Representative Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) Appointed to Prestigious House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Subcommittee on Europe and Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia

Washington, DC—AHI congratulates Representative Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) on being appointed to the prestigious House Foreign Affairs Committee and assigned to its Subcommittee on Europe and its Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia. The appointment was made by the House Republican Conference on May 10 and announced by Representative Bilirakis’ office on May 11, 2007. Representative Gus Bilirakis is also Co-Chair of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus.

“We congratulate Representative Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) on being appointed to the House Foreign Affairs Committee and just as important his assignments to that Committee’s Subcommittee on Europe and its Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia. Congressman Bilirakis’ appointment to the Foreign Affairs Committee is indicative of the respect that he has achieved, in such a short period of time, from his party’s leadership. We wish him all the best as he fulfills his duties in this very important Committee,” said AHIF President Gene Rossides.

“We are very grateful to Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen for the confidence that she has displayed in her invaluable support of Representative Bilirakis’ appointment to the House Foreign Affairs Committee. I have no doubt that Representative Bilirakis will bring a fresh perspective to the Committee and will become a valued member of the Committee,” said AHI Executive Director Nick Larigakis.

Below please find the press release that announces Representative Gus Bilirakis appointment the Foreign Affairs Committee in the 110th Congress.

House Republicans Appoint Bilirakis to Foreign Affairs Committee

WASHINGTON (11 May)—On Thursday, the House Republican Conference appointed U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Some of the Committee's jurisdiction includes U.S. relations with foreign countries, international economic policy, protecting American citizens abroad as well as handling U.S. foreign intervention and declarations of war. Congressman Bilirakis's new committee assignment will also give him significant oversight responsibilities that include the United Nations, global warming, human rights issues and foreign aid programs.

The Committee's Republican leader, Ranking Member Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), expressed strong confidence in Bilirakis's elevation to the committee post. "I am elated to hear of Gus's appointment to the Foreign Affairs Committee. His leadership in foreign policy and national security will be an asset to our work," said Ranking Member Ros-Lehtinen. "His bipartisan approach to solving complex issues will make Gus a crucial member of our Committee."

Congressman Bilirakis is one of only a handful of Freshman Members of the House of Representatives to be named to three full committees. Bilirakis also holds key committee seats on the House Homeland Security and Veterans' Affairs Committees.

"In his short time in Congress, Gus has established himself as one of the most hard-working members of the Freshman class," saidRepublican Whip Roy Blunt (R-MO). "Gus's appointment to the Foreign Affairs Committee—his third Committee assignment - reflects this strong work ethic and his dedication to his constituents and our nation. I look forward to his continued leadership in the House of Representatives."

Congressman Bilirakis will be assigned to the Foreign Affairs Committee's Subcommittee on Europe and the Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia.

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Congressman Bilirakis represents Florida's 9th Congressional District, which includes portions of Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. He currently serves on the House Homeland Security, Veterans Affairs and Foreign Affairs Committees.

Learn more about Congressman Bilirakis at https://bilirakis.house.gov. 
Contact: John Tomaszewski
(202) 225-5755 | john.tomaszewski@mail.house.gov

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For additional information, please contact Georgia Economou at (202) 785-8430 or georgia@ahiworld.org. For general information regarding the activities of AHI, please view our Web site at https://www.ahiworld.org.