Pasco Reporter

The Center for Effective Lawmaking (CEL), a collaboration between the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy at the University of Virginia and the College of Arts and Science at Vanderbilt University, has released its rankings for lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives during the 118th Congress. Congressman Gus Bilirakis has been recognized as a Highly Effective Member of Congress, ranking as the 31st Most Effective Lawmaker from either party in the entire House.

Bilirakis is noted for having the sixth longest streak in Congress on CEL's "Exceeding Legislative Expectations List." This recognition is attributed to his ability to amend significant portions of legislation he originally files into other packages that eventually become law. CEL highlights that those who consistently appear in their Exceeding Expectation Category are "truly remarkable and worth watching."

Congressman Bilirakis commented on his recognition, stating, "My constituents send me to Washington to get things done on their behalf, and that is my primary focus as I work to better our community and the lives of those I serve. Achieving that goal requires ongoing relationship-building with all stakeholders." He added, "While I am never willing to compromise my principles, I do believe in working together to find common ground. I’m a big believer in President Reagan’s philosophy that great things can be accomplished if you aren’t worried about who gets the credit. I will continue this approach as I work to address the serious challenges facing our nation."

CEL defines legislative effectiveness based on a member's "proven ability to advance agenda items through the legislative process and into law," which includes four components: proven ability, advancing legislation, members' agenda items, and progression through the legislative process into law.