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• Wednesday October 15, 2014

  The President's Health Care Law: A Year in Review

  The President’s Health Care Law

  A Year in Review

  On October 1, 2013, Healthcare.gov – the main website for the President’s health care law – went live. The President and his allies in the House and Senate sold this law on a number of promises – the ability to keep your plan and doctor, and an average reduction of $2500 in premiums for a family of four, to name a few.

  For years, those who opposed the law, like me, have been publicly saying that the law would:

  ·         Raise premiums;

  ·         Reduce access to doctors and hospitals;

  ·         Cut Medicare by $500 billion[1];

  ·         Waste taxpayer dollars

  When the President said “if you like your plan, you can keep it,” that was deemed PolitFact’s Lie of the Year.

  The fact is the promises made about the President’s health care law were broken. No amount of executive action and no number of speeches can make up for the failure that is the Affordable Care Act.

  Premiums have increased – this is a fact. A 27 year old man in Pasco County will, on average, see his premiums increase 77%. A 64 year old woman in my District will see her prices increase 48%. Rather than saving Americans money, the President’s health care law is costing my constituents and other Americans hundreds, if not thousands of dollars more a year. Use your zip code and find your rate changes.

  “If you like your plan, you can keep it” – we know that was a lie. What about your doctor or hospital? For hundreds of thousands of Floridians, the President’s health care law didn’t let them keep their doctor or hospital either. In the Tampa area, only one of twelve health care plans offered in Florida under the President’s health law covered treatment at Moffitt Cancer Center, the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in the state.

  The President’s health care law cut Medicare and Medicare Advantage to pay for the nearly trillion dollar price tag. 15 million seniors rely on Medicare Advantage for their care. It is appalling the Obama Administration would knowingly and willingly gut Medicare to pay for a health care law that was poorly written and disastrously implemented.

  The Affordable Care Act was supposed to be health care reform that would be the Obama Administration’s signature piece of legislation. Instead, the President’s health care law is marred by broken promises. My constituents need real health care reform that reduces premiums, provides choice and flexibility, and preserves the health care our seniors rely on. Click here and read more about bipartisan health care proposals I support to lower costs and increase access to quality health care.

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  [1] CBO scored the cuts at $500 billion from 2012 - 2021

• Wednesday October 08, 2014

  Jobs, Jobs, Jobs

  Jobs, Jobs, Jobs

  The September Job Report

  The most recently released economic report says that the country added 248,000 jobs to the workforce in September. While that number suggests the state of the economy appears to be moving in a positive direction, the unfortunate reality is that the labor force participation rate has dropped to a staggering 62.7%, the lowest since the Carter Administration in 1978.

  What does this mean? It means Americans across the country have become so discouraged with the economy; they have given up looking for working completely. If that wasn’t bad enough, 72% of the American people do not believe the recession has actually come to an end. Ronald Reagan famously said, “A recession is when your neighbor loses their job; a depression is when you lose yours.” Right now, too many Americans across the country are struggling to find work.

  The fact is this: when there is an increase in job creation, it is in spite of the Obama Administration’s policies, not because of them. 7 of the top 10 states with the most job growth between July and August 2014 were led by Republican governors. Florida was number 2, adding 22,700 jobs during that period.

  The economic success and job creation in these states can be attributed to policies that encourage the creation of small businesses and increases in the manufacturing industry. Reducing overly-burdensome regulations, enacting a pro-growth tax policy, and allowing the private sector to create jobs are working.

  In the past year alone, Florida has created over 41,000 jobs in professional and business services and over 6,700 jobs in the manufacturing industry. America was a country built on innovation. The economic progresses made by Republican-led states, like Florida, demonstrate that the American dream is still within reach. Chronic unemployment is not the new normal. With common sense solutions, we can, and we will, get America working again. 

• Saturday July 12, 2014

  Immigration

  As a second generation Greek American, I have a firsthand understanding of the importance and power of the American dream, as well as, the sensitivity and passion surrounding the issue of immigration reform. This matter becomes even more delicate when it involves children, who must always be dealt with in a thoughtful, compassionate and fair manner.

  However, we must not forget that we have an obligation to preserve the promise of the American dream for future generations.  To do so, we must uphold the rule of law and ensure its equal application. This means that we must enforce current immigration laws and focus our attention on securing our nation's borders.  These principles must be the cornerstone of our approach to the current situation at the border. Those who have been detained at the border should be returned to their country of origin and must pursue legal channels for immigration if they wish to enter the U.S.  It is this unwavering commitment to the rule of law that sets America apart and distinguishes her as a beacon to which the rest of the world aspires.   

  We cannot allow our national security to be compromised as part of a political maneuver to exert executive authority and legislate through executive action, which is why I co-authored a letter to President Obama with Chairman Issa imploring swift action to enforce existing laws and strengthen border security.

  The Administration has made a Congressional request for funds to address the border situation. I will only support an emergency measure that focuses on border security, because I believe that should be our paramount concern at this time.  I believe the Administration's lack of enforcement and recent actions sets a dangerous precedent that threatens the well-being of border resources, the security of our country, the rule of law and the lives of the children that are making the journey to this country.  We must strengthen the border to prevent these actions.  This is an issue that impacts all Americans, not just those living in communities along the border, and we must unite to solve this problem. In doing so, we can ensure the American dream remains alive and well for future generations.

• Thursday June 19, 2014

  The Keystone Pipeline – 2100 Days of Delays

  On Friday, April, 18, the Obama Administration elected to “indefinitely delay” a decision to approve or deny a permit to build the Keystone pipeline until at least after the 2014 elections, further withholding the prospect of more than 40,000 jobs and $2.1 billion in earnings. June 19^th marks 2100 days of delays – 2100 days have gone by since the project was proposed.

  I am disappointed that the approval of the Keystone pipeline has been delayed again. In the House, I voted in favor of approval of the Keystone XL pipeline, both on the Committee level and in the full House. The Obama Administration has delayed the approval for over five years. The US State Department recently issued a report which found that the disapproval of the Keystone XL pipeline “is unlikely to significantly impact the rate of extraction in the oil sands or the continued demand for heavy crude oil at refineries,” which refutes concerns about a negative environmental impact from the pipeline approval. Steven Chu, a former Energy Secretary in the Obama Administration from 2009 – 2013 has said previous delays are political in nature, and not based on science.

  Cheaper energy prices mean lower bills at the gas pump and the grocery store. Americans are hurting, and the Keystone XL pipeline would make every one of their hard-earned dollars go further. Reducing gas prices, reducing the costs to heat or cool your home, and reducing the costs of feeding your family are good things. The Keystone XL pipeline is a step towards doing that.

  The United States should import oil from Canada – a strong and trusted ally – rather than importing millions of barrels of oil a day from countries who oppose US interests. Embracing ties with allies through energy security also creates jobs and economic growth. The Keystone pipeline is truly a “shovel ready” project that, unlike the failed stimulus package, will have a positive economic impact. Unemployment is still unacceptably high, and the labor force participate rate is at its lowest since the Carter Administration.[1] The jobs created from the approval of the pipeline would be in areas of the country where few employment opportunities exist. The Keystone Pipeline has multiple benefits for all Americans.

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  [1]At the time of writing (http://data.bls.gov/timeseries/LNS11300000)

• Wednesday June 11, 2014

  Obamacare Still Riddled with Errors

  As a member of the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee, I participate in hearings and briefings on a regular basis about all aspects of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), better known as Obamacare. It seems that each week, Obamacare brings more bad news, from cancelled plans and rising health care costs to limiting options for doctors and medications. This week, we are receiving reports that more issues with the website could result in millions of Americans paying more money for health insurance. Alternative health care policies can mitigate Obamacare’s negative impacts.

  The “backend” of Healthcare.gov was not built before the website went live, and is still under construction. This led to the Administration electing to approve all applications to healthcare.gov, rather than verifying the information – like name, age, income, and employment status – was correct.

  This means incorrect subsidies may have been paid, and individuals across the country who purchased their insurance on Healthcare.gov may be required to pay back the IRS. The Energy and Commerce Committee, on which I serve, estimates there are over 4 million errors in Obamacare applications.

  Obamacare was not ready for prime time. There are potentially millions of Americans, who, due to errors in Healthcare.gov, may not have the proper – or any – coverage. This is the reality of Obamacare; it is a government take-over of one-sixth of the economy, and the implementation since Day 1 has been a travesty.

  I suspect many individuals enrolled in Obamacare towards the end of open enrollment because of the Individual Mandate – a tax you will pay if you do not buy health insurance that meets the requirements in Obamacare. This is not the way health care reform should look. Free market-based reforms hold the answer to meaningful, affordable, and long lasting health care in America.

  I believe in establishing universal access programs, to guarantee access to affordable care for those with pre-existing conditions. These would expand and reform high-risk pools and reinsurance programs to guarantee that all Americans, regardless of pre-existing conditions or past illnesses, have access to affordable care – while lowering costs for all Americans.

  I support preventing insurers from unjustly cancelling a policy or instituting lifetime spending caps, unless a person commits fraud or conceals material facts about a health condition. Encouraging small business health plans gives small businesses the power to pool together and offer health care at lower prices, just as corporations and labor unions do – another cost saving measure.

  Unique and innovative policies are created and made in all areas in red and blue states across the country, and health care should be no different. Encouraging innovative state programs by providing incentive payments to states that reduce premiums and the number of uninsured will make health care in America better.

  Americans should be allowed to buy insurance across state lines. We can promote healthy living, prevention, and wellness by giving employers greater flexibility to financially reward employees who adopt healthier lifestyles. Additionally, enacting medical liability reforms reduces frivolous lawsuits, which will lower the cost of healthcare.

  Finally, I am a strong supporter of Health Savings Accounts (HSA’s). These create new incentives to save for future and long-term care needs by allowing qualified participants to use HSAs to pay premiums.

  Together, these ideas will lower health care premiums for American families and small businesses, addressing Americans’ number-one priority for health care reform.  The Congressional Budget Office estimated these proposals in previous Congresses would lower premiums across the health care marketplace. It will reduce premiums up to 10 percent for coverage through small businesses, 8 percent in the individual market, and 3 percent in the large employer group. Compare this to Obamacare, which has reduced access to quality care and failed to address the ever-rising cost of health care for Americans in all walks of life. The time to mitigate Obamacare’s negative impacts is now.

• Thursday May 22, 2014

  The VA Must Be Held Accountable

  As Vice-Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, I am dismayed at the recent allegations of bureaucratic misconduct, which may have attributed to the deaths of veterans who were stuck waiting for care within the VA. Late in April, whistleblowers came forward to expose secret waiting lists in the Phoenix VA health care system that may have resulted in the preventable deaths of dozens of veterans.

  The recent troubles within the Phoenix VA system, as well as at other VA facilities across the country highlight the need for action. Despite the current fiscal climate and budgetary constraints in Congress, the VA’s budget has increased 40% since 2009. Yet, the VA largely has underperformed despite the growth in funding and staffing. Our veterans are suffering because the backlog of claims was not adequately addressed by the VA and its management, and our veterans are not receiving timely access to care. Veterans were left waiting, and many appear to have paid for the VA’s negligence with their lives.

  This week, I was proud to vote for H.R. 4031, the Department of Veterans Affairs Management Accountability Act of 2014. Despite the failure of VA senior managers – known as Senior Executive Service, or SES employees – it is virtually impossible to hold them accountable.  H.R. 4031 is much needed legislation that allows the Secretary to demote or terminate VA SES employees who neglect our nation’s veterans.

  Simply put, the process to let go of a VA employee is impractically arduous. No matter how serious their performance issues, they cannot simply be fired. The overly burdensome process usually results in an employee being transferred to another department within the VA, rather than being let go.

  Unfortunately, the bad actors who have allowed negligence to fester within the VA remain. Any time the VA health system fails America’s heroes, there is a trend, and some would say culture, of a lack of accountability. The level of mistreatment and neglect that veterans have faced is completely unacceptable, and senior VA management that allowed these failures must be held accountable.

  This legislation must be swiftly passed by the Senate and signed into law. Secret wait lists and preventable deaths of veterans cannot stand. Holding SES employees accountable is a good first step in changing the culture of the VA, and improving the level of care our veterans receive.

• Friday May 16, 2014

  Small Business Week

  Florida’s economy is rebounding. In the Tampa Bay area – defined as Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Hernando counties– the labor force has increased and the unemployment rate has decreased every year since 2009. The products of pro-growth policies at the state level have contributed to this growth. I have long supported policies that would encourage the private sector to flourish, and am excited to help promote one of Florida’s biggest job markets – the tourism sector.

  Tourism and travel employ over one million Floridians.  In recent years, tourism to Florida has resulted in more than $70 billion for its economy.  According to VISIT Florida, every 85 visitors to our state results in a new job created. That is why I have introduced the Travel Promotion, Enhancement, and Modernization Act, which would extend the activities of Brand USA - a public-private partnership that markets the United States as a tourism destination - through 2020. This will continue to bring jobs and economic growth to Florida. It is a priority of mine to bring jobs and economic opportunity to our area and state.

  Unfortunately, Florida’s trend is not reflected nationwide. In April, 2014, the labor force participate rate (LFPR) dropped to the lowest point since the late 1970s, and the lowest since the economic recovery nationwide began. The nationwide reduction in unemployment is a misnomer – over 800,000 Americans gave up looking for work in April. These discouraged and part-time workers want full time work, and the opportunities simply aren’t available.

  The House has passed over 40 jobs-related bills that will promote private sector growth that are stalled in the Senate. The President and the Senate must work with the House. I still believe Congress can work in a bipartisan manner to send legislation to the President that will boost economic growth. The government rarely creates jobs, but can create an environment in which the private sector will grow and create well-paying jobs. A historically low LFPR does not have to be the new normal. We can get America back to work by working together, and I am committed to doing that on behalf of my constituents, Floridians, and hard-working Americans across the nation.

• Thursday April 17, 2014

  Tax Season

  April contains both the day by which most Americans must file their federal income taxes, as well as Tax Freedom Day – the point in the year when the average American has finally earned enough just to pay off his or her annual tax bill.  This time of the year reminds us that again and again, Washington has proven that it is unable and unwilling to act responsibly when it comes to the stewardship of American tax dollars.

  Our country’s current fiscal policies are unsustainable.  In recent years, government programs such as stimulus plans and corporate bailouts have caused deficits to skyrocket, adding to the nation’s towering mountain of debt.  The lack of fiscal discipline and the rising costs of the federal debt have created a dangerous combination that necessitates action to prevent Washington from dipping into a bottomless cookie jar:   your wallets and pocketbooks. 

  Currently, our national debt stands at more than $17.5 trillion.  (To write that out, put ELEVEN zeroes after the five.)  The average citizen’s share of this debt is over $55,000!  It is clear that the federal government has a spending problem, not a revenue problem.  Last fiscal year, the federal government took in $2.77 trillion, more than any other year.  More than $1.3 trillion of that came from hardworking Americans’ paychecks through individual income taxes.  And yet, the federal government still managed to spend $680 billion more than it took in. 

  Like many of my constituents, I find this astounding and unacceptable.  I believe that we must restrain the unchecked growth in federal spending and force the American government to live within its means, just as families and local businesses must do.  Simply put, the growing national debt (and the need to collect more and more taxes to pay for it) reduces opportunities for future generations. 

  To grow the economy, Washington should pursue policies that keep taxes low, broaden the base, and ensure stability for American workers and businesses.  I have supported measures that provide relief for middle-class families from the Alternative Minimum Tax; that recognize that it’s your money and not Washington’s and treat every person equally, such as the Fair tax; and allow you to pass more of your hard-earned income along to your children and families at the end of life by easing the death tax.

  As the father of four sons, I believe that Washington’s tax and spend policies are all about economic certainty and prosperity.  Small businesses, job creators, and seniors are hurt by the higher taxes that fund our country’s spending addiction.  Entrepreneurs, local businesses, and hard-working Americans cannot function optimally and efficiently in an uncertain business climate, with the threat of higher interest rates or taxes looming overhead, which is why it is so important that the federal government tackle the problem of runaway spending and debt.  You may be certain that I am dedicated to restoring our country’s fiscal accountability and will continue to fight so that you may keep more of your hard earned dollars for you and your family.

• Wednesday January 15, 2014

  Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week

  Identity theft is a serious crime that affected 12.6 million people in 2012 with damages to the economy totaling more than $21 billion – not to mention the immeasurable damage to the victims’ credit ratings. Increasingly, criminals are stealing social security numbers from taxpayers and filing forged tax returns to get fraudulent refunds.

  During Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week, it is important that we raise awareness of the steps you can take to better protect your personal information. For tips and resource, visit the Federal Trade Commissions’ website at: http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0008-tax-related-identity-theft.

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• Monday January 06, 2014

  Bilirakis Introduces One Hour Notification Act to Address Obamacare's Security Risks

  There have been reports that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is not required to notify consumers of data breaches under Obamacare. Furthermore, normal medical privacy laws, like HIPAA, do not apply to the federal government or the Exchanges.

  A government bureaucrat should not decide if the loss of personally identifiable information (PII) constitutes “harm.” Under Obamacare, millions of Americans have lost their healthcare coverage, have seen their premiums rise and have been forced to choose new doctors. Now, they’re faced with concerns regarding their personal information and whether it has been compromised — all because the President’s signature law was never ready for prime time. The government forced individuals onto these Exchanges, and the government should be held accountable for keeping all PII secure.

  Therefore, I have introduced the One Hour Notification Act, which provides real solutions to protect the privacy of hardworking Americans. In short, the bill would:

   

  (1) Require HHS to notify someone within an hour when there’s been a data breach and their personal information may have been compromised;

  
  (2) Require timely notification of the breach to Congress; and

   

  (3) Require an annual report to Congress on cybersecurity breaches of the Exchanges and what strategies are being used to mitigate that risk.

   

  As the House works to address this issue this week, I look forward to working with my Congressional colleagues to incorporate some of these ideas into the legislation that is taken up on the House floor.

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