Congressman Bilirakis has been a long-time proponent of public education, both in the Florida Legislature and now in Congress. He has been especially involved in federal education matters, even though he does not serve on the House Education and Labor Committee.

Congressman Bilirakis supports making health care more accessible and affordable. He became the first freshman member of the 110th Congress to join the Community Health Center Caucus.

Congressman Bilirakis sought a seat on the Homeland Security Committee shortly after his election to Congress because few issues are as important as defending America’s citizens from those who want to hurt them.

Many coastal states have been in crisis ever since Hurricane Katrina battered Louisiana and Mississippi. Insurance companies in Florida cancelled hundreds of thousands of homeowner insurance policies, and drastically raised rates on the rest. This was a disaster of its own, because homeowners could no longer afford to stay in their homes. Floridians were losing faith in the federal government, because of inaction in Washington.

Congressman Bilirakis strongly opposes illegal immigration. He 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. He knows that effective immigration control requires strong border enforcement (he has signed a letter to the President urging the construction of the border fence as soon as possible) and eliminating the incentives that encourage individuals to come here illegally.

Congressman Bilirakis specifically requested a seat on the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs because he wants to be an advocate for veterans and their families in the United States Congress. He is working to ensure that veterans receive the benefits they have earned through their service to our nation. He also chairs the Republican Policy Committee’s Task Force on Veterans’ Affairs.