Rep. Gus Bilirakis

R

Florida – District 12
representative

Leadership

Chairman Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade

119th Congress

News & Announcements

Nov 20, 2025
Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade

Chairman Bilirakis Delivers Opening Statement at Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Hearing on Time, Travel, and Tourism

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, delivered the following opening statement at today’s hearing titled Daylight and Destinations: Examining Time, Travel, and Tourism. Subcommittee Chairman Bilirakis’s opening statement as prepared for delivery:  “Good morning, and welcome to today’s hearing examining time, travel, and tourism and how they can strengthen our economy and our communities. Thank you to our witnesses for their testimony. “For me, this topic hits home. I grew up in Tarpon Springs, Florida, where the Sponge Docks and our annual Epiphany celebration have welcomed visitors from around the world for generations. In Florida’s 12th District of Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco Counties—tourism supports family-owned restaurants, hotels, and outfitters, helping to sustain our Nature Coast way of life.  “In Crystal River you can swim with the manatees. In Weeki Wachee Springs, you can see the famous live Mermaid show. And in Pasco County is home to a vibrant sports tourism industry with countless kayaking waterways and the AdventHealth Ice Rink. “To further highlight the importance of tourism to the State of Florida, I’d like to introduce for the record a study commissioned by Visit Florida showing tourism’s economic impact in the state; as well as Visit Florida’s Marketing Effectiveness survey revealing tourist preferences and ways to boost demand. (so ordered). “Nationwide, travelers spent roughly $1.3 trillion last year, generating nearly $3 trillion in economic output and supporting over 15 million jobs. International visitors alone spent over $250 billion. As we prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, we have a once-in-a-generation runway to welcome the world and spread those benefits to communities large and small. “A critical tool here is Brand USA, our public-private partnership that markets American destinations abroad. I was proud to author the bipartisan Travel Promotion, Enhancement, and Modernization Act of 2014 to reauthorize Brand USA, because it helps attract visitors without relying on taxpayer dollars for funding. We should ensure Brand USA remains strong and accountable as the global competition for travelers intensifies. To achieve that, I filed legislation yesterday with Mrs. Castor to increase funding for Brand USA, as we gear up for the America 250 celebrations. “Today we’ll also examine the tradeoffs to commerce, health, and safety that come with Daylight Saving Time and any adjustments to our clock changing practices. Many argue that more evening daylight boosts consumer activity and tourism; others raise valid concerns about sleep, road safety, and school routines. “Our job is to take actions that help American workers, businesses, and visitors alike, so we can deliver wins for communities like mine and yours—giving families and businesses opportunity and certainty, whether we ‘lock the clock’ or maintain the status quo.” ###

Nov 20, 2025
Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade

Subcommittee on CMT Holds Hearing on Time, Travel, and Tourism

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, led a hearing titled Daylight and Destinations: Examining Time, Travel, and Tourism. “Travel and tourism are vital engines for local communities across the country and for our national economy. During this week’s CMT hearing, we discussed the importance of programs such as Brand USA and how Congress can strengthen the travel and tourism industries,”  said Chairman Bilirakis. “We also examined a range of perspectives on Daylight Saving Time—a practice that touches nearly every American and merits careful evaluation. Our discussion focused on its real-world impacts and the factors Congress must consider as we assess potential reforms. It was a productive and insightful dialogue.” Watch the full hearing here. Below are key excerpts from today’s hearing: Congressman Tom Kean (NJ-07): “Miss Maietta, the state of New Jersey is pleased to host eight matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The hospitality industry is critical to hosting these important matches. Could you please share how the hospitality industry is preparing for these highly anticipated events?” Ms. Rosanna Maietta: “We are accustomed to holding and hosting big events all the time, but of course, bringing in so many people at the same time does present some unique challenges, but also opportunities. Right now, our industry is working very closely with law enforcement, city officials, and all stakeholders involved to ensure that we are prepared. I would encourage those lines of communication to stay open. Thank you for serving on the [2026 FIFA World Cup] Caucus. We commend the administration for setting up task forces around these events to ensure that they go off without a hitch.” Congressman Russell Fry (SC-07): “We have roughly 790,000 people that live in the district, but every year the Myrtle Beach area sees 18 million come to our area. If you take it proportionally, there are 20 visitors for every one resident. Tourism in the Grand Strand generates tens of billions of dollars in economic impact and supports tens of thousands of jobs. In the district, we talk about tourism, but we’re really talking about the livelihoods of the folks that I represent.” Congressman Gabe Evans (CO-08): “What happens at the local level when a hotel or some other sort of lodging venue closes? Can you speak on the impact that that has on a local economy?” Ms. Maietta: “Operating costs have risen four times faster than revenue in the last five years. What we are seeing is small businesses—our industry is primarily made up of small businesses—simply can’t afford to stay open. So, we’ve seen closures, and that impacts jobs and the local community that relies on the hotel to create more economic flow.” ###

Nov 13, 2025
Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade

Chairmen Guthrie and Bilirakis Announce CMT Subcommittee Hearing on Time, Travel, and Tourism

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, announced a subcommittee hearing titled Daylight and Destinations: Examining Time, Travel, and Tourism . “Travel and tourism are key drivers of both our local and national economies, and it’s essential that Congress explore the best ways to strengthen and capitalize on these opportunities for our country,” said Chairmen Guthrie and Bilirakis. “We also will examine the various perspectives surrounding Daylight Saving Time, a practice that touches nearly every American and warrants careful consideration by Congress. This hearing will provide an important opportunity to assess its real-world impacts and determine the best path forward.” Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade hearing titled Daylight and Destinations: Examining Time, Travel, and Tourism . WHAT : Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade hearing on time, travel, and tourism. DATE: Thursday, November 20, 2025 TIME: 10:00 AM ET LOCATION: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building This notice is at the direction of the Chairman. The hearing will be open to the public and press and will be livestreamed online at energycommerce.house.gov . If you have any questions concerning this hearing, please contact Alex Khlopin at Alex.Khlopin@mail.house.gov . If you have any press-related questions, please contact Daniel Kelly at Daniel.Kelly@mail.house.gov .  ###

Letters

Oct 31, 2025
Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade

Chairmen Guthrie, Joyce, and Bilirakis Send Letter to NCAA Over Decision to Let Student Athletes Gamble on Professional Sports

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, and Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, sent a letter to National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) President Charlie Baker following the recent announcement that student athletes and athletic department staff will be allowed to bet on professional sports. KEY EXCERPTS: “The Committee on Energy and Commerce is examining the NCAA’s recent policy change permitting student athletes and athletic department staff to bet on professional sports.” [...] To assist the Committee in its oversight, we request a briefing by no later than November 13, 2025, that addresses the following: Why is the NCAA changing its policy allowing student athletes to bet on professional sports? Has the NCAA conducted any studies, analyses, or reviews of the impact of gambling on student athletes? If so, what are the results? What role did they play in the NCAA’s decision to allow student athletes to bet on professional sports? How does this change allow the NCAA, the conferences, and the member schools to better protect the integrity of college games and encourage healthy habits for student-athletes who choose to engage in betting activities on professional sports? How is the NCAA engaging with athletic conferences, member institutions, and teams to address questions and concerns about this rule change? Amid recent allegations of illegal sports betting among student athletes and concerns expressed by member institutions, is NCAA reconsidering implementation of the policy? What guardrails are in place to prevent the type of illegal sports betting activity that is allegedly occurring in the NCAA and NBA, considering that some student athletes will go on to become professional athletes? Please provide details about any fraudulent, illegal, and alleged betting practices in connection with NCAA players, coaches, and officials, including the actions of NCAA players identified in recent infraction decisions; as well as prior instances, some of which are identified above. Please describe the NCAA’s “layered integrity monitoring program,” for maintaining competition integrity and pursuing sports betting violations. What gaps, if any, are in existing regulations that allow illegal betting schemes to occur in college sports? BACKGROUND: On October 24, 2025, the Committee on Energy and Commerce launched its investigation into sports fixing and illegal gambling after the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) unsealed indictments of current and former NBA players and coaches. An initial announcement stated that, effective November 1, 2025, student athletes and athletic department staff in all three NCAA divisions would be permitted to bet on professional sports. A few days before the policy change was supposed to take effect, the Division I Board of Directors voted to delay implementation of the rule change across all three divisions to November 22, 2025. A recent NCAA press release stated that “enforcement staff has opened investigations into potential sports betting violations by approximately 30 current or former men's basketball student-athletes.” CLICK HERE to read the full letter.

Oct 24, 2025
Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade

Bipartisan E&C Leaders Request Briefing from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver Following Allegations of Sports Fixing and Illegal Gambling

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Committee on Energy and Commerce Chairman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) and Ranking Member Frank Pallone Jr., (NJ-06), along with Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Chairman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13) and Ranking Member Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), and Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Chairman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) and Ranking Member Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), sent a letter to National Basketball Association (NBA) Commissioner Adam Silver following the recent announcement that current and former NBA players and coaches have been indicted on charges relating to sports fixing and illegal gambling. KEY EXCERPT: These allegations raise serious concerns about sports betting and the integrity of sport in the NBA, which harms fans and legal sports bettors. [...] To assist the Committee in its oversight, we request a briefing by no later than October 31, 2025, that addresses the following:  Details about the fraudulent, illegal, and alleged betting practices in connection with NBA players, coaches, and officials, including the actions of NBA players and coaches identified in the recent indictment; as well as prior instances, some of which are identified above.  Actions the NBA intends to take to limit the disclosure of nonpublic information for illegal purposes. Whether the NBA’s Code of Conduct for players and coaches effectively prohibits illegal activity, including the disclosure of non-public information for the purposes of illegal betting schemes. An explanation of the gaps, if any, in existing regulations that allow illegal betting schemes to occur. Whether and how the NBA is reevaluating the terms of its partnerships with sports betting companies. BACKGROUND: According to the unsealed indictment, current and former NBA players and coaches allegedly used insider information to place or profit from bets on NBA games. The federal indictment’s allegations of illegal betting span incidents of fraudulent wagering from December 2022 to March 2024 and involve defendants and co-conspirators residing across the United States. In 2023, it is alleged that Miami Heat player Terry Rozier left a game early to facilitate a co-conspirator’s winning bet, which produced hundreds of thousands of dollars in winnings to be split with Mr. Rozier. Another co-conspirator, former NBA player Damon Jones, is alleged to have gained access to non-public information on NBA players and teams, which he then sold to professional gamblers. Other unnamed co-conspirators are alleged to have passed along insider information as well, such as which players would not be playing in an upcoming game. In 2007, former NBA referee Tim Donaghy pleaded guilty to federal charges for using insider information to bet on games he officiated. Last year, Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter was banned from the NBA for life after pleading guilty to wire fraud conspiracy due to his involvement in a sports betting scandal. CLICK HERE to read the full letter. CLICK HERE to read ESPN's exclusive coverage of the letter.

Sep 25, 2025
Letter

Chairmen Guthrie, Bilirakis, and Joyce Request Investigation into China-Backed Company Collecting Brain Wave Data on Elite American Athletes

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, and Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, sent letters to Pam Bondi, U.S. Attorney General, Andrew Ferguson, Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission, and Howard Lutnick, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce, urging the administration to investigate and address potential national security risks posed by BrainCo, a neural technology company allegedly funded by the People’s Republic of China (PRC). KEY EXCERPTS: “The Committee on Energy and Commerce has long warned about the national and economic security risks of CCP-aligned entities accessing Americans’ personal and proprietary information. The use of American data by CCP-aligned entities, such as BrainCo, to develop and deploy AI underscores our concerns. […] The Committee urges swift action to investigate and address the potential national and economic security risks posed by BrainCo’s operations in the United States and its access to Americans’ personal information.” BACKGROUND: According to recent reporting , the company was started by MIT and Harvard scientists but has “been quietly backed by the Chinese government-linked entities for nearly a decade.”  BrainCo products reportedly harvest personalized brainwave data from users.  BrainCo is reportedly working with sanctioned PRC military contractors.  BrainCo products reportedly have been used by Olympic gold medalist Mikaela Shiffrin, number two world tennis player, Jannik Sinner, U.S. Olympic teams, and many others.  Along with DeepSeek , BrainCo is considered one of China’s “Six Little Dragons” — meaning one of the CCP’s most promising young tech startups. The PRC’s National Intelligence Law of 2017 requires PRC individuals and entities to support PRC intelligence services. CLICK HERE to read exclusive coverage of the letter. CLICK HERE to read the Hunterbrook Media story on their investigation into BrainCo. CLICK HERE to listen to the corresponding Pablo Torre Finds Out podcast episode. CLICK HERE to read the letters to Attorney General Bondi, Chairman Ferguson, and Secretary Lutnick. ###