“It’s been an incredible decade. From getting elected Governor in 2010, serving as your Governor for eight years and now as your US Senator, I’ve loved every minute of working for the state I love. When I ran for Governor, my goal was to turn Florida’s economy around. The naysayers said it wouldn’t work; they said a businessman can’t make government work. But, we did it. During my eight years as Governor, we made things better for families. Florida businesses added nearly 1.7 million jobs and the state unemployment rate went from over 11% to 3.3%. We cut over $10 billion in taxes and paid off nearly one-third of state debt.
 
When I was sworn in as the 100th United States Senator nearly a year ago, I came determined to bring the success we had in Florida to the federal government. I know my job: make life better for the 22 million who call Florida home. I will continue to fight to keep your tax dollars from being wasted, to keep our military strong so it can defend the freedoms we cherish, and to be certain that America stands for freedom worldwide. We’ve accomplished a lot since 2010, but we’re just getting started, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue working on behalf of the great State of Florida. Here’s to another decade of good fortune and success for our beautiful Florida!” 

Sincerely, 

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Read more about Senator Scott’s accomplishments throughout the decade in Florida Politics HERE or below:

“U.S. Sen. Rick Scott’s role in Florida politics this decade has been more impactful than any other elected official since 2010.

Scott is not only undefeated in elections — he’s three for three — he also reshaped the state’s political climate and economy. He led Floridians through the most challenging economic recovery since the Great Depression.… 

Early on, Scott dubbed himself the “Jobs Governor,” pledging to create 1 million jobs throughout two terms, a goal he met nearly two years ahead of schedule.

Scott aggressively ensured Florida maintained a low-tax state image with business-friendly policies and limited, but not reckless, regulations.

Scott also sought to improve the state’s bond rating. By the end of his tenure as Governor, the state’s credit rating jumped to an AAA, one of the highest scores possible, with a stable outlook to eventually achieve Moody’s highest bond rating. 

Scott accomplished that by paying down state debt — he claims he paid off $9 billion — and putting more money into state reserves.…

Scott had other lasting effects on the state, too.

Scott grew up poor and lacked access to the type of education he would later be able to provide for his own children. Because of that, he made growing and improving Florida’s public college system, including community colleges, a priority….”

Read the full article in Florida Politics HERE.

Senator Rick Scott released the following statement:

Senator Rick Scott said, “I’m extremely concerned by the reports that this shooter was a foreign national training on a U.S. military base in Florida. Whether this individual was motivated by radical Islam or was simply mentally unstable, this was an act of terrorism. It’s clear that we need to take steps to ensure that any and all foreign nationals are scrutinized and vetted extensively before being embedded with our American men and women in uniform.

“I’m calling for a full review of the U.S. military programs to train foreign nationals on American soil. There is no reason we should be providing state-of-the-art military training to people who wish us harm. And most importantly, there is no reason to risk the safety and security of our American men and women in uniform. If not for the bravery displayed by the military personnel on the ground and local law enforcement, this tragedy could have been much worse. We must be vigilant against those who wish our country and our people harm.” 

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Also this week, Senator Scott cosponsored:

• The Bring Our Heroes Home Act to support the loved ones of Missing Armed Forces Personnel; and
• The Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers (PAWS) Act to help provide service dogs to veterans with severe post-traumatic stress disorder

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

Sen. Rick Scott: The Green New Deal is Best Example of Washington’s Waste

This week, Senator Rick Scott released an episode of his series in partnership with the Heritage Foundation: How Washington Wastes Your Money. See previous Washington Waste Wednesday features HERE.

This week’s episode covers the Green New Deal, a socialist Democrat proposal that would cost as much as $93 trillion and destroy the nation’s economy. What socialist Democrats fail to understand is that you don’t have to choose between caring about the environment or growing the economy – you can do BOTH. Throughout his time as Governor of Florida, Senator Scott made record investments in the environment, which he was able to do because of Florida’s booming economy. See more in the video HERE or below.

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Sen. Rick Scott: UN Cooperation with Communist China is Dangerous

Senator Rick Scott made the below statement following reports that the United Nations’ standards for facial recognition, video monitoring, and city and vehicle surveillance are being shaped by Chinese tech groups.

Senator Rick Scott said, “By putting Nicolas Maduro on its human rights council, the UN proved that it has no respect for human rights. Now, the UN is highlighting its complete disregard for privacy and national security by allowing Communist China to control facial recognition standards. Communist China, which is now partnering with Russia in its quest for global dominance, is stealing our personal information and intellectual property to use against us. The UN’s willingness to hand over control of setting privacy standards to Communist China is yet another example of why the United States needs to reconsider our financial support.” Read more HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott: International Olympics Committee’s Cowardly Failure to Stand up for Human Rights

Senator Rick Scott released the following statement after receiving a response from the International Olympic Committee to a letter he sent in October. In the letter, Senator Scott called on the International Olympic Committee to stand for freedom and urge Communist China to stop violating human rights, or find a new home for the 2022 Olympic Games.

Senator Rick Scott said, “The response I received from the International Olympic Committee is shameful and embarrassing for an organization that prides itself on ‘uniting the world in peaceful competition.’ Are they naïve enough to think Communist China wants to unite the world? Secretary of the Communist Party Xi is violating human rights and stealing intellectual property and technology from the United States in an effort to dominate the world – the opposite of unity. The Committee claims to be politically neutral, but the fight for human rights transcends politics. It’s sad they cannot see this.

“On top of that, the Committee provided no information on how they will prevent Communist China from stealing personal information and data of athletes and leaders from around the world who come to the Olympics. This kind of cowardice is shameful and disappointing, and the world needs to speak out against every organization that refuses to defend freedom and human rights.” Read more HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott to Florida Universities: Protect National Security by Safeguarding U.S. Research from Communist China

Senator Rick Scott sent a 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. Read more, including the full letter, HERE.

Sen. Rick Scott: Communist China Has Created the New Cold War  
Watch the full interview HERE or below.

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WEAR: Sen. Rick Scott visits Naval Air Station Pensacola

Politico: Defense secretary orders review of security and vetting procedures following Pensacola shooting

Bloomberg: Sen. Rick Scott Doesn’t See U.S.-China Trade Deal Happening

Gray TV: Livid lawmakers confront high-ranking military officials over poor housing conditions for service members

WFLA: Military leaders grilled by Senators over housing issues at MacDill, other bases

The Epoch Times: US Senator Says IOC Fails to Stand Up for Human Rights Over 2022 Beijing Olympics

Real Clear Politics: Sen. Rick Scott: There Is Not Going To Be A Deal With China

Florida Politics: Rick Scott declares new cold war with China, turns up the heat

Florida Daily: Rick Scott Rips International Olympics Committee for Letting China Host 2022 Winter Games

Federal News Network: Senators bring concerns with TSP’s planned I fund expansion directly to Trump

Campus Reform: Sen. Rick Scott demands answers from Florida universities on Chinese influence

Come Visit Us at Mobile Office Hours! 

The staff of Senator Rick Scott will be holding Mobile Office Hours to assist Floridians with federal services, including help with federal agencies and veterans’ resources. See a full list of federal services HERE. The Mobile Office Hours will be:

Tuesday, December 10th, 2019 
11:00AM – 1:00PM
West Volusia Regional Chamber of Commerce
132 Treemonte Dr.
Orange City, FL 32763

AND

Wednesday, December 11th, 2019 
11:00AM – 1:00PM
West County Senior Center
2916 State Road #15
Belle Glade, FL 33430

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Congratulations to Army veteran James Bross from Putnam County who received a free roof through KayCo Roofing’s “Shingles for Heroes” program this week. Thank you for your service, James!

Senator Rick Scott also cosponsored the SFC Richard Stayskal Military Medical Accountability Act of 2019 to make sure our men and women in uniform are taken care of every step of the way.

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

Sen. Rick Scott Applauds Committee Passage of Legislation to Protect Florida’s Environment

Senator Rick Scott released the following statement after the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation advanced two of Senator Rick Scott and Marco Rubio’s bills to protect Florida’s environment. The Committee voted to pass the South Florida Clean Coastal Waters Act to expand research and understanding of blue-green algae and red tide, and the Restoring Resilient Reefs Act of 2019 to reauthorize and modernize the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 to help restore and protect our nation’s coral reef ecosystems.

Senator Rick Scott said, “People from across the world come to Florida because of the state’s natural beauty. During my eight years as Governor, Florida’s annual investments to preserve the environment increased by $1 billion. I’m proud to join Senator Rubio and my colleagues on the Committee to pass the South Florida Clean Coastal Waters Act and the Restoring Resilient Reefs Act to build on our efforts to protect and preserve Florida’s environment for generations to come.” Read more HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott Statement Ahead of President Erdogan’s Visit to White House

In advance of Turkish President Erdogan’s visit to the White House, Senator Rick Scott released the following statement.

Senator Rick Scott said, “President Trump should implement aggressive sanctions against Turkey for purchasing the S-400 missile system from Russia. Existing law under CAATSA requires the President to enforce sanctions, and today I’m urging the President to do this immediately unless Erdogan changes course. If he doesn’t, Congress should consider immediate action. We should also re-evaluate Turkey’s membership in NATO, a treaty organization created to act as a bulwark against Russian aggression. If Turkey continues to cozy up to Moscow, there is no reason they should enjoy the protections of the NATO alliance. I introduced a resolution in July that lays out these goals. I urge my colleagues to join me and present a united front.”  Read more HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott: Decision to Invest Retirement Savings in Communist China Threatens National Security

Senator Rick Scott released the following statement after the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB) decided to shift billions of dollars from the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) retirement fund to an index fund that includes Chinese companies. Senator Scott is a co-sponsor of the bipartisan, bicameral Taxpayers and Savers Protection (TSP) Act, which would prevent the FRTIB from steering federal retirement savings to Communist China.

Senator Rick Scott said, “I’m extremely disappointed in the FRTIB for ignoring requests from Congress to reverse this decision. Choosing to invest in Communist China threatens our national security and jeopardizes the retirement savings of hardworking Americans. There is no reason U.S. taxpayer dollars should be used to prop up companies under the control of Communist China, which continues to steal our technology, abuse human rights and build up its military to compete with us. I will continue to work to pass the Taxpayers and Savers Protection (TSP) Act, to protect the American people and prevent the FRTIB from supporting Communist China.” Read more HERE.

Tampa Bay Times: Soldiers should be able to sue military doctors for poor medical care, Rick Scott says

WFLA: Sen. Scott sides with Green Beret denied justice after 8 On Your Side investigation

Florida Daily: Rick Scott Takes Aim at Healthcare Prices

The Floridian: Rubio’s and Scott’s environment protection bills advance in the Senate

The Epoch Times: US Newspapers Publish Communist Propaganda at Expense of American Values: Sen. Scott

Wall Street Journal: Trump’s Erdogan Meeting Draws Lawmaker’s Ire

Politico: GOP senators plan to pressure Erdogan during unusual White House meeting

The Hill: Erdoğan gets earful from GOP senators at White House

Sen. Rick Scott Joins Venezuelan Community Leaders for Rally in Support of Freedom in Venezuela

Senator Rick Scott joined Senator Marco Rubio and Venezuelan community leaders in Doral for a rally in support of freedom in Venezuela. Senator Scott discussed the United States’ commitment to supporting the patriots of Venezuela fighting to defend their lives, their liberty, and their sacred honor.

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Congratulations to the American Legion Sauls-Bridges Post 13, which celebrated its 100th anniversary and 8th annual “Operation Thank You “ event on Veterans Day! Thank you for 100 years of supporting our nation’s heroes.

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Florida’s airports are some of the best in nation, with 3 of the 20 best large U.S. airports according to the Wall Street Journal. This is great news for Florida’s economy and the millions of travelers that come through our state each year.

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Come Visit Us at Mobile Office Hours!

Next week, the staff of Senator Rick Scott will be holding Mobile Office Hours to assist Floridians with federal services, including help with federal agencies and veterans’ resources. See a full list of federal services HERE. Next week’s Mobile Office Hours will be:

Monday, November 18th, 2019
11:00AM – 1:00PM 
Taylor County Administrative Complex 
201 East Green Street
Perry, FL 32347

AND

Friday, November 22nd, 2019
11:00AM – 1:00PM CST
Washington County Administration Building
1331 South Boulevard
Chipley, FL 32428

This week, Senator Rick Scott released another episode of his series, How Washington Wastes Your Money, in partnership with The Heritage Foundation. This week’s episode highlights No Budget, No Pay legislation: If members of Congress fail to do their jobs, which includes passing a budget on time, they shouldn’t get a taxpayer-funded salary.

Senator Scott is proud to sponsor the No Budget, No Pay Act, which simply requires Congress to pass an annual budget and meet appropriations bill deadlines, or forgo their own salaries until the job is done. There is no reason members of Congress should be held to a different standard than American families and businesses across the nation, and Senator Scott will continue to fight for this commonsense reform.

See more in the video HERE or below.

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

Sen. Rick Scott Statement on Baghdadi’s Death

Senator Rick Scott released the below statement following President Trump’s announcement of the death of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Today’s announcement of the killing of Baghdadi – one of the most notorious terrorists in the world – is great news for the security of the United States and our allies. I want to thank our men and women in uniform that carried out this mission and continue to fight for freedom around the world. This is an important step in the fight to defeat ISIS, a terrorist group that inspired the Pulse terrorist attack and that is responsible for the deaths of thousands around the world, including Floridian Steven Sotloff. 

“To the enemies of the United States, this is yet another reminder that there is nowhere you can go, there is nowhere you can hide. We will not stop until justice is served. Today the world is a little safer, a little kinder, a little more free.” Read more HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott Introduces Amendments to Put American National Security First

Senator Rick Scott announced two amendments to the package of spending bills currently before the Senate to prohibit the U.S. Government from purchasing technology manufactured in Communist China.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Communist China is STEALING our technology and intellectual property, yet the U.S. Government continues to buy critical technology, like drones and communications equipment, with American tax dollars from Chinese companies backed by their government. For far too long, we have turned a blind eye to Communist China and allowed their technology into some of the most critical operations of the U.S. Government. We have to get serious about this, and I’m working to make sure American national security comes first.” Read more HERE.

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Senators Rick Scott, Ron Johnson and James Lankford Introduce TIPS Act to Address FBI Failures

Senators Rick Scott, Ron Johnson and James Lankford introduced the Threat Information Protocol for Sharing (TIPS) Act to hold the FBI accountable for its failures to address critical deficiencies in its handling of actionable intelligence on the perpetrators of mass violence. This legislation is supported by Stand with Parkland, an organization founded by the family members of the victims of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Not a day goes by that I don’t think about the 17 souls that were taken from us in a brutal act of violence at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Following the tragedy, we all worked together to pass the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act to make our schools safer and prevent future tragedies, but we aren’t finished. We cannot accept the repeated failures of the FBI to properly investigate and act on specific tips received about the Parkland shooter, as well as other perpetrators of mass violence in Florida. I’m proud to introduce the TIPS Act, which bridges the gap between federal and state law enforcement agencies by mandating information sharing of all state-specific criminal intelligence tips. This is about getting information on threats into the hands of the right people, who can ultimately prevent violence and protect our families.” Read more HERE.

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Senators Rick Scott, Jim Inhofe and Colleagues Introduce Down Syndrome Discrimination by Abortion Prohibition Act

Senator Rick Scott joined Senator Jim Inhofe and colleagues to introduce the Down Syndrome Discrimination by Abortion Prohibition Act, which would prohibit abortion based on an unborn child having Down syndrome.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Every child is born with dignity and deserves to be welcomed into the world. As a father and a grandfather, I am proud to fight for every life, and I hope all of my colleagues join me in protecting the most vulnerable among us.” Read more from Senator Inhofe’s office HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott Applauds Interior Department’s Decision to Protect National Security and Ground Drones Made in Communist China

Senator Rick Scott released the below statement following the Department of the Interior’s decision to ground its fleet of Chinese drones amid concerns of foreign surveillance. Last month, Senator Scott introduced the American Security Drone Act of 2019, which prohibits the U.S. Government from purchasing drones manufactured in countries identified as national security threats, like Iran and China.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Following many conversations between my office and the Interior Department, I’m glad to see the Department has seen the light and reversed course. We should not, under any circumstances, put American national security at risk by using taxpayer dollars to purchase Chinese tech. We must pass my bill to codify this policy and extend it to all federal agencies, as well as local law enforcement agencies that use federal grants. We need to completely reassess our posture towards Communist China, and passing my bill is a good start.”  Read more HERE.

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Senators Rick Scott, Josh Hawley and John Cornyn Introduce Legislation Condemning Communist China’s Human Rights Violations

Senators Rick Scott, Josh Hawley and John Cornyn introduced the Hong Kong Be Water Act condemning Communist China’s violation of human rights in Hong Kong. The legislation also calls for sanctions against the Hong Kong authorities and Communist Chinese government officials who are denying human rights to the people of Hong Kong under orders from President Xi.

Senator Rick Scott said, “During my trip to Hong Kong earlier this month, I met with protesters who are fighting to regain the freedom they were promised by Communist China. I heard horrible stories of police brutality, threats, and intimidation. As Americans, we cannot allow this to continue. I’m proud to sponsor the Hong Kong Be Water Act as we stand with the brave Hong Kongers fighting for freedom and basic human rights that are being suppressed by Communist China.” Read more HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott on Senate Floor: Let’s Work Together to Lower the Cost of Healthcare for Americans

Senator Rick Scott spoke on the Senate Floor about the Democrats’ latest attempt to prevent states from having any flexibility to provide better healthcare services to their citizens. Senator Scott is working on real solutions to lower the cost of healthcare for Americans.

Read excerpts of Senator Scott’s remarks as prepared for delivery below or his full speech HERE.

What we’ve heard this week from my Democrat colleagues on healthcare is just more of the same. More fear-mongering, more misinformation. 

The issue this week is what’s called 1332 Waivers. 

These waivers allow states flexibility in how they implement healthcare programs. 

It’s a simple concept. Every state is different. Every state should have the flexibility to design their healthcare programs and regulations in a way that best fits the needs of their citizens.…

But here’s the problem…the Democrats don’t believe in state’s rights, or allowing state taxpayers and citizens ANY flexibility to provide better healthcare services to their citizens.

The Democrats want these top-down, one-size-fits-all federal programs. If there is choice and flexibility, they want to restrict it. It’s how big government works, and the Democrats love big government, restrictive mandates, and socialism.…

We need to reduce healthcare costs and provide a safety net for those who cannot afford their healthcare, not create a federal government-organized healthcare market, which causes healthcare costs to skyrocket.

Giving flexibility to the states is an easy way to increase access and quality of care for the American people.…

Enough with the misrepresentations. Enough with the nonsense. Enough with the fear mongering. The American people deserve better. 

Let’s work together to lower the costs of healthcare, so all taxpayers can get the care they need at a price they can afford.  

Sen. Rick Scott: We Need to Fight for the Values that Made America Great

Senator Rick Scott wrote an op-ed for the Washington Examiner to share his personal story and priorities as a United States Senator.

In the op-ed, Senator Rick Scott wrote, “… Even though my Mom had no money, she was optimistic and hopeful. She told us we were blessed because God and our founders created the greatest country ever, where anything was possible.…

While I didn’t always appreciate my tough-love, my-way-or-the-highway Mom growing up, I now thank God every day for my Mom and this country. She gave me the opportunity to experience every lesson this country had to offer before I was 20.

Unfortunately, the left has worked hard over the last 50 years to discredit the values of the America I was raised with and the values of the America I want my grandsons to grow up with. We all acknowledge that Americans, our country, and our institutions have flaws, but the left has worked to discredit our founders, our institutions, our churches, our law enforcement, our morals, and almost everything my mom taught me.… 

The values that I grew up with, the ones my tough-love mom taught me, are becoming a way of the past. But I believe these values, these virtues, can and should be part of our country’s future.…

In the meantime, let’s fight for the country I was raised in because that is the country our children and grandchildren deserve.”

Read the full op-ed in the Washington Examiner HERE.

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Florida Daily: Vern Buchanan Renews Fight to Make Daylight Saving Time Permanent

Fox Business: Senators push federal employees retirement savings plan to stay away from China

Fox News: Trump impeachment inquiry continues to be ‘three-ring circus,’ Rick Scott says

Bloomberg: China Won’t Comply With a Trade Deal, Sen. Scott Says

The Hill: Republicans to introduce legislation condemning China’s actions in Hong Kong

Florida Daily: Rick Scott Backs Proposal to Cut Off Selling Crowd Control Equipment to Hong Kong

Florida Daily: Rick Scott Proposes Tax Credit to Help Americans Deal With Tariffs on Chinese Goods

Bloomberg: Interior Department Will Stop Using Non-Essential Chinese Drones

Florida Daily: Florida Republicans Want to Hold FBI More Accountable When Dealing With Intelligence on Mass Violence

Florida Daily: Rick Scott Takes Aim at Bernie Sanders, Medicare-for-All in Speech on the Senate Floor

Acción 97.9: Senador Rick Scott presenta la Ley de Crédito Tributario Arancelario

El Nacional: Rick Scott: Maduro es un ladrón, un asesino y un narcotraficante

As the best state in the nation to live, work and raise a family, it’s no wonder everyone wants to move to Florida. This week, the State of Florida was proud to welcome a new resident…

President Donald J. Trump!