Mike Bilirakis

Michael Bilirakis was been a Republican member of the  U.S. House of Representatives representing the 9th District of Florida from 1983 to 2007. He opted to retire rather than seek reelection in 2006.

Bio
Bilirakis was born in July 16, 1930 in Tarpon Springs, Florida, was educated at the University of Pittsburgh, George Washington University, Washington, D.C and the University of Florida, served in the United States Air Force, and was a steelworker, engineer, college instructor, lawyer, and judge before entering the House in 1983.

Bilirakis "credits strong traditional values, close family ties and avid community involvement for his victories in 1982 and in subsequent reelections. In his terms in Congress, Mike has carried those personal values to the national forum, protecting Social Security, Medicare and federal retirement programs; expanding access to quality health care; promoting disease research; improving education; strengthening our national defense; ensuring congressional accountability; and supporting a balanced federal budget."

Iraq War
Bilirakis voted for the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 that started the Iraq War.

2006 Elections
In February 2006, Bilirakis announced that he would retire at the end of his term. Republicans nominated his son Gus Bilirakis and Democrats nominated Phyllis H. Busansky to contest the November 2006 election for his vacant seat. (See U.S. congressional elections in 2006)

Money in politics
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Committees in the 109th Congress (2005-2006)

 * House Energy and Commerce Committee - Vice Chair
 * Health, Telecommunications and the Internet Subcommittee
 * Energy and Air Quality Subcommittee
 * House Veterans' Affairs Committee- Vice Chair
 * Oversight Subcommittee-Chairman

Articles and Resources

 * Official website
 * Open Secrets - 2006 congressional races database

Contact
DC Office: 2408 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515-0909 Phone: 202-225-5755 Fax: 202-225-4085 Web Email Website

District Office- Palm Harbor: 35111 United States Highway 19 Suite 301 Palm Harbor, FL 34684 Phone: 727-773-2871 TollFree: 866-773-2871 Fax: 727-784-6471

District Office- Tampa: 10330 North Dale Mabry, Suite 205 Tampa, FL 33618-4404 Phone: 813-960-8173 Fax: 813-961-9355