BILIRAKIS, GUS M. (a Representative from Florida)

Amendments

Dept. of the Interior: set clear rules for development of U.S. oil shale resources and promote shale technology research and development (H.R. 3408), H775 [15FE]

Appointments

Conferee: H.R. 4310, Dept. of Defense appropriations for military activities, prescribing personnel strengths, and military construction, H6782 [13DE]

Bills and resolutions cosponsored

Abortion: protect pain-capable unborn children in the District of Columbia (see H.R. 3803), H1274 [7MR]

Arab countries: call for protection of religious minority rights and freedoms (see H. Res. 732), H4907 [17JY]

Armed Forces: ensure repeal of ‘‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’’ does not infringe upon the free exercise of religion and rights of conscience of members, including chaplains (see H.R. 3828), H1847 [16AP]

——— leave no member unaccounted for in the withdrawal of troops from Iraq and Afghanistan (see H. Res. 503), H1274 [7MR]

Budget: express that passage of a fiscal year 2013 Federal budget is of national importance (see H. Res. 516), H78 [18JA]

CBO: provide a macroeconomic analysis of the impact of legislation (see H.R. 3582), H220 [31JA]

Congress: approve permit for the Keystone XL Pipeline (see H.R. 4000), H692 [9FE]

Crime: establish criminal offense for fraudulent claims about military service (see H.R. 1775), H4656 [29JN]

——— prevent identity theft and tax fraud (see H.R. 3215), H79 [18JA]

Cyprus: respect sovereignty and urge Turkey to end illegal colonization, occupation, and interference with energy resources (see H. Res. 676), H3480 [5JN]

Defense Production Act: clarify interpretation does not allow confiscation of personal property or forced conscription into the Armed Forces, unwilling labor, or relinquishing of goods or services without compensation (see H. Con. Res. 110), H1742 [28MR]

Dept. of HHS: exempt employers from taxes, penalties, or suits for failure to offer insurance coverage for certain women’s preventive services on the basis of religious belief or moral conviction (see H.R. 6097), H5079 [19JY]

Dept. of Homeland Security: permit use of certain grant funds for training conducted in conjunction with a national laboratory or research facility (see H.R. 5843), H3363 [31MY]

Dept. of Justice: reauthorize the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (see H.R. 100), H1391 [19MR]

Dept. of Labor: carry out a pilot program to provide veterans with access at One-Stop Centers to Internet websites to facilitate online job searches (see H.R. 6401), H5999 [13SE]

Dept. of Veterans Affairs: consider resources of pension applicants recently disposed of by the applicants for less than fair market value when determining eligibility for such pensions (see H.R. 6171), H5200 [24JY]

Diseases: foster more effective implementation and coordination of clinical care for people with pre-diabetes and diabetes (see H.R. 2960), H5130 [23JY]

Economy: jump-start economic recovery through formation and growth of new businesses (see H.R. 5893), H4158 [27JN]

English language: reaffirm as official language of U.S., establish uniform English language rule for naturalization, and avoid misconstructions of English language texts of U.S. laws (see H.R. 997), H5130 [23JY]

EPA: limit authority relative to numeric nutrient criteria for water quality requirements (see H.R. 3856), H572 [7FE]

Europe: designate Hezbollah as a terrorist organization and impose sanctions, provide information about Hezbollah to European allies, and support Bulgaria in investigating terrorist attack in Burgas (see H. Res. 834), H7264 [18DE]

FDA: improve capacity to prevent drug shortages (see H.R. 2245), H5130 [23JY]

Federal employees: extend pay limitation for Members of Congress and Federal employees (see H.R. 6726), H7565 [1JA]

FEMA: provide guidance and coordination for outreach to people with disabilities during emergencies (see H.R. 5806), H4656 [29JN]

Financial institutions: improve examination of depository institutions (see H.R. 3461), H1306 [8MR]

——— limit fee disclosure requirement for an automatic teller machine to the screen of that machine (see H.R. 4367), H4656 [29JN]

Foreign aid: suspend aid to Libya and Egypt until a formal apology is issued condemning attacks on, and safety of personnel is assured at U.S. Embassies in Benghazi, Libya and Cairo, Egypt (see H. Res. 783), H6069 [18SE]

Foreign policy: enhance security, bolster regional capacity to counter threats, and promote cooperation to prevent nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons proliferation in the Western Hemisphere (see H.R. 6067), H4654 [29JN]

Foreign trade: prevent importation of merchandise into the U.S. in a manner that evades antidumping and countervailing duty orders (see H.R. 5708), H6152 [19SE]

Health care professionals: limit liability of volunteers who provide health care services in response to a disaster (see H.R. 3586), H1642 [27MR]

Immigration: clarify classes of individuals born in the U.S. who are nationals and citizens of the U.S. at birth (see H.R. 140), H1391 [19MR]

——— enhance Federal, State, and local assistance in enforcement of immigration laws (see H.R. 100), H1391 [19MR]

——— provide for visas for certain advanced science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) graduates and eliminate the diversity immigrant program (see H.R. 6429), H6234 [20SE]

——— reform policies relative to family-sponsored immigrants and reduce the number of such immigrants (see H.R. 692), H1391 [19MR]

India: condemn human rights violations against Kashmiri Pandits, dismantle terrorist infrastructure in the region, and hold terrorists accountable for their actions (see H. Res. 387), H3808 [19JN]

Insurance: allow enforcement of State disclosure laws and access to courts for covered Holocaust-era insurance policy claims (see H.R. 890), H4064 [26JN]

Investments: repeal certain indemnification requirements for regulatory authorities to obtain access to swap data required to be provided by swaps entities (see H.R. 4235), H2813 [16MY]

Iran: condemn continued persecution, imprisonment, and sentencing of Youcef Nadarkhani on the charge of apostasy (see H. Res. 556), H950 [24FE]

——— express importance of preventing acquisition of nuclear weapons capability and continue economic and diplomatic pressure to secure nonproliferation agreement (see H. Res. 568), H1498 [21MR]

——— provide for a comprehensive strategy to counter growing presence and hostile activity in the Western Hemisphere (see H.R. 3783), H77 [18JA]

Israel: authorize further assistance to Israel for the Iron Dome anti-missile defense system (see H.R. 4229), H1847 [16AP]

——— independence anniversary (see H. Con. Res. 115), H1805 [29MR]

——— reaffirm strategic relationship with the U.S., direct the President to submit reports on U.S. actions to enhance this relationship, and assist in the defense of Israel (see H.R. 4133), H1847 [16AP]

Italian and Italian American Heritage Month: designate (see H. Res. 367), H5861 [11SE]

Korea, Democratic People’s Republic of: continue restrictions against and prohibit diplomatic recognition (see H.R. 1321), H1915 [17AP]

Lions Clubs: mint coins in commemoration of centennial of establishment (see H.R. 2139), H115 [23JA]

Macedonia: work within U.N. framework process with Greece to find a mutually-acceptable composite name, with a geographical qualifier and for all international uses for the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (see H. Res. 627), H2031 [19AP] (see H. Res. 639), H2274 [27AP] (see H. Res. 650), H2645 [10MY]

Medicare: clarify application of secondary payer rules (see H.R. 1063), H5711 [2AU]

——— establish a market pricing program for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies (DMEPOS) (see H.R. 6490), H6701 [11DE]

——— provide for payment for services of qualified radiologist assistants (see H.R. 3032), H2715 [15MY]

Mexico: apply whole-of-government plan, in coordination with Mexican Government, to combat Mexican-based transnational criminal organizations (see H.R. 6280), H5704 [2AU]

Middle East: limit U.S. assistance to the Palestinian Authority (see H.R. 5303), H2329 [7MY]

National Eagle Scout Day: designate (see H. Res. 716), H4604 [28JN]

Nicklaus, Jack: award Congressional Gold Medal (see H.R. 4040), H1498 [21MR]

NLRB: disapprove rule relative to representation election procedures (see H.J. Res. 103), H901 [16FE]

North Korean Human Rights Act: reauthorize (see H.R. 4240), H1916 [17AP]

Pakistan: restrict assistance to Pakistan unless the Dept. of State certifies that Pakistan is not aiding, assisting, advising, or informing the Haqqani network in any capacity (see H.R. 4110), H1811 [30MR]

Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act: ensure coverage offered under multi-State qualified health plans offered in exchanges is consistent with the Federal abortion funding ban (see H.R. 4971), H2267 [27AP]

——— protect rights of conscience relative to requirements for coverage of specific items and services (see H.R. 1179), H694 [9FE]

——— repeal annual fee on health insurance providers (see H.R. 1370), H4828 [11JY]

Presidential appointments: disapprove appointment of certain officers or employees during a congressional recess of less than 3 days and express that such appointments are unconstitutional (see H. Res. 509), H26 [17JA]

Public debt: disapprove the President’s exercise of authority to increase the debt limit (see H.J. Res. 98), H28 [17JA]

Public welfare programs: prohibit waivers relative to compliance with Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program work requirements (see H.R. 6140), H5526 [31JY]

Refugees: victims of torture treatment programs funding (see H.R. 2404), H2288 [27AP]

Schools: express support for prayer at school board meetings (see H. Res. 662), H3103 [17MY]

Specialist Christopher Scott Post Office Building, Tyrone, NY: designate (see H.R. 6681), H7264 [18DE]

Tariff Act: increase dollar amount requirements for articles and merchandise under administrative exemptions and entry under regulations provisions (see H.R. 1653), H5009 [18JY]

Taxation: establish ABLE accounts to pay for qualified disability expenses of family members with disabilities (see H.R. 3423), H5860 [11SE]

——— expand the tip tax credit to employers of cosmetologists and promote tax compliance in the cosmetology sector (see H.R. 1957), H159 [24JA]

——— extend exclusion from gross income of discharges of qualified principal residence indebtedness (see H.R. 4336), H6701 [11DE]

——— repeal estate and generation-skipping taxes (see H.R. 1259), H2663 [11MY]

——— repeal the individual and employer health insurance mandates (see H.R. 6048), H4603 [28JN]

——— require individuals to provide their Social Security number in order to claim the refundable portion of the child tax credit (see H.R. 1956), H3404 [1JN]

Transportation Security Administration: transfer unclaimed money recovered at airport security checkpoints to United Service Organizations, Inc. (USO) (see H.R. 2179), H1210 [6MR]

U.N. Arms Trade Treaty: oppose (see H. Res. 814), H6428 [16NO]

Veterans: exempt health care programs from sequestration (see H.R. 3895), H513 [6FE]

——— increase rates of disability compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities and dependency and indemnity compensation for survivors of certain disabled veterans (see H.R. 4114, 4142), H1741 [28MR]

Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day: designate (see H. Res. 601), H1740 [28MR]

Wildlife: prohibit breeding and private possession of captive big cats except by accredited zoos and facilities and require registration of big cats currently in possession by private owners (see H.R. 4122), H3105 [17MY]

William ‘‘Bill’’ Kling VA Clinic, Sunrise, FL: designate (see H.R. 6443), H6623 [4DE]

Bills and resolutions introduced

Dept. of Veterans Affairs: develop a comprehensive policy to improve outreach and transparency to veterans and Armed Forces members through provision of information on institutions of higher learning (see H.R. 4057), H901 [16FE]

——— ensure deceased veterans with no known next of kin can receive a dignified burial (see H.R. 6073), H4655 [29JN]

District of Columbia: authorize placement at the former Navy Dive School at the Washington Navy Yard of a memorial to honor Armed Forces members who have served as divers (see H.R. 6367), H5765 [10SE]

FEMA: codify authority to use Urban Areas Security Initiative and State Homeland Security Grant Program funding for enhancing medical preparedness, medical surge capacity, and mass prophylaxis capabilities (see H.R. 5997), H3974 [21JN]

Syria: condemn targeted violence of vulnerable minority faith communities and call on U.S. to prioritize safety and security of these communities (see H. Res. 763), H5707 [2AU]

Taxation: deny the refundable portion of the child tax credit to those not authorized to work in the U.S. and terminate use of certifying acceptance agents to facilitate the taxpayer ID number application process (see H.R. 6074), H4655 [29JN]

Veterans: allow certain veterans with service-connected disabilities to travel on military aircraft (see H.R. 6576), H6310 [16OC]

Constitutional authority statements

Dept. of Veterans Affairs: develop a comprehensive policy to improve outreach and transparency to veterans and Armed Forces members through provision of information on institutions of higher learning (H.R. 4057), H902 [16FE]

——— ensure deceased veterans with no known next of kin can receive a dignified burial (H.R. 6073), H4656 [29JN]

District of Columbia: authorize placement at the former Navy Dive School at the Washington Navy Yard of a memorial to honor Armed Forces members who have served as divers (H.R. 6367), H5765 [10SE]

FEMA: codify authority to use Urban Areas Security Initiative and State Homeland Security Grant Program funding for enhancing medical preparedness, medical surge capacity, and mass prophylaxis capabilities (H.R. 5997), H3975 [21JN]

Taxation: deny the refundable portion of the child tax credit to those not authorized to work in the U.S. and terminate use of certifying acceptance agents to facilitate the taxpayer ID number application process (H.R. 6074), H4656 [29JN]

Veterans: allow certain veterans with service-connected disabilities to travel on military aircraft (H.R. 6576), H6310 [16OC]

Letters

Medical Preparedness Allowable Use Act: Tim Stephens, Emergency Services Coalition for Medical Preparedness, H6440 [27NO]

Remarks

Budget: allocation of funds, H129 [24JA], H818 [16FE]

Cyprus: anniversary of Turkish occupation, H5017 [19JY]

——— respect sovereignty and urge Turkey to end illegal colonization, occupation, and interference with energy resources (H. Res. 676), H5018 [19JY]

——— support U.N.-brokered agreement between Tassos Papadopoulos and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat relative to reunification, H5018 [19JY]

Dept. of Homeland Security: making appropriations (H.R. 5855), H3505• [6JN]

Dept. of the Interior: determine potential adverse economic effects of offshore oil leases on the Florida Gulf coast fishing and tourism industries, H775, H776 [15FE]

——— set clear rules for development of U.S. oil shale resources and promote shale technology research and development (H.R. 3408), H775, H776 [15FE]

Dept. of Veterans Affairs: develop a comprehensive policy to improve outreach and transparency to veterans and Armed Forces members through information on institutions of higher learning (H.R. 4057), Senate amendment, H7441 [30DE]

——— develop a comprehensive policy to improve outreach and transparency to veterans and Armed Forces members through provision of information on institutions of higher learning (H.R. 4057), H5817, H5818, H5821 [11SE]

——— ensure deceased veterans with no known next of kin can receive a dignified burial (S. 3202), H7446 [30DE]

FEMA: codify authority to use Urban Areas Security Initiative and State Homeland Security Grant Program funding for enhancing medical preparedness, medical surge capacity, and mass prophylaxis capabilities (H.R. 5997), H6439, H6440 [27NO]

——— reauthorize programs and activities (H.R. 2903), H6112 [19SE]

Greece: independence anniversary, H1582 [27MR]

Health: reduce health care and insurance costs through medical malpractice tort reform (H.R. 5), H1440 [21MR]

Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act: repeal health-care related provisions (H.R. 6079), H4789 [11JY]

Hurricanes: implement emergency preparedness plans, H3279 [31MY]

National Academy of Inventors, Inc.: tribute, E123• [2FE]

Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act: repeal (H.R. 6079), H4789 [11JY]

——— repeal provisions providing for the Independent Payment Advisory Board, H1440 [21MR]

Ships and vessels: provide for the transfer of naval vessels to certain foreign recipients (H.R. 6649), H7510 [31DE]

——— transfer of naval vessels to Turkey relative to actions against Israel and Cyprus, H7510 [31DE]

Taiwan: observance of National Day, E1650• [21SE]

Tampa, FL: tribute to Military Officers Association of America Operation Helping Hand, E1623• [21SE]

Tarpon Springs, FL: anniversary of Faklis’ Department Store and Shoe Repair Service, E1725• [26OC]

——— anniversary of Tarapani Department Store, E1722• [26OC]

Transportation Security Administration: transfer unclaimed clothes recovered at airport security checkpoints to local veterans organizations and other charities (H.R. 6328), H6440, H6441 [27NO]

——— transfer unclaimed clothes recovered at airport security checkpoints to local veterans organizations and other charities (H.R. 6328), Senate amendment, H7446, H7447, H7448 [30DE]

Votes: position on missed, H881• [16FE], H3691• [8JN], E1035• [8JN], E1148• [27JN]

Westlake, FL: Westlake Christian School recipient of Dept. of Education Blue Ribbon Schools award, E1660• [28SE]

Remarks in House relative to

Leave of absence: granted, H3659 [7JN]

Tributes

Affronti, Joe, E627• [24AP]

Hilgart, Walter, E1761• [15NO]

Lamerton, Walter, E792• [15MY]