Senator Rick Scott’s Week in Review 11/1/24
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Dear Fellow Floridian, Before I get into our work for Florida families this past week, I want you to be the first to see our Term in Review from my first term as your U.S. Senator. We’ve secured big wins for Florida since you elected me to the U.S. Senate, and I’m looking forward to getting even more done as we Make Washington Work for you in the next Congress. I hope you’ll enjoy our Term in Review and see all that we’ve been able to accomplish together over the last six years. Every quarter, Ann and I donate my Senate salary to incredible organizations that work to serve the needs of Floridians and make our state a better place. This week, we announced donations to the Special Olympics Florida and its Race for Inclusion, Operation BBQ Relief and three South Florida museums honoring the fight for freedom in Cuba and recognizing pro-democracy activists determined to end the ruthless, illegitimate communist Cuban dictatorship. We chose Special Olympics Florida because this great organization holds a special place in our hearts and the hearts of so many, and we’re so proud to support it. Every year, Special Olympics Florida provides sports training and competition, crucial health services and life-changing leadership programs to people with intellectual disabilities at no cost to the athletes or their caregivers. Second, we chose Operation BBQ Relief, which has been a saving grace to so many Floridians following natural disasters in the past years, especially after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. As a volunteer-based organization, Operation BBQ Relief and its thousands of volunteers embody what it means to serve selflessly and show up when and where your fellow Americans are in need. It’s truly humbling to see their impact in Florida following storms firsthand, when families have lost everything, have no power and have no food in their homes. Finally, we were honored to contribute the final portion of my salary in support of the American Museum of the Cuban Diaspora, the Bay of Pigs Museum and Library, and the Hialeah Gardens Museum Honoring Assault Brigade 2506.These great museums work to honor those who have fought for democracy and freedom for the Cuban people and pay tribute to the great cultural contributions of the Cuban people to the United States. I’ve also spent this week continuing my fight to make sure Florida families have every resource they need to recover from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, including help from the federal government. After the Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the Disaster Loan Fund had run out of money, I joined my colleagues in leading the Restoring an Economic Lifeline with Immediate Emergency Funding (Relief) Act, which would appropriate $550 million to fund the SBA Disaster Loan Program Account, providing $2.475B in lending capacity projected to last until the end of 2024. While we work to keep federal disaster relief funded, I’m also fighting to get my Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act passed, which would provide disaster-loss tax relief for communities in Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, Puerto Rico and more across the nation that have been affected by disasters, including Hurricanes Helene, Debby, and Milton this year, and Hurricanes Ian, Nicole, Fiona and Idalia in recent years that are still waiting for much-needed relief from the federal government. I also sent a letter urging U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Vilsack to take immediate action to provide disaster assistance for Florida agricultural producers affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. I am still demanding that Leader Schumer immediately reconvene the Senate so we can fund disaster relief functions at FEMA, the SBA, USDA and other agencies to get folks what they need and deserve. These bills and actions, combined with my and Senator Marco Rubio’s legislation to fully fund FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund with $20 billion, will ensure the federal government is a reliable partner though our recover. I won’t stop fighting until we get this done. Sincerely,
Rick Scott United States Senator — To be the first to find out about Senator Scott’s actions and statements, follow him on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. — |
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Following the release of the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ October jobs report showing that over 900,000 full-time jobs were lost over the year, Senator Rick Scott released the following statement. The October report shows that year over year, part-time work has increased by nearly 1.2 million jobs. Since Biden-Harris took office, 1.67 million more people have had to take on multiple jobs. That is a scary reality for many Americans and points to an unstable job market where folks are having to take on more work to make ends meet. Senator Scott also released a weekly update on his actions to address America’s debt crisis, rising inflation and failing economy caused by the Biden-Harris administration’s reckless and radical agenda. Senator Rick Scott said, “Today’s report is a disturbing reality and shows the impacts of the disastrous Biden-Harris administration’s abysmal economic agenda and misplaced priorities. Nearly one million full-time jobs were lost. Over the past year, and the last month, more people are having to take on part-time jobs to get by. This report is showing the devastating reality of folks across the country and many are struggling. When I travel around Florida and talk to families, I hear heartbreaking stories about parents having to take on multiple jobs, folks losing their jobs, and having to go without just to scrape by. Growing up in public housing, I watched my parents work hard but still struggle to put food on the table. My mother worked multiple jobs just to make ends meet—and a lot of times, we went without. The Biden-Harris agenda is a total disaster for hardworking Americans, and I’m fighting like hell to stop it & make Washington work for Florida families.” Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ. — Sen. Rick Scott Slams Biden-Harris Economic Failures Following Q3 GDP Report Following the disappointing Third Quarter 2024 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) announcement which showed growth slow to 2.8%, Senator Rick Scott released the following statement highlighting failures of the Biden-Harris administration and the economic hardships fueled by their reckless tax-and-spend agenda. Today’s report shows the growth of the economy is down from last quarter and comes as inflation has risen more than 20% since President Biden and Vice President Harris took office. Senator Rick Scott said, “Under the Biden-Harris administration’s failed leadership, the American Dream is at risk. Their economic agenda has been a complete disaster and their lies to the American people through doctored jobs reports and refusal to acknowledge the pain they caused with historic inflation are disgusting and disqualifying. No matter what lies the White House tries to spin, the American people are smart, and they can feel this agenda working against them every single day. I’ve been warning about the dangers of Biden’s bad policies since the start of his administration and last year, I began distributing a quarterly Economic Snapshot that shows America’s decline under Biden’s disastrous agenda. The numbers show a country in economic decline, and we all know it’s caused by reckless government spending and that a massively growing regulatory regime are killing opportunity in this country, causing prices to skyrocket and digging America in nearly $36 TRILLION of debt. We cannot continue down this path of fiscal insanity. It’s going to take hard work to get back on track, but I have faith in the American people and believe there will be a sea change in Washington come the new year.” Read more HERE. — Sen. Rick Scott Slams PCE Report & Biden-Harris Inflation Crisis Following the announcement from the Bureau of Economic Analysis’ PCE Report showing September prices paid by consumers for goods and services increased 2.1% over the year and Americans’ purchasing power continues to decline, Senator Scott released the following statement highlighting failures of the Biden-Harris administration’s price hikes caused by their reckless tax-and-spend agenda. Senator Scott’s statement highlights the declining fiscal health of this country, with inflation rising more than 20% since the Biden-Harris administration took office. Since the Biden-Harris administration took office, consumer prices in U.S. cities have risen 26% faster than private-sector wages. Paychecks now buy less than they did in January 2021. Read more from Senator Scott and Senator Ted Cruz in the Wall Street Journal on What Four Years of Biden-Harris Cost You HERE. Senator Rick Scott said, “Once again, the Biden-Harris administration’s handling of the economy continues to be a massive failure wreaking havoc and bringing hardship on Florida families. Their economic agenda has been a complete disaster, especially the pain they have caused with historic inflation. No matter what lies the White House tries to spin, the American people are smart, and they can feel this agenda working against them every single day. Unfortunately, this is a reality for folks. When I travel around Florida and talk to people, inflation is always top of mind. The failures of the Biden-Harris agenda mean small businesses are being forced to close, Americans are having to take on multiple jobs to make ends meet, and even seniors are coming out of retirement because they cannot afford to not work. A once affordable life is becoming unattainable for so many families. The Biden-Harris administration has proven to be a total disaster for all Americans and it’s time for a change in Washington.” Read more HERE. — Sen. Rick Scott Announces Senate Salary Donation to Special Olympics Florida Senator Rick Scott and Mrs. Ann Scott announced that they have donated a portion of his Senate salary to Special Olympics Florida toward its Race for Inclusion in Orlando over this past weekend. Special Olympics Florida provides year-round sports training and competition, crucial health services and life-changing leadership programs to people with intellectual disabilities, at no cost to the athletes or their caregivers. Senator Rick Scott said, “Ann and I are so honored to support Special Olympics Florida and the Race for Inclusion. The impact of Special Olympics Florida is far-reaching and life-changing to thousands in our state, providing opportunities for every Floridian to follow their dreams and succeed. This great organization holds a special place in our hearts and the hearts of so many, and we’re so proud to support it.” Special Olympics Florida President and CEO Sherry Wheelock said, “We are profoundly grateful to Senator Scott and Mrs. Scott for their support of the Race for Inclusion and our incredible athletes. Their generosity helps us serve more than 75,000 athletes across Florida and furthers our mission of ensuring that people with intellectual disabilities are treated with respect and given the opportunities to succeed that everyone deserves.” Read more HERE. — Senator Rick Scott and Senator Marco Rubio sent a letter to President Joe Biden urging his immediate approval of the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s request for an expedited Major Disaster Declaration following the impacts of major Hurricane Milton that brought devastation throughout the entire State of Florida. Ensuring the Tribe has access to the federal resources needed for its ongoing response and recovery efforts is imperative to protecting members of the tribe, their communities and property. Read the full letter HERE. Read more HERE. — Senator Rick Scott joined Senators Jacky Rosen and Marco Rubio in a bipartisan letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging him to redesignate the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). As the Houthis, backed by Iran’s regime, continue to escalate their attacks in the Middle East, this designation would impose meaningful costs on the Houthis and help limit their ability to commit acts of terrorism. Read more HERE. — LOCK THE CLOCK… Sen. Rick Scott Continues Push to Make Daylight Saving Time Permanent As Americans prepare for the burdensome chore of switching the clocks backward this weekend, Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio are continuing their push for their bipartisan Sunshine Protection Act to end the twice-yearly time change and make Daylight Saving Time the national year-round standard. In 2018, as Governor of Florida, Senator Scott signed legislation which, pending federal approval, would exempt Florida from the time change practice and allow the state to remain on Daylight Saving Time year-round. Senators James Lankford, Alex Padilla, Tommy Tuberville, Ed Markey, Bill Hagerty, Tina Smith, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Rand Paul, Ron Wyden and Martin Heinrich are cosponsors of the Sunshine Protection Act in the Senate. Representative Vern Buchanan introduced companion legislation in the House. Last Congress, the Senate unanimously passed the Sunshine Protection Act. Senator Rick Scott said, “Floridians are sick of changing their clocks because we all want more sunshine. It’s time for Congress to act, pass the Sunshine Protection Act and lock the clock. I’m proud to be leading the bipartisan Sunshine Protection Act with Senator Rubio to get this done. When I was Governor of Florida, I signed this bill into law on the state level. Now it’s Washington’s turn and we should finish the job by immediately passing this good bill.” Find resources HERE. — Sen. Rick Scott Announces Senate Salary Donation to Operation BBQ Relief Senator Rick Scott and Mrs. Ann Scott announced that they have donated a portion of his Senate salary to Operation BBQ Relief. Operation BBQ Relief aids communities and first responders affected by natural disasters by providing the one hot meal that matters during times of need, including recent Hurricanes Helene and Milton in Florida. With a wide network of volunteers and equipment across the country, Operation BBQ Relief mobilizes immediately following natural disasters to serve hot meals within 24-48 hours of the disaster. Senator Rick Scott said, “Operation BBQ Relief has been a saving grace to so many Floridians following natural disasters in the past years, especially after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. As a volunteer-based organization, Operation BBQ Relief and its thousands of volunteers embody what it means to serve selflessly and show up when and where your fellow Americans are in need. It’s truly humbling to see their impact in Florida following storms firsthand, when families have lost everything, have no power and no food in their homes. Ann and I are proud to support Operation BBQ Relief which is always there to provide a hot meal and kindness – making a world of difference.” David Marks, Operation BBQ Relief Senior Head of Growth & Development, said, “Our team at Operation BBQ Relief is so grateful to have the support of Senator and Mrs. Scott as we work in Florida and across the nation to provide hot meals and comfort to families devastated by natural disasters. In the weeks since, Hurricanes Helene and Milton, we’ve been able to serve over a million meals across the Southeast and our work is far from over. It’s thanks to Operation BBQ Relief’s incredible network of volunteers and team members who come together within hours after a disaster strikes to set up operations and get to work, and support like the Senator’s that we’re able to help millions when they need it most.” Read more HERE. — Following the October 15th announcement where the SBA announced the Disaster Loan Fund had run out of money, Senator Rick Scott joined Senator Thom Tillis, along with Senators Ted Budd, Tim Scott and Bill Cassidy, M.D. to announce the upcoming introduction of legislation that would replenish the Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Program. The senators plan to seek passage of the legislation when Congress returns to session. The Restoring an Economic Lifeline with Immediate Emergency Funding (Relief) Act would appropriate $550 million to fund the SBA Disaster Loan Program Account, which would provide $2.475B in lending capacity projected to last until the end of 2024. Senator Rick Scott said, “We cannot allow frontline federal agencies, like the SBA, to run out of disaster relief funds. This is especially important in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton which devastated Florida, North Carolina and communities across the Southeast U.S. I continue to call on Leader Schumer to immediately reconvene the Senate so we can fund disaster relief functions at FEMA, the SBA, USDA and other agencies to get folks what they need and deserve. I won’t stop fighting to get this done and am proud to join my colleagues to introduce a bill that funds SBA disaster loans and makes sure the federal government is a reliable partner as families continue their recovery.” Read more HERE. — Sen. Rick Scott Announces Senate Salary Donation to Museums Honoring the Fight for Freedom in Cuba Senator Rick Scott and Mrs. Ann Scott announced they have donated a portion of his Senate salary to three South Florida museums honoring the fight for freedom in Cuba and honoring pro-democracy activists determined to end the ruthless, illegitimate communist Cuban dictatorship. The senator has donated to the American Museum of the Cuban Diaspora, the Bay of Pigs Museum and Library, and the Hialeah Gardens Museum Honoring Assault Brigade 2506. Senator Rick Scott said, “Ann and I are glad to support the American Museum of the Cuban Diaspora, the Bay of Pigs Museum and Library, and the Hialeah Gardens Museum Honoring Assault Brigade 2506. These great museums work to honor those who have fought for democracy and freedom for the Cuban people and pay tribute to the great cultural contributions of the Cuban people to the United States. As I travel the state, I meet so many incredible people who have escaped the evil Cuban regime, know what it’s like to face true oppression and evil, and truly understand the importance of freedom and democracy that the United States must always stand for. Ann and I proudly share and support these museum’s commitment to shining a light on freedom and ensuring Americans know the true dangers of socialism and communism.” Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ. — Senator Rick Scott is continuing his push to provide disaster relief, including immediate passage of his Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act to provide disaster-loss tax relief for communities in Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, Puerto Rico and more across the nation that have been affected by disasters, including Hurricanes Helene, Debby, and Milton this year, and Hurricanes Ian, Nicole, Fiona and Idalia in recent years that are still waiting for much-needed relief from the federal government. This legislation overwhelmingly passed the House earlier this year, but has been stalled by Democrats in the Senate despite similar tax relief packages passing under previous congresses and administrations with overwhelming bipartisan support. Senator Rick Scott said, “As I travel the state and talk to Floridians impacted by hurricanes this year and in years past, one thing is abundantly clear: they are sick and tired of their federal government playing politics as they wait for relief and resources they’ve needed for MONTHS and YEARS. That’s obviously the case with Democrats’ continued stalling of my Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act. My colleague, Congressman Steube, led the passage of this bill in the House with massive support from both sides of the aisle, just like we’ve done with storms under prior administrations. I’ve been fighting to get this done for nearly two years, while Democrats refuse to take action and families wait. That’s why I’m calling on Schumer to bring the Senate back ASAP to pass needed disaster funding for FEMA, SBA and the USDA and approve common sense relief like my Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act and my bill to replenish FEMA with Senator Rubio, and I’ve reiterated this call to the president multiple times. Families in Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, Puerto Rico and across the nation shouldn’t be punished in Chuck Schumer’s political games.” Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ. — Senator Rick Scott joined Congressman Scott Franklin to lead the full Florida congressional delegation in a letter urging U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Vilsack to take immediate action to provide disaster assistance for Florida agricultural producers affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Milton’s path impacted some of Florida’s most productive agricultural areas for fruits, vegetables, dairy, cattle, citrus and other specialty crops. According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), the preliminary estimate of total crop and infrastructure losses ranges from $1.5 to $2.5 billion. Read more HERE. — Sens. Rick Scott & Marco Rubio Urge Biden-Harris Admin to Address IV Fluid Shortage Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio sent a letter to U.S. Department of Human Health Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra requesting the use of the Defense Production Act to help smaller manufacturers increase production of IV fluids to support our nation’s healthcare facilities during the shortage following landfall of Hurricane Helene that significantly damaged North Carolina’s Baxter International IV fluid manufacturing plant. Baxter is responsible for producing more than half of the country’s IV fluid supply. This closure has strained the medical community, leading to delays in non-emergency procedures as providers conserve IV supplies for urgent needs. The senators write, “While importing supply from approved manufacturers abroad can be helpful in the short-term, HHS must do more to expand approvals and resources to all capable domestic IV fluid manufacturers by invoking the Defense Production Act (DPA) and other agency supportive actions to increase domestic production. HHS must also commit to greater transparency in its actions regarding the current available supply so healthcare providers can plan accordingly.” Read the full letter HERE. Read more HERE. — Sen. Rick Scott & Sen. Marco Rubio on Communist China’s Inhumane Foreign Adoption Ban Senator Rick Scott and Senator Marco Rubio released a joint-statement condemning Communist China’s recent announcement that it would be ending foreign adoptions. There are approximately 300 American families, including Floridians, who have been matched with Chinese children. The senators said, “Under Xi Jinping’s authoritarian regime, China has stopped allowing foreign adoptions. This decision has created significant challenges for many American families, including those in our home state of Florida, who are left in limbo after being matched with their adoptive children. These are selfless American families who seek to provide loving homes for Chinese American adoptees, including many with medical needs. We urge the Chinese regime to reconsider its position and allow these families to unite with their adoptive children once and for all.” Read more HERE. — |
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Florida’s Voice: Sen. Rick Scott and Rep. Scott Franklin rally Florida delegation for urgent USDA disaster aid Florida’s Voice: Rick Scott and Marco Rubio push for year-round Daylight Saving Time ahead of clock change Florida’s Voice: Sen. Rick Scott and Rep. Scott Franklin rally Florida delegation for urgent USDA disaster aid Florida’s Voice: Florida Sen. Rick Scott seeks Senate GOP leadership position in Nov. 13 meeting Florida Politics: Rick Scott floats HSA-style plan for homeowners’ storm hardening, with Jimmy Patronis in support The Floridian: Rubio, Scott Try Again to ‘Lock the Clock’ on Daylight Saving Time The Floridian: Rubio and Scott Lobby in Support of Seminole Tribe’s Disaster Request Tampa Free Press: Florida Sens Rubio, Scott Urge Approval Of Hurricane Milton Disaster Aid For Seminole Tribe |
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Senator Scott’s Team in Longwood
This week, Senator Scott’s team attended the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office 12th Annual Inter-Faith Prayer Breakfast. — Senator Scott’s Team in Orlando
Senator Rick Scott’s team also attended the Grand Opening of Pal Campo Restaurant Dr. Phillips. — |
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