[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 46 (Tuesday, March 15, 2022)]
[House]
[Page H3718]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     INFLATION HURTS ALL AMERICANS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Florida (Mr. Bilirakis) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, inflation hit 7.9 percent in February. 
Inflation hurts all Americans, especially seniors and those living on a 
fixed income.
  During each of my recent townhall meetings and surveys, Madam 
Speaker, my constituents have consistently pleaded for the pain to 
stop. Unfortunately, inflation has gone up every month of Joe Biden's 
Presidency.
  Americans are smart. They know this is not a fluke or the result of 
the tragedy that is occurring in Ukraine. It is a direct consequence of 
liberal policies and fueled by reckless government spending. My 
constituents have said they simply can't afford to keep paying more for 
everything, which is one of the main reasons I was compelled to vote 
``no'' on last week's $1.5 trillion spending package. While there were 
individual provisions I supported, I am worried that more massive 
government spending will only worsen their plight. I can't, in good 
conscience, contribute to their pain.


                       Celebrating Dennis Kappas

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Dionysios, 
otherwise known as Dennis, Kappas, an outstanding member of the Tarpon 
Springs community.
  Dennis was born in Zakynthos, Greece, a beautiful island, but 
migrated to the United States after a devastating earthquake destroyed 
his island.
  Dennis and his family landed in Detroit, where he was a hardworking 
new immigrant. He worked diligently at restaurants by day and learned 
English by night.
  Through years of blood, sweat, and tears, as is common with the 
immigrant story, Dennis and his brother saved enough money to buy their 
own restaurant, living the American Dream.
  In 1990, Dennis moved to Tarpon Springs, Florida, where he settled 
with his family and owned and operated Plaka restaurant, the best gyros 
and souvlaki on the Sponge Docks.
  In addition to running Plaka and many other business ventures, Dennis 
has been a generous philanthropist and has made significant 
contributions to the centerpiece of Tarpon Springs, St. Nicholas Greek 
Orthodox Cathedral. He is donating the contents of his home chapel, 
including beautiful and one-of-a-kind icons, to the new church annex, 
which contains the newly opened and appropriately named St. Dionysios 
Chapel.
  I am proud to call him a friend and thank him for all his meaningful 
contributions to our wonderful community.
  Axios. He is worthy, Madam Speaker.

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