadership and thank him for this great package that will support our veterans. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Take Care of America's Veterans Act. First and foremost, this legislation delivers long-overdue justice by including key provisions of my Major Richard Star Act. I promised Richard Star that we would get this done, and we are in the process of doing it, again, on behalf of our true American heroes, which I remain committed to achieving full concurrent receipt. Anything that is not included in this bill, we are going to pursue for the benefit of our veterans. This package takes a major step forward by providing immediate relief to nearly 60,000 combat-injured veterans, Mr. Speaker.”
House of Representatives16 July 2026Source ↗
“Speaker, I urge a strong, very strong vote in favor of this bill. I will tell you that it is very, very important that we get this done as soon as possible. In closing, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 139, and I yield back the balance of my time.”
House of Representatives14 July 2026Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close. I just want to read off some of the 19 States that proactively passed laws to lock the clock: The great State of Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Alabama, Georgia, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Idaho, Louisiana, South Carolina, Utah, Wyoming, Delaware, Maine, Oregon, Tennessee, Washington, and of course, the great State of Florida, so it is not a Florida conspiracy. Mr. Speaker, we want to give people an opportunity to go out in the sunshine, an extra hour a day. I am thinking, first of all, safety for our seniors, but also for our children. Our children are on these devices constantly, unfortunately. They should be given an opportunity to go out, and they should be encouraged to go out and play ball or whatever they would like to do with their friends. Mr.”
House of Representatives14 July 2026Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Guthrie), our good chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, who led this through the committee. We appreciate him so very much.”
House of Representatives14 July 2026Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I want to add that the substance of this bill was heard in the Energy and Commerce Committee recently and placed into the surface transportation bill. It does have bipartisan support. Also, if you want your standard time under this bill, you can keep your standard time. Mr. Speaker, 19 States, again, have passed legislation for permanent daylight saving time. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sessions), my good friend.”
House of Representatives14 July 2026Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Buchanan), the original sponsor of the bill here in the House of Representatives and my good friend. I thank the gentleman for his persistency all these years, along with the former Senator Rubio, who is now our Secretary of State. This has always been a priority for both of them.”
House of Representatives14 July 2026Source ↗
“Again, the ranking member of the full committee, Mr. Pallone, I know strongly supports this bill, and he will have time to say that. It is about recognizing, Mr. Speaker, that our laws should keep pace with the needs of the people who we represent. Today, we have an opportunity to take a meaningful step toward delivering something Americans have been asking for: consistency, convenience, and a better way to manage their time. The American people are long past ready to ditch the switch. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this critical piece of legislation and sending it over to the Senate, and I know the President will sign it. I know he is a strong backer, and I appreciate his support again. Finally, Congress needs to bring an end to the twice-yearly clock change. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.”
House of Representatives14 July 2026Source ↗
“In a State like Florida, my home State of Florida, where tourism is a cornerstone of our economy, having more predictable daylight hours is a practical improvement that benefits workers, businesses, and visitors alike. This legislation is also about listening to the American people. Year after year, Mr. Speaker, polls show strong support for ending the outdated clock change. Families do not want another disruption to their routines. Businesses do not want unnecessary uncertainty. Americans want a commonsense solution. That is exactly what this bill provides, and I have spoken to thousands of constituents on this particular bill, Mr. Speaker, and they agree. They want permanent daylight saving time. I am proud that this effort has received bipartisan support because this is not about politics. It is about practicality.”
House of Representatives14 July 2026Source ↗
“After years of study and discussion, it is clear that Americans value consistency and certainty. Establishing permanent daylight saving time would provide families with more usable daylight hours in the evening, giving people additional opportunities to spend time outdoors, support local businesses, participate in community activities, and enjoy the quality of life that makes our communities so special. Mr. Speaker, I will add this: This is great for our kids. I want, and I know most parents want, kids to be outdoors now more than ever. The physical activity means so very much. For small businesses, particularly those in tourism, hospitality, and recreation, as I said, additional evening daylight can help drive economic activity and create more opportunities to serve customers.”
House of Representatives14 July 2026Source ↗
“I know it is very important that we pass this bill. In Florida, Mr. Speaker, this issue is especially important. Our State is home to families, retirees, small businesses, and industries that depend on predictable schedules and the ability to make the most of every single day. Floridians have made it clear that they are ready to ditch the switch. Mr. Speaker, I thank the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, for his strong support of this bill. Changing the clocks twice a year creates unnecessary disruption. I know you agree, Mr. Speaker. It affects sleep patterns, impacts family routines, creates confusion for businesses, and requires everyone--from parents and students to employers and employees and even our pets--to adjust their schedules for no meaningful benefit.”
House of Representatives14 July 2026Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Sunshine Protection Act. This important legislation will finally end the outdated practice of changing our clocks twice a year and establish permanent daylight saving time. For decades, Mr. Speaker, Americans have been asking a simple question: Why are we forcing families, businesses, and communities to adjust their schedules every spring and fall? The twice-yearly clock change is a relic of the past that no longer reflects the way Americans live, work, and conduct business in the 21st century. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Buchanan), the lead sponsor and my good friend, for working so hard on this legislation for quite a few years. It is finally coming to fruition.”
House of Representatives14 July 2026Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on H.R. 139.”
House of Representatives14 July 2026Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 1423, I call up the bill (H.R. 139) to make daylight savings time permanent, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration.”
House of Representatives14 July 2026Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 139) to make daylight savings time permanent, and for other purposes.”
House of Representatives14 July 2026Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 1423, I call up the bill (H.R. 139) to make daylight savings time permanent, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration.”
House of Representatives14 July 2026Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays. The yeas and nays were ordered.”
House of Representatives28 April 2025Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I commend Representative Fulcher, the vice chairman of the subcommittee, and also Representative Mouton for this really good bill. Mr. Speaker, I urge unanimous passage, and I yield back the balance of my time.”
House of Representatives28 April 2025Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I couldn't agree more. There is no question that this is definitely needed. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Idaho (Mr. Fulcher), the vice chairman of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade under Energy and Commerce.”
House of Representatives28 April 2025Source ↗
“This bipartisan legislation seeks to address this gap by requiring manufacturers of internet-connected devices that contain a microphone or camera, but aren't marketed as consumer electronics, to disclose the presence of these components to consumers. This is a very important bill. I commend the vice chairman of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade for sponsoring this particular bill. Mr. Speaker, I urge unanimous support for H.R. 859, and I reserve the balance of my time.”
House of Representatives28 April 2025Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 859, the Informing Consumers About Smart Devices Act led by Representative Fulcher. In recent years, we have witnessed remarkable advancements in consumer goods technologies. While these innovations certainly make daily life more convenient, they also carry the risk of collecting data from users, often without their knowledge. It is clear to most people that devices like laptops have the capability to record sound and video. It may not be so obvious that other household devices such as televisions or refrigerators can do the same thing.”
House of Representatives28 April 2025Source ↗
“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.”
House of Representatives28 April 2025Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 859) to require the disclosure of a camera or recording capability in certain internet-connected devices.”
House of Representatives28 April 2025Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, in closing, I commend Representative Wittman and Representative Castor for their good work on this particular bill, and I urge passage. I yield back the balance of my time.”
House of Representatives28 April 2025Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 906, the Foreign Adversary Communications Transparency Act, led by the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wittman), my good friend. Entities with ties to our adversaries--China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea--are threats to our communications networks, unfortunately, but it is a reality. This legislation requires the FCC to publish a list of those entities holding a license, authorization, or other authority granted by the FCC. Understanding which adversaries are in our networks and the threats they pose, is necessary to securing our networks. I thank Representative Wittman, a great Member, for his leadership on this bill, which passed last Congress by voice vote, and I urge my colleagues to support this very important and necessary bill.”
House of Representatives28 April 2025Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material in the Record on this particular bill.”
House of Representatives28 April 2025Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 906) to direct the Federal Communications Commission to publish a list of entities that hold authorizations, licenses, or other grants of authority issued by the Commission and that have certain foreign ownership, and for other purposes.”
House of Representatives28 April 2025Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close. I commend Representative Allen, the vice chair of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee; Representative Matsui, the ranking member; and also my good friend, Mr. Walberg, for this very important bill. I encourage Members to vote ``yes'' on this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.”
House of Representatives28 April 2025Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill, H.R. 2449, the FUTURE Networks Act led by Representative Matsui and Representative Allen. United States leadership in 6G technology is critical for both our economic and national security. This bill would direct the FCC to establish a 6G Task Force made up of both public and private-sector participants to develop a report on the standards development process and possible uses of sixth-generation technology. This task force will ensure that the United States has a unified position to cement our leadership in 6G, which is so critical. This legislation has strong bipartisan support. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.”
House of Representatives28 April 2025Source ↗
“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.”
House of Representatives28 April 2025Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2449) to direct the Federal Communications Commission to establish a task force to be known as the ``6G Task Force'', and for other purposes.”
House of Representatives28 April 2025Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I commend Representative Houchin and Representative Kelly on this bipartisan bill. It is necessary that we pass this. In closing, I encourage a ``yes'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.”
House of Representatives28 April 2025Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Indiana (Mrs. Houchin), an outstanding member of the Energy and Commerce Committee.”
House of Representatives28 April 2025Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2399, the Rural Broadband Protection Act led by my good friend, Representative Houchin. The Federal Communications Commission's Universal Service Fund provides funding for broadband networks in our rural communities. The Rural Broadband Protection Act requires the FCC to establish a process for upfront vetting of providers seeking USF funds. It also directs the FCC to set penalties for providers that do not meet their commitments. This will ensure that USF recipients deliver on their promise to serve our rural communities. I thank Representative Houchin for leading this particular bill, and I urge my colleagues to support it. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.”
House of Representatives28 April 2025Source ↗
“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.”
House of Representatives28 April 2025Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2399) to require the Federal Communications Commission to establish a vetting process for prospective applicants for high-cost universal service program funding.”
House of Representatives28 April 2025Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, in closing, I urge a ``yes'' vote on this particular vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.”
House of Representatives28 April 2025Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 866, the ROUTERS Act, led by Chairman Latta, my good friend. Nearly everyone in America has a router or a modem in their home, but these devices can have security vulnerabilities that can be exploited by our adversaries, unfortunately. The ROUTERS Act would direct the Department of Commerce to study the national security risks and cybersecurity vulnerabilities posed by routers and modems produced by companies with ties to foreign adversaries. This study will help Congress understand the security of these devices. This legislation passed by voice vote last Congress, and I urge my colleagues to support it once again. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.”
House of Representatives28 April 2025Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 866) to direct the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information, to conduct a study of the national security risks posed by consumer routers, modems, and devices that combine a modem and router, and for other purposes, as amended.”
House of Representatives28 April 2025Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Latta and Ranking Member Matsui for this very important, vital bill. Mr. Speaker, I encourage a ``yes'' vote on this particular bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.”
House of Representatives28 April 2025Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Latta), the chairman of the Energy Committee and my good friend, a legislative machine in my opinion.”
House of Representatives28 April 2025Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2482, as amended, the NTIA Reauthorization Act, led by my good friend, Chairman Latta. Mr. Speaker, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration plays a critical role in today's communications ecosystem, but Congress has not reauthorized NTIA since 1992. The NTIA Reauthorization Act ensures that NTIA has the tools it needs for today's needs. It elevates the head of the NTIA to an Undersecretary of Commerce to reflect the important role that NTIA plays. It eliminates unnecessary reports, codifies two critical offices, and authorizes NTIA for 2 years. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2482, and I reserve the balance of my time.”
House of Representatives28 April 2025Source ↗
“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.”
House of Representatives28 April 2025Source ↗
“Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2482) to reauthorize the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and for other purposes, as amended.”
House of Representatives28 April 2025Source ↗