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MEMBER OF CONGRESS

Gus M. Bilirakis

Republican FL 10 statements translated

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Bilirakis devotes a large share of his floor time to thanks and tributes—thanking chairmen, ranking members, and bill sponsors by name appears in nearly every statement, at a rate well above most members—and his commitments often come without dates or measures, as when he says he remains committed to “achieving full concurrent receipt” or urges action “as soon as possible” without saying what that would require. His substantive focus is on bipartisan consumer and veteran-oriented bills he can tie to his Florida district: permanent daylight saving time (argued from Florida tourism and evacuations), requiring AM radio in vehicles for emergency alerts, veterans’ concurrent receipt, and stem cell program reauthorization. He generally supports his case with concrete specifics—lists of states, beneficiary counts, named programs—though some claims, such as polls showing support or conversations with “thousands of constituents,” are asserted without backing. He rarely attacks the other party and frequently credits colleagues on both sides of the aisle, while noting, as on veterans’ issues, that “Republicans have been working on these issues for many years.”Written by AI from their statements. Updated .

Average grade
B+
82 / 100 over 7 statements
Signal 63 / 100
Relevance 100 / 100
Respect Not scored yet
Clarity 95 / 100
Averaged over the 7 of 10 statements graded so far.

In their own words

Loses points more than most for

Thanks and tributes.2.2 times as often as most members.What the tags mean ×2.2

A promise with no date, no measure and no one responsible.2 times as often as most members.What the tags mean ×2.0

Statements 10

House of Representatives ·

Am Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025

“I want the House to pass this bill. It requires car makers to put AM radio in all new cars. During disasters, people often lose power and cell service, and AM radio in their cars is their only way to get emergency alerts.”
Official Congressional Record

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. 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.

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House of Representatives ·

Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2025

“I want the House to pass this bill. It keeps programs running that help people with blood diseases find bone marrow and cord blood donors.”
Official Congressional Record

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. 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.

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House of Representatives ·

Take Care of America's Veterans Act

“I want the House to pass this bill. It honors Major Richard Star by helping thousands of veterans who deserve it.”
Official Congressional Record

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.

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“I support this bill. It lets nearly 60,000 combat-injured veterans receive both their full retirement pay and their disability benefits at the same time. It also improves healthcare, mental health services, and support for disabled veterans and their families.”
Official Congressional Record

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. 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. 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.

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House of Representatives ·

Sunshine Protection Act of 2025

“I want the House to pass this bill to make daylight saving time permanent. Nineteen states have already voted to stop changing the clocks. An extra hour of daylight will help keep seniors safe and get kids outside to play.”
Official Congressional Record

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. 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. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Williams of Texas). All time for debate has expired. Pursuant to House Resolution 1423, the previous question is ordered on the bill.

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“I am letting Representative Guthrie speak on this bill.”
Official Congressional Record

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.

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“Both parties support this bill to make daylight saving time permanent. States that want to stay on standard time can still do so. Nineteen states have already voted for this change.”
Official Congressional Record

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.

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“I am giving my time to the Florida lawmaker who wrote this bill to make daylight saving time permanent.”

  • Speech on a bill

    Signal 16 of 100

    Much of this statement went to praise, blame, greetings, routine procedure or general stories rather than reasons, requests or specific points.

    See full analysis
Official Congressional Record

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.

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“I want the House to pass this bill to make daylight saving time permanent. Changing our clocks twice a year disrupts our sleep, hurts businesses, and makes no sense. Having more light in the evening gives kids more time outside and helps our economy.”
Official Congressional Record

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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

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“I am asking the House to take up the bill to make daylight saving time permanent.”
Official Congressional Record

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. The Clerk read the title of the bill.

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