[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 34 (Wednesday, February 28, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E415]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO CONGRESSMAN MICHAEL BILIRAKIS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 28, 2007

  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend my 
friend, former Representative Michael Bilirakis, for his dedication and 
service to the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues during his 
tenure in Congress. Because we represented large Hellenic communities, 
together we cofounded the Hellenic Caucus in 1996. The caucus now 
includes more than 120 bipartisan Members of Congress.
  Together, Representative Bilirakis and I sought justice for Cyprus 
and fought for the protection of the Hellenic Islands. The caucus has 
served to bring a renewed congressional focus on diplomatic, military, 
and human rights issues in a critical part of the world.
  Representative Bilirakis represented Clearwater, Tarpon Springs, and 
Newport Richie in Florida, where he has contributed to the preservation 
of the Hellenic community. He is a member and supporter of the American 
Hellenic Educational Progressive Association, AHEPA, which works on an 
international level to promote Hellenism, education, philanthropy, 
civic responsibility, and family and individual excellence.
  Representative Bilirakis was a valued Member of Congress, and it was 
a privilege working with him these past several years. I will miss his 
friendship, guidance and support. I am thrilled that his son, Gus 
Bilirakis, was elected to Congress and has taken his father's place as 
the new Republican cochair of the caucus in the 110th Congress. I am 
looking forward to working with Representative Gus Bilirakis in 
continuing the important work of the Hellenic Caucus.

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