Gus Bilirakis

Gus Bilirakis was born in Gainesville, Florida. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Florida in 1986 and a law degree from Stetson Law School in 1989.[1] Bilirakis owned a law practice focused on estate planning. He served on the board of Lighthouse for the Blind, as a member of the Rotary Club, and as a member of his local chamber of commerce.[2]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a dedicated public servant, creative problem solver and proven leader who has spent more than two decades fighting to help Veterans, seniors, Florida's families, small businesses and our community thrive. Named as Florida's Most Effective Legislator by Vanderbilt University and Florida's Most Bipartisan Member of Congress by the Lugar Center, I know how to get things done on behalf of my constituents. I have developed solid relationships with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and I always work to reach consensus on issues that will improve the lives of my constituents. I am proud of what I have accomplished and will continue working to build upon that success as we tackle the challenges facing our nation.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

In a time when severe partisanship has plagued our nation, I've been rated as Florida's Most Bipartisan Member of Congress, with 11 bills I have authored being signed into law since 2019. While I am proud of the work I have done to improve Veterans benefits and services, protect seniors, reduce the price of prescription drugs and fix our broken mental health system, our nation still faces many challenges. I am committed to working with my colleagues to develop practical and innovative solutions to those problems. Amid this pandemic and period of economic challenge, I am committed to restoring our way of life, rebuilding our economy and restoring the American Dream.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am most passionate about ensuring our nation's heroes receive the care and benefits they have earned through their service and sacrifice. I am passionate about improving Americans' access to quality, affordable healthcare and mental health treatments. Additionally, I believe individual constituent service is one of the most important services an elected official can provide. The federal government is a massive operation, and my office is always available to help my constituents navigate the bureaucracy and cut through red tape.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

My father is my hero. He taught me the value of faith, family and public service. He proudly held this Congressional seat for more than two decades and made a profound, positive impact on the lives of those he served.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity, a strong work ethic, and a passion for helping others are the most important principles of an elected official. Additionally, good communication skills and the ability to form effective relationships will help the elected official maximize positive results for his/her constituency. President Reagan once marveled about how much can be accomplished when you don't care who gets the credit. That famous quote speaks to the importance of humility. Working across the aisle to solve problems without worrying about who gets the credit is a very important aspect of being a good statesman, rather than a politician. This is the approach I use when serving my constituents.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I remember Neil Armstrong's first steps on the moon. I was in the first grade.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I worked in my grandparents' bakery in Tarpon Springs from the time I was a small child until it closed in 1980.

What is your favorite book? Why?

A Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. I found it to be extremely inspirational and a good reminder that we must always act with intention and let our actions reflect our internal values and belief system.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Atticus Finch- because he stood up, in the face of adversity, to defend basic human rights.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

YMCA

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Since childhood, I have struggled with significant visual and hearing impairments. These conditions require me to work a little harder in order to effectively communicate. However, they also have helped me develop a keen understanding of the challenges facing Americans with Disabilities, which I believe has allowed me to become a better advocate for their needs.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

I believe in fair and commonsense re-districting process.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The U.S. House of Representatives is the cornerstone of the greatest political experiment of all time. Our founding fathers designed the House to ensure its Members remained the closest political leaders to their constituencies with the requirement to be re-elected every two years. I believe this requirement helps Members of Congress stay keenly aware of which issues are most important to those it serves.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

I do believe experience is important. Like many aspects of life, relationships are critical to a Member of Congress's ability to be successful, and the most meaningful relationships take time to develop. However, the most important quality a Member of Congress can possess is an unwavering desire to help others.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Rebuilding our Economy, Healing the Partisan Divide that has crippled our political system, and Strengthening our National Security so that we are better equipped to prevent attacks (in whatever form they may come...cyberattacks, bioterrorism, etc.) from those who wish to do us harm.

If you are a current representative, why did you join your current committees?

I became a Member of the Veterans Affairs Committee because helping our nation's heroes is my highest priority in Congress. I joined the Energy and Congress Committee because most legislation that comes to the House Floor has passed through this prestigious committee. I wanted the opportunity to have meaningful input on those measures as they are being developed. Additionally, I asked to serve on the Health Subcommittee because I am passionate about making sure Americans have access to high quality, affordable health care options. I am also extremely motivated to fix our nation's broken mental health system.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Yes

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I have always supported term limits, however, I do believe in the absence of the required Constitutional Amendment that this change would require-Americans do have the opportunity to impose term limits through the electoral process.

If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?

I am a Member of the Leadership Team.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

I believe my father, Congressman Mike Bilirakis, was a wonderful representative. He spent more than two decades working to improve healthcare policies, fighting for Veterans and meeting the needs of our community.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

The most impactful moments of my career have come from the help I have been able to offer individual constituents. For example, Lonnie - A Vietnam-era Veteran who lived in Pinellas County had been fighting for VA benefits for many years before contacting my office. He had been exposed to Agent Orange and was dying from the cancer that exposure caused. However, his service records were sealed and he wasn't able to prove that his exposure was service-connected. Once he contacted me, I was able to reach out directly to senior leadership of the DOD and the VA and get this issue resolved. As a result, he was awarded more than $200,000 in back pay. While he tragically still succumbed to his illness, he died with the knowledge that his wife and children were financially secure. Stories like Lonnie's inspire me to continue fighting to remove barriers that keep Veterans from accessing the care and benefits they deserve. Burn pit toxin exposure is the Agent Orange of our time and Veterans who were exposed to these harmful toxins in our recent wars are getting sick with rare lung disease. Some have even died. Their illnesses are not coincidental, and yet the VA still won't recognize the link of causation which keeps them from accessing medical care and other critical benefits. I am pushing bipartisan legislation to remedy this injustice.

Bilirakis' campaign website listed the following issues:[15]

National Security

Excerpt: "Gus strongly opposes illegal immigration and does not believe we should give amnesty or any other reward to those who have broken our nation’s immigration laws because doing so simply encourages continued lawbreaking and greater illegal immigration in the future."

Honoring Our Nation's Heroes

Excerpt: "As Vice-Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Gus is committed to working on behalf of the brave men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform. When elected to Congress, he fought for a seat on the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs so he could be an advocate for veterans and their families and ensure they receive the benefits they have earned. He also chairs the Republican Policy Committee’s Task Force on Veterans’ Affairs."

Protecting Florida's Seniors

Excerpt: "Gus is working hard to ensure that Florida's seniors have peace of mind. Gus believes that we must protect Medicare and Social Security for current beneficiaries and future generations and voted to stop scheduled Medicare premium increases."

Fiscal Discipline & Job Creation

Excerpt: "Gus believes that economic innovation and growth begins with fiscal discipline in Washington, D.C."

Healthcare Reform

Excerpt: "Gus strongly believes that serious health care reform must begin with reducing premiums and increasing access to care for those without it. He supports sensible solutions that will lower rising health care costs and increase access to insurance while preserving the doctor-patient relationship and keeping you in charge of your care."

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