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Congressional Daily Record
This section is a tribute, commemoration, or district-facing statement. It mentions members such as Gus Bilirakis. Extensions of Remarks are statements submitted for the official record, even if they were not spoken live on the floor.
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March 24, 2026
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Extensions of Remarks
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Download official Extensions PDFReturn to issue contextHON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS
of florida
in the house of representatives
Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary contributions of a dedicated community leader in my district, Mr. Joe Besnard. Since 2011, Joe has been a steadfast champion for survivors of domestic and sexual violence served by Sunrise. A retired veteran and successful businessman, he embodies a lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and community responsibility. His generosity extends far beyond financial support, as he donates his time, heart, and personal influence to create lasting change.
and tangible ways. He has supported the agency's Holiday Giving Program, ensuring survivors and their children experience joy and dignity during the holiday season. He funded the remodeling of the shelter kitchen, transforming it into a welcoming and functional space, and contributed significantly to the construction of an on-site office building, creating a dedicated and safe workspace for hotline advocates and counselors who provide life-saving support to survivors every day. Joe's impact extends beyond direct donations. He founded one of Sunrise's signature fundraising events, the Pull for Survivors Sporting Clays event, which continues to generate critical resources and community awareness. He personally recruits participants, sponsors, and supporters, leveraging his relationships to grow the event each year. In a reflection of his humility and heart, he asks friends and family to purchase birthday and Christmas gifts for him that can be used as auction items to benefit survivors.
difficult work. Each Christmas, he provides Honey Baked hams for staff and shelter residents, a thoughtful tradition that reminds both survivors and employees that they are seen, valued, and cared for.
has helped create safer spaces, stronger services, and brighter futures for countless survivors and families. He exemplifies the spirit of “Heroes Among Us” as someone who quietly and faithfully uses his resources to strengthen his community, bring hope where it is needed most, and advocate for survivors and their loved ones.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Joe Besnard for his outstanding contributions to our community. For his tireless dedication and extraordinary generosity, I am proud to honor Mr. Besnard as a 2026 Heroes Among Us recipient for Florida's 12th Congressional District.