Gus Bilirakis

First, I want to reemphasize my sincerity and thanks to you, Madam Chair, for H.R. 4594, the Restoring Brand USA Act.

This is a sound solution that protects consumers online, while also protecting the private information of small online entrepreneurs.

I am glad to see the Restoring Brand USA Act on the docket today that I introduced with my friend Peter Welch.

This legislation will release the dollars already collected for the Brand USA program to help return our travel and tourism industry back to its former glory.

This legislation will create a uniform national standard to provide consumers with clarity, transparency, and enhanced protections from malicious actors online who look to pawn stolen goods or sell dangerous counterfeits.

I want to commend my friend, the chair of the committee, Chairwoman Schakowsky, for her leadership on the INFORM Consumers Act and working with me to reach a strong bipartisan agreement.

I want to commend my friend Chair Schakowsky for her leadership on the INFORM Consumers Act and working with me to reach a strong bipartisan agreement.

This was an easy bipartisan win for our committee last Congress, so there is no reason we cannot get this bill across the finish line again this year.

I am concerned the longer Congress continues to stall, the integrity of college athletes will diminish.

It is clear we need a Federal baseline that re-levels the playing field, and we need one soon.

Congress would do a disservice to student athletes, sports culture, and American society in general if it passes a bill that diminishes educational opportunities.

If Congress fails to enact legislation preventing a patchwork of State laws, we will likely see States competing with one another to create the best incentives for students to come to their schools.

It is the only way we can get this done for students, and I--we all agree, Madam Chair, on the NIL.

I also want to thank Congressman Anthony Gonzalez for his tireless bipartisan effort to give student athletes the opportunity to receive compensation for their name, image, and likeness, or NIL.

I have very serious concerns about granting unchecked powers to the FTC, something my colleagues--some of my colleagues--seem to agree with.

I understand the concerns of manufacturers, the need to protect the privacy of drivers, and mitigate cybersecurity vulnerabilities of the vehicle.

I have a particular interest in the Commission's recent actions on the alleged repair restrictions.

Our rural Hoosiers that live prohibitively far from dealerships have to use third-party repair shops.

The Federal Trade Commission has a commitment to protect the American public from unfair and deceptive practices.

I suggest that you not, because this is such a very important program.

Our committee has worked extensively in a bipartisan manner to protect consumers from fraud and scams.

Thank you so much, Madam Chair. I appreciate it.

We will begin a process to review these allegations.

We must take these allegations very seriously.

It is critical we get the ball rolling on that effort.