Michael Bilirakis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michael Bilirakis
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Florida's 9th district |
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| In office January 3, 1983 – January 3, 2007 |
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| Preceded by | New Constituency (Redistricting) |
| Succeeded by | Gus Bilirakis |
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| Born | July 16, 1930 Tarpon Springs, Florida, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Evelyn Bilirakis |
| Children | Gus Bilirakis (son) |
| Residence | Tarpon Springs, Florida |
| Education | University of Pittsburgh (BS) University of Florida (JD) |
Michael Bilirakis, born on July 16, 1930, is an American politician and lawyer from Florida. He was a member of the Republican Party. He served in the United States House of Representatives from 1983 to 2007. He represented Florida's 9th congressional district during his time in Congress.
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Early Life and Education
Michael Bilirakis was born in Tarpon Springs, Florida. His parents were immigrants from Greece. He grew up in Clairton, Pennsylvania. He finished Douglas Business College in 1949. Later, he earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1959. He was part of the Sigma Pi fraternity there.
He also studied at George Washington University in 1960. In 1963, he earned a law degree from the University of Florida Levin College of Law. Before his political career, Bilirakis served in the United States Air Force. He was in the Air Force from 1951 to 1955, during the time of the Korean War. He reached the rank of staff sergeant.
Political Career Highlights
Bilirakis first ran for office in 1982. He sought to represent the new 9th District in Florida. He won against State Representative George Sheldon. He was reelected many times after that. In 1984, he won with 78 percent of the votes. He was reelected 10 more times and often ran without anyone opposing him. This happened in 1988, 1994, 1998, and 2004.
Key Roles in Congress
During his time in Congress, Bilirakis had important roles. He was a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee. He also served as the vice chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee. He helped pass important laws. One was the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act. He also helped renew the Prescription Drug User Fee Act.
He was a main supporter of The Nurse Reinvestment Act of 2002. He also wrote the Organ Donation Improvement Act. Many people saw him as one of the most effective lawmakers in Congress.
Retirement from Congress
Michael Bilirakis retired from Congress in 2006. His son, Gus Bilirakis, who was a state representative in Florida, ran for his father's seat. Gus won the election in 2006 against Democrat Phyllis Busansky. In 2009, Governor Crist considered Michael Bilirakis for a U.S. Senate position. However, George LeMieux was chosen for that role instead.
