Dear Fellow Floridian:

The U.S. national debt has officially reached a record high of more than $34 TRILLION. 

Debt matters because it fuels inflation and makes it harder for the federal government to do the things it promised to do for families across the country– like build roads and fund Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and national defense.

Floridians know that the debt and inflation crises we find ourselves in today were 100% preventable—and they can feel it costing them thousands of dollars per year.

Prices of everyday essentials have skyrocketed under this administration. According to this week’s CPI report, price increases over the past year include:

• Beef: +8.7%
• Baby Formula: +7.3%
• Housing and Rent: +6.2%
• Pet Food: +5.1%
• Fresh Fruits: +3.6%

But unfortunately, thanks to the Biden administration’s reckless tax-and-spend agenda, hardworking families are forced to pick up the bill. He has abandoned things that should be a priority, and the fact that Biden doesn’t care to fix them is borderline criminal.

As Congress considers its funding priorities, we must be sure to be fiscally responsible and hold this administration accountable for the damage they have done.

I won’t stop until Washington actually works for the American people, and not in the interests of disastrous policies that are bankrupting families in Florida and across the country.

Sincerely,

Rick Scott

United States Senator

To be the first to find out about Senator Scott’s actions and statements, follow him on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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If you or someone you know is in need of help from a federal agency following last week’s catastrophic storms in the Panhandle, visit Senator Scott’s website, www.rickscott.senate.gov, for casework assistance. 

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Sen. Rick Scott Surveys Bay County Storm Damage & Receives Briefing Following Catastrophic Tornadoes

Senator Rick Scott visited Bay County to survey storm damage and receive a briefing from law enforcement, emergency management and local leaders following the catastrophic tornadoes that damaged homes and businesses in Panama City Beach and surrounding areas this week.

Senator Rick Scott said, “The damage I saw in Bay County today was immense and some families and businesses have lost everything, but they are not alone – we will recover together. While we pray for those impacted in the Panhandle, my message to Floridians is clear: I will always be your partner in Washington to get the resources you need to get back on your feet. I have been in constant communication with local elected officials and law enforcement, and I specifically want to thank Sheriff Ford and CFO Jimmy Patronis for the work they have done. If history has taught us anything about folks up here, it is that you’re resilient and strong. My team and I are here to get you the help you need so please never hesitate to reach out.”

If you or someone you know is in need of help from a federal agency, visit Senator Scott’s website, www.rickscott.senate.gov, for casework assistance. 

Read more HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott Announces Salary Donation to Navy SEAL Foundation

Senator Rick Scott and Mrs. Ann Scott announced they will donate a portion of his Senate salary to the Navy SEAL Foundation. The Navy SEAL Foundation provides critical support for the warriors, veterans and families of Naval Special Warfare. Senator Scott has donated his Senate salary since taking office in 2019.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Ann and I are proud to support an organization whose mission means so much to us, the Navy SEAL Foundation. Ann and I both come from military families, and I was proud to serve in the U.S. Navy. We know well that our men and women in uniform and their families make so many sacrifices on behalf of our nation. That’s why it’s a top priority of ours to give back to those who dedicate their lives to this nation and defend our freedoms. We’re glad to support the Navy SEAL Foundation and its commitment to helping special forces members and their families succeed during their time in service and when transitioning into civilian life.”

Read more HERE. 

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Sen. Rick Scott: VA Must Standardize Service Animal Rules Across All Veterans Hospitals

Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough urging the implementation of consistent rules across Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities regarding service animal access. Senator Scott’s letter follows his recent Senate Special Committee on Aging field hearing in Tampa, Florida where he discussed issues facing veterans. During the hearing, it was brought to Senator Scott’s attention that different VA hospitals have varying rules that impact veterans’ ability to receive proper treatment.

Read the full letter HERE. Read more HERE.

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In Case You Missed It… Sen. Rick Scott & Colleagues Express Loss-of-Confidence in Sec. Mayorkas

Senator Rick Scott joined Senator Roger Marshall and their colleagues in requesting unanimous consent on a resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas does not have the confidence of the Senate or of the American people to faithfully carry out the duties of his office. The resolution calls out Secretary Mayorkas for failing to secure the U.S. southern border, allowing millions of illegal aliens into the country, including a record number of terrorists, among other egregious acts while Secretary. Senator Tom Carper blocked its passage.

Since President Biden took office, there have been more than 6.7 million encounters at the southern border. Additionally, since January 2021, an estimated 1.7 million known gotaways have evaded U.S. Border Patrol. In November 2023 alone, Customs and Border Protection recorded 242,418 encounters at the southern border, a nearly 40% increase compared to November 2021. This included 4,797 Chinese nationals, a nearly 800% increase compared to November 2022, and 18 more individuals whose names appear on the terrorist watch list.

Watch Senator Scott’s speech HERE or below. 

Read the full resolution HERE. Read more HERE. 

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Sens. Rick Scott & Roger Wicker Lead SASC Republicans in Demanding Accountability for Department of Defense Chain of Command Crisis

Senator Rick Scott joined Senator Roger Wicker, Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), in leading 10 of their SASC colleagues in a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin raising basic questions about the failures related to his incapacitation and transfer of authority. The senators expressed concern that the secretary’s actions are in violation of the law and requested an immediate update on the timeline of events subsequent to the secretary falling ill. The failures displayed constitute an alarming threat to our continuity of government and national security during a very dangerous time for our nation. The senators requested an accounting of the full timeline of the events over the last two weeks and want answers to more than 15 specific questions. The members are also demanding more information about the role that staff at the Department played in delaying the transmission of critical information and if similar transfers of authority have occurred in the past without Congressional notification.

Read the full letter HERE. Read more HERE. 

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Sen. Rick Scott Writes to FDA Reiterating Concerns for Baby Formula Shortage & Urging Accountability

Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Robert Califf reiterating his concerns regarding the urgent shortage of baby formula facing mothers and families. In December, the FDA and Reckitt Benckiser’s Mead Johnson Nutrition announced a voluntary recall of their hypoallergenic baby formula due to potential contamination with Salmonella Newport. This recall affects over 675,000 cans of baby formula under the brands Enfamil and Nutramigen. Senator Scott is demanding answers and accountability regarding the factories returning to safe operations to help mitigate the ongoing shortage. Last year, Senator Scott sent a similar letter to Commissioner Califf regarding formula being recalled for the same Salmonella strain and urged his agency to take immediate action to fix the supply crisis and get infant formula back on shelves.

Read the full letter HERE. Read more HERE. 

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On Eve Of Taiwan Election, Sens. Rick Scott, Dan Sullivan & Tim Kaine Lead Bipartisan Resolution Commending Taiwan’s Commitment to Democracy

Senator Rick Scott along with Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.), members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, will introduce a bipartisan resolution commending Taiwan for its commitment to democratic elections and institutions, despite ongoing threats from the Chinese Communist Party. This resolution comes prior to Taiwan’s upcoming presidential and legislative elections set to occur on Saturday, January 13. Senators Scott and Sullivan have repeatedly praised Taiwan for its democratic achievements.

Read more HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott on CPI Report: Bidenflation is Borderline Criminal

Following the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) release from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Senator Rick Scott released the below statement highlighting the need to implement substantive fiscal reforms to end the ongoing inflation crisis fueled by the Biden administration’s reckless tax-and-spend agenda. December’s CPI data shows that there has been a significant rise in inflation during Biden’s presidency, with CPI increasing 3.4% over the year in December 2023. Since Biden took office, inflation is up 17.4% and marks the 33rd consecutive month inflation is above 3%.

Senator Rick Scott said, “The U.S. national debt has officially reached a record high of more than $34 TRILLION. Debt matters because it fuels inflation and makes it harder for the federal government to do the things it promised to do for families across the country– like build roads and fund Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and national defense. Floridians know that the debt and inflation crises we find ourselves in today were 100% preventable—and they can feel it costing them thousands of dollars per year. But unfortunately, thanks to the Biden administration’s reckless tax-and-spend agenda, hardworking families are forced to pick up the bill. He has abandoned things that should be a priority, and the fact that Biden doesn’t care to fix them is borderline criminal. As Congress considers its funding priorities, we must be sure to be fiscally responsible and hold this administration accountable for the damage they have done. I won’t stop until Washington actually works for the American people, and not in the interests of disastrous policies that are bankrupting families in Florida and across the country.”

According to this week’s CPI release, price increases over the year include:

• Beef: +8.7%
• Baby Formula: +7.3%
• Housing and Rent: +6.2%
• Pet Food: +5.1%
• Fresh Fruits: +3.6%

Read more HERE.

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Sens. Rick Scott & Thom Tillis Lead Introduction of Bill to Require SCOTUS Review of Presidential Candidate Qualifications

Senators Rick Scott and Thom Tillis (R-NC) led the introduction of the Constitutional Election Integrity Act to prevent state politicians like the Maine Secretary of State and state entities like the Colorado Supreme Court from disqualifying presidential candidates from the ballot on constitutional matters that should be decided by only the U.S. Supreme Court.

The Constitutional Election Integrity Act clarifies that the Supreme Court of the United States has the sole ability to decide legal claims arising out of section 3 of the 14th Amendment of the Constitution. The legislation also withholds federal funding for election administration from states that misuse the 14th Amendment for political purposes. Joining Senators Scott and Tillis are Senators J.D. Vance (R-OH), Ted Budd (R-NC), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Markwayne Mullin (R-OK).

Senator Rick Scott said, “Kicking your political enemies off the ballot is the kind of stuff you see in communist countries like Venezuela, Cuba and China—it should never be happening in the United States of America. Period. These partisan activists are anti-democracy, and their actions are an effort to silence Americans and their votes. This is about taking your voice away from you. This is sending a message to folks—American citizens—that you don’t get to vote for the president of your country. That is our God-given, inalienable right, and I will not stand for this gross overreach. That is why I am fighting hard to pass the Constitutional Election Integrity Act to restore freedom and democracy to our elections that some Democrat states are working so hard to dismantle.”

Read more HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott Introduces Bill to Increase Transparency on Federal Spending in Communist China

Senator Rick Scott led Senators Ted Budd and Mike Braun to introduce the Our Money in China Transparency Act to increase transparency when the federal government spends taxpayer money in Communist China. This bill requires an annual, detailed report on any federal funds spent on activities in collaboration with Communist China’s entities and institutions, as well as mandates the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to conduct an audit of money spent with the adversary. Representative Mark Green, Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, reintroduced the companion legislation in the House of Representatives earlier this Congress. 

Senator Rick Scott said, “We know that Communist China does its best to hide the finances of its government and businesses from Americans. Xi’s regime does this as an act of financial warfare to con hardworking folks out of their hard-earned money, and what it’s doing against the U.S. government is no different. When it comes to countries that are our enemies, like Communist China, there needs to be complete transparency and oversight with ANY resources going their way – especially your tax dollars. That is why I have introduced the Our Money in China Transparency Act so that we can hold Xi’s regime accountable and know exactly how folks’ dollars are being spent. I also want to give my thanks to Chairman Green for leading the charge in the House.”

Read more HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott Issues Weekly Update on Biden’s Inflation Crisis

Following the latest announcement from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showing PPI increased in December, Senator Rick Scott released a weekly update on his actions to address America’s debt crisis and rising inflation. This week’s data showed inflation continued to rise over the year and since Joe Biden became president, CPI has risen 17.4% and PPI has risen 17.1%.

Following the latest CPI announcement by the BLS, Senator Scott released the following statement.

Senator Rick Scott said, “The U.S. national debt has officially reached a record high of more than $34 TRILLION. Debt matters because it fuels inflation and makes it harder for the federal government to do the things it promised to do for families across the country—like build roads and fund Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and national defense. Floridians know that the debt and inflation crises we find ourselves in today were 100% preventable—and they can feel it costing them thousands of dollars per year. But unfortunately, thanks to the Biden administration’s reckless tax-and-spend agenda, hardworking families are forced to pick up the bill. He has abandoned things that should be a priority, and the fact that Biden doesn’t care to fix them is borderline criminal. As Congress considers its funding priorities, we must be sure to be fiscally responsible and hold this administration accountable for the damage they have done. I won’t stop until Washington actually works for the American people, and not in the interests of disastrous policies that are bankrupting families in Florida and across the country.” 

Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ.

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Sen. Rick Scott Joins Sen. Marco Rubio & Colleagues in Joint Statement Supporting Ecuador

Senators Rick Scott, Marco Rubio, Tim Kaine, Bill Cassidy and Dick Durbin issued a bipartisan statement in support of the Ecuadorian people and allied government who are currently confronting a wave of violence from gangs and cartels throughout the nation. 

The senators wrote, “The horrific attacks against the people of Ecuador have shown the world the violent nature of the vile armed groups in the country. This week’s wave of violence has terrorized an entire nation and is a stark reminder that security, stability, and rule of law are not guaranteed and require persistent attention. While Ecuador faces the significant challenge of confronting criminal drug cartels, who seek to destroy their nation’s stability, the U.S. stands unequivocally with our ally Ecuador in efforts to ensure perpetrators are held accountable.”

MORE…

Earlier this Congress, Senator Scott, member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, visited Ecuador where he met with President Guillermo Lasso, President-elect Daniel Noboa and other high-ranking officials. Following his trip, Senator Scott shared photos and a statement to highlight the meetings and briefings he received, which focused on the commerce and trade collaboration between the U.S. and Ecuador, and strengthening national security and economic relationships with Ecuadorian leaders. Read more HERE.

Read more HERE. 

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Sen. Rick Scott to Smithsonian: Genetic Data-Sharing Agreements May Bring Risk to National Security

Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution requesting information regarding genetic data-sharing agreements between the Smithsonian and programs run by the Chinese Communist Party. Senator Scott is requesting the Smithsonian look into their partnerships with companies like the Bejing Genomics Institute that is on the Department of Defense’s 1260H list which includes entities identified as Chinese military companies operating in the United States, and may pose a risk to national security.

Read the full letter HERE. Read more HERE.

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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT…Sens. Rick Scott in Fox News: Biden’s weakness created the conflicts in the Red Sea

In case you missed it, Senator Rick Scott wrote an op-ed in Fox News slamming President Biden’s weakness and appeasement of evil regimes which has failed to deter Iranian-backed terrorist proxies like the Houthis and Hamas from continuing their attacks in the Red Sea, Israel and across the globe.

Read more HERE. 

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The Hill: Rick Scott slams ‘lawless’ Biden administration over border crisis

Newsmax: Rick Scott: Biden’s ‘Lawless’ Border Crisis Risks Funding Requests

Newsmax: Sen. Scott to Newsmax: Biden Never Mentions US Hostages

Forbes: ‘A Complete Lie’: Rick Scott Lays Waste To Alejandro Mayorkas’ Statements About The Border

The Floridian: Scott Demands Answers to Defense Sec. Austin’s Absence

The Floridian: Bipartisan Legislation Could Transfer Frozen Russian Assets to Fund Ukrainian Recovery

Florida Daily: Sen. Rick Scott Slams Biden After CPI Report Shows More Inflation

Florida Daily: Rick Scott, Senate Colleagues Express Loss-of-Confidence in Homeland Security Sec. Mayorkas      

Senator Scott in Panama City

This week, Senator Rick Scott visited Panama City to assess the damage in Bay County and receive a briefing from Sheriff Tommy Ford. 

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Senator Scott’s Team in Bushnell

This week, Senator Scott’s team attended the Honoring Our Heroes: Vietnam War Memorial Dedication at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. 

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Senator Scott’s Team in Naples

Senator Scott’s team also attended the Proclamation Presentation designating January 2024 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month in Collier County. The Proclamation was accepted by CEO of the Woman’s Shelter, Linda Oberhaus.

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