Gus M. Bilirakis is a Republican U.S. Representative for Florida’s 12th Congressional District, a position he has held since 2013. Throughout his time in Congress, he has focused on veterans’ affairs, healthcare, and fiscal conservatism. Below is an overview of his career, legislative initiatives, policy positions, and information about his district.
Gus Bilirakis’ Career Path to Congress
- Early Life and Education: Born in Gainesville, Florida, Bilirakis earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida in 1986 and a law degree from Stetson University College of Law in 1989.
- Legal and Political Beginnings: Before entering politics, he practiced law and was involved in community affairs.
- Florida House of Representatives: Bilirakis served in the Florida House from 1998 to 2006, representing the 48th district.
- U.S. House of Representatives: In 2006, he was elected to the U.S. House, succeeding his father, Michael Bilirakis, in Florida’s 9th District. Following redistricting, he has represented the 12th District since 2013.
Gus Bilirakis’ Sponsored Legislation
Throughout his congressional career, Bilirakis has sponsored and co-sponsored numerous bills, reflecting his legislative priorities:
- Veterans’ Affairs: He introduced H.R. 1826, bipartisan legislation aimed at making it a misdemeanor to illegally charge veterans for filing disability claims.
- Healthcare: Bilirakis has been active in healthcare legislation, focusing on issues such as opioid abuse prevention and medical research funding.
- Public Safety: He co-sponsored the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act (H.R. 21), which mandates medical care for infants who survive abortion attempts.
Gus Bilirakis’ Votes and Stances on Major Social Issues
- Abortion: Bilirakis is pro-life, as evidenced by his support for the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act.
- Gun Rights: He holds an “A” rating from the National Rifle Association (NRA) and has supported legislation favoring gun rights, including the Veterans Second Amendment Protection Act.
- LGBTQ: Bilirakis has generally voted in line with conservative positions on LGBTQ+ issues, opposing measures that would expand protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Gus Bilirakis’ Votes and Stances on Major Economic Issues
- Tax Policy: He voted in favor of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, supporting tax reductions for individuals and businesses.
- Healthcare: Bilirakis has consistently voted to repeal or modify the Affordable Care Act, advocating for market-based healthcare solutions.
- Budget and Spending: He emphasizes fiscal conservatism, supporting measures to reduce government spending and address the national debt.
Gus Bilirakis’ Demographic Data of Florida’s 12th Congressional District
Florida’s 12th District encompasses all of Citrus and Hernando counties, as well as most of Pasco County. As of the latest data:
- Population: Approximately 843,806 residents.
- Median Age: 47.2 years, higher than both the state and national averages.
- Ethnicity: Predominantly White (75.3%), with Hispanic (13.6%), Black (4.4%), and other racial groups comprising the remainder.
- Median Household Income: $63,762, slightly below the state median.
- Poverty Rate: 12.8%, comparable to the national average.
Gus Bilirakis’ Controversial Statements
Bilirakis has generally maintained a low profile concerning controversial public statements. However, his decision to sign an amicus brief supporting Texas v. Pennsylvania, a lawsuit contesting the 2020 presidential election results, drew criticism from those who viewed it as an attempt to undermine the electoral process.
In summary, Representative Gus Bilirakis has built a legislative career centered on conservative principles, with a strong emphasis on veterans’ affairs, healthcare, and fiscal responsibility. His policy positions and voting record reflect the priorities of his constituents in Florida’s 12th Congressional District.