US Senator Marco Rubio Newsletter 04/26/24

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THIS WEEK IN THE OFFICE OF SENATOR MARCO RUBIO
April 22-26, 2024

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Affirming Support for Israel
  • Senator Rubio traveled to Israel to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior Israeli officials to express his strong support for Israel.
  • Senator Rubio also met with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant to discuss security measures in Israel and Israel’s right to defend itself.
Rubio Bills Signed into Law
  • Three bills introduced by Senator Rubio sanctioning Iran and its affiliates, including the Chinese Communist Party, Iranian leaders, and Iran-backed terrorist groups, were signed into law. 
Senate Floor Remarks 
  • Senator Rubio delivered a speech on the Senate floor explaining his opposition to the foreign aid bill, which did not address the migration crisis at the southern border.  
Statements
  • Senator Rubio released a statement criticizing the Biden Administration’s plan to impose sanctions on the Israel Defense Forces Netzah Yehuda battalion.
  • Senator Rubio released a statement following President Biden’s signing of a bill into law forcing the sale of TikTok from ByteDance. 
  • Senator Rubio released a statement in response to the U.S. Department of State’s annual Human Rights Report.
  • Senator Rubio called for the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to review TikTok after the bill to force ByteDance to sell TikTok was passed.
Letters
  • Senator Rubio and Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY) sent a letter questioning the Biden Administration’s decision allowing Huawei, a company tied to Communist China, to access advanced American technology. 
Op-Eds
  • Senator Rubio published an article in National Interest urging the United States to partner with pro-America leaders in Latin America and the Caribbean.
  • Senator Rubio published an interview in Voz on the dangers of China and Iran’s influence in Latin America.
In the News

“Republican China hardliners Marco Rubio and Elise Stefanik are calling on the Biden administration to block all sales to Huawei after the sanctioned Chinese tech company released a new laptop powered by an Intel (INTC.O), opens new tab AI processor chip.”(Republican China hawks criticize Intel chip in new Huawei laptop, Reuters. 4/25/2024) 

“While this invasion of Ukraine most certainly poses a national security interest to the United States and a risk to our country, the invasion of America across our southern border is even more important.” (GOP Senator: ‘No Way’ Ukraine Gets Another $60B in Aid, Newsmax, 4/25/2024)

“Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, the top Republican on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said last month that the Chinese government has the ability to influence ‘a lot of young people’ who use TikTok as their main news source.” (Why U.S. officials want to ban TikTok, CBS News, 4/24/2024)

“GOP Sen. Marco Rubio, Rep. Elise Stefanik: Block All US Sales to Huawei” (Newsmax, 4/25/2024)

“TikTok extended the Chinese Communist Party’s power and influence into our own nation, right under our noses,” Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, the ranking Republican on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, said in a statement. “I have been raising concerns about TikTok since 2019, so this new law forcing ByteDance to divest from TikTok is a huge step toward confronting Beijing’s malign influence.” (China keeps it low-key as TikTok prepares to take fight for survival to U.S. courts, Washington Times, 4/24/2024)

“To vote for Israel aid, ‘I have to drop my demand that the president enforce our immigration laws? I have to vote for billions of dollars to be spent on all kinds of programs around the world, including for people that are illegally entering this country?’ Rubio asked in a Tuesday floor speech. ‘This is moral extortion.’” (Senate sends Ukraine aid to Biden’s desk with majority of GOP support, Washington Examiner, 4/23/2024) 

“For years, we’ve allowed the Chinese Communist Party to control one of the most popular apps in America. That was dangerously shortsighted, but thankfully we are waking up to the threat China-controlled companies pose to America. We must move more quickly in the future when we encounter similar threats, because China won’t give up. There will be lawsuits, new apps, and new plots from Beijing.” (Chinese Company ByteDance Appears To Ignore Threat Of U.S. Ban, Says It ‘Has No Plans’ To Sell TikTok: Report, Daily Wire, 4/25/2024)

“Rubio: ‘Foreign aid’ bill provides over $3.5B to help bring migrants from the Middle East to US” (Business & Politics, 4/24/2024)

Keep up with Senator Rubio on Facebook , Twitter ,and Instagram.

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State Senator Debbie Mayfield Mayfield Minute 04/19/24

Mayfield Minute – April 21, 2024
Good Morning!
This year, the Passover (Festival of Freedom) begins Monday April 22nd at sundown and ends April 30th just after nightfall. Please continue to pray for our friends in Israel as they continue to fight for their country. 
Senator Marco Rubio recently stated, “The most important role the U.S has to have right now is their direct, moral, and diplomatic and international support on behalf of Israel to make abundantly clear to their enemies that we are going to stand with Israel and we are going to provide them with everything we can.”  
We are wishing everyone celebrating Passover a very happy and joyous holiday filled with many blessings for you, your families and friends. 
Last week, Governor DeSantis signed a series of education bills while First Lady DeSantis launched a new component of the Florida Resiliency program allowing parents and grandparents to undergo training to become Resiliency Coaches in Florida Schools.
This past session, the Florida Senate and House of Representatives had a keen focus on education. Some of the legislation signed by Governor DeSantis includes allowing for:
– Volunteer school chaplains throughout schools to support students
– Patriotic organizations the ability to present on campus
– A comprehensive education bill that will provide military service options for students the ability to
work throughout school
– Support for classical education
For more information on these bills and the Florida Resiliency program, please see the Bill Action by Governor DeSantis and the Statewide Update sections below.
I consider it a great honor to represent District 19. Please share this link with your friends and family so they too, can sign up for the Mayfield Minute. If you or someone you know needs my assistance, please do not hesitate to contact my office. My staff and I are here to serve you!
Bill Action by Governor DeSantis
Since the close of the 2024 Legislation Session, Governor DeSantis has signed 104 bills into law, vetoed two bills, 26 remain pending his action, and 181 have not yet been sent for his consideration. 
Upon receipt of a bill, the Governor has seven days to sign, veto, or take no action at which point the bill will automatically become law.

Bills signed by Governor DeSantis last week include: 
HB 0113 – Tax Collections and Sales
HB 0151 – Florida Retirement System
HB 0353 – Alternative Headquarters for District Court Judges
HB 0537 – Student Achievement
HB 0623 – Builder Warranties
HB 0781 – Unsolicited Proposals for Public-private Partnerships
CS/HB 813 – Certified Public Accountants
HB 1147 – Broadband
HB 1555 – Cybersecurity
HB 7011 – Inactive Special Districts
SB 0276 – Review of Advisory Bodies
SB 0478 – Designation of Eligible Telecommunications Carriers
SB 0544 – Swimming Lesson Voucher Program
SB 958 – Local Government Employees
CS/CS/HB 1285 – Education
CS/CS/SB 1264 – History of Communism
HB 931 – School Chaplains
CS/HB 1317 – Patriotic Organizations

Bills received and pending consideration include:
CS/HB 1281 – Interception and Disclosure of Oral Communications
CS/CS/HB 1389 – Digital Voyeurism
CS/HB 919 – Artificial Intelligence Use in Political Advertising
CS/CS/HB 1181 – Juvenile Justice
CS/CS/HB 917 – Career and Technical Education
CS/CS/HB 7013 – Special Districts
CS/HB 1653 – Duties and Prohibited Acts Associated with Death
CS/HB 1569 – Exemption from Regulation for Bona Fide Nonprofit Organizations
CS/CS/HB 1171 – Schemes to Defraud
CS/CS/HB 159 – HIV Infection Prevention Drugs
CS/HB 707 – State University Unexpended Funds
CS/HB 461 – Excusal from Jury Service
CS/CS/CS/HB 613 – Mobile Home Park Lot Tenancies
CS/HB 1031 – Debt Relief Services
CS/HB 1425 – Juvenile Justice
CS/CS/CS/SB 86 – Hope Cards for Persons Issued Orders of Protection
CS/SB 758 – Tracking Devices and Applications
CS/CS/SB 1704 – Sheriffs in Consolidated Governments
CS/SB 1616 – Electronic Access to Official Records
CS/CS/SB 1680 – Advanced Technology
SB 1688 – Career-themed Courses
CS/CS/SB 564 – Young Adult Aftercare Services
CS/SB 678 – Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy Grant Program
SB 158 – Value of Motor Vehicles Exempt from Legal Process
CS/CS/SB 804 – Gaming Licenses and Permits
SB 1116 – Campaign Finance

If you have an interest or concern regarding any of the above bills, you can reach out to the Governor’s office directly here or please contact my office at 321-409-2025.
Statewide Update
Governor DeSantis Signs HB 1285, a Comprehensive Education Bill Furthering Florida as #1 in the Nation for Education 

Governor DeSantis signed HB 1285 which provides high school students the ability to consider military service, empowers students to work throughout school, and supports classical education in addition to making key improvements to higher education. 

“Florida is the number one state in the country for education,” said Governor DeSantis. “By focusing on core academic subjects and rejecting indoctrination in the classroom, we have become a standard-bearer for educational excellence. The legislation I signed today continues to build on Florida’s previous accomplishments.” 

The education bill does the following: 

– Requires school districts and charter schools to provide 11th and 12th grade students with the opportunity to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) Test and to consult with a military recruiter.
– Ensures postsecondary institutions allow students to work their way through school.
– Empowers aspiring teachers to obtain a classical teaching certificate developed by the State Board of Education.
– Provides a clear and concise process for a struggling school to convert to a charter school “to ensure no student is left at a failing school.”
– Ensures that book challenges protects schools from activists trying to politicize and disrupt a district’s book review process. 
– Continues to support military families with the Purple Star Schools of Distinction Program
– Helps to ensure a seamless transition for military families moving into Florida.

For more information about Governor Desantis’ announcement, click here

First Lady Casey DeSantis Unveils First-in-the-Nation Opportunity for Parents and Grandparents to Support Students in the Classroom

Last week, First Lady Casey DeSantis unveiled new Resiliency Florida resources to support students and parents. Mrs. DeSantis announced a first-in-the-nation opportunity for Florida parents and grandparents to be in-school Resiliency Coaches to help students overcome challenges. Parents and grandparents serving as Resiliency Coaches will be eligible for a $150 stipend upon completion of a one-hour training. 

“Resiliency is important for students to successfully navigate and overcome life’s obstacles,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “Florida parents, grandparents, teachers, and mentors will now have opportunities to coach and access to high-quality resources to lead important discussions with students about resiliency.”

Resiliency Florida is focused on reframing mental health education emphasize building resiliency skills including: grit, perseverance, gratitude, personal responsibility, decision-making, mentorship, self-awareness, problem-solving, empathy, citizenship, and honesty.

Florida is rejecting the “traditional, stigma-laden mental health approach” for a new approach that inspires the positive virtues of resiliency. 

For more information on Resiliency Florida, click here

Third Annual Space Art Contest Announced

Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez’s Third Annual Space Art Contest is now open for K-5 students at public, charter, private, home, and virtual schools.

Participants must submit thoriginal two-dimensional artwork. Finalists will win two tickets to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and two grand prize winners will have their artwork launched into space on an upcoming mission.

Entries must be mailed to Space Florida, ATTN: Florida Space Art Contest, 505 Odyssey Way, Suite 300, Exploration Park, Florida 32953. All entries must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 24, 2024. 

For more information about the space art contest, please visit: https://floridaspaceart.com/.
Constituent of the Week
Ms. Donna A. Michaels Our Constituent of the Week is Donna A. Michaels, Founder of Heroes United to Heal, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving lives by erasing the stigma of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). 

Ms. Michaels is a native Floridian born and raised in Rockledge. She moved to North Carolina with her family in 1983, and in 1989 she joined the United States Navy serving eight years, four on active duty and four in the reserves. She credits her “never quit” mentality to the three years she spent working alongside Navy SEALs in the Republic of Panama. 

Following her service, she relocated to Orlando and began her career as a law enforcement officer. In 2014, she moved back to Brevard County to raise her daughter in the same community where she grew up.  

As a law enforcement officer, Ms. Michaels served as a Crisis Intervention Officer and Critical Incident Stress Management team member. She regularly dealt with individuals in crisis situations, many inflicted with various mental health problems.  

Ms. Michaels’ life and career experience is humble and noble. In 2017, she was diagnosed with PTSD after fellow Veterans stopped her from pursuing a suicide plan. Fortunately, she survived her darkest days and set out on a journey to find answers for not only her struggle, but for all dealing with the very real diagnosis of PTSD.  

She began journaling and ultimately turned her story into a book, Courageously Broken,to provide help and hope to the millions of Americans suffering in silence as a result of PTSD. The response was overwhelming and in 2023, Ms. Michaels launched the Heroes United to Heal Foundation (HUHF) which assists those suffering from PTSD with a ‘place to start’ in seeking treatment and resources for recovery. Additionally, HUHF also raises funds for their treatment expenses.   

She also seeks to educate the general public with a better understanding of what PTSD really is and what it means to overcome adversity.  

“PTSD is not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of absolute strength. PTSD is earned by doing what most people fear,” stated Ms. Michaels. 

On Saturday, May 4th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., the Heroes and Horses Kentucky Derby Benefit will take place to raise funds for the Heroes United to Heal Foundation at the George and Dragon English Tavern (502 Brevard Avenue) in Cocoa. For more information, click here

Ms. Michaels resides in Rockledge with her daughter and two beloved dogs. 

SD 19 commends Ms. Donna A. Michaels for her distinguished career of service, the difference she is making in the lives of those suffering with PTSD, and her efforts to prevent the tragedy of Veteran and first responder suicide.
District Highlights
Endeavor Elementary School and the Brevard Parkinson’s Alliance Each Receive Florida Blue Foundation Sapphire Awards and $25,000  

The Florida Blue Foundation recognized Endeavor Elementary School and Barbara Fradkin, BSW, CCM, of the Brevard Parkinson’s Alliance, with a $25,000 award each in recognition of their exemplary work in improving health outcomes and increasing access to health care services and support.

The Endeavour Elementary School program, led by Brevard Health Alliance, provides mental health support, medical care, and dental and vision services to more than 700 at-risk students through an on-site clinic. The school-based site is the first of its kind in Brevard County. The program was honored with a third-place award and $25,000. 

Barbara Fradkin is a Social Worker, Certified Care Manager, and the Co-chair of the Brevard Parkinson’s Alliance, a nonprofit organization that supports individuals, caregivers, and families impacted by Parkinson’s disease. 

Since Ms. Fradkin joined the Alliance in 2017, resources for funding and support group partnerships have doubled. Ms. Fradkin was honored with a third-place award and $25,000 for the Brevard Parkinson’s Alliance. 

The Sapphire Awards are distributed after a thorough external review process evaluating leadership, innovative ideas, demonstrated outcomes, and excellence. In addition, the recipients must have a track record of improving people’s health and quality of life.

Brevard Zoo Celebrates 30 Years

The Brevard Zoo recently celebrated its 30th anniversary highlighting the facility’s robust advancement in conservation, wildlife research, education programs, and record attendance of over 500,000 in 2023. 

The Zoo’s growth continues as another visitor record was set with over 75,000 visitors in March alone. Today, the Zoo employs over 230 staff members, has an economic impact of over $60 million annually, and is home to over 900 unique and native animals. 

In 2023, the Brevard Zoo made the U.S. News and World Report’s annual list of the “26 Best Zoos in the US” and ranked 3rd on USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Awards for 2023 Top 10 Best Zoos in the nation. 

For more information, click here.

Congratulations to Brevard County Sheriff’s Office 2023 Employees of the Year

Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey recently announced their sworn and civilian Employees of the Year. Congratulations to all recognized with our sincere gratitude for your courage and service.

Deputies of the Year:Sergeant Matt Murphy, Sergeant Josh Williams

Corrections Deputy of the Year:Jose Ortiz

Employee of the Year:Debbie Moody, Human Resources Support Specialist

Special Recognition Award:Corporal Lisa Vennard-Medeiros

Lucy Ross Award:Chief Frank Ross

Volunteer of the Year:COP Linda Allen

Partnership Award:Al Boettjer

Citizen of the Year:Travis Furst

Reserve Deputy of the Year:James Hoffman

Public Safety Telecommunicator of the Year:Supervisor Andrew LeBeau

To learn more about each of these deserving recipients, click here.
Upcoming Events
39th Annual Melbourne Art Festival April 27th-28th
The 39th Annual Melbourne Art Festival will take place on Saturday, April 27th and Sunday April 28th from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Wickham Park (2500 Parkway Drive) in Melbourne.
Participants can expect over 200 vendor booths, live music throughout each day, special activities at the “Kids World” exhibit, food and beverage providers, and shopping for fine art and jewelry.
The festival is family friendly, free of charge, and parking is also complimentary.
The full directory of vendors and the schedule of events can be viewed here.

City of Melbourne Beach Founders Day 2024
The City of Melbourne Beach will be celebrating their annual Founders Day on Saturday, May 4th from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Ryckman Park (509 Ryckman Avenue) in Melbourne Beach.

The 40th Annual Children’s Fishing Contest will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. There will be three age groups: 5 and under; ages 6 to 10, and ages 11 and up. Competitors will need to bring their own fishing rod.

Other activities include arts and crafts, food and beer trucks, live music, and performances by the Gemini cheerleaders.

There will be free offsite parking and bus transportation from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at:

Rock Harbor Church – 1805 Oak Street
St. Sebastian’s Church – 2010
Oak StreetOcean Park – East end of Ocean Avenue

Small Business Summit Celebrating National Small Business Week

The Space Coast Black Chamber of Commerce and weVENTURE, the Women’s Business Center at Florida Tech, are teaming up for a Small Business Summit on Saturday, May 4th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Design on Florida Tech’s campus (2495 Palm Bay Road NE) in Palm Bay.

The event is designed to assist small businesses with:
Funding
Options
– 12 Steps to Starting a Business
– Creating a Business Plan
– Becoming a Certified Business
– Financial Literacy for Entrepreneurs
– Taking Your Business to the Next Level

The event is $20 to attend and includes lunch.
For more information, click here or call 321-343-7899.
Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and visit my Senate website       
Contact Information
Melbourne Office 900 East Strawbridge AvenueMelbourne, FL 32901(321) 409-2025
Tallahassee Office400 Senate Office Building404 South Monroe StreetTallahassee, FL 32399-1100(850) 487-5019
Staff: Yvette CampbellKelli LaneSamantha Scaringe
US Senator Rick Scott’s Week in Review 04/21/24

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Dear Fellow Floridian,

You don’t need me to tell you that our country is more dangerous because of Mayorkas and Biden’s open border policies. You see the results of the criminals, drugs, terrorists and other dangerous people they’ve let in our communities and talked about on the news every single day. 

Democrats have done nothing but turn their back on the American people who are being victimized by this border crisis. Democrats voted AGAINST a bill to stop illegal aliens from getting on a commercial flight with no verifiable ID… Democrats voted AGAINST deporting illegal aliens who hurt police… Democrats voted AGAINST the Laken Riley Act, which simply requires ICE to take illegal aliens who commit crimes into custody before tragedies strike… and they blocked the Senate from performing its constitutional duty of holding an impeachment trial. 

To add to their insult, just one day after they blocked the Mayorkas impeachment trial, we have more proof that Biden and Mayorkas are actively releasing terrorists into the country. It’s clear that this administration and Democrats in Washington have no problem voting to keep this border crisis going, and blocking every attempt that Republicans make to stop the crime and secure the border. But when it comes to Mayorkas, they’re quick to brush this all under the rug. Whether Mayorkas is being silenced because Democrats are terrified of his record and unable to defend him or because Democrats don’t trust him, even he couldn’t tell me! Either way, the American people DESERVE accountability.

Everyone in America knows that Secretary Mayorkas is guilty of the crimes he was impeached for, and it is an insult to our democratic process that Senate Democrats destroyed our constitutional duty and failed to hold an impeachment trial. 

Read more HERE. 

Sincerely,

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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.

 

Sen. Rick Scott Releases Spring 2024 Economic Snapshot, Shares Weekly Update on Biden’s Inflation Crisis

Senator Rick Scott released 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 hurt Americans and their wallets, causing inflation to rise for 36 consecutive months and be up more than 19% since January 2021.

Every day, Senator Scott is hearing from constituents about how much of a struggle it is for them to make ends meet. Last year, Senator Scott began distributing a report to his colleagues in the Senate, shedding light on America’s current concerning economic conditions. This report highlights the fiscal cliff the country is quickly approaching in the hopes of beginning a productive dialogue in Congress on how members can work together to fix the economic mess our country finds itself in today. Senator Scott releases this report on a quarterly basis. Read Senator Rick Scott’s Spring 2024 Economic Snapshot ‘Breaking Down Bidenomics’ HERE.

Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ

Sen. Rick Scott, Senate Republicans Host Press Conference Following Delivery of Mayorkas Articles of Impeachment

Following the House of Representatives delivering the Articles of Impeachment for Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to the Senate, Senator Rick Scott and his Republican colleagues hosted a press conference to discuss the importance of holding Secretary Mayorkas accountable and conducting a full impeachment trial in the Senate, in accordance with the Constitution. They were joined by Impeachment Managers from the House of Representatives.

Senator Rick Scott said, “The Biden administration is completely lawless. Biden and Mayorkas refuse to enforce federal law to secure the border and innocent Americans, like Laken Riley, are paying the ultimate price for his failures. America is a more dangerous place because Mayorkas and Biden have allowed criminals, drugs, terrorists and other dangerous people into our communities. 10 million people have illegally crossed the border and 6 million have been let into our country. There are real consequences to this failure to secure the border and each victim has a name. Real Americans with families are being killed. Real American families are being torn apart by vicious crimes and deadly drugs BECAUSE we have a wide open border.

“Democrats have done nothing but turn their back on the American people who are being victimized by this border crisis that Mayorkas and Biden have created. Democrats voted AGAINST a bill to stop illegal aliens from getting on a commercial flight with no verifiable ID… Democrats voted AGAINST deporting illegal aliens who hurt police… and Democrats voted AGAINST the Laken Riley Act which simply requires ICE to take illegal aliens who commit crimes into custody before tragedies strike. Democrats have no problem voting to keep this border crisis going and blocking every attempt that Republicans make to stop the crime and secure the border. But when it comes to Mayorkas, they’re quick to brush this all under the rug. Whether Mayorkas is being silenced because Democrats are terrified of his record and unable to defend him, or because Democrats don’t trust him, the American people DESERVE accountability.”

Read more HERE.

Sen. Rick Scott: Schumer Must Immediately Allow Vote on House-Passed Israel Aid Bill & Stop Taxpayer Funding of Hamas Act

As Iran, the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism, launches an evil attack against Israel, Senator Rick Scott released the following statement today demanding that Majority Leader Chuck Schumer immediately put the House-passed Israel aid bill, as well as his Stop Taxpayer Funding of Hamas Act,on the Senate floor for a vote when the Senate returns to Washington on Monday.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Israel is once again under attack and the United States must clearly and strongly stand with our great ally and fully support its right and obligation to defend itself by any means necessary. I was just in Israel to meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu and see the terror and devastation that Iran-backed Hamas terrorists unleashed on the Jewish State on October 7th firsthand. More than 1,200 were murdered and hundreds are still being held hostage by Hamas. Americans are among the hostages and those murdered that day. The horrors of that attack are difficult to describe and can never happen again. Today, I am praying for the safety of the Israeli people and call on every Republican and Democrat to stand unequivocally with Israel as it fights for its very existence against evil terrorism. Again and again, Democrats have blocked the passage of aid for Israel. The House has passed a good bill that is ready for Senate passage right now. I urge Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to immediately put the House-passed clean Israel aid bill on the floor, as well as my Stop Taxpayer Funding of Hamas Act, the moment we return to Washington on Monday. Nothing before the Senate is more important and I will do everything in my power to make sure that vote happens.

“Let us all remember who the enemy is and has always been: the evil, terror-supporting regime in Iran. Since its first days, the Biden administration has emboldened Iran with appeasement, freeing billions of dollars to fuel Iran’s support of terrorism and turning its back on Israel. Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East and one of America’s strongest allies, but it took President Biden months to meet or speak with Prime Minister Netanyahu after he took office, and the world took notice. Since October 7th, President Biden and Democrats in Washington have continued to undermine Israel’s fight against Iran-backed Hamas terrorists, further isolating our ally in its greatest time of need. America and the freedom-loving nations of the world are less safe and secure because of President Biden’s weakness and appeasement of evil regimes and the terror each support. I will always stand with Israel and again demand that the Biden administration and every member of Congress make clear today that they will do the same.”

Read more HERE.

Sen. Rick Scott Slams Dismissal of Mayorkas Impeachment: Democrats Put Politics Over the Safety of American Families

Following Democrats’ unprecedented dismissal of the impeachment of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Senator Rick Scott spoke on the Senate Floor slamming Democrats and the Biden administration for putting politics over the safety of American families and the security of the nation—the consequences of which will be devastating for generations to come.

In his speech, Senator Scott emphasizes that the border crisis that has skyrocketed under the watch of Secretary Mayorkas and the Biden administration is harming Americans and their families. Secretary Mayorkas has ordered laws to be ignored, allowed terrorists on the FBI’s Terrorist Watchlist and migrants with known gang affiliations to stream into our country to such an extent that the FBI Director testifies before Congress that this is the most dangerous time in America since 9/11, and let fentanyl continue to pour into and ravage the country.

Watch more HERE

As Biden Moves to Shut Down NPR-Alaska, Sens. Rick Scott, Dan Sullivan & Colleagues Warn Biden Not To Renew Oil Sanctions Relief For Venezuela’s Dictatorship

Senator Rick Scott and Senator Dan Sullivan, members of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), along with five of their Republican colleagues, sent a letter to President Biden urging the administration not to renew oil sanctions relief for Venezuela. The administration must decide whether to reauthorize the sanctions relief by Thursday when the previous authorization expires. The letter was first reported on in a story by Fox News Digital’s Thomas Catenacci. Co-signers include Senators Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.).

Read more HERE

Sen. Rick Scott on the Senate Floor: The Senate Must Hold a Full Impeachment Hearing to Hold Sec. Mayorkas Accountable

Following the House of Representatives delivering the Articles of Impeachment for Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to the Senate, Senator Rick Scott spoke on the Senate Floor demanding the Senate hold Secretary Mayorkas accountable and conduct a full impeachment trial in the Senate, in accordance with the Constitution.

In his speech, Senator Scott remarks that America and the freedom-loving nations of the world are less safe and secure because of President Biden’s weakness and appeasement of evil regimes and the terror each support, as shown by Iran’s action against Israel this weekend. While President Biden’s weakness has emboldened our enemies, Secretary Mayorkas has shown that he will do NOTHING to stop evil people from invading our country through our southern border and launching attacks on the U.S. homeland, and he must be held accountable.

Watch HERE

Senators Rick Scott, Bob Casey & Tim Scott Introduce Bill to Take On Antisemitism on College Campuses

Senator Rick Scott joined Senators Bob Casey and Tim Scott to introduce the Antisemitism Awareness Act. The bill will help address antisemitic sentiment and action on college campuses—which has been rising across the nation for years and spiked in the wake of Hamas’ terrorist attack on October 7, 2023—by requiring the U.S. Department of Education to consider the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism when enforcing federal anti-discrimination laws.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Antisemitism is ABSOLUTE hatred, and any college or university that fails to condemn it MUST be held accountable and stripped of all federal funding. Since the October 7th attack by Iran-backed Hamas terrorists, we must ensure that our Jewish students feel safe from any antisemitic behavior, and it is disgusting how some of the colleges and universities have responded to this evil we have seen spike recently. We can start holding people accountable today by passing legislation like the Antisemitism Awareness Act. Hatred of this kind has no place on college campuses.”

Read more HERE

Sens. Rick Scott & Jon Ossoff Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Lower Costs for Servicemembers

Senator Rick Scott and Senator Jon Ossoff are introducing a bipartisan bill to lower costs for servicemembers and their families through their bipartisan SCRA Benefit Utilization Act to expand access to financial protections and benefits available to active duty servicemembers and their families. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) provides legal and financial protections to active duty servicemembers, including National Guard and reserve members, and their families; however, the benefit is often underutilized, according to a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau report.

The bipartisan bill would expand existing financial literacy programs to include information about these protections; require the Department of Defense’s annual survey to include information about these programs; include benefit information on all activation orders; and require creditors to apply a 6 percent cap to all eligible accounts under their jurisdiction once a servicemember invokes their SCRA rights.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Our servicemembers who put everything on the line don’t deserve to be taken advantage of—especially when it comes to their financials. I am proud to join my colleague Senator Ossoff to lead the bipartisan SCRA Benefit Utilization Act that will provide more ease and access to the legal and financial protections our active duty members are entitled to for their personal, auto and student loans, as well as increase financial literacy resources. We must continue to protect our servicemembers, especially as these brave Americans serve our country and protect our freedoms.”

Read more HERE.

Sen. Rick Scott to Army Corps of Engineers: Lack of Action is Failing Floridians

Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to the Assistant Secretary of the Army – Civil Works, Michael Connor, highlighting his concerns with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and its failure to release a review of USACE easement policies for construction projects, including for hurricane and storm damage risk reduction and coastal storm risk management (CSRM). Stakeholders in Florida have been desperately waiting on the USACE to act on these congressionally authorized and approved projects to protect Florida’s coastlines and deserve answers on why USACE internal policies are stalling these critical projects, especially as they work to recover from hurricanes.

Read more HERE

Sen. Rick Scott Joins Sen. Tim Scott in Effort to Roll Back SEC’s Climate Disclosure Rule

Senator Rick Scott joined Senator Tim Scott in introducing a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to overturn the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) radical climate disclosure rule which would bury public companies in paperwork, raise costs for consumers, and stifle economic opportunity.

Read more HERE

Sens. Rick Scott, Marco Rubio and Congressman Aaron Bean Introduce Bill to Codify Florida Permitting Program

Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio introduced a bill to codify and protect the State of Florida’s Clean Water Act dredge and fill permitting program and to clarify the law to protect regulatory certainty. In 2020, Senator Rick Scott applauded the Environmental Protection Agency’s Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. This designation eliminates duplicity in permitting and helps protect Florida’s environment by allowing Florida to follow the state’s permitting program standards, which are just as stringent, if not more so, than what is currently in place on the federal level. The bill would also codify the dredge and fill permitting programs administered by the States of Michigan and New Jersey, and clarify the law so that other states may successfully navigate the process to assume this authority.

In 2020, the State of Florida assumed Clean Water Act permitting authorities pursuant to procedures provided within the Clean Water Act, restoring the power of Floridians to decide permitting matters that affect them the most. During his time as Governor of Florida, Senator Rick Scott signed legislation to request this designation from the federal government.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Florida has unique waterways and natural resources that shouldn’t be regulated by a one-size-fits-all federal structure. This bill protects Florida’s Clean Water Act permitting authorities that I fought for as Governor and secured as Senator under the prior administration, and ensures our state has the power to make the best decisions for Floridians while protecting our natural resources for future generations.”

Read more HERE

Sens. Rick Scott and Marco Rubio Urge Army Corps to Fund Critical Florida Projects

Following Democrats’ unprecedented dismissal of the impeachment of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Senator Rick Scott spoke in the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, demanding answers from Secretary Mayorkas for the skyrocketing border crisis he is responsible for and slamming the Biden administration for putting politics over the safety of American families and the security of the nation—the consequences of which will be devastating for generations to come.

Senator Scott continued to emphasize that the border crisis that has skyrocketed under the watch of Secretary Mayorkas and the Biden administration is harming Americans and their families. Secretary Mayorkas has ordered laws to be ignored, allowed terrorists on the FBI’s Terrorist Watchlist and migrants with known gang affiliations to stream into our country to such an extent that the FBI Director testified before Congress that this is the most dangerous time in America since 9/11, and let fentanyl continue to pour into and ravage the country.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Everyone in America knows that Secretary Mayorkas is guilty of the crimes he was impeached for, and it is an insult to our democratic process that Senate Democrats destroyed our constitutional duty and failed to hold an impeachment trial. Today, I had one question that Secretary Mayorkas dismissed as quickly and ignorantly as Democrats dismissed his impeachment trial: does he think he was silenced and blocked from defending himself in an impeachment trial because Democrats are terrified of his record and unable to defend him, or because they don’t trust him? It’s clear to me that in the minds of the American people, both are true.”

Read more HERE

Sen. Rick Scott Resends Impeachment Articles to Sec. Mayorkas Following Testimony He Did Not Read Them

Senator Rick Scott sent the articles of impeachment passed by the U.S. House of Representatives to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas after he admitted under oath during testimony before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs that he did not read them. In a letter to Secretary Mayorkas accompanying the articles, Senator Scott implores Secretary Mayorkas to review the articles of impeachment in the hopes he will finally comprehend the depth of his failures to secure our homeland and the devastation these failures have brought upon the American people.

Read more HERE

Fox Business: Sen. Rick Scott implores Americans to stop buying from China: ‘It’s all bad for you’

ABC News: Mayorkas faces icy Senate Republicans day after impeachment case dismissed

Forbes: ‘You Lied Under Oath’: Rick Scott Confronts Alejandro Mayorkas Over His ‘Failures’

The Hill: Rick Scott supports 15-week Florida abortion ban over 6-week limit

Florida Daily: Rick Scott Calls For Full Impeachment Senate Hearing To Hold Sec. Mayorkas Accountable

The Floridian: Scott Grills Mayorkas on Capitol Hill Over Border Crisis

The Floridian: Bipartisan Antisemitism Awareness Act Led by Senators Tim Scott, Bob Casey, and Rick Scott

The Floridian: Senate Republicans Speak on Mayorkas Impeachment

The Floridian: Scott Calls on Schumer to Vote on Israel Aid Bill

Senator Scott’s Team in Sanford

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This week, Senator Scott’s team held a Military Academy Day where students were able to learn more about serving their country and attending a service academy. Each year, Senator Scott is proud to nominate Florida’s young leaders to attend a military service academy. For more details, click HERE. 

Senator Scott’s Team in Naples

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Senator Scott’s team also attended the Collier Sheriff’s Office’s Coffee with a Cop.

Senator Scott’s Team in Orlando

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Additionally, Senator Scott’s team met Francisco Matos, the Consulate General of the Dominican Republic at the 1st LatAm Trade Show Orlando & Port Tampa 2024: Colombia, Mexico, Dominican Republic at the Consulate of Mexico.

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