Dear Fellow Floridian,

The violence and discrimination we’ve witnessed against Jewish students across the country these past few weeks is extremely alarming. As a parent, it makes me mad that these individuals don’t feel safe going to class.

Jewish students deserve to have a place where they can learn and go about their daily lives without fearing for their safety, and they deserve university leadership that fights for their right to do so. As I told the students I met with at George Washington University (GW) this week, my daughter attended GW and what I am seeing on that campus today is something I never could have imagined. It saddens me to see what this university and so many others have become because their presidents and leadership have chosen to cowardly appease these pro-Hamas terrorist sympathizers and allow them to take over these campuses. This isn’t free speech – these pro-Hamas protesters are breaking our laws, calling for the death of Jewish people and threatening our students. These criminals must be prosecuted and expelled. 

To make matters worse, when GW asked for help from local police to keep students safe, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser refused. It makes me furious, and that’s why I sent a letter requesting she come before the U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee ASAP to explain that dangerous decision.

Across the country, we’ve seen the difference in campuses where our incredible local law enforcement officers are able to help and where they’re prevented from intervening. While it’s encouraging to see universities in Florida quickly shutting down antisemitism and violence, there are many universities like Columbia, GW, Harvard, UCLA and others that are allowing it to continue for far too long. In the U.S. Senate, I will do everything in my power to support Jewish Americans and all Jewish students and make sure Israel can defend itself against the disgusting Iran-backed terrorism that seeks to destroy it. Just this week, I was proud to see my Antisemitism Awareness Act pass the House and urged my colleagues to quickly pass it in the Senate. Additionally, I continued to fight for my Stop Antisemitism on College Campuses Act, which would rescind federal education funding for colleges and universities that peddle antisemitism or authorize, fund or facilitate events that promote violent antisemitism. 

For more on my work to support Israel and Florida’s Jewish community, click HERE. 

Sincerely,

Rick Scott

United States Senator

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Sen. Rick Scott Applauds House Passage of the Extending Limits of U.S. Customs Waters Act

Following the House of Representatives passing the Extending U.S. Customs Waters Act, Senator Rick Scott and Representative Michael Waltz released the following statements of support for this important bipartisan bill to keep families in Florida and around our nation safe.

Senator Rick Scott said, “The U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations (CBP AMO) keep families in Florida and around our nation safe by patrolling beaches, shore waters and maritime territory, and fighting to stop drug and human trafficking. Our bill, the Extending Limits of U.S. Customs Waters Act, will extend the United States’ customs waters territory to help ensure our Coast Guard and CBP AMO have the jurisdiction and authority needed to stop drug and human trafficking so that families everywhere remain safe. I am thankful for the bipartisan support of this important bill, and I am glad to see it pass the House of Representatives. I urge the Senate to quickly pass this important bill and send it to the president’s desk for his signature.”

Read more HERE. 

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Sen. Rick Scott to AG Garland: Action Must Be Taken Against Antisemitic Protests on our College Campuses

Following the ongoing antisemitic attacks against Jewish students, and pro-Hamas protests at college campuses across the country, Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland urging an investigation and prosecution against the unlawful, violent and left-wing-funded organizations behind these protests. Senator Scott is calling out AG Garland for refusing to take action against organizations that are politically aligned with the Biden administration, while Garland has not hesitated to target parents, pro-life advocates, and devout Catholics practicing their faith—an obvious display of a two-tiered justice system.

Read the full letter HERE. Read more HERE.

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Sens. Rick Scott, Tom Cotton & Colleagues Condemn Antisemitic Protestors Demand Accountability for Attacks on Jewish Students & Lawlessness

Senator Rick Scott joined his colleagues in a press conference to condemn the rampant antisemitic and pro-Hamas protests at universities and colleges around the country.

Senator Rick Scott said, “What we’re seeing with these anti-Israel and violently antisemitic mobs on university campuses across the country is disgusting and un-American. Here’s what needs to happen: any college or university that enables anti-Israel mobs or antisemitic mobs on their campus should be stripped of federal funding. Congress must pass my Stop Antisemitism on College Campuses Act and Antisemitism Awareness Act to make that happen. I urge the boards of these universities to remove leadership that chooses appeasement of Hamas sympathizers over protecting Jewish students and for donors to cut off these radical university administrators. Enough is enough. My message to these protestors is this: if you hate America, if you want to live under the Palestinian flag, then leave. If you want to support Palestine and Hamas – go to Gaza and see for yourself what they’re all about and if Hamas respects your freedoms and ‘liberated zones.’

“It is shameful to see universities like Columbia, Brown, UCLA, USC, George Washington University and Yale cowering to antisemitic hate, letting terrorist sympathizers take over campus, break into buildings and threaten Jewish students. This is not First Amendment speech – it is violent hate and lawless behavior that threatens fellow students and cannot be tolerated. It is time for accountability, and for those breaking the law to be punished to the fullest extent.”

Read more HERE.

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Senator Rick Scott Joins Senator Roger Marshall to Introduce Legislation Fighting Back Against Illegal Aliens Voting in D.C. Elections

Senator Rick Scott joined Senator Roger Marshall to introduce the Demanding Citizenship in D.C. Elections Act. This legislation would require anyone who votes in a municipal election in the District of Columbia to be a U.S. Citizen, requires proof of citizenship, and is in response to a federal court dismissing a D.C. resident’s challenge of the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022 that allows noncitizens to vote in the nation’s capital. Rep. Timmons (R-SC-04) is leading the companion legislation in the House of Representatives. The court’s dismissal of this challenge sets a dangerous precedent and undermines our election integrity. Now, in D.C., anyone who is 18 years old and has lived in the district for 30 days, regardless of whether they are legal citizens, can vote in local district elections for mayor, city council, attorney general, and beyond. Because Washington, D.C. has no state constitution to safeguard electoral processes, it is the duty of Congress to demand proof of citizenship in D.C. municipal elections. 

Senator Rick Scott said, “President Joe Biden has created the worst border security crisis in our nation’s history. His lawlessness is intentional and has incentivized the unlawful crossings at our southern border by more than 11 million illegal aliens, including criminal aliens and suspected terrorists, from all around the world. While some Democrats have been open about wanting to add voters through illegal immigration, we will never allow that to happen in this country. It is unacceptable for anyone who is not a United States citizen to vote in any election, and the Democrat-run District of Columbia is no exception. I am proud to introduce this bill to ensure we have free and fair elections in Washington, D.C. that represent the will of American voters, not illegal aliens.”

Read more HERE. 

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Sen. Rick Scott Meets with Jewish & Pro-Israel Students at George Washington University

As Jewish students deal with a disgusting rise of antisemitism and violence stemming from pro-Hamas encampments on college campuses across America, Senator Rick Scott visited George Washington University to meet with Jewish and Pro-Israel students. During his visit, Senator Scott discussed his support for Israel, calls for the immediate release of hostages held by Iran-backed Hamas terrorists following the brutal October 7th attacks, his disgust and action to stop the rise of unlawful university encampments that have led to horrific antisemitic verbal and physical attacks, and his fight to secure the safety of Jewish students.

Senator Rick Scott said, “I want to thank the George Washington University Jewish and Pro-Israel community for meeting with me tonight, and I commend their courage in the face of horrific antisemitism and violence that is spreading like a cancer across college campuses. My daughter attended GW and what I am seeing on that campus today is something I never could have imagined. Our Jewish students deserve to have a place where they can live and learn without fearing for their safety—starting with university leadership that has the backbone to stand for their safety, or step aside. We also need local and state leaders willing to condemn this behavior and take action against this hate. Unfortunately, we see Mayor Bowser here in DC refusing to do so. My message to these protestors is clear: if you choose to engage in these vile incitements to acts of violence against Jewish students and Jewish members of the community, you should be held fully accountable, prosecuted and expelled. In the Senate, I am fighting to pass legislation – the Stop Antisemitism on College Campuses Act and Antisemitism Awareness Act – to stop antisemitism and force any college or university that enables antisemitic mobs that threaten Jewish students on their campus to be stripped of federal funding. The violence and hate must end. Israel and the Jewish people are under attack by evil, Iran-backed Hamas terrorists and their sympathizers here in America. I will continue to do everything in my power to support our Jewish community and stand with Israel.”

Read more HERE. 

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Sen. Rick Scott Leads Resolution Celebrating the Life of Florida’s Former Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Graham

Senator Rick Scott applauded the unanimous passage of the resolution he led in the U.S. Senate celebrating the life of Florida’s former Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Graham. Senator Scott’s resolution had the rare co-sponsor support of all 99 senators. Last month, following the senator’s passing, Senator Scott shared his condolences in the following statement.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Bob Graham was a good man and a great Floridian who dedicated his life to our state. His legacy will live forever, not because of any title he held, but for what he did with those opportunities to improve Florida and the lives of families in the Sunshine State. Ann and I are heartbroken to learn of his passing. He and Adele have been so kind to our family and we will cherish the time we spent together. Please join us in praying for the Graham family and all who mourn Bob’s passing.”

Read the text of the resolution HERE. Ream more HERE. 

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Sen. Rick Scott Joins Sen. Tim Scott in Leading Resolution Condemning Campus Antisemitism

Senator Rick Scott joined Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) in introducing a resolution to condemn the recent explosion of antisemitism on U.S. college campuses, call out university presidents who have enabled and refused to take action against this antisemitism and urge the Biden Department of Education to take necessary actions to ensure that colleges and universities are complying with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act to protect Jewish students. Last night, Senator Scott met with Jewish and Pro-Israel students at George Washington University to hear their concerns for their safety, and discuss his support for Israel, his fight to stop the rise of unlawful university encampments that have led to horrific antisemitic verbal and physical attacks, and his action to secure the safety of Jewish students. Read more HERE.

Read more HERE. 

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Sen. Rick Scott Introduces FISHES Act to Bolster Disaster Relief for Fisheries

Senator Rick Scott led Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) in introducing legislation to improve the federal regulatory process associated with the allocation of fishery disaster relief. The Fishery Improvement to Streamline Untimely Regulatory Hurdles post Emergency Situation Act (FISHES Act) seeks to expedite the distribution of federal disaster relief following official fishery disaster declarations—which the State of Florida has requested six times since 2012. Congressman Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) introduced the companion legislation in the House of Representatives last year.

Senator Rick Scott said, “When disaster strikes, families and small businesses can’t be left wondering whether the federal government is going to show up. Floridians know that better than anyone. The federal government must step up and get folks the help they need as fast as possible as they work to get back on their feet. As we head into hurricane season, now is the time to prepare and I ask Congress to pass this legislation as soon as possible to ensure our fishing industry in Florida and across the country have a reliable partner in Washington.”

Read more HERE. 

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Sen. Rick Scott Joins Sen. Joni Ernst Demanding Biden Stop Plan to Welcome Gazan Refugees

Following reports that the Biden administration is planning to welcome Gazan refugees into the United States, Senator Rick Scott joined Joni Ernst and 33 of their colleagues in demanding the president stop his plan, citing concerns of potential terrorist ties, and instead focus his efforts on returning Americans held hostage by Hamas in Gaza.

Read more HERE. 

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Sen. Rick Scott & Sen. Roger Marshall Call on D.C. Mayor Bowser to Answer for Refusal to Provide Law Enforcement to Protect Jewish GW Students

Senators Rick Scott and Roger Marshall, members of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, wrote a letter to Chairman Gary Peters demanding a hearing, with testimony from D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, following reports that the Mayor deliberately declined a direct request from George Washington University officials for D.C. police support with the unlawful encampment of anti-Israel protesters who had illegally occupied areas of campus and are threatening Jewish students. The Mayor’s refusal, prioritizing potential optics over holding lawless individuals accountable, is emblematic of her failed, soft-on-crime approach that has caused massive crime spikes in our nation’s capital.

As GW, Columbia, Yale, USC, Northwestern and colleges and universities across the nation are swarmed with antisemitic, hateful mobs threatening Jewish students’ safety, Senator Scott visited GW this week to meet with Jewish and pro-Israel students to share his disgust with these terrorist-sympathizing mobs and the failure of college and university leadership on some campuses to take necessary action to protect Jewish students’ safety and stop the rise of unlawful university encampments that have led to horrific antisemitic verbal and physical attacks.

Read the full letter HERE. Read more HERE. 

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Sen. Rick Scott Joins Pro-Israel Rally at George Washington University

As Jewish students across America continue to face threats from the disgusting rise of antisemitism and violence stemming from pro-Hamas encampments on college campuses, Senator Rick Scott visited George Washington University (GW) to take part in their Israel solidarity event and voice his Pro-Israel stance. His visit to GW today follows his meeting on the campus last night with Jewish and pro-Israel students. During his conversation with GW students, Senator Scott heard their concerns for their safety, and discussed his support for Israel, his fight to stop the rise of unlawful university encampments that have led to horrific antisemitic verbal and physical attacks, and his action to secure the safety of Jewish students. Read more HERE.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Jewish students deserve to have a place where they can learn and go about their daily life without fearing for their safety, and they deserve university leadership that fights for their right to do so. As I told the students I met with last night, my daughter attended GW and what I am seeing on that campus today is something I never could have imagined. It saddens me to see what this university and so many others have become because their presidents and leadership have chosen to cowardly appease these pro-Hamas terrorist sympathizers and allow them to take over these campuses. This isn’t free speech – these pro-Hamas protesters are breaking our laws, calling for the death of Jewish people and threatening our students. These criminals must be prosecuted and expelled.

“It makes me furious that D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser denied GW’s request to provide police support to protect Jewish students—and I’ve called for her to come before the U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee ASAP to explain that dangerous decision. In the U.S. Senate, I will do everything in my power to support Jewish Americans, and all Jewish students, and make sure Israel can defend itself against the disgusting Iran-backed terrorism that seeks to destroy it.”

Read more HERE. 

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Sen. Rick Scott Joins Colleagues in Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Strengthen U.S.-Taiwan Defense Cooperation, Counter Chinese Communist Party’s Aggression

Senator Rick Scott joined Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK), and Representatives Michelle Steel (R-CA-45) and Steven Horsford (D-NV-4) in leading bipartisan, bicameral legislation to strengthen U.S.-Taiwan defense cooperation to counter China’s growing military expansion in the region. The bipartisan Transpacific Allies Investing in Weapons to Advance National (TAIWAN) Security Act would require the Secretary of Defense to enhance defense industrial base cooperation between the U.S. and Taiwan in order to deepen U.S.-Taiwan defense ties, promote supply chain security, and help alleviate Taiwan’s readiness challenges. The senators are being joined by Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Joni Ernst (R-IA) in introducing this legislation in the Senate.

Senator Rick Scott said, “It is no secret that Communist China’s evil dictator, Xi Jinping, is planning to invade Taiwan and continue his attacks against democracy in a quest for world domination. The United States cannot sit back and let this happen, and that starts with supporting our peaceful and democratic ally Taiwan and its military. I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Taiwan Security Act and take action to send a strong message to Communist China that America stands strong with Taiwan and will not bow to the will of an evil communist regime.”

Read more HERE. 

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Sen. Rick Scott Leads Colleagues in Calling Out NASDAQ For Listing Chinese Military Company on U.S. Exchanges

Senator Rick Scott led his colleagues in sending a letter to Adena Friedman, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of NASDAQ, Inc., raising concerns regarding its decision to continue to allow companies that create a national security risk to the United States to openly trade on its platform. Specifically, it has come to the senators’ attention that NASDAQ is currently allowing a Chinese military company, Hesai Technology Co., to be listed on its public exchange, thereby raising capital from U.S. and international investors that can directly support the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The senators are calling on NASDAQ to immediately revoke Hesai’s status as a publicly traded company in the United States and prevent further investment in a company that is supporting the Chinese military. Joining Senator Scott on the letter are Senators Bob Casey, Josh Hawley and Marco Rubio.

Read more HERE. 

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Sen. Rick Scott: Biden is Lying About the U.S. Job Market

Following the release of the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ April jobs report showed that year over year, part-time employment is up 1.05 million jobs in April, Senator Rick Scott released the following statement along with a weekly update on his actions to address America’s debt crisis and rising inflation. Since President Biden took office, his so-called “Bidenomics” agenda has bankrupted American families and forced some into taking on multiple jobs to afford basic necessities like gas, rent and groceries.

Senator Rick Scott said, “President Biden’s continued lies about the U.S. job market are not just misleading the American people, but dangerous. The hardworking American public is not better off under the failed ‘Bidenomics’ agenda. Every Floridian I talk with confirms that truth. Full-time jobs have decreased over the year, while part-time has grown by over a million… I wouldn’t call that a success. More people are working multiple jobs and still struggling to get by because of the double punch of Biden’s bad job market and inflation that’s up more than 19% since Biden took office. The sooner Biden admits his failures and reverses course, the better. I’m fighting every day to get that done in the Senate, but Biden and Democrats in Washington have made clear through their actions that nothing will change until we have a new president that truly fights for American workers.”

Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ. 

Axios: Scoop: GOP senator suggests DOJ prosecute pro-Palestine student protesters 

The Washington Examiner: Rick Scott calls for Columbia donations to halt amid pro-Palestinian protests 

Newsmax: Sen. Rick Scott: DOJ Should Prosecute Pro-Palestine Protesters

JNS: Rick Scott: ‘Horrific’ Jew-hatred, violence ‘like a cancer’ on campuses

NBC2: Sen. Rick Scott unveils plan to lower flood insurance premiums amidst FEMA stripping discounts

West Orlando News: Senator Rick Scott Calls on Biden to Fix ‘Illogical Carve Out’ for Chinese Solar

West Orlando News: Senators Scott, Ossoff Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Lower Costs for Servicemembers 

Tampa Free Press: Florida Sens. Scott And Rubio Fight Back Against Biden Climate Rule For Defense And Space Contractors

Florida Politics: Rick Scott, Marco Rubio join Senate GOP ‘demand’ to stop Gaza refugees from coming to U.S.

WCTV: U.S. Senate unanimously passes resolution honoring late Florida Gov. Bob Graham

WFLA: Sen. Rick Scott joins college pro-Israel rally

WDAE: Florida Sen. Scott Demand Antisemitic Protesters Face Arrest, Punishment

The Floridian: Scott Visits Jewish Students in Campuses Rocked by Palestinian Protests

Senator Scott’s Team in Naples

This week, Senator Scott’s team attended the retirement ceremony and delivered letters from Senator Scott to three North Collier Fire & Rescue District firefighters.  

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Senator Scott’s Team in Tallahassee

Senator Scott’s team also attended a National Day of Prayer event at the Capitol led by Pam Olsen.

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Senator Scott’s Team in Winter Park

Additionally, Senator Scott’s attended is the Manufacturers Association of Central Florida’s Annual President’s Dinner. 

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