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 (BSE) University of Florida (JD) |
Michael Bilirakis was born on July 16, 1930. He is an American politician and a lawyer from Florida. He was a member of the Republican Party. Mr. Bilirakis served in the United States House of Representatives. He represented Florida's 9th congressional district from 1983 to 2007.
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Early Life and Education
Michael Bilirakis was born in Tarpon Springs, Florida. His parents were immigrants from Greece. He spent his childhood in Clairton, Pennsylvania. He finished Douglas Business College in 1949.
He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1959. He also studied at George Washington University in 1960. In 1963, he received a law degree from the University of Florida Levin College of Law.
Military Service
Before his political career, Mr. Bilirakis served in the United States Air Force. He was in the Air Force from 1951 to 1955. This was 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 ran for the new 9th District in Florida. He won against George Sheldon by a small number of votes. He was reelected many times after that. He won easily in 1984 with 78 percent of the votes. He was reelected 10 more times. He ran without anyone opposing him in 1988, 1994, 1998, and 2004.
Key Roles in Congress
In Congress, Mr. Bilirakis was part of important committees. He was on the Energy and Commerce Committee. He was also the vice chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee. He helped pass important laws. One law was about public health and bioterrorism. 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 Politics
Michael Bilirakis retired from Congress in 2006. His son, Gus Bilirakis, then ran for his father's seat. Gus was a state representative in Florida. He won the election in 2006. He became the new representative for Florida's 9th congressional district.
In 2009, Governor Crist considered Michael Bilirakis for a U.S. Senate position. This was after Senator Mel Martínez resigned. However, George LeMieux was chosen for the role instead.
