Senator Rick Scott’s Week in Review January 24, 2020

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This week, Senator Rick Scott launched his “Let’s Get Back To Work” video series. Throughout the impeachment trial, Senator Scott will release videos of Floridians highlighting everything Congress is not getting done for the American people, like lowering the cost of prescription drugs, passing No Budget, No Pay and securing the border.

Senator Rick Scott said, “The House Democrats have made a mockery of our government. And you know who gets hurt the most during this trial? The American people, who are getting nothing from the federal government as long as this goes on. I knew Washington was dysfunctional, but this is a whole new level. While the Democrats continue their impeachment obsession, I remain focused on getting back to work on all the things Floridians care about, and I won’t stop fighting.”

Watch more in the video below.

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See more of what Senator Scott has been up to this week below.

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Sen. Rick Scott: Let’s Get Back To Work and Lower the Cost of Health Care for the American People

Episode 1 of Senator Rick Scott’s “Let’s Get Back to Work” video series features Floridian Bill Wheelen of Wellington, who is concerned about the skyrocketing rising cost of health care for his family. See HERE or below.

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Sen. Rick Scott: Let’s Get Back To Work and Support American Business Owners

Episode 2 of Senator Rick Scott’s “Let’s Get Back to Work” video series features Floridian, veteran and business owner Gaston Merideth of Tampa, who wants Congress to stop focusing on impeachment and start tackling real issues to help our nation’s families and businesses. See HERE or below.

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Sen. Rick Scott: Let’s Get Back To Work and Support Our American Heroes

Episode 3 of Senator Rick Scott’s “Let’s Get Back to Work” video series features Floridian Dan McCort of Pensacola, who wants Congress to focus on supporting our military, veterans and their families, and give our Armed Forces the resources they need to protect and defend our nation. See HERE or below.

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Senators Rick Scott, Marco Rubio Urge Army Corps to Prioritize Projects That Help Protect Florida’s Environment

Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio wrote a letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers urging them to prioritize projects that will help protect Florida’s environment. This includes projects that build on Senator Scott’s efforts to restore Florida’s Everglades, like the Central Everglades Planning Project and Everglades Agricultural Area Storage Reservoir.  Read more, including the full letter, HERE.

Sen. Rick Scott Urges CDC to Take Swift Action to Combat Threat of the Coronavirus

Senator Rick Scott wrote a letter to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director requesting information about the agency’s plan to combat the threat of the coronavirus and urging quick action to protect the health of American families. Considering China’s position as a global adversary and their general unwillingness to share information, Senator Scott is urging the CDC to take extra precautions against the spread of this deadly virus. Read more, including the full letter, HERE.

Sen. Rick Scott Leads Colleagues in Urging American Hospitals to Protect U.S. Research from Communist China’s Influence

Senators Rick Scott, Marco Rubio and Tom Cotton sent a letter to American Hospital Association President Richard Pollack requesting information on the steps they have taken to safeguard U.S. research and intellectual property from the influence of foreign adversaries, including Communist China. This follows Senator Scott’s letter to Florida university presidents last month urging them to protect national security by safeguarding U.S. research from Communist China. Read more, including the full letter, HERE.

Senators Rick Scott, Ron Johnson and Marco Rubio Request Information on NAS Pensacola Shooter’s A-2 Visa Approval Process

Senator Rick Scott joined Senator Ron Johnson and Senator Marco Rubio in a letter to Acting Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Chad Wolf requesting information on the process through which the NAS Pensacola shooter received a visa to participate in military training in the United States. Read more, including the full letter, from the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee HERE.

Sen. Rick Scott Applauds Trump Administration for Action to Combat Counterfeit Goods from Communist China 

Senator Rick Scott released the below statement following the decision by the Trump Administration to crackdown on counterfeit goods sold online. This decision comes after Senator Scott sent a letter to the President in November asking him to work to make sure that counterfeit goods from Communist China do not enter our country. Senator Scott also has a bill, the Promoting Responsibility In Markets and E-Retailers (PRIME) Act, which will require online retailers to list the country of origin for each product they sell and requires digital apps to disclose their country of origin.

Senator Rick Scott said, “I applaud the Administration for taking swift action to combat the growing threat of counterfeit goods from Communist China. We have to get serious about where our money is going, and we must remain vigilant about where our products come from. Protecting Americans from counterfeit goods is a positive step, but we must keep working. American consumers should know where the products they buy online are made, and my PRIME Act will create more transparency in the online retail space so consumers can make informed choices for themselves and their families.” Read more HERE.

Sen. Rick Scott: I’m Committed to Protecting Life

Senator Rick Scott released a video in recognition of the 47th annual March for Life. Watch the video HERE or below.

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Sen. Rick Scott Urges Trump Administration to Protect Americans by Declaring Coronavirus a Public Health Emergency

Senator Rick Scott released the below statement amid reports of more confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the United States and following a briefing from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). On Wednesday, Senator Scott sent a letter to the CDC Director requesting information about the agency’s plan to combat the threat of the coronavirus and urging quick action to protect the health of American families.

Senator Rick Scott said, “We have to get serious about the threat of coronavirus coming from China. I don’t trust Communist China to coordinate in a transparent and efficient manner when it comes to combatting the treat of the virus, so we have to do everything we can to protect Americans. Today, I’m calling on the Administration to declare a national public health emergency to stop the coronavirus from spreading within the United States. While all of the cases are still travel-related, we must take every precaution. Just like we did in Florida to curb the spread of the Ebola and Zika viruses, we must take action to make every resource available to contain the disease and keep Americans healthy.
 
“At the same time, we must examine the ways the virus is transmitted – including outside the body. Until we have a greater understanding of how the virus is transmitted, we must increase screening and inspections on all products and produce coming into the United States from China.” Read more HERE.

Sen. Rick Scott to SEC: Protect American Businesses from the Growing Threat of Communist China

Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman expressing concerns about how Communist China’s recently enacted cryptology laws will affect the security of American businesses and urging the SEC to require disclosures for investors, outlining the alarming reality of the risks they face by investing their hard earned dollars in companies doing business with Communist China. Read more, including the full letter, HERE.

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WEAR: Florida Sen. Scott to release video series during Senate impeachment trial

Accion 97.9: Senador Rick Scott lanza serie de videos “Regresemos a Trabajar

Fox Business: Impeachment trial will be fair in Senate: Sen. Rick Scott

Fox News Radio: Senator Rick Scott On Impeachment & Falling Frozen Iguanas

Washington Examiner: Republican senators demand DHS to explain why Pensacola shooter was granted a visa

Washington Times: Senate Republicans demand to know how Pensacola shooter was approved for visa

Florida Daily: Florida’s Senators, Ted Deutch Call on White House to Pressure Iran to Return Hostages

The Hill: Senators press DHS over visa approval for Pensacola naval base shooter

Florida Daily: Rick Scott, Marco Rubio Urge Hospitals to Protect U.S. Research from Communist China’s Influence

Florida Daily: Rick Scott Urges CDC to Take Swift Action to Combat Threat of the Coronavirus

WPLG: Sen. Rick Scott fears threat of deadly Wuhan coronavirus

The Floridian: Rick Scott guilts Europeans for visiting Cuba

Florida Politics: Rick Scott warns CDC not to trust China, be on high alert for coronavirus

The Floridian: Scott Invites Sec. Wilkie to address Veterans’ Issues

WPEC: Sen. Rick Scott urges Trump administration to declare Coronavirus public health emergency

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Congratulations to the Florida-based soldiers of the 2nd Battalion and 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) who were recognized with valor medals for their actions in support of Operation Resolute Support, and thank you for your service!
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WASHINGTON, D.C.
716 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Phone: (202) 224-5274
TALLAHASSEE
111 N. Adams Street, Suite 208
Tallahassee, FL 32301
Phone: (850) 942-8415
Fax: (202) 228-4535
TAMPA
801 North Florida Avenue, Suite 421
Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: (813) 225-7040
NAPLES
Collier County Government Center
3299 Tamiami Trail East, #106
Naples, FL 34112
Phone: (239) 231-7890
WEST PALM BEACH
415 Clematis Street, Suite 201
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Phone: (561) 514-0189
ORLANDO
Landmark II Building
225 East Robinson Street, Suite 410
Orlando, FL 32801
Phone: (407) 872-7161

Legislative Update – January 17, 2020

Senator Rick Scott’s Week in Review January 17, 2020

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While the House Democrats focus all their attention on trying to impeach the President, Senator Scott continues to push hard to get things done for the people of Florida. This week, the Senate passed the USMCA to support American businesses, President Trump released disaster funding for Puerto Rico at Senator Scott’s urging, and Senator Scott continued to push for answers on exactly what led to the terrorist attack at NAS Pensacola so we can make sure our men and women in uniform are safe.
Also this week, Senator Scott co-sponsored:

See more of what Senator Scott has been up to this week below.

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Senator Rick Scott Applauds Decision to Make Bases Safer, Pushes for Hard Reset of Foreign National Training Program

Senator Rick Scott released the following statement after an update on the findings of the FBI investigation into the shooting at NAS Pensacola last month.

Senator Rick Scott said, “I’m glad federal officials are taking steps to make our bases safer, including sending a number of potentially dangerous individuals back to their home country. This is a positive step, but more must be done when it comes to addressing the failures in this program that led to the tragic terrorist attack at NAS Pensacola. Given the FBI’s confirmation that a number of Saudi nationals engaged in troubling conduct, it’s clear we need a hard reset. I’m calling on the Saudi government to recall all Saudi nationals training in the U.S. back to their home country until the Department of Defense can conduct a full review of the program. I will continue to work with Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Inhofe and administration officials to get to the bottom of exactly what went wrong so we can figure out if these training programs are safe to continue.” Read more HERE.

Sen. Rick Scott to 82nd, 101st Airborne Divisions: You Should Be Incredibly Proud of Your Mission

Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions recognizing their significant and historic role in World War II and thanking them for their work to protect our nation, our allies, our families and our freedoms. Senator Scott visited Belgium and Luxembourg last month to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge and honor the soldiers who proudly served our nation during World War II, including the Senator’s father. Read more, including the full letters, HERE.

Senator Rick Scott Urges Florida Universities to Submit Responses on Plan to Combat Threat of Chinese Influence

Senator Rick Scott released the below statement following his letter to Florida university presidents requesting information on the steps they have taken to safeguard technology and intellectual property from the influence of foreign adversaries, including Communist China.
Senator Rick Scott said, “We cannot take the threat from Communist China lightly. They are actively trying to use strategic relationships to advance their geopolitical and economic goals, which threatens our nation’s security. I appreciate the responses I’ve received from some Florida universities detailing the steps they are taking to protect their information from Communist China. But I’m still waiting to hear from many universities in Florida. Everyone needs to understand this risk, and I look forward to hearing back from every institution as we work to protect our universities and our students.” Read more HERE.

Senator Rick Scott Statement on China Trade Deal

Senator Rick Scott released the below statement following the President’s signing of Phase 1 of the China trade deal.
Senator Rick Scott said, “I applaud the President for trying to negotiate deals that put American businesses first. But Communist China never lives up to its commitments and I don’t believe they will honor this deal. Communist China is militarizing the South China Sea, breaking the agreement to give Hong Kong autonomy and freedom, and attacking religious freedom by detaining possibly more than one million Uyghurs in internment and re-education camps. Our relationship with China is about more than just trade. We have to talk about human rights and we have to talk about China’s growing influence around the world. The United States has been down this road before with Communist China. They never live up to their agreements, so why should we believe them now?” Read more HERE.

Sen. Rick Scott on the Peace Corps Ending Programs in Communist China: I’m Glad They Finally Came to Their Senses

Senator Rick Scott released the following statement after the Peace Corps announced its decision to wind down operations in Communist China. This decision follows months of Senator Scott calling for the Peace Corps to get out of Communist China, and the introduction of Senator Scott’s Peace Corps Mission Accountability Act, which prohibits all Peace Corps activity in hostile countries, including Communist China.
Senator Rick Scott said, “I’m glad the Peace Corps has finally come to its senses and sees Communist China for what it is: the second largest economy in the world and an adversary of the United States. Communist China continues to be a horrible human rights violator, one of the largest polluters in the world and a geopolitical threat. There is no reason we should prop up our adversaries with U.S. tax dollars. I’ve repeatedly asked the Peace Corps to pull all volunteers and resources from Communist China immediately, and I’m glad they finally decided to start protecting both taxpayer money and the American people. I will also be asking the Peace Corps to present their plan to me to ensure a speedy withdrawal of their resources in Communist China.” Read more HERE.

Sen. Rick Scott Applauds Senate Passage of USMCA

Senator Rick Scott applauded the Senate’s passage of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA). Senator Rick Scott spoke about his support of the USMCA in a meeting of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation this week after receiving commitment from U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer that Florida’s seasonal produce growers will be protected. Watch video from the hearing HERE.
Senator Rick Scott said, “I’m proud the Senate passed the USMCA as we work with the Administration to negotiate trade agreements that put American businesses first. I want to thank President Trump and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer for all the work they did to get this deal done. While the deal is not perfect, I have received written commitments from USTR that they will work to make sure all Florida growers’ concerns are properly addressed and domestic seasonal producers in Florida are protected. I will not stop fighting until Florida growers have what they need to succeed.” Read more HERE.

Senator Rick Scott joins Senator Daines and Colleagues in Resolution Recognizing Religious Freedom Day

Senator Rick Scott joined Senator Steve Daines and colleagues to introduce a resolution designating January 16th as Religious Freedom Day.
Senator Rick Scott said, “As countries around the world, like Communist China and Iran, refuse to respect religious liberty. It is more important than ever that the United States recognize this basic right, and I will always fight to protect our religious freedoms.” Read more from Senator Daines’ office HERE.

Sen. Rick Scott Applauds Trump Administration for Releasing Puerto Rico Disaster Relief Funds and Heeding His Call for Transparency and Accountability 

Senator Rick Scott released the below statement following the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) release of $8.3 billion in disaster relief funding to help Puerto Rico’s ongoing recovery after Hurricane Maria. HUD will also appoint a Federal Financial Monitor, which follows Senator Scott and Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón’s letter to President Trump asking the Administration to appoint a Federal Coordinator to oversee responsible implementation of Puerto Rico’s disaster funding. The Coordinator will ensure disaster relief funding gets to the Island’s families in a transparent and efficient manner.
Senator Rick Scott said, “I am proud the Trump Administration is releasing disaster aid funding for Puerto Rico to help the Island recover from the devastation of Hurricane Maria. I’ve spoken to President Trump multiple times about the importance of getting Puerto Rico the resources they need in a transparent and efficient manner. I’m glad the Administration decided to appoint a Federal Financial Monitor, which I fought for to make sure that families in Puerto Rico get the help they need following the devastation of Hurricane Maria and that U.S. taxpayer money is spent wisely. I will continue to do everything I can to support our brothers and sisters on the island.” Read more HERE.

El senador Rick Scott aplaude a la administración Trump por liberar fondos de ayuda para desastres en Puerto Rico y atender su llamado a la transparencia y rendición de cuentas

El senador Rick Scott hizo la siguiente declaración luego de que el Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano de los Estados Unidos (HUD) liberara $8.3 billones en fondos de ayuda para desastres y así continuar ayudando a Puerto Rico en la recuperación en curso luego del huracán María. HUD también designará un monitor federal, como solicitado en la carta del Senador Scott y la Congresista Jenniffer González-Colón al Presidente Trump pidiéndole a la administración que designara un coordinador federal para supervisar la implementación responsable de los fondos para desastres en Puerto Rico. El coordinador se asegurará de que los fondos de ayuda para desastres lleguen a las familias de la isla de manera transparente y eficiente.
El senador Rick Scott dijo: “Estoy orgulloso de que la administración Trump esté liberando fondos de ayuda para desastres para Puerto Rico y así continuar ayudando a la isla a recuperarse de la devastación del huracán María. He hablado varias veces con el presidente Trump sobre la importancia de que Puerto Rico obtenga los recursos que necesita de manera transparente y eficiente. Me alegra que la administración haya decidido nombrar un monitor federal, el cual solicité para asegurarme de que las familias en Puerto Rico reciban la ayuda que necesitan después de la devastación del huracán María y que el dinero de los contribuyentes estadounidenses se gaste sabiamente. Continuaré haciendo todo lo posible para apoyar a nuestros hermanos y hermanas en la isla”. Lea más AQUÍ.

Senator Rick Scott to Tourists: Stand up for Freedom; Don’t Travel to Cuba

Senator Rick Scott released an open letter to all European and Canadian tourists traveling to Cuba. The letter urges all tourists to stand for freedom and reconsider plans to visit Cuba, since a trip to Cuba supports the ruthless Cuban regime, which denies Cubans their basic rights and controls everything and everyone on the island. Read more, including the full letter, HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott on Fox: Congress Needs to Stop Wasting Time on Impeachment and Get Back to Work
Watch the full interview HERE or below.

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Sen. Rick Scott: My Father’s Fight for Freedom During World War II Continues to Inspire Me

Senator Rick Scott wrote an op-ed for Fox News about his father, a World War II hero, who inspires him to fight for freedom every day.

In the op-ed, Senator Rick Scott wrote, “My dad’s story is the story of many in his generation. Born in 1925. Kicked out of his house at 9 because his parents got divorced and neither could afford to feed him. He grew up during the Depression with almost nothing by moving in with family and friends. He joined the Army as a teenager.…

But I often wonder if he recognized how important he, and those like him, were to the fabric of American society. I think for my dad, a man who never had any financial success, World War II was a time he felt important.

We seldom give credit to the men and women who struggle financially and simply show up, day in and day out, doing the best they can. I think that’s a mistake. They are the foundation of a country that always yearns for more, for better. The forgotten men and women not only must not be forgotten, but they must also be appreciated, valued.…

Last month, I went to Luxembourg for the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge.

I learned about the German surprise attack on American troops. About how American troops were initially outnumbered three to one. About Germans massacring unarmed American prisoners of war. About the lack of food and medicine. About the bitter cold and snow. About sleeping in foxholes with no winter clothing.…

I always loved my dad. I was always proud of him. But as I learned more about what he and others did to make sure we have the freedoms we enjoy, I was even more awe-inspired.…

Freedom is fleeting and worth fighting for. I hope we will never forget the primary goal of the federal government is to provide for the common defense, so our children and grandchildren live in freedom and peace, and our sons and daughters and grandsons and granddaughters never have to fight in the dead of winter for American freedom.”

Read the full op-ed in Fox News HERE.

Sen. Rick Scott to Floridians: Thank You for the Opportunity to Work on Your Behalf

Senator Rick Scott wrote and op-ed reflecting on his first year in the United States Senate and thanking Floridians for the opportunity to fight for them in Washington.

In the op-ed, Senator Rick Scott wrote, “…This year, we got some big wins for Florida. Following my questions at a Homeland Security Committee hearing, the FBI finally acknowledged they held their employees accountable for mistakes prior to the Parkland shooting, and revamped and improved their tip center process.

The Federal Department of Transportation made significant investments in Florida’s infrastructure and I fought to secure the full $200 million for Everglades restoration.

In December, President Trump signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act, which included a number of provisions that I fought for, such as an authorization of over $1.5 billion to rebuild Tyndall Air Force Base, a well-deserved raise for our military, a provision to hold Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro accountable and a restriction on buying Chinese products that are a risk to our safety and security.

I know my job: make life better for the 22 million who call Florida home.

Forcing the federal government to embrace competence, efficiency and common sense will not be easy. But we have to do it. Thank you for the opportunity to work on your behalf.”

Read the full op-ed in the Florida Times-Union HERE.

WFLA: Sen. Scott ahead of Senate trial: Time for Democrats to ‘sit down and shut up’

Florida Daily: Marco Rubio, Rick Scott Back Trump’s Efforts But Warn China Won’t Follow Through on Trade Deal

Gray TV: Sen. Rick Scott wants to restructure training program after NAS Pensacola shooting

CNBC: Sen. Rick Scott: I don’t believe China will ever comply on trade

CNBC: GOP senator blasts Pelosi for trying to control the impeachment trial — ‘she just hates Trump’

Florida Daily: Rick Scott Visits Puerto Rico to See How Island is Recovering From Earthquakes

Washington Post: Scott says he’s ‘absolutely’ prepared to dismiss case against Trump

Breitbart: Rick Scott: ‘I Didn’t Get Elected to Have Nancy Pelosi Play Games’ — ‘She Hates Donald Trump’

Florida Daily: Rick Scott: 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions Should Take Pride in Their World War II Service

The Epoch Times: Florida Calls for Greater Protections Against Chinese Espionage at Universities

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Sen. Rick Scott Attends Florida Sheriffs Association Winter Conference

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Congratulations to the Wounded Warriors who participated in this year’s Soldier Ride through the Florida Keys last Saturday! Thank you to everyone involved, and to our veterans – thank you for your service.

It’s no secret that the space industry has long been an important and iconic part of Florida’s history. Last week, Kennedy Space Center’s Vehicle Assembly Building was designated a National Historic Civil Engineering landmark last week – congratulations!

Congratulations to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University on being named #1 in the nation among 97 schools providing online undergraduate degree programs specifically tailored for veterans, and thank you for your work to support our American heroes.

Thank you to all of Florida’s law enforcement officers who work every day to serve and protect our families. A special thank you to Martin County Sheriff’s Office Sgt.Timothy Baltes and Walton County Sheriff’s Office’s newest K-9 officer, Colt, for going above and beyond the call of duty! Keep up the good work!

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WASHINGTON, D.C.
716 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Phone: (202) 224-5274
TALLAHASSEE
111 N. Adams Street, Suite 208
Tallahassee, FL 32301
Phone: (850) 942-8415
Fax: (202) 228-4535
TAMPA
801 North Florida Avenue, Suite 421
Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: (813) 225-7040
NAPLES
Collier County Government Center
3299 Tamiami Trail East, #106
Naples, FL 34112
Phone: (239) 231-7890
WEST PALM BEACH
415 Clematis Street, Suite 201
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Phone: (561) 514-0189
ORLANDO
Landmark II Building
225 East Robinson Street, Suite 410
Orlando, FL 32801
Phone: (407) 872-7161

Diaz-Balart Secures Nearly $90M for Homelessness Programs in Florida

WASHINGTON, D.C. ­­–– Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) issued the following statement after Secretary Ben Carson announced nearly $2.2 billion in grants to support local homeless assistance programs across the nation, including nearly $90 million for Florida.

“As former Chairman, and now Ranking Member, of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, reducing, and ultimately ending homelessness in our communities is a top priority. I am particularly proud of the progress we’ve made in Southern Florida toward this goal. These grants will help our communities advance further as we continue to work to eliminate homelessness, particularly for the most vulnerable among us, including veterans, the elderly, families with children, and the disabled. I thank Secretary Carson for his longstanding commitment to bettering our communities, and I look forward to our continued work as we improve the quality and efficiency of our housing programs.”

Congressman Rooney Testifies on the Defending Our National Marine Sanctuaries from Damaging Chemicals Act

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Francis Rooney testified on the importance of the Defending Our National Marine Sanctuaries from Damaging Chemicals Act, H.R. 1834, before the House Natural Resources Water, Oceans, and Wildlife Subcommittee. Congressman Rooney introduced H.R. 1834 last year which prohibits the use of sunscreen containing oxybenzone and octinoxate near coral reefs in federally protected waters within the National Marine Sanctuary System.

Congressman Rooney stated, “Coral reefs are the foundation of the marine ecosystem. They nurture marine life and provide for certain species of fish that rely on them for food. Coral reefs similarly play a major role in preventing coastal erosion and protecting the coastal wetlands. In Florida, they also significantly contribute to a $8.5 billion dollar a year tourism economy. This legislation will protect these critical components of our marine ecosystem and assure that they can be enjoyed and studied for generations to come. There are safe sunscreen options available that do not bleach or harm coral reefs, and the use of those should be encouraged. We must act now to prevent the use of these chemicals in National Marine Sanctuaries.”

Background:

  • The Defending Our National Marine Sanctuaries from Damaging Chemicals Act was introduced by Congressman Rooney on March 18, 2019.
  • This bill prohibits the use of sunscreen containing oxybenzone or octinoxate in a National Marine Sanctuary that contains coral.
  • Sunscreen is essential for healthy skin and there are safe sunscreen options that can be used when visiting coral reefs so that coral bleaching will not occur.
  • Congressman Rooney will work with Subcommittee Chairman Jared Huffman to advance this critical legislation in Congress.

Campaign 2020 Next Big Steps

Nanette Rivera
Co-Chair Campaign 2020 Committee

Campaign 2020 Co-Chair Nanette Rivera announced the next steps in the campaign after a smashingly successful Hispanic voter drive and Three Kings Celebration.

The next steps include

  • Continuing to engage the Collier County Hispanic swing voters by institutionalizing the summary tag line of Hispanic Values = Republican Values
  • Deliver Volunteer Recruiting door hangers to 12,000 Hard Republican homes – with the objective to build an army of 400 volunteers.
  • When the volunteer army is in place – we will deliver door hangers to 40,000 No Party Affiliates – the largest swing voter group.

We Need Your Help – Sign Up Below

Fill out my online form.

Diaz-Balart: I Oppose Any Measure that Prevents the President of the United States from Taking Immediate, Necessary Action to Protect American Lives

WASHINGTON, D.C. ­­–– Today, Rep. Diaz-Balart voted against H.Con.Res.83 which would impede the President’s ability to protect Americans from the grave threat posed by Iran.

“I voted against the concurrent resolution on the House floor today because I oppose tying the President’s hands in making tough decisions to protect Americans from the world’s most lethal terrorists. Iran is a deadly state sponsor of terrorism, and Iran’s Quds force was a designated foreign terrorist organization, and its former top general was the world’s most deadly terrorist, Qassem Soleimani. Iran has been responsible for spreading terrorism either directly or through its proxies to Israel, Yemen, Lebanon, and Syria. Since 2015, Iran has even been caught engaging in assassinations, assassination attempts, and bomb plots in Europe. Iran also attempted to assassinate the Saudi Ambassador in Washington D.C. in 2011. Latest reports also indicate that it shot down a commercial Ukrainian aircraft, killing 176 innocent people. Iran is an increasingly dangerous and pervasive threat that has vowed to destroy America and our close ally, Israel. I will oppose any measure that prevents any American president from taking  immediate, necessary, and decisive action to protect American lives from an imminent threat posed by terrorists such as Iran.”

In case you missed it, Rick was just named No. 1 on the list of “Florida Politicians of the Decade” by Florida Politics!