{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"Senate\" and state = \"FL\" sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-senator-moody-defends-florida-universities-expands-conference-cap-size-to-20-teams-and-votes-to-pass-protect-college-sports-act/", "VIDEO: Senator Moody Defends Florida Universities, Expands Conference Cap Size to 20 Teams, and Votes to Pass Protect College Sports Act", "2026-09-29", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2013 Last night, Senator Ashley Moody took to the Senate floor to amend the Protect College Sports Act to lift the cap on conferences from 19 to 20. It passed and is a huge win for multiple Florida universities:\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve worked hard to improve this bill and support our Florida universities, and I\u2019m proud of the result. Increasing the conference cap from 19 to 20 was vital to future of Florida schools\u2019 ability to continue to thrive in college athletics\u2014which is why I fought so hard to amend this legislation. I will always fight relentlessly for Floridians and for all of our state universities,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nSenator Moody last night offered an amendment to the PCSA that would lift the cap conferences from 19 to 20.\n\nThe amendment passed by voice vote and was passed later as part of the final legislation \u2013 Senator Moody voted in support for final passage.\n\nSchools such as the University of Miami, Florida State University, and University of South Florida have been vocal supporters of Senator Moody\u2019s effort to strengthen the PCSA.\n\nWatch her remarks here.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-09-30T10:57:52Z", "2026-09-30T10:59:04Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/9/sen-rick-scott-announces-next-part-of-rescuing-america-project-to-fix-america-s-broken-healthcare-system", "Sen. Rick Scott Announces Next Part of \u201cRescuing America\u201d Project to Fix America\u2019s Broken Healthcare System", "2026-09-29", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Rick Scott introduced a new video message in his \u201cRescuing America\u201d project to highlight how the federal government broke the healthcare system and raised prices, and how to fix it.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cDemocrat Socialists would have you believe federalized healthcare is the prescription to rising healthcare costs. But Obamacare\u2019s failure proves we need less government in our lives, not more. Costs went up, people lost their doctors, and American families are still struggling for affordable healthcare solutions that actually work for them. With simple fixes, we can bring more transparency to drive down costs and let families choose the plan that best fits their needs. My More Affordable Care Act brings the power back to Americans instead of funneling tax dollars to insurance companies and gives the American people the freedom to choose what\u2019s best for them.\u201d\n\nWatch Senator Scott\u2019s video by clicking HERE or on the image above.\n\nAs an example, Senator Scott proposed his More Affordable Care Act to drive down costs for the American people with simple fixes that will help families get the healthcare that fits their needs, instill transparency in the system, and ensure support to Americans is sent to them directly, not to insurance companies.\n\nThis bill would use HSA-style Trump Health Freedom Accounts to put health care decisions in the hands of Americans. Under Senator Scott\u2019s proposal, Obamacare will continue, healthcare.gov and state exchanges will continue, protections for pre-existing conditions remain in place, and families who need a safety net have one that works for them.\n\nThe More Affordable Care Act:\n\nEstablishes Trump Health Freedom Accounts, HSA-style accounts that ensure federal dollars to support families are delivered to them directly, not funneled to insurance companies;\n\nThese funds can be applied to premiums and will be Hyde-compliant by restricting use on abortion health plans or abortion services;\n\nOffers more options for plans that will create market-driven incentives to drive down costs;\n\nAllows Americans to shop across state lines with the creation of a state waiver program within the Affordable Care Act, further expanding competition within the health insurance market and the availability of health insurance plans within existing ACA exchanges.\n\nAny health insurance plan that is approved by a waiver state\u2019s insurance commissioner shall be sold on an easily accessible exchange, whether that\u2019s the federal exchange of healthcare.gov, a state\u2019s exchange, or a state-managed, commercially run exchange.\n\nEnhances President Trump\u2019s Executive Order to increase transparency in health care and provide patients with the price and quality of a good or service in advance. Families will have up-front pricing on what things will cost so they can make informed decisions and plan for their needs.\n\nMaintains protections for pre-existing conditions; and\n\nEnhances the Small Business Tax Credit to encourage employer-sponsored coverage and increase accessibility.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThis video is the latest of a series in Senator Scott\u2019s \u201cRescuing America\u201d project to revive the American Dream based on three simple principles:\n\nBalancing the federal budget\n\nCutting government regulations\n\nCreating private sector jobs\n\nLast week, Senator Scott laid out his goals for the project in an op-ed published in Newsweek titled, \u201cHow To Rescue America From the Spread of Socialism.\u201d He also put out a video about how to tackle America\u2019s Housing affordability crisis.\n\nMore information on his project can be found here and here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-30T10:57:52Z", "2026-09-30T10:59:04Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/9/sen-rick-scott-details-plan-to-rescue-america-on-senate-floor", "Sen. Rick Scott Details Plan to \u201cRescue America\u201d on Senate Floor", "2026-09-29", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Rick Scott went to the Senate floor to outline his \u201cRescuing America\u201d plan focused on confronting America\u2019s affordability crisis and combating the rise of socialism within the Unites States.\n\nSenator Scott\u2019s plan aims to bring down costs and boost wages with three simple steps:\n\nBalance the federal budget.\n\nCut needless government regulations.\n\nCreate more private sector jobs.\n\nWatch Senator Rick Scott\u2019s remarks by clicking HERE or on the image above.\n\nExcerpts from Senator Scott\u2019s speech can be found below:\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cZohran Mamdani is absolutely right about something that is facing every American right now: our political system has totally failed the American people. And it\u2019s set to fail the next generation, too. Socialism is not the solution to this problem. But I\u2019m not shocked that affordability is the number one issue for Americans right now.\u201d\n\n\u2026\n\n\u201cPeople understand that it\u2019s the fault of Congress giving them the short end of the deal. It\u2019s no surprise that people see hope in a [socialist] alternative when it\u2019s clear that politicians maintaining the status quo aren\u2019t interested in helping them. But socialism only leads to ruin in the end. If this country turns towards socialism, my grandkids won\u2019t have an America to inherit.\u201d\n\n\u2026\n\n\u201cInstead of holding government accountable, politicians in Washington have armed a $40 trillion debt bomb by massively expanding the federal government. We\u2019re only one economic crisis from exploding. While promising to lower prices, Congress keeps approving massive government spending bills, causing prices and interest rates to skyrocket for the same voters we promised to lower prices for.\u201d\n\n\u2026\n\n\u201cCongress is responsible here. Who can blame the American people for being angry? The American Dream that existed for their parents and grandparents is out of reach for them. Where is our outrage on their behalf in this chamber?\u201d\n\n\u2026\n\n\u201cWe need to blow up the status quo in Washington to lower prices, fuel private sector job creation, and return to the American freedom that gave me and the generations before me the chance to succeed. That means doing three things. First, we must drastically reduce government spending to balance the federal budget. Shred the massive regulatory regime that has grown out of control in Washington. And third, we must make job creation the number one priority through tax cuts, smart investment and good economic policy.\u201d\n\n\u2026\n\n\u201cThe solution is simple, but it won\u2019t be easy. We could balance the budget tomorrow. We just need to have the courage to sit down with each other and figure out how\u2013and not leave town until we do. We could cut the number of federal regulations in half by Christmas if we wanted to the exact same way. We just need to be willing to put in the hours and get the job done. Let\u2019s get to work.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-30T10:57:52Z", "2026-09-30T10:59:04Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/support-for-senator-moodys-legislation-to-locate-u-s-space-academy-in-florida-grows-reps-donalds-and-haridopolos-file-companion-bill-in-the-u-s-house/", "Support for Senator Moody\u2019s Legislation to Locate U.S. Space Academy in Florida Grows\u2014Reps. Donalds and Haridopolos File Companion Bill in the U.S. House", "2026-09-28", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Support for Senator Ashley Moody\u2019s legislation to locate the new U.S. Space Academy in Florida is growing. Rep. Byron Donalds, with the aid of Rep. Mike Haridopolos, recently filed companion legislation to Senator Moody\u2019s STARS Act in the U.S. House of Representatives.\n\n\u201cThank you, Representative Donalds and Representative Haridopolos, for introducing the STARS Act to bring the new U.S. Space Academy to the Sunshine State. Momentum for our mission is growing, and Florida is unified in this effort to ensure our state remains the leader in space innovation and exploration,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThe newly announced U.S. Space Academy will be for students looking to enter the U.S. Space Force, and it will also serve NASA and the civilian spaceflight industry.\n\nSenator Moody recently filed the legislation in the Senate. In addition to filing this legislation, Senator Moody has been working with state partners to address the RFI put out by the Administration to encourage the establishment of the new Space Academy in Florida.\n\nEarlier this month, Senator Moody rallied space industry leaders to make the pitch for Florida to house the new academy.\n\nSenator Moody has a staunch record supporting Florida\u2019s Space Coast, where launches have increased by over 500%since 2016.\n\nSenator Moody passed the Secure U.S. Leadership in Space Act, to ensure the U.S. remains competitive and at the forefront of space innovation and exploration.\n\nThe legislation bolsters public-private partnerships by making spaceport facility bonds tax-exempt, treating spaceports the same as airports and seaports.\n\nSenator Moody recently introduced the Space Ready 2.0 Act, which would establish a NASA-wide pilot program allowing the agency to accept voluntary private contributions for infrastructure improvement projects at NASA centers.\n\nThe proposal does not create a new spending program, establish a new Treasury fund, or authorize new federal spending. Rather, it builds upon NASA\u2019s existing authority and allows private-sector partners to voluntarily invest in infrastructure improvements that directly support the missions they rely upon.\n\nSenator Moody also introduced the CAPE Canaveral Act to relocate NASA headquarters to Florida\u2019s Space Coast\u2014where it belongs.\n\nEarlier in July, Senator Moody met with the crew of Artemis II at Kennedy Space Center where the crew thanked the hundreds of NASA engineers, mathematicians, and scientists who built the rocket that launched them farther into space than any human has ever traveled.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-09-29T11:07:12Z", "2026-09-29T11:08:49Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/senator-moody-cosponsors-legislation-to-protect-ratepayers-from-energy-consuming-data-centers/", "Senator Moody Cosponsors Legislation to Protect Ratepayers from Energy-Consuming Data Centers", "2026-09-25", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "The Ratepayer Protection Act passed the House of Representatives 417-3. Senate Democrats Blocked it.\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014 Senator Ashley Moody is cosponsoring legislation to protect Americans from possible rate increases caused by new data centers. The Ratepayer Protection Act was introduced by Senator John Husted (R-OH) and blocked from passage on the Senate Floor by Democrats:\n\n\u201cI\u2019m cosponsoring the Ratepayer Protection Act to ensure Americans are protected from increased costs associated with new data centers. If billion-dollar tech companies want to build a massive data center, Floridians should not be left to foot the bill. It is disheartening to see Senate Democrats block the Ratepayer Protection Act from passing. While Democrats continue to play politics over the issue, I\u2019ll keep fighting to get this common-sense legislation passed,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nSenator Moody has a staunch record with regard to where she stands on data centers and local communities having the ultimate say over where they go.\n\nThe Ratepayer Protection Act would require state utility regulators and unregulated utilities to consider adopting large load standards ensuring cost recovery for the \u201cfull, incremental\u201d cost of any generation, transmission or distribution upgrade needed to serve the large-load customer.\n\nIt would also require large loads to provide financial assurances before grid upgrades are made and guaranteed cost recovery if a large load exits its power supply contract early.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-09-26T09:43:57Z", "2026-09-26T09:44:55Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-senator-moody-sounds-the-alarm-on-the-dangers-of-illicit-chinese-vapes-targeting-americas-youth/", "VIDEO: Senator Moody Sounds the Alarm on the Dangers of Illicit, Chinese Vapes Targeting America\u2019s Youth", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014 Today, Senator Ashley Moody, a member of the Senate HELP committee, called for a commitment from Dr. Hedi Overton to address the dangers presented to young Americans by illicit, Chinese-made nicotine vape products.\n\n\u201cAs a mom, I am always concerned with the health and safety of my family. These illicit vapes are a widespread danger specifically targeting America\u2019s youth. I am calling on the FDA and Administration to take these illicit devices seriously because the health of our kids depends on it,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nDuring a confirmation hearing, Senator Moody pressed then-FDA nominee Dr. Marty Makary on dangerous, illegal Chinese vapes. Senator Moody has also engaged with HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy, Jr. about China flooding the U.S. market with illegal, addicting vapes.\n\nThis is not a new issue for Senator Moody, as Florida\u2019s Attorney General, Moody fought fiercely to stop vape companies from addicting minors:\n\nDuring her first year in office as Attorney General, upon learning that Florida just experienced a dramatic increase in the use of e-cigarettes among Florida youth, then-AG Moody launched a statewide listening tour to hear from parents, teachers and law enforcement about the growing problem of youth vaping.\n\nMoody took legal action against Juul for targeting minors to purchase addictive nicotine products following leading amultistate investigation;\n\nMoody took legal action against two Florida vaping companies marketing to minors;\n\nMoody launched the most comprehensive state vaping investigation publicly acknowledged to date into more than 20 vape companies doing business in Florida;\n\nMoody warned parents that illicit fentanyl may appear in illicit vape pods in a back-to-school warning;\n\nMoody worked with lawmakers to pass FL HB 1007, to remove illegal vape products that are addictive and attractive to minors from being sold in Florida.\n\nMoody urged President Trump to raise the issue of illicit Chinese vapes flooding the U.S. market during the meeting between President Trump and President Xi this week.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/9/sen-rick-scott-introduces-screen-act-to-help-protect-american-kids-from-foreign-predators", "Sen. Rick Scott Introduces SCREEN Act to Help Protect American Kids from Foreign Predators", "2026-09-24", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Rick Scott introduced the Strengthened Checks for Reliable Evaluation of Entrants Nationwide (SCREEN) Act to help keep foreign child predators from obtaining visas and gaining access to American children.\n\nThe bill would give the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. State Department access to data from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Currently, the NCMEC can only share reports with certain designated law enforcement agencies.\n\nRecent reports have indicated that several cruise lines hired foreign workers admitted on C-1/D visas who were later found with Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). The SCREEN Act would help both DHS and the State Department weed out child predators like these during the visa application process.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cThe greatest country in the history of the world should have 100% certainty that we aren\u2019t letting child predators come here on work visas. It\u2019s inexcusable that we have let bureaucracy fail our children and put them in danger. It\u2019s time to fix that. Interagency coordination is vital to both our national security and the safety of American children, and we need more of it. I\u2019m proud to join with my colleagues like Sen. Budd and Rep. Gimenez to fix this glaring oversight and keep American kids safe from these despicable people.\u201d\n\nRepresentative Carlos Gim\u00e9nez introduced companion legislation today in the U.S. House of Representatives. U.S. Senator Ted Budd is an original cosponsor of the bill.\n\nSenator Ted Budd said, \u201cThose who prey on children represent the very worst of society. I am proud to join Senator Scott and my colleagues to ensure that State and DHS have access to critical NCMEC data to identify travelers and visa applicants in possession of illicit material exploiting children and prevent these criminals from entering the United States.\u201d\n\nRepresentative Carlos Gim\u00e9nez said, \u201cThe criminals who exploit innocent children online cannot be allowed to hide behind our borders or take advantage of gaps in our screening systems. The SCREEN Act gives the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State access to critical information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to help identify dangerous predators before they can enter or remain in our communities. I am proud to work with Senator Rick Scott to close this gap, protect our children, and keep dangerous predators out of our communities.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-25T10:04:52Z", "2026-09-25T10:05:46Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/senator-moody-teams-up-with-female-athletes-in-nationwide-call-to-protect-womens-sports/", "Senator Moody Teams Up with Female Athletes in Nationwide Call to Protect Women\u2019s Sports", "2026-09-23", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014 Senator Ashley Moody is teaming up with female athletes to protect women and girls in sports. At a Senate Judiciary Committee and briefing with national media, Senator Moody defended female athletes and pushed for fairness, opportunity, and safety in women\u2019s sports.\n\n\u201cMale athletes have no business competing in women\u2019s sports, and it\u2019s mindboggling that in 2026 we must pass legislation to protect meaningful opportunity for girls to compete. I am excited to join the many female athletes here today calling for fair competition and a real opportunity to excel in the sports they love,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nSenator Moody joined female athletes to emphasis the importance of protecting women and girls in sports following a Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing today titled \u201cStanding Up for Women in Sports: Ensuring Opportunity, Fairness and Safety for Female Athletes.\n\nAs Florida\u2019s Attorney General, Senator Moody led a multistate challenge to the Biden administration\u2019s 2024 Title IX regulation changes, arguing that the changes undermined protections for women and girls.\n\nIn 2021, Florida enacted the Fairness in Women\u2019s Sports Act, legislation that restricts individuals assigned male at birth from participating in sports teams or competitions designated for women or girls.\n\nSenator Moody is a cosponsor for the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025, that would generally prohibit school athletic programs from allowing individuals whose biological sex at birth was male to participate in programs that are for women and girls.\n\nSenator Moody also cosponsored the Title IX Clarification Act of 2026, which would expressly define sex under Title IX as biological sex, either male or female, and make clear that gender identity does not change that classification.\n\nView Senator Moody\u2019s full hearing remarks here.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-09-24T09:44:48Z", "2026-09-24T09:45:52Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/9/senator-rick-scott-fights-to-end-birth-tourism-from-communist-china-but-democrats-block-legislation", "Senator Rick Scott Fights to End Birth Tourism from Communist China, but Democrats Block Legislation", "2026-09-23", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Last night on the Senate Floor, U.S. Senator Rick Scott tried to pass his Stopping Adversarial Foreign Exploitation of Kids in Domestic Surrogacy (SAFE KIDS) Act by unanimous consent.\n\nSenate Democrats blocked the bill despite a series of recent legacy media headlines highlighting exploitation of birth tourism by citizens of America\u2019s enemies \u2013 specifically Communist China.\n\nWatch Senator Scott\u2019s full speech by clicking HERE or on the image above.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cIn July, I came to the floor and warned about Chinese birth tourism based on a story in my home state of Florida. It was a real story hurting one of my constituents, and I wanted to raise the alarm. I warned this body months ago of this national security threat. Here's what has happened since: this story from my state, and others like it, have made national headlines. The Wall Street Journal, New York Magazine, and CBS News have all run major stories about birth tourism since I last brought this to the floor. We can\u2019t ignore it anymore, and we know it is not a conspiracy theory.\u201d\n\n\u201cAmerican citizenship is not for sale, and our enemies cannot be allowed to buy it. This country, its sovereignty, and its future are worth protecting. Everyone in this chamber should believe that and support this bill.\u201d\n\nThis is the second time this year Senate Democrats have blocked Senator Scott\u2019s bill.\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nThe SAFE Kids Act prevents adversarial nations, including Communist China, from using American surrogates to obtain U.S. citizenship for their children and traffic infants abroad. It is the first bill of its kind to curb this practice and establish accountability for brokers who facilitate commercial surrogacy contracts with America\u2019s foreign adversaries: Communist China, Iran, Russia, and North Korea.\n\nInternational commercial surrogacy raises serious national security and human trafficking concerns, but there are currently no U.S. laws on the books to address these issues. The SAFE KIDS Act addresses a gap in U.S. surrogacy law by:\n\nInvalidating any commercial surrogacy agreement that is entered into with citizens of a foreign adversarial nation; and\n\nCreating a misdemeanor for brokers\u2014not surrogates\u2014who knowingly or recklessly facilitate a prohibited commercial surrogacy agreement with citizens of a foreign adversarial nation.\n\nRead more about Communist China\u2019s birth tourism in America:\n\nThe Wall Street Journal: A Florida Surrogate, a Father in China, and the Babies Caught Between\n\nCBS News: \"Who do we hand the baby to?\" Loopholes and shady practices taint U.S. surrogacy industry\n\nNew York Magazine: Whose Babies are these?\n\nThe New York Post: Meet the US Army vet running a California baby factory for Chinese nationals to have American kids\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-24T09:44:48Z", "2026-09-24T09:45:52Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/senator-moody-a-former-judge-files-legislation-to-scrap-swampy-outdated-restriction-and-clean-up-some-federal-d-c-circuit-courts/", "Senator Moody\u2014a Former Judge\u2014Files Legislation to Scrap Swampy Outdated Restriction and Clean Up Some Federal D.C. Circuit Courts", "2026-09-22", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Senator Ashley Moody, a former circuit judge, is filing legislation to clean up two federal courts in Washington, D.C. Senator Moody\u2019s Better Bench Act would allow nominees and active judges on the Court of Federal Claims and the Federal Circuit \u2013 both courts with nationwide jurisdiction \u2013 to reside anywhere in the United States by doing away with an outdated residency requirement that limits service to those in the D.C. area. Senator Moody is joined in this bipartisan effort by Senator Chris Coons of Delaware.\n\n\u201cFor a court that covers the entire country, we should be considering nominating judges from everywhere in America based on merit\u2014not their proximity to the D.C. bubble. My Better Bench Act removes an outdated residency requirement to expand the pool of qualified Americans who can serve and allows our courts to be a better reflection of the nation as a whole,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\n\u201cAmericans deserve the best, most qualified judges, especially in areas like intellectual property law where expertise is key to understanding complex cases and fairly deciding the future of many entrepreneurs\u2019 businesses,\u201d said Senator Chris Coons. \u201cFor too long, we have limited the pool of judges available to take on the toughest IP and federal contract cases to those willing to uproot their lives and move to Washington, D.C. No longer. This bipartisan bill ensures that courts of national jurisdiction can draw from a pool of national talent.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThe Federal Circuit\u2019s residency requirement is substantially more restrictive than those governing the regional courts of appeals. While judges on the regional circuits generally may reside anywhere within their circuits once each state is represented by at least one active judge, judges on the Federal Circuit and the Court of Federal Claims must reside within 50 miles of Washington, D.C. despite both courts having nationwide jurisdiction.\n\nSenator Moody\u2019s Better Bench Act:\n\nRemoves the current requirement that judges on the Federal Circuit and the Court of Federal Claims reside within 50 miles of the District of Columbia;\n\nAuthorizes the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts to ensure that judges that reside outside of the Washington D.C. area have adequate facilities in or near their home districts.\n\nFor bill text, click here.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-09-23T09:45:16Z", "2026-09-23T09:46:14Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/9/senator-rick-scott-rolls-out-rescuing-america-platform-to-increase-american-homeownership", "Senator Rick Scott Rolls Out \u201cRescuing America\u201d Platform to Increase American Homeownership", "2026-09-22", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Rick Scott continued rolling out his \u201cRescuing America\u201d project with a video about the homeownership crisis facing the country \u2013 especially young Americans.\n\nWatch Senator Scott\u2019s video by clicking HERE or on the image above.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cI agree with Zohran Mamdani on one thing: homeownership has become nearly impossible and too many young families are struggling. But his socialist agenda is wrong and will only create more of the failed big government spending and regulation that made it that way and is killing the American Dream. Washington has been robbing the American people blind for decades while making everything from homeownership to opening a business harder. President Trump has been using every tool he has on this problem, but it\u2019s time for Congress to get government the heck out of people\u2019s lives so hard-working Americans\u2019 money can go a lot further. That\u2019s the best way to make sure young families can own an affordable home and have a shot at the American Dream.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThis video is the latest of a series in Senator Scott\u2019s \u201cRescuing America\u201d project that lays out a platform to revive the American Dream based on three simple principles:\n\nBalancing the budget\n\nCutting regulations\n\nCreating jobs\n\nEarlier this week, Senator Scott laid out his goals for the project in an op-ed published in Newsweek titled, \u201cHow To Rescue America From the Spread of Socialism.\u201d\n\nMore information can be found here and here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-23T09:45:16Z", "2026-09-23T09:46:14Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/senator-moody-urges-air-force-to-make-florida-home-of-blue-horizons-2/", "Senator Moody Urges Air Force to Make Florida Home of Blue Horizons", "2026-09-21", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014 Senator Ashley Moody is fighting to get Blue Horizons relocated to the Sunshine State. Senator Moody is urging General Kenneth Wilsbach, Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force, to move Blue Horizons to Orlando, where the proximity to Patrick Space Force Base and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station can provide the program with direct access to strategic leaders and mission partners across the joint force.\n\n\u201cBlue Horizons is the innovation hub for our Air Force, and there is no better place for the program to relocate than Florida. Orlando\u2019s world-class modeling and simulation industry, cutting-edge research at our universities, and proximity to our Space Force installations make our state an ideal new home for Blue Horizons. The Sunshine State stands ready to serve as the new home for the future of innovation for the United States Air Force,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nBlue Horizons is the Air Force\u2019s premier forum for exploring transformational ideas and capabilities for the future.\n\nUniversity of Central Florida is the nation\u2019s leading supplier of graduates to the aerospace and defense industry and is home to nationally recognized programs in modeling and simulation, artificial intelligence, digital engineering, and national security research.\n\nFlorida is home to three combatant commands, giving Blue Horizons direct access to strategic leaders and mission partners across the joint force.\n\nSenator Moody has long fought for Florida\u2019s servicemembers, veterans, and military families.\n\nLast year, Senator Moody secured more than $851 million for Florida\u2019s military bases through her work on the National Defense Authorization Act.\n\nAs Florida Attorney General, Senator Moody oversaw the Military and Veterans Assistance Program.\n\nRead the letter here.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-09-22T09:42:49Z", "2026-09-22T09:44:35Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/9/what-they-are-saying-sen-rick-scott-s-rescuing-america-plan-tackles-affordability-offers-alternative-to-socialism", "WHAT THEY ARE SAYING\u2026 Sen. Rick Scott\u2019s \u2018Rescuing America\u2019 Plan Tackles Affordability, Offers Alternative to Socialism", "2026-09-21", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Yesterday, U.S. Senator Rick Scott penned an op-ed in Newsweek, How To Rescue America From the Spread of Socialism, detailing his three-part plan to tackle affordability issues hurting Americans: balance the federal budget, slash red tape, and create new jobs.\n\nThe op-ed follows the release of Senator Scott\u2019s \u201cRescuing America\u201d campaign to restore the American Dream for younger generations, which was announced last week.\n\nWHAT THEY ARE SAYING\u2026\n\nPolitico: Rick Scott launches \u2018Rescuing America\u2019 economic messaging plan\n\nFlorida\u2019s Voice: \u201cScott launches \u2018Rescuing America\u2019 project, warns socialism will kill the American Dream\u201d\n\nBreitbart: \u201cSen. Rick Scott announces 'Rescuing America' plan for affordability\u201d\n\nNewsmax: Sen. Rick Scott Launches 'Rescuing America' Economic Plan\n\nJust the News: Rick Scott to debut 'Rescuing America' midterm economic message\n\nUPI: Sen. Rick Scott announces 'Rescuing America' plan for affordability\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-22T09:42:49Z", "2026-09-22T09:44:35Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-senator-moody-honors-former-prisoner-of-war-with-national-pow-mia-recognition-day-congressional-resolution/", "VIDEO: Senator Moody Honors Former Prisoner of War with National POW/MIA Recognition Day Congressional Resolution", "2026-09-18", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014On National POW/MIA Recognition Day, Senator Ashley Moody is introducing a Senate Resolution to honor all service members missing in action or captured and held prisoner by enemy forces. At a ceremony in Sarasota at VFW Post 3233 today, Senator Moody presented the resolution to former prisoner of war, Seaman Richard J. \u201cRick\u201d Rogala\u2014highlighting Seaman Rogala\u2019s story as an example of what POWs face when captured while serving our country.\n\n\u201cOur service members who were taken prisoner or who remain missing in action made a tremendous sacrifice for our nation. On National POW/MIA Recognition Day, we renew our solemn promise to remember every American who was captured or went missing in action. As a member of a military family and a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, this responsibility is deeply personal to me. I will always stand with our veterans, and I\u2019m honored to recognize former POW Rick Rogala for his service to our country on this special day,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nSeaman Rogala served aboard the USS Pueblo in the United States Navy. In January 1968, North Korean forces attacked and took control of the ship. One sailor, Fireman Duane Hodges, was killed in the attack. Seaman Rogala and the rest of the crew were held in North Korea for 11 months and subjected to brutal treatment. Today, Senator Moody honored Seaman Rogala with a congressional resolution.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nSenator Moody continues to serve Florida\u2019s more than 1.3 million veterans. Recent actions of support include the following:\n\nLeading efforts to designate a Florida museum as the only National POW/MIA Museum and Memorial in the Country;\n\nCosponsoring the Veterans Bill of Rights Act. The Veterans Bill of Rights Act would require the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure veterans are clearly informed of their existing rights regarding VA-administered health care, benefits, and services;\n\nCosponsoring the Major Richard Star Act, which seeks to fix unjust disability policies for retired combat veterans;\n\nSupporting the Veterans Education and Technical Skills (VETS) Opportunity Act, which would expand educational benefits for veterans;\n\nSupporting the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025, which would help ensure that only the most dedicated individuals can serve veterans;\n\nHolding a town hall with VA Secretary Collins in Tampa to discuss issues facing veterans;\n\nRecognizing 200 years of U.S. Navy presence in Pensacola and discussing the critical importance of the Navy and Coast Guard\u2019s presence in the Florida Panhandle; and more.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-09-19T09:11:33Z", "2026-09-19T09:12:45Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/9/sen-rick-scott-introduces-legislation-to-combat-illegal-southern-border-tunnel-crossings", "Sen. Rick Scott Introduces Legislation to Combat Illegal Southern Border Tunnel Crossings", "2026-09-18", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Rick Scott introduced the Subterranean Border Defense Act in the U.S. Senate to bolster the Department of Homeland Security\u2019s efforts to find and shut down illegal cross-border tunnel operations used for trafficking and smuggling.\n\nThe bill amends the Border Tunnel Prevention Act of 2012 by directing U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to submit a yearly strategic report on its efforts to counter illicit cross-border tunnel operations.\n\nThis legislation, first introduced by Rep. Eli Crane, passed the U.S. House of Representatives in March 2025.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cFor four miserable years, Joe Biden rolled out the red carpet for human traffickers, drug smugglers, and other international criminals to illegally enter and terrorize our country. Our communities were flooded with drugs brought through border tunnels, and Americans paid the price. Under President Trump, fentanyl deaths have plummeted, and our neighborhoods are safer, but we need to make sure it stays that way \u2013 and that no future president can bring back the chaos. This bill is a strong step to keeping America and her people safe in the long run.\"\n\nRep. Crane said, \"I'm grateful to Senator Rick Scott for leading the Subterranean Border Defense Act in the Senate. This legislation strengthens our deterrence posture by increasing oversight of illicit cross-border tunnels. With the Trump administration successfully halting illegal crossings at our border, it's never been more important to block alternative routes into our homeland. We owe it to the American people to do everything in our control to eliminate human trafficking, drug smuggling, and unlawful entries. This bill already passed the House in an overwhelming, bipartisan vote, and today's introduction in the upper chamber brings us one step closer to becoming law.\"\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nIn June of this year, a Homeland Security Task Force investigation uncovered a web of cross-border tunnels between San Diego and Tijuana containing 2,200 pounds of cocaine worth roughly 45 million dollars.\n\nSince 1990, officials have discovered more than 140 tunnels that have breached the U.S. border, with tunnel activity increasing by 80% since 2008.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-19T09:11:33Z", "2026-09-19T09:12:45Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-senator-moody-blasts-socialists-looking-to-dismantle-our-nations-founding-document-on-constitution-day/", "VIDEO: Senator Moody Blasts Socialists Looking to Dismantle Our Nation\u2019s Founding Document on Constitution Day", "2026-09-17", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Senator Ashley Moody sent a searing message to radical socialists looking to dismantle our nation\u2019s founding principles\u2014not on her watch. On Constitution Day, Senator Moody took to the Senate Floor to honor this remarkable document and urge colleagues to join her in defending the freedom it secures.\n\n\u201cAs our nation celebrates America\u2019s 250th anniversary, Constitution Day reminds us that the promise of liberty declared in 1776 was preserved through the Constitution just a few short years later. Through this transformational document, our Founders created a system of limited government, separated powers, and checks and balances designed to protect our God-given rights and preserve liberty for generations to come,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody. \u201cWhile there is a growing movement on the Left that seeks to dismantle the guardrails to liberty enumerated in the Constitution, we as Americans must continue to defend the freedom it secures and pass on its principles to the next generation.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThroughout Senator Moody\u2019s career, she has served in each of the three branches of government\u2014from serving as a judge to leading a state executive agency as Florida Attorney General, and now a member of the legislative branch in the U.S. Senate.\n\nSenator Moody is fighting to protect Floridians:\n\nProtecting Religious Freedom: Senator Moody cosponsored the Banning Perpetrators of Religious Persecution Act, which would restrict U.S. visas for foreign government officials, terrorists, and other actors responsible for violations of religious freedom.\n\nSecond Amendment Rights: Senator Moody champions the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, which would allow people with concealed-carry privileges in their home state to exercise them in other states that permit concealed carry, subject to the destination state\u2019s laws.\n\nProtecting Civil Rights: Senator Moody introduced the RECLAIM Act, which would allow federal funds to be clawed back from higher-education institutions found to have violated students\u2019 civil rights.\n\nFighter for Servicemembers\u2019 Property Rights: Senator Moody introduced theServicemember Residence Protection Act, to amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act so that state adverse-possession or \u201csquatters\u2019 rights\u201d laws would not apply to servicemembers\u2019 homes in the circumstances covered by the bill.\n\nVeterans\u2019 Rights: Senator Moody is a cosponsor of the Veterans Bill of Rights Act, which would require the VA to ensure veterans are clearly informed of their existing rights concerning VA health care, benefits, and services.\n\nSenator Moody is working to instill patriotism in the next generation with her PLEDGE Act, which would require students and staff in Washington D.C. schools to begin each day with a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.\n\nDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, when many Americans\u2019 constitutional rights were being infringed, Moody, as Florida\u2019s Attorney General, fought to protect Floridians\u2019 freedoms\u2014challenging federal mask and vaccine mandates, fighting CDC restrictions that harmed Florida\u2019s cruise industry, and supporting efforts to safely reopen Florida\u2019s businesses and schools.\n\nView Senator Moody\u2019s full floor remarks here.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-09-18T09:27:43Z", "2026-09-18T09:29:09Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-senator-moody-appointed-to-serve-as-member-of-united-states-coast-guard-academy-board-of-visitors/", "VIDEO: Senator Moody Appointed to Serve as Member of United States Coast Guard Academy Board of Visitors", "2026-09-16", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014 Senator Ashley Moody has accepted an appointment to the United States Coast Guard Academy Board of Visitors. The Board of Visitors provides the Commandant of the Coast Guard independent advice and recommendations on the operation and other matters relating to the Academy. Members are appointed by the House of Representatives, the Senate, and the White House.\n\n\u201cThe U.S. Coast Guard plays an indispensable role in protecting our homeland\u2014securing our maritime borders, interdicting illegal drugs, conducting lifesaving search and rescue missions, and responding when disaster strikes. As a member of a military family, supporting the brave men and women who serve our country is deeply personal to me, and it is an honor to continue this important work as a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Board of Visitors,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nSenator Moody is a proud supporter of the U.S. Armed Forces, veterans, and military families. Since becoming a United States Senator, Moody has:\n\nRecently cosponsored the Veterans Bill of Rights Act. The Veterans Bill of Rights Act would require the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure veterans are clearly informed of their existing rights regarding VA-administered health care, benefits, and services.\n\nCosponsored the Major Richard Star Act, which seeks to fix unjust disability policies for retired combat veterans;\n\nSupported the Veterans Education and Technical Skills (VETS) Opportunity Act, which would expand educational benefits for veterans;\n\nSupported the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025, which would help ensure that only the most dedicated individuals can serve veterans;\n\nHeld a town hall with VA Secretary Collins in Tampa to discuss issues facing veterans;\n\nRecognized 200 years of U.S. Navy presence in Pensacola and discussed the critical importance of the Navy and Coast Guard\u2019s presence in the Florida Panhandle; and more.\n\nSenator Moody recently joined the Senate Armed Services Committee.\n\nLast month, Senator Moody stood with more than a hundred of Florida veterans at a VFW Post in Orlando to spotlight the Veterans Outdoor Rehabilitation Act she is cosponsoring.\n\nSenator Moody has long fought for Florida\u2019s military members. As Florida Attorney General, Moody oversaw the Military and Veterans Assistance Program to assist servicemembers, veterans and their families who encounter scams or fraud.\n\nSenator Moody is proud to be part of a military family.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-09-17T09:52:05Z", "2026-09-17T09:53:00Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/senator-moody-files-legislation-to-locate-new-u-s-space-academy-in-florida/", "Senator Moody Files Legislation to Locate New U.S. Space Academy in Florida", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Senator Ashley Moody today filed legislation to locate the new U.S. Space Academy in Florida. Last month, President Trump signed an Executive Order establishing the U.S. Space Academy. Senator Moody immediately vowed to file legislation to bring the academy to Florida as soon as she returned to Washington. Today, Senator Moody delivered on that promise, introducing the STARS Act.\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve just officially filed the STARS Act to bring the U.S. Space Academy to Florida. Florida is America\u2019s gateway to the final frontier \u2013 that\u2019s why it\u2019s so important that the next generation of space leaders are trained in the Sunshine State,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThe newly announced U.S. Space Academy will be for students looking to enter the U.S. Space Force, and it will also serve NASA and the civilian spaceflight industry.\n\nIn addition to filing this legislation, Senator Moody has been working with state partners to address the RFI put out by the Administration to encourage the establishment of the new Space Academy in Florida.\n\nEarlier this month, Senator Moody rallied space industry leaders to make the pitch for Florida to house the new academy.\n\nSenator Moody has a staunch record supporting Florida\u2019s Space Coast, where launches have increased by over 500%since 2016.\n\nSenator Moody passed the Secure U.S. Leadership in Space Act, to ensure the U.S. remains competitive and at the forefront of space innovation and exploration.\n\nThe legislation bolsters public-private partnerships by making spaceport facility bonds tax-exempt, treating spaceports the same as airports and seaports.\n\nSenator Moody recently introduced the Space Ready 2.0 Act, which would establish a NASA-wide pilot program allowing the agency to accept voluntary private contributions for infrastructure improvement projects at NASA centers.\n\nThe proposal does not create a new spending program, establish a new Treasury fund, or authorize new federal spending. Rather, it builds upon NASA\u2019s existing authority and allows private-sector partners to voluntarily invest in infrastructure improvements that directly support the missions they rely upon.\n\nSenator Moody also introduced the CAPE Canaveral Act to relocate NASA headquarters to Florida\u2019s Space Coast\u2014where it belongs.\n\nEarlier in July, Senator Moody met with the crew of Artemis IIat Kennedy Space Center where the crew thanked the hundreds of NASA engineers, mathematicians, and scientists who built the rocket that launched them farther into space than any human has ever traveled.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-09-16T09:43:13Z", "2026-09-16T09:44:22Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-senator-moody-questions-fbi-director-about-combatting-violent-crime-fighting-fraud-and-curbing-flow-of-fentanyl/", "VIDEO: Senator Moody Questions FBI Director About Combatting Violent Crime, Fighting Fraud, and Curbing Flow of Fentanyl", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014 Today, Senator Ashley Moody questioned FBI Director Kash Patel during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing about the Administration\u2019s success in combatting violent crime, going after criminals, and curbing the flow of fentanyl into the country:\n\n\u201cDuring the last administration, violent crime, senior fraud and fentanyl overdoses skyrocketed. As Florida\u2019s Attorney General, I was on the frontlines pushing back against the terrible policies that allowed this chaos to spread. Now as U.S. Senator, I continue to look for ways to build on the success we have seen over the past two years in reversing crime trends, fighting fraud, and removing fentanyl from our communities,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nView Senator Moody\u2019s full hearing remarks here.\n\nSenator Moody highlighted the drop in violent crime nationwide\u2014from 2024 to 2025, the violent crime rate fell by 9.3 percent. That is the largest single-year decline in the nation\u2019s history.\n\nSenator Moody also highlighted the pivotal role the FBI plays in going after the cartels and foreign actors who are guilty of poisoning Americans with fentanyl.\n\nIn 2025, seizures of fentanyl increased by more than 30 percent and fentanyl overdose deaths fell by 20 percent nationwide. Florida recently announced a 46% drop in fentanyl-related deaths.\n\nTo help law enforcement efforts against fentanyl, Senator Moody introduced the PRESS Act, which would criminalize the intentional importation of pill press equipment and unlisted precursor chemicals when they are intended to be used to manufacture illicit drugs.\n\nSenator Moody also cosponsored the HALT Fentanyl Act, which is now law. The Act permanently classifies fentanyl-related substances under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act.\n\nSenator Moody also champions Tyler\u2019s Law, which would require HHS to issue guidance on whether hospital emergency departments should implement fentanyl testing as a routine procedure for patients experiencing an overdose.\n\nSenator Moody also highlighted the importance of protecting seniors from fraud.\n\nDuring Senator Moody\u2019s time as Florida Attorney General, Moody created Florida\u2019s first-ever Senior Protection Team to bring together experts from across the state to identify these schemes, pursue the fraudsters behind them, and recover millions of dollars for victims.\n\nAs Senator, Moody has introduced the STOP Scams Against Seniors Act, which would help establish dedicated elder justice task forces bringing together local, state, and federal law enforcement to combat these crimes.\n\nSenator Moody also introduced the SWIPES Act to jack up the sentence for anyone who defrauds a senior American on purpose.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-09-16T09:43:13Z", "2026-09-16T09:44:22Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/9/sen-rick-scott-announces-project-to-tackle-america-s-cost-of-living-crisis", "Sen. Rick Scott Announces Project to Tackle America\u2019s Cost-of-Living Crisis", "2026-09-15", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Rick Scott announced his new project to urge Washington to finally tackle America\u2019s affordability crisis. Through a series of speeches, videos, and a presentation, Senator Scott will outline a roadmap to counter the rising popularity of socialism and reinvigorate the American Dream by giving everyone more opportunities to live, work, and raise a family in a safe community.\n\nTo watch the first video in Senator Rick Scott\u2019s affordability series, click HERE or on the image above.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cThe generation coming of age today has inherited Washington\u2019s failures and are paying for them every day. They\u2019re walking into a world where the starter home their parents bought doesn\u2019t exist for them anymore. They\u2019re abandoning the idea of having children because they simply cannot afford it. More young Americans following socialists like Zohran Mamdani because the status quo has failed and they\u2019re desperate for change. We must be clear that socialism isn\u2019t the answer. It will kill the American Dream.\u201d\n\n\u201cI put together a project with one goal: to be honest with the American public about how our economy has drastically changed, how the American Dream is out of reach for so many, and most importantly - how we can fix it. Socialism will destroy America if we let it take root. If we don\u2019t act now, the American Dream will not exist for young people today, our kids, or our grandkids.\u201d\n\n\u201cStay tuned.\u201d\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-09-16T09:43:13Z", "2026-09-16T09:44:22Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/senator-moody-leads-south-atlantic-congressional-delegation-in-urging-the-department-of-commerce-to-approve-new-fishing-permits-for-red-snapper/", "Senator Moody Leads South Atlantic Congressional Delegation in Urging the Department of Commerce to Approve New Fishing Permits for Red Snapper", "2026-09-14", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Senator Ashley Moody, along with Representative John Rutherford, is leading the South Atlantic congressional delegation in support of new Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) applications. Following a DC Court halting the prior EFPs on the eve of the state\u2019s approved May season, Florida has worked collaboratively with NOAA to develop even stronger EFP applications. These new permits will represent an important opportunity to improve recreational access, strengthen conservation through best available science, and support the coastal economies that depend on this fishery.\n\n\u201cSouth Atlantic anglers deserve more than a two-day red snapper season. We have already seen the success of state-led management in the Gulf, where Florida\u2019s red snapper season grew to 126 days in 2025 while maintaining healthy fish stocks. That\u2019s why I am leading an effort to ensure we can manage our own red snapper season and continue strengthening our recreational fishing opportunities,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nJoining Senator Moody and Rep. Rutherford are Senator Rick Scott and Reps. David Rouzer, Aaron Bean, Earl \u2018Buddy\u2019 Carter, Russell Fry, Randy Fine, Darren Soto, Austin Scott, Ralph Norman, Byron Donalds, Rick W. Allen, Mike Haridopolos, Daniel Webster, Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar, Gus Bilirakis, and Scott Franklin.\n\nThe Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) applications were submitted by Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina to improve state data collection efforts and advance state-led management of the recreational red snapper fishery in federal waters in the South Atlantic.\n\nDuring President Trump\u2019s first term, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) approved the state management EFP\u2019s for red snapper in the Gulf of America.\n\nAs a result, there has been improved data collection, strengthened accountability, and substantially longer recreational fishing seasons while maintaining healthy fish stocks.\n\nIn 2025, Florida\u2019s Gulf red snapper season lasted 126 days, a dramatic improvement from the three-day federal season anglers experienced before state management began.\n\nRead the entire letter here.\n\nIn March, Senator Moody led the effort that resulted in the approval of a 39-day Atlantic snapper fishing season.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-09-15T09:50:21Z", "2026-09-15T09:52:05Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/photos-senator-moody-honors-the-thousands-of-lives-lost-in-the-9-11-terrorist-attacks-on-the-25th-anniversary/", "PHOTOS: Senator Moody Honors the Thousands of Lives Lost in the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks on the 25th Anniversary", "2026-09-11", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "TAMPA, Fla.\u2014At a memorial service at U.S. Special Operations Command this morning, Senator Ashley Moody honored the thousands of lives lost in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Senator Moody, along with community officials and law enforcement officers placed a yellow rose in remembrance of those lost and in honor of the heroism police officers, firefighters, and other first responders showed on that tragic day 25 years ago.\n\n\u201cTwenty-five years ago, on September 11, 2001, our nation experienced one of the darkest days in American history. But on that terrible day, we also saw the very best of America. Police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and other first responders ran toward danger to help others. They risked \u2013 and in far too many cases, gave \u2013 their own lives to save people whom they had never met,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody. \u201cToday, we remember every precious life lost. We honor the heroes who answered the call and we stand with the families who still carry the weight of that loss. May we never forget September 11th, and the courage and unity America showed in its aftermath.\u201d\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-09-12T09:02:30Z", "2026-09-12T09:03:27Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/9/president-trump-signs-sen-rick-scott-s-disaster-tax-relief-bill-into-law", "President Trump Signs Sen. Rick Scott\u2019s Disaster Tax Relief Bill into Law", "2026-09-11", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "NAPLES, Fla. \u2013 Today, President Donald Trump signed Senator Rick Scott\u2019s Doug LaMalfa Federal Disaster Tax Relief Certainty Act into law.\n\nThe new law will provide meaningful, long-overdue tax relief for victims of hurricanes and other natural disasters and ensure they have immediate access to it. It was recently renamed the Doug LaMalfa Federal Disaster Tax Relief Certainty Act to honor Congressman Doug LaMalfa, who passed away in January of 2026.\n\nThis law also extends victims\u2019 ability to make tax-deductible payments from wildfire settlements, which often happen many years after a disaster, through January 1, 2027. Senator Scott introduced the bill in the Senate with bipartisan co-lead Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.). U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) led in the House, with original co-sponsors Representatives Mike Thompson (D-Calif.), Jimmy Penetta (D-Calif.), and the late Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.).\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cAfter disaster strikes, impacted Americans should be focused on rebuilding their lives and their communities \u2013 not surprise changes to their tax bills. After speaking with so many Americans in Florida and across the country impacted by natural disasters, including meeting Spencer Pratt at his burned-down home and touring the aftermath of the Palisades Fire, I knew we had to do something.\n\n\u201cNow that President Trump has signed this bill into law, I\u2019m grateful to have worked with Spencer, Rep. Steube, and Sen. Schiff to ensure those affected by hurricanes, wildfires, and other natural disasters continue to receive the real tax relief \u2013 and the peace of mind \u2013 they deserve.\"\n\nSenator Adam Schiff said, \u201cSurviving a natural disaster can place an enormous financial burden on families. It is critical that we support victims of devastating disasters like the wildfires in California and across the country. That\u2019s why I was proud to team up with Senator Rick Scott and Representatives Greg Steube, Mike Thompson and Jimmy Panetta to provide tax relief to the victims of natural disasters and why I am so grateful to see our bipartisan bill signed into law. We must ensure that those hit the hardest when disaster strikes receive the support and the tax relief they need to recover. And in seeing our bill become law, we affirm a vital part of the late Doug LaMalfa\u2019s legacy.\u201d\n\nFull text of the bill can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-12T09:02:30Z", "2026-09-12T09:03:27Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-senator-moody-secures-more-than-2-3-billion-for-florida-communities-affected-by-disasters/", "VIDEO: Senator Moody Secures More than $2.3 BILLION for Florida Communities Affected by Disasters", "2026-09-10", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla.\u2014Senator Ashley Moody continues working to secure long-sought FEMA disaster funds for hard-hit Florida communities. Since taking office, Senator Moody has recovered more than $2.3 billion for Florida. Senator Moody stood with local emergency officials in Fort Myers Beach to break the news today on the peak day of hurricane season. Included in the $2.3 billion secured for statewide projects are more than $64.9 million for projects in Lee County.\n\n\u201cWhen I got to Washington, Florida was still owed billions of dollars for projects dating back years. We quickly went to work to cut through the bureaucracy and make sure our communities received the money they were owed. Today, we announced that our total recoveries have officially surpassed $2 billion. This is a major milestone, but our work isn\u2019t over yet. We will keep working to deliver the federal support Floridians need,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nStatewide, Senator Moody has secured more than $2.3 billion in FEMA public assistance funding. Included in these funds are more than $64.9 million secured for Lee County, with $5.5. million designated to help reconstruct the pier destroyed by Hurricane Ian. The replacement is planned to stretch roughly 1,000 feet into the Gulf, more than 70% longer than the one destroyed.\n\nThese grants will be distributed along with the previously announced funds through FEMA\u2019s Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Assistance programs to support more than 500 recovery projects across the state. This money is disbursed to the state and local communities for disaster recovery projects.\n\nThese projects include repairs to educational facilities, restoration of critical infrastructure, debris removal, and costs incurred during emergencies to protect life and property.\n\nSenator Moody introduced the TRACK Act (Transparency in Recovery Assistance & Claims Knowledge Act) to bring more transparency to the FEMA disaster aid process, which has now been passed into law.\n\nThe TRACK Act mandates a status tracker on the FEMA website, so victims of a disaster have easily available knowledge and insight of their claim\u2019s progress.\n\nSept. 10 represents the peak of the Atlantic Hurricane Season. Senator Moody created webpage aggregating hurricane preparedness and recovery resources for Floridians. Click here to learn more.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-09-11T09:25:29Z", "2026-09-11T09:27:08Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/photos-senator-moody-honors-law-enforcement-heroes-ambushed-while-responding-to-a-womans-call-for-help/", "PHOTOS: Senator Moody Honors Law Enforcement Heroes Ambushed While Responding to a Woman\u2019s Call for Help", "2026-09-09", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "TAMPA, Fla.\u2014 Senator Ashley Moody today gave special recognition to multiple Hillsborough County deputies who were ambushed and intervened while responding to a woman\u2019s call for help. In July, a suspect ambushed three HCSO deputies responding to reports that a woman had been held at gunpoint. The suspect shot Deputy Colton Daniels in the face and Sopharmony Muon in the neck. While shots were being fired, Sergeant Harrison Bashner ran toward the gunfire to stop the threat. Deputy Roody Louis and Corporal Will Barnes were also recognized for their valor connected with the response.\n\n\u201cDeputies Daniels and Muon were ambushed while responding to a woman\u2019s call for help. Sgt. Bashner immediately responded, running toward the gunfire to save the two deputies. These deputies showed exceptional courage. It was an honor to surprise them today with a special recognition for their service and thank them personally for all they do to protect Floridians,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nIn July, a suspect in a hostage case fired a barrage of shots at deputies who responded to a call for help. Deputy Daniels was shot in the face, and Deputy Muon was shot in the neck before he could step out of his car. Both deputies are recovering at home. Learn more here.\n\nSenator Moody surprised the deputies at a special ceremony at the Hillsborough County Sheriff\u2019s Office with Sheriff Chad Chronister.\n\nSenator Moody is a strong supporter of the men and women who serve and protect Floridians. Last week, Senator Moody received the Tampa Bay Area Chiefs of Police Association Lifetime Achievement Award. Additionally, Senator Moody also recently received the Friends of Florida Police Chiefs Association Award.\n\nSince becoming Florida\u2019s newest Senator, Moody has:\n\nIntroduced the Halo Act to shield federal officers from those who seek to threaten and harass them on duty.\n\nCosponsored the LEO K9 Act, which aims to strengthen penalties for intentionally harming law enforcement animals and expand federal protections to cover state and local police animals assisting federal law enforcement. Senator Moody recently visited Jacksonville with Congressman Bean to spotlight the legislation.\n\nSupported the Graham Hoffman Act, which would allow the U.S. to use the full force of state and federal law to prosecute those who assault first responders and act as a deterrent to anyone considering such acts of violence.\n\nIntroduced the HELPER Act to make homeownership more obtainable for Florida heroes, including law enforcement officers.\n\nCo-Sponsored the HALT Fentanyl Act, which was signed into law by President Trump. The new law assists law enforcement officers in getting fentanyl traffickers off the streets and permanently classifies fentanyl-related substances under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act.\n\nSponsored the RIPPLE Act, which would expand the 287(g) program and provide resources to state law enforcement to more efficiently get criminal illegal aliens out of communities; and\n\nAdvanced six bills to support law enforcement, strengthen public safety and deliver critical tools to officers out of the Judiciary Committee during Police Week earlier this year.\n\nAs Florida\u2019s Attorney General, Senator Moody created many programs to recognize the selfless efforts of law enforcement officers, including her Back the Blue, Thin Line Tribute, and Sunshine Salute programs. Moody also worked with state lawmakers to strengthen statutes to hold criminals accountable and help officers and prosecutors do their jobs.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-09-10T09:25:58Z", "2026-09-10T09:27:09Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-senator-moody-rallies-space-industry-leaders-in-call-to-bring-u-s-space-academy-to-florida/", "VIDEO: Senator Moody Rallies Space Industry Leaders in Call to Bring U.S. Space Academy to Florida", "2026-09-08", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "SPACE COAST, Fla.\u2014Senator Ashley Moody today stood with space industry leaders to urge the administration to select Florida for the newly announced U.S. Space Academy. Space Florida CEO Rob Long, along with members from the Space Coast Economic Development Council, and the aerospace manufacturing community joined Senator Moody to make the pitch for Florida to house the new academy. Senator Moody also plans to file legislation once the Senate is back in session to solidify Florida as the Space Academy\u2019s new home.\n\n\u201cWe are America\u2019s space state. Florida helped launch our nation into the Space Age, and now we are ready to lead the way into the next era of American space leadership. Today, I stood with space industry leaders on our Space Coast to make the pitch to place the newly announced U.S. Space Academy where it belongs\u2014in Florida,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\n\u201cFor decades, Florida has served as our country\u2019s epicenter for U.S. space exploration and launch activity. The Sunshine State is home to one of the most advanced space ecosystems in the world and is uniquely positioned to ensure American space dominance for generations to come. The rare combination of our elite academic institutions, a renowned industrial base, robust manufacturing capabilities, and rapidly expanding commercial space presence, coupled with NASA\u2019s Kennedy Space Center and the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, provides an unparalleled educational opportunity for the United States Space Academy. I want to thank President Trump for his leadership in creating this vital institute, and I am proud to work alongside Senator Ashley Moody to secure its success,\u201d said Rep. Byron Donalds.\n\n\u201cThere is no better place to train the next generation of American space leaders than the state that has launched generations of Americans to the stars,\u201d said Rep. Mike Haridopolos. \u201cFlorida has the infrastructure, universities, workforce, and unmatched experience to make the United States Space Academy a success. As Chairman of the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee, I am proud to support Senator Moody\u2019s legislation to bring this new institution to Florida.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nRep. Donalds will lead the legislation in the House. Both Rep. Haridopolos and Rep. Donalds have announced support for Senator Moody\u2019s proposal.\n\nThe newly announced U.S. Space Academy will be for students looking to enter the U.S. Space Force, and it will also serve NASA and the civilian spaceflight industry.\n\nLast week, Senator Moody announced she will be introducing legislation to bring the new academy to Florida, and also co-led an effort calling on the administration to consider Florida for the new institution.\n\nSenator Moody has a staunch record supporting Florida\u2019s Space Coast, where launches have increased by over 500% since 2016.\n\nSenator Moody passed the Secure U.S. Leadership in Space Act, to ensure the U.S. remains competitive and at the forefront of space innovation and exploration.\n\nThe legislation bolsters public-private partnerships by making spaceport facility bonds tax-exempt, treating spaceports the same as airports and seaports.\n\nSenator Moody recently introduced the Space Ready 2.0 Act, which would establish a NASA-wide pilot program allowing the agency to accept voluntary private contributions for infrastructure improvement projects at NASA centers.\n\nThe proposal does not create a new spending program, establish a new Treasury fund, or authorize new federal spending. Rather, it builds upon NASA\u2019s existing authority and allows private-sector partners to voluntarily invest in infrastructure improvements that directly support the missions they rely upon.\n\nSenator Moody also introduced the CAPE Canaveral Act to relocate NASA headquarters to Florida\u2019s Space Coast\u2014where it belongs.\n\nEarlier in July, Senator Moody met with the crew of Artemis II at Kennedy Space Center as they thanked the hundreds of NASA engineers, mathematicians and scientists who built the rocket that launched them farther into space than any human has ever traveled.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-09-09T09:27:09Z", "2026-09-09T09:29:04Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-senator-moody-recognizes-award-winning-constituent-services-team-for-excellence-in-service-to-thousands-of-floridians/", "VIDEO: Senator Moody Recognizes Award-Winning Constituent Services Team for Excellence in Service to Thousands of Floridians", "2026-09-07", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "ORLANDO, Fla.\u2014Senator Ashley Moody is recognizing her award-winning Constituent Services Team for providing excellent service to thousands of Floridians. The Congressional Management Foundation named Senator Moody\u2019s office the winner of the 2026 Democracy Award for Best of Constituent Service. Senator Moody is the first U.S. Senator to win a Democracy Award for Best in Constituent Service after one year in Congress.\n\n\u201cWe work for the citizens of Florida. Providing Floridians with exceptional constituent service takes a compassionate, dedicated team of public servants, and we have truly assembled the best of the best. It was a privilege to share the 2026 Democracy Award for Best of Constituent Service with our team in Orlando and recognize their tireless hard work on behalf of Floridians,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nSince taking office, Senator Moody\u2019s Constituent Services Team has assisted nearly 9,000 Floridians with federal agency casework, including over 1,000 veterans and active-duty service members.\n\nThe Best of Constituent Service category recognizes offices that demonstrate outstanding dedication through effective casework, timely resolution of individual issues, personalized support, and a relentless focus on ensuring constituents receive the help they need. Winners are selected for their exceptional attention to detail, empathy, and persistence in solving complex constituent problems.\n\nThe Congressional Management Foundation is the premier bipartisan foundation dedicated to strengthening the first branch of government. The Democracy Awards are CMF\u2019s signature program recognizing the best in congressional non-legislative achievements.\n\nTo learn more about CMF\u2019s Democracy Awards, click here.\n\nTo learn how Sen. Ashley Moody (R-FL)\u2019s office can serve you, click here.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-09-08T09:24:24Z", "2026-09-08T09:26:10Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-senator-moody-rallies-veterans-in-central-florida-to-combat-high-rate-of-veteran-suicide-by-improving-wellness-and-mental-health-for-former-service-members/", "VIDEO: Senator Moody Rallies Veterans in Central Florida\u00a0to Combat High Rate of Veteran Suicide by\u00a0Improving Wellness and Mental Health for Former Service Members", "2026-09-04", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "ORLANDO, Fla.\u2014 Senator Ashley Moody continues to rally veterans across Florida around congressional legislation to increase mental health services and outcomes. September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and military veterans experience suicide rates higher than the national average. Recently, in Central Florida, Senator Moody joined more than a hundred former servicemembers at a local VFW post to discuss the Veterans Outdoor Rehabilitation Act, which would establish a grant program to help states provide veterans with additional resources for recovery.\n\n\u201cAs Florida\u2019s newest U.S. Senator, I have crisscrossed the state to meet with thousands of our great veterans and have looked for ways to increase resources and improve outcomes. They risked their lives to protect our great nation and I will continue to fight in Washington to make sure we always honor their service,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nRecently Senator Moody joined more than 100 veterans at a VFW Post in Orlando to discuss the bipartisan Veterans Outdoor Rehabilitation Act. The Act would establish a grant program through the Department of Veterans Affairs to help states develop and expand outdoor recreation opportunities for veterans. It would authorize $10 million each year, with every approved state receiving at least $200,000 to support these programs.\n\nView Senator Moody\u2019s full remarks from the recent event here.\n\nSenator Moody is a proud supporter of the U.S. Armed Forces, veterans, and military families. Since becoming a United States Senator, Moody has:\n\nRecently cosponsored the Veterans Bill of Rights Act. The Veterans Bill of Rights Act would require the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure veterans are clearly informed of their existing rights regarding VA-administered health care, benefits, and services.\n\nCosponsored the Major Richard Star Act, which seeks to fix unjust disability policies for retired combat veterans;\n\nSupported the Veterans Education and Technical Skills (VETS) Opportunity Act, which would expand educational benefits for veterans;\n\nSupported the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025, which would help ensure that only the most dedicated individuals can serve veterans;\n\nHeld a town hall with VA Secretary Collins in Tampa to discuss issues facing veterans;\n\nRecognized 200 years of U.S. Navy presence in Pensacola and discussed the critical importance of the Navy and Coast Guard\u2019s presence in the Florida Panhandle; and more.\n\nSenator Moody recently joined the Senate Armed Services Committee.\n\nSenator Moody has long fought for Florida\u2019s military members. As Florida Attorney General, Moody oversaw the Military and Veterans Assistance Program to assist servicemembers, veterans and their families who encounter scams or fraud.\n\nSenator Moody is proud to be part of a military family.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-09-05T08:49:07Z", "2026-09-05T08:50:44Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/senator-moody-proposes-creation-of-u-s-space-academy-in-florida-americas-launchpad-to-the-stars/", "Senator Moody Proposes Creation of U.S. Space Academy in Florida\u2014America\u2019s Launchpad to the Stars", "2026-09-03", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Senator Ashley Moody is proposing legislation to bring the newly-established U.S. Space Academy to Florida\u2014the launchpad of American aerospace innovation. Last week, President Trump signed an Executive Order establishing the United States Space Academy, and Senator Moody is announcing that she will file legislation when the Senate floor reopens to solidify Florida as the Space Academy\u2019s new home.\n\n\u201cThe newly established United States Space Academy belongs in Florida \u2013 America\u2019s launchpad to the stars. That\u2019s why the first thing I\u2019ll do when I\u2019m back in Washington is introduce legislation to bring the academy home to Florida\u2014ensuring our nation\u2019s next generation of space leaders is educated, trained, and prepared for a future in the final frontier right here on Florida\u2019s Space Coast,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nThe newly announced U.S. Space Academy will be for students looking to enter the U.S. Space Force, and it will also serve NASA and the civilian spaceflight industry.\n\nSenator Moody has a staunch record supporting Florida\u2019s Space Coast, where launches have increased by over 500% since 2016.\n\nSenator Moody passed the Secure U.S. Leadership in Space Act, to ensure the U.S. remains competitive and at the forefront of space innovation and exploration.\n\nThe legislation bolsters public-private partnerships by making spaceport facility bonds tax-exempt, treating spaceports the same as airports and seaports.\n\nSenator Moody recently introduced the Space Ready 2.0 Act, which would establish a NASA-wide pilot program allowing the agency to accept voluntary private contributions for infrastructure improvement projects at NASA centers.\n\nThe proposal does not create a new spending program, establish a new Treasury fund, or authorize new federal spending. Rather, it builds upon NASA\u2019s existing authority and allows private-sector partners to voluntarily invest in infrastructure improvements that directly support the missions they rely upon.\n\nSenator Moody also introduced the CAPE Canaveral Act to relocate NASA headquarters to Florida\u2019s Space Coast\u2014where it belongs.\n\nEarlier in July, Senator Moody met with the crew of Artemis II at Kennedy Space Center as they thanked the hundreds of NASA engineers, mathematicians and scientists who built the rocket that launched them farther into space than any human has ever traveled.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-09-04T09:19:37Z", "2026-09-04T09:20:58Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/senator-moody-rep-haridopolos-lead-florida-delegation-in-letter-to-president-trump-and-nasa-administrator-jared-isaacman-to-bring-space-academy-in-florida/", "Senator Moody, Rep. Haridopolos Lead Florida Delegation in Letter to President Trump and NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman to Bring Space Academy in Florida", "2026-09-03", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014 Today, Senator Ashley Moody along with Representative Mike Haridopolos led the Florida delegation in a letter to the President and NASA Administrator offering Florida as the home for the new United States Space Academy. Florida represents many commercial space launch providers, hosts several universities that make up the Florida Space Research Consortium, and is home to thousands of Space Force and NASA employees.\n\n\u201cFlorida is America\u2019s launchpad to space, and there is no better home for the new United States Space Academy. As Senator for the Space State, I\u2019ll keep working to grow our aerospace industry and ensure that Florida is the premier state for training the next generation of explorers,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\n\u201cThere is no better place to train the next generation of American space leaders than the state that has launched generations of Americans to the stars,\u201d said Congressman Mike Haridopolos. \u201cFlorida has the infrastructure, the universities, the workforce, and the unmatched experience to make the United States Space Academy a success. As Chairman of the Space and Aeronautics Subcommittee, I am proud to lead this bipartisan effort with Senator Moody and our Florida colleagues to make the case for bringing this important new institution to the Sunshine State.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND\n\nJoining Senator Moody and Rep. Haridopolos are Senator Rick Scott and Representatives Scott Franklin, Mario Diaz-Balart, Byron Donalds, Anna Paulina Luna, Vern Buchanan, Carlos Gimenez, Jimmy Patronis, Daniel Webster, Neal Dunn, M.D., Aaron Bean, John Rutherford, Randy Fine, Kat Cammack, Jared Moskowitz, Darren Soto, Gus Bilirakis, Laurel Lee, Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar, Kathy Castor, Brian Mast, and Gregory Steube.\n\nThe proposed U.S. Space Academy will be for students looking to enter the U.S. Space Force, and it will also serve NASA and the civilian spaceflight industry.\n\nSenator Moody has a staunch record of supporting Florida\u2019s Space Coast, where launches have increased by over 500% since 2016.\n\nSenator Moody passed the Secure U.S. Leadership in Space Act, to ensure the U.S. remains competitive and at the forefront of space innovation and exploration.\n\nThe legislation bolsters public-private partnerships by making spaceport facility bonds tax-exempt, treating spaceports the same as airports and seaports.\n\nSenator Moody recently introduced the Space Ready 2.0 Act, which would establish a NASA-wide pilot program allowing the agency to accept voluntary private contributions for infrastructure improvement projects at NASA centers.\n\nThe proposal does not create a new spending program, establish a new Treasury fund, or authorize new federal spending. Rather, it builds upon NASA\u2019s existing authority and allows private-sector partners to voluntarily invest in infrastructure improvements that directly support the missions they rely upon.\n\nSenator Moody also introduced the CAPE Canaveral Act to relocate NASA headquarters to Florida\u2019s Space Coast\u2014where it belongs.\n\nEarlier in July, Senator Moody met with the crew of Artemis II at Kennedy Space Center as they thanked the hundreds of NASA engineers, mathematicians and scientists who built the rocket that launched them farther into space than any human has ever traveled.\n\nRead the entire letter here.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-09-04T09:19:37Z", "2026-09-04T09:20:58Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-senator-moody-receives-prestigious-award-for-unwavering-support-for-florida-law-enforcement/", "VIDEO: Senator Moody Receives Prestigious Award for Unwavering Support for Florida Law Enforcement", "2026-09-02", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "CLEARWATER, Fla.\u2014Senator Ashley Moody is a fierce fighter for Florida law enforcement, having passed measures to help officers get fentanyl traffickers off the streets and working to provide the resources officers need to keep Floridians safe. Over the weekend, Senator Moody rallied with hundreds of officers at the Tampa Bay Area Chiefs of Police Association Gala where Moody received a Lifetime Achievement Award.\n\n\u201cFrom serving as a prosecutor, judge, Attorney General and now as U.S. Senator, I\u2019ve made it a priority to stand with the brave men and women of law enforcement who pursue dangerous criminals and keep Florida families safe. Their commitment to upholding the rule of law has helped our communities and our state thrive, and as the wife of a law enforcement officer, supporting those who put their lives on the line for us is deeply personal to me. That\u2019s why I\u2019m incredibly humbled and honored to receive the Tampa Bay Area Chiefs of Police Lifetime Achievement Award, and I will never stop backing the men and women who selflessly serve and protect us,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nBACKGROUND:", 1, "2026-09-03T09:29:33Z", "2026-09-03T09:31:32Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/9/sen-rick-scott-urges-dot-sec-duffy-to-correct-loophole-hurting-small-businesses", "Sen. Rick Scott Urges DOT Sec. Duffy to Correct Loophole Hurting Small Businesses", "2026-09-02", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "NAPLES, Fla. \u2013 This week, U.S. Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy asking him to fix to a Biden-era policy that unfairly harms travel agents, including many small business owners in Florida.\n\nCurrently, travel agents are required by law to refund customers within seven days of a qualified flight cancellation or delay while airlines have no such deadline. The financial burden is placed on agents, forcing them to lose thousands of dollars while they work for months to recoup the money from the airlines who hold the funds. Senator Scott\u2019s letter requests a change in this policy that holds airlines equally accountable to provide timely refunds to their customers.\n\nSenator Rick Scott wrote, \u201cTravel agencies and advisors operate on slim margins, and many simply cannot afford to front refunds to their customers, particularly for group bookings worth tens of thousands of dollars, before the airline has returned the money. These small businesses are being held financially accountable for a timeline they do not control, while the airlines that actually hold the funds face no enforceable deadline. Many of these small businesses may go out of business if nothing is done. Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy and travel advisors and agencies play a critical role in our tourism industry.\u201d\n\nRead the full letter HERE or below:\n\nDear Secretary Duffy,\n\nI write to request that the Department of Transportation correct a flaw in its 2024 consumer refund regulations that is placing an unsustainable financial burden on travel agencies and travel advisors, the overwhelming majority of which are small businesses.\n\nUnder the Department\u2019s April 2024 final rule, the \u201cmerchant of record\u201d in an airline ticket transaction must refund the consumer within seven days of a cancelled or significantly changed flight. When a travel agency or advisor books a ticket on behalf of a client, the agency is often the merchant of record, even though the cost of the ticket is immediately transferred to the airline at the time of purchase. The Department\u2019s August 2024 final rule requires airlines to \u201cpromptly\u201d return those funds to the ticket agent, but it does not define \u201cpromptly\u201d or set any deadline. In practice, airlines frequently fail to return funds within the seven-day window, forcing agencies to refund customers out of their own pockets while they wait on the airline refund.\n\nTravel agencies and advisors operate on slim margins, and many simply cannot afford to front refunds to their customers, particularly for group bookings worth tens of thousands of dollars, before the airline has returned the money. These small businesses are being held financially accountable for a timeline they do not control, while the airlines that actually hold the funds face no enforceable deadline. Many of these small businesses may go out of business if nothing is done. Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy and travel advisors and agencies play a critical role in our tourism industry.\n\nI respectfully request that the Department fix this imbalance through rulemaking or other appropriate administrative action, whether by establishing a firm deadline for airlines to return funds to ticket agents, aligning the agency\u2019s refund obligation with its receipt of funds from the airline, or another workable solution. Consumers deserve timely refunds, but that obligation should rest with the party holding the money, not with small businesses left waiting on the airlines.\n\nThank you for your attention to this important issue.\n\nSincerely,\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-09-03T09:29:33Z", "2026-09-03T09:31:32Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-on-national-police-k9-day-senator-moody-and-congressman-bean-champion-legislation-to-strengthen-protections-for-law-enforcement-animals/", "VIDEO: On National Police K9 Day, Senator Moody and Congressman Bean Champion Legislation to Strengthen Protections for Law Enforcement Animals", "2026-09-01", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "JACKSONVILLE, Fla.\u2014It\u2019s National Police K9 Day, and Senator Ashley Moody is championing legislation to strengthen protections for law enforcement animals. Senator Moody and Congressman Aaron Bean recently held a ceremony with law enforcement leaders in Jacksonville to spotlight the LEO K9 Protection Act. The measure strengthens penalties for intentionally harming law enforcement animals and expands federal protections to cover state and local police animals assisting federal law enforcement.\n\n\u201cPolice K9s are not equipment or accessories. They are highly trained members of law enforcement who charge toward dangers that send others running. I introduced the LEO K9 Protection Act to strengthen protections for these canines and hold those who intentionally harm our four-legged law enforcement heroes accountable. I will continue fighting to ensure Florida law enforcement has the support and resources needed to keep us safe\u2014and that includes our special K9s,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\n\u201cOur working K9s serve on the front lines, protecting officers and communities alike,\u201d said Congressman Aaron Bean. \u201cThey deserve real protection, not just praise\u2014and the LEO K9 Protection Act will provide it by strengthening penalties for individuals who use a deadly weapon to harm these heroic animals in the line of duty. We must ensure that the sacrifices of courageous K9s like Leo are never forgotten and that the next injured K9 has the best chance to return home. By enacting this bill, we can guarantee that K9s receive the urgent care they deserve and help prevent more handlers from experiencing the heartbreak of losing their partners in the line of duty.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nSenator Moody introduced the LEO K9 Protection Act, legislation aimed at strengthening penalties for individuals who use a deadly weapon to harm a federal police dog or horse in the line of duty.\n\nThe bill expands federal protections to include state, county, and local law enforcement animals assisting a federal agency.\n\nThis legislation provides a good-faith exception for individuals providing emergency veterinary care to injured law enforcement animals.\n\nThe bill directs the U.S. Department of Transportation to issue regulations allowing emergency medical service providers to transport injured police animals at their discretion.\n\nThis legislation was named in honor of K9 Leo, a fallen Marion County, Florida, canine deputy.\n\nThis bill was originally introduced in the House by Congressman Aaron Bean (R-FL-4).\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-09-02T09:19:58Z", "2026-09-02T09:20:51Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/9/sen-rick-scott-calls-on-congress-to-pass-safe-kids-act-to-prevent-birth-tourism-schemes-from-foreign-adversaries", "Sen. Rick Scott Calls on Congress to Pass SAFE KIDS Act to Prevent Birth Tourism Schemes from Foreign Adversaries", "2026-09-01", "2026", "2026-09", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "NAPLES, Fla. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Rick Scott is calling on Congress to pass the SAFE KIDS Act, his bill to stop the exploitation of America\u2019s immigration laws by hostile foreign adversaries, including Communist China.\n\nThe urgent need to pass this legislation is highlighted by two events happening today:\n\nA Florida woman is in court in St. Augustine fighting for custody of her twins that the intended father from Communist China \u2013 who has never set foot on American soil \u2013 never picked up.\n\nMeanwhile, the U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Task Force on Defending Constitutional Rights and Exposing Institutional Abuses will hold a hearing focused on highlighting suspected birth tourism abuse in the Miami area.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cThe case in St. Augustine is tragic, disturbing, and completely preventable. These poor children, through no fault of their own, are stuck in limbo over where their home will be \u2014 all because America\u2019s surrogate system is ripe for abuse and exploitation. My bill, the SAFE KIDS Act, prevents our enemies from abusing our hospitality and medicine to give them a foothold in our country. It would prevent the exact tragedy playing out in Florida right now.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis problem will not go away if we do nothing. The fact that there are entire businesses in Florida that appear to be based around exploiting our immigration system more than speaks to that. We need to protect the most vulnerable among us from being trafficked and treated like commodities. I am grateful that Chairman Gill and the task force are taking this seriously. America\u2019s enemies should not be able to scam their way to American citizenship. I encourage all my colleagues in the Senate to pass my bill immediately.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-09-02T09:19:58Z", "2026-09-02T09:20:51Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-on-overdose-awareness-day-senator-moody-continues-fight-to-save-lives-from-deadly-illicit-opioids/", "VIDEO: On Overdose Awareness Day, Senator Moody Continues Fight to Save Lives from Deadly Illicit Opioids", "2026-08-31", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014On National Overdose Awareness Day, Senator Ashley Moody is continuing the fight to save lives from illicit opioids. Through Senator Moody\u2019s work as the former Florida Attorney General, Florida led the nation in fentanyl interdictions and has seen fentanyl-related deaths fall faster than the national average. Senator Moody is working now in Washington to provide federal law enforcement agencies with the tools needed to investigate, arrest and prosecute fentanyl traffickers and drug cartels.\n\n\u201cOn Overdose Awareness Day, we pause to remember the lives lost to the opioid epidemic. Florida has made encouraging progress, with our deaths caused by fentanyl decreasing faster than the national average, but our work is far from over. I will continue fighting in Washington to hold drug traffickers accountable and support law enforcement efforts to save lives,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nBy coordinating local, state, and federal partners, Florida reduced fentanyl-related deaths by 42% from the first half of 2024 to the first half of 2025\u2014greater than the estimated nationwide decrease of 22% from 2024 to 2025.\n\nAs Florida\u2019s newest United States Senator, Senator Moody continues to combat the nation\u2019s fentanyl crisis by cosponsoring the HALT Fentanyl Act, Tyler\u2019s Law, and most recently the PRESS Act. Last Summer, Senator Moody joined President Trump as he signed the HALT Fentanyl Act into law. The new law assists law enforcement officers get fentanyl traffickers off the streets and permanently classifies fentanyl-related substances under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act;\n\nTyler\u2019s Law would require HHS to issue guidance on whether hospital emergency departments should implement fentanyl testing as a routine procedure for patients experiencing an overdose.\n\nPRESS Act would criminalize the intentional importation of pill press machines and unlisted precursor chemicals with the intent to manufacture illicit drugs.\n\nAs Florida Attorney General, Senator Moody chaired the Statewide Task Force on Opioid Drug Abuse and secured a massive multibillion-dollar settlement from opioid manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies.\n\nSenator Moody is a long-time supporter of the rule of law and of law enforcement officers.\n\nSince becoming Florida\u2019s newest Senator, Moody has also:\n\nIntroduced the HALO Act to shield federal officers from those who seek to threaten and harass them on duty;\n\nSupported the Graham Hoffman Act, which would allow the U.S. to use the full force of state and federal law to prosecute those who assault first responders and act as a deterrent to anyone considering such acts of violence;\n\nIntroduced the HELPER Act to make homeownership more obtainable for Florida heroes, including law enforcement officers;\n\nSponsored the RIPPLE Act, which would expand the 287(g) program and provide resources to state law enforcement to more efficiently get criminal illegal aliens out of communities; and\n\nAdvanced six bills to support law enforcement, strengthen public safety and deliver critical tools to officers out of the Judiciary Committee during Police Week earlier this year.\n\nAs Florida\u2019s Attorney General, Senator Moody created many programs to recognize the selfless efforts of law enforcement officers, including her Back the Blue, Thin Line Tribute, and Sunshine Salute programs. Moody also worked with state lawmakers to strengthen statutes to hold criminals accountable and help officers and prosecutors do their jobs. Moody also created the Helping Heroes program to provide access to free naloxone for first responders statewide.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-09-01T09:48:49Z", "2026-09-01T09:49:51Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/8/sen-rick-scott-in-the-wall-street-journal-the-dollar-s-global-dominance-keeps-america-first", "Sen. Rick Scott in the Wall Street Journal: \u201cThe Dollar\u2019s Global Dominance Keeps America First\u201d", "2026-08-31", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Rick Scott published an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal explaining the benefits that everyday Americans get from the U.S. dollar\u2019s status as the global reserve currency.\n\nIn the op-ed, Senator Scott also warns about the costs and national security risks Americans would face if the dollar were to lose its premier reserve currency status.\n\nSenator Rick Scott wrote, \u201cA strong U.S. dollar secures three advantages for Americans: lower prices, cheaper government debt and global power. If it loses strength, so does the American consumer. Keeping the dollar as the world\u2019s reserve currency maximizes American buying power globally, meaning Americans buy more from other countries for less. That includes wood to build houses, steel to build cars and food to eat.\u201d\n\n\u2026\n\n\u201cSome will argue that maintaining our status as the global reserve currency makes American goods more expensive abroad, discouraging other countries from buying from us; but the data tells a different story. Thanks in part to President Trump\u2019s trade policies, exports have increased 23%, adjusted for inflation, since he first took office in 2017\u2014all while the dollar maintained reserve-currency status.\u201d\n\n\u2026\n\n\u201cAnd while Congress\u2019s multitrillion-dollar deficit spending needs to end, the U.S. has avoided economic catastrophe only because we made a priority of preserving the dollar\u2019s reserve status. Everyone\u2014individuals, corporations and governments\u2014trusts the dollar and trusts that the Treasury will always honor its debt, which allows the U.S. to finance our $40 trillion debt.\u201d\n\n\u2026\n\n\u201cWithout reserve-currency status, America would be weaker, families would have less opportunity, and China would get a golden opportunity to rewrite and isolate American businesses on the world stage. Beijing has already made it clear it\u2019s watching our debt situation closely.\u201d\n\nRead Senator Scott\u2019s full op-ed HERE.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-09-01T09:48:49Z", "2026-09-01T09:49:51Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-senator-moody-champions-skilled-workforce-and-floridas-dominance-in-space-at-aerospace-company-employing-thousands-in-tampa-bay/", "VIDEO: Senator Moody Champions Skilled Workforce and Florida\u2019s Dominance in Space at Aerospace Company Employing Thousands in Tampa Bay", "2026-08-28", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "CLEARWATER, Fla.\u2014Senator Ashley Moody held an aerospace-focused townhall today with Florida workers who are on the cutting edge of American space innovation. During the townhall event at Honeywell Aerospace in Clearwater, Senator Moody spoke with the employees and highlighted Florida\u2019s major role as the nation\u2019s launchpad to the stars. In addition to fighting for Florida\u2019s space industry, Senator Moody is also working to increase the skilled workforce through expanding technical education opportunities with her new TRADES Act.\n\n\u201cIn the interest of national security, America must remain the world\u2019s leader in space, and Florida is center stage. That is why strengthening our state\u2019s space industry is one of my priorities in the Senate, and why I continue fighting for resources to support Florida space operations and to help increase the skilled workforce needed to keep us shooting for the stars,\u201d saidSenator Ashley Moody.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nWork performed at the Honeywell Aerospace in Clearwater helped build NASA\u2019s Orion spacecraft and assisted in the historic Artemis II mission, which recently took four astronauts around the Moon.\n\nSenator Moody has a staunch record supporting Florida\u2019s Space Coast, where launches have increased by over 500% since 2016.\n\nSenator Moody passed the Secure U.S. Leadership in Space Act, to ensure the U.S. remains competitive and at the forefront of space innovation and exploration.\n\nThe legislation bolsters public-private partnerships by making spaceport facility bonds tax-exempt, treating spaceports the same as airports and seaports.\n\nSenator Moody recently introduced the Space Ready 2.0 Act, which would establish a NASA-wide pilot program allowing the agency to accept voluntary private contributions for infrastructure improvement projects at NASA centers.\n\nThe proposal does not create a new spending program, establish a new Treasury fund, or authorize new federal spending. Rather, it builds upon NASA\u2019s existing authority and allows private-sector partners to voluntarily invest in infrastructure improvements that directly support the missions they rely upon.\n\nEarlier in July, Senator Moody met with the crew of Artemis II at Kennedy Space Center as they thanked the hundreds of NASA engineers, mathematicians and scientists who built the rocket that launched them farther into space than any human has ever traveled.\n\nSenator Moody also introduced the CAPE Canaveral Act to relocate NASA headquarters to Florida\u2019s Space Coast\u2014where it belongs.\n\nIn addition to supporting Florida\u2019s space efforts, Senator Moody is also working to increase the skilled workforce and expand technical education opportunities. Senator Moody recently introduced the TRADES Act, which would increase an existing tax on ultra-wealthy universities similar to that of the capital gains tax that Floridians already pay on their investment income. This money would then be used to provide additional funding to the Perkins Career and Technical Education grants, which currently contribute to the education of around 12 million students across the country. Perkins Career and Technical Education grants are the federal government\u2019s primary way of funding career and technical education.\n\nSenator Moody recently announced even more organizations and trade groups have endorsed the TRADES Act.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-08-29T11:31:28Z", "2026-08-29T11:32:37Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/8/in-case-you-missed-it-sen-rick-scott-in-naples-daily-news-ai-is-here-we-need-to-protect-and-prepare-america-s-kids", "In Case You Missed It: Sen. Rick Scott in Naples Daily News: \u201cAI is Here. We Need to Protect and Prepare America\u2019s Kids\u201d", "2026-08-28", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "NAPLES, Fla. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Rick Scott published an op-ed in the Naples Daily News calling out the risks AI poses in schools and how his Safeguard Kids Act makes it easier for teachers and faculty to address them.\n\nThe Safeguard Kids Act will educate American K-12 students on risks posed by AI and make changes to the Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) federal block grant program to allow funding for AI literacy and specialized counseling programs at local schools.\n\nSenator Rick Scott wrote, \u201cArtificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the world around us. From the corporate world to the average household, things are already very different than they were even a couple years ago. AI has the potential to be the greatest information innovation since the printing press. Still, technology is only as good as our ability to use it well and for the right reasons \u2212 especially when it comes to our kids and grandkids.\n\n\u2026\n\nReplacing human interaction with AI is a clear threat to every child\u2019s interpersonal development. AI is a tool. It\u2019s not supposed to be a catch-all, stand-in for therapists, doctors, lawyers, scientists, poets, or philosophers. It can never replace human connection. It does not possess the humanity we need to support one another or to override a parent\u2019s guidance.\u201d\n\n\u2026\n\nIf we want America to lead the world in innovation for the next generation, our children need to learn how to use the tools of the future. It\u2019s up to us to make sure they can do it safely. The Safeguard Kids Act does just that; Congress should pass it without delay.\u201d\n\nRead Senator Scott\u2019s full op-ed HERE.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-08-29T11:31:28Z", "2026-08-29T11:32:37Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-senator-moody-brings-hhs-secretary-kennedy-to-florida-for-roundtable-on-healthy-school-lunches-and-launches-new-harvest-to-hallways-program-and-depend-initiative/", "VIDEO: Senator Moody Brings HHS Secretary Kennedy to Florida for Roundtable on Healthy School Lunches\u00a0and Launches\u00a0New Harvest to Hallways Program\u00a0and\u00a0DEPEND\u00a0Initiative", "2026-08-26", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "TAMPA, Fla.\u2014Senator Ashley Moody is working to make school lunches healthier through new federal programs aimed at providing nutritional food to students. Today, Senator Moody hosted U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy, Jr. and local school officials for a roundtable event discussing the importance of school food nutrition. As the mother of a school aged son, Senator Moody is dedicated to improving the eating habits and health of all Florida students.\n\nThe roundtable follows the Administration\u2019s announcement of Harvest to Hallways, a new joint initiative from The Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Agriculture aimed at improving school meals, connecting more American farmers with local schools and providing schools with the infrastructure and resources needed to serve healthier food. The event also covered HHS\u2019s new Developing Evidence for Programs to Ensure Nutrition for Development (DEPEND) initiative. DEPEND will provide funding for schools and school districts to develop and test innovative ways to provide nutritious food to students and identify effective approaches to improving school nutrition.\n\n\u201cAs a mom of a child in school, I know parents are constantly looking for ways to improve the health of our kids. Ensuring our children are served healthy school meals is key to advancing that priority. Today, I hosted a roundtable discussion with Sec. Kennedy and important stakeholders to encourage Florida schools to join new key government programs that are now in place to create practical ways to serve healthier food that children will actually enjoy eating,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nSenator Moody hosted today\u2019s roundtable discussion about the U.S. Health and Human Services Healthy Meals Incentives for Schools program.\n\nSenator Moody emphasized the importance of providing healthy food at schools\u2014as 30-60% of a child\u2019s nutrition comes from school meals.\n\nHarvest to Hallways includes up to $70 million in school cafeteria infrastructure investments, including a new $50 million investment to help qualifying schools purchase equipment, improve food safety and establish or expand School Breakfast Programs, building on $20 million in previously announced equipment assistance grants.\n\nIn addition, HHS has announced the DEPEND initiative that will support school food authorities, school districts, and individual schools pursuing innovative approaches in four key areas:\n\nPurchasing & Supply\n\nWorkforce & Food Production\n\nStudent Demand & Meal Economics\n\nTransforming Operations & Infrastructure\n\nAwards are expected to range from $75,000 to $2.5 million, depending on the scope of the proposal. If the initiative is successful, HHS aims to provide additional funding in fiscal year 2027.\n\nEarlier this year, Senator Moody spoke with the HHS Secretary during a Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension Committee Hearing about the department\u2019s efforts to improve Americans\u2019 health via dietary changes.\n\nFlorida hosted the HHS Secretary for the recent announcement that hospitals now must serve nutritious, healthy food. Senator Moody hosted HHS again for the announcement that Tampa General Hospital is among the first to sign HHS\u2019s Make Hospital Food Healthier Pledge.\n\nRead more about the Harvest to Hallways Program here.\n\nRead more about the DEPEND initiative here.\n\nFor additional B-roll footage of today\u2019s event, click here.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-08-27T16:10:01Z", "2026-08-27T16:10:50Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/8/in-case-you-missed-it-sen-rick-scott-in-realclear-politics-communist-china-has-its-eyes-on-your-hospital-bed", "In Case You Missed It: Sen. Rick Scott in RealClear Politics: \u201cCommunist China Has Its Eyes on Your Hospital Bed\u201d", "2026-08-26", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "NAPLES, Fla. \u2013 Yesterday, U.S. Senator Rick Scott published an op-ed in RealClear Politics on Communist China\u2019s threat to American\u2019s private health data via unsecured data in everyday medical devices \u2013 and what can be done about it.\n\nThis comes as the FBI recently reported that the healthcare industry faced more cyberattacks in a single year period than any other critical infrastructure sector in the country.\n\nSenator Rick Scott wrote, \u201cEvery day, Americans walk into hospitals trusting that the machines keeping watch over their hearts are working for them. Most have no idea that some of those machines may be working for Communist China.\u201d\n\n\u2026\n\n\u201cI have spent years fighting to hold Communist China accountable because I know that as our strategic adversary, they want to harm Americans. They want to win, and they are willing to use your hospital room to do it.\u201d\n\n\u2026\n\n\u201cAmerican patients deserve better. They deserve to have confidence that the medical machines watching over them in vulnerable moments belong to American doctors and hospitals, not Beijing.\u201d\n\nRead Senator Scott\u2019s full op-ed HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-27T16:10:01Z", "2026-08-27T16:10:50Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-senator-moody-supports-florida-veterans-with-legislation-to-improve-veterans-mental-health-through-community-and-outdoor-sports/", "VIDEO: Senator Moody Supports Florida Veterans with Legislation to Improve Veterans Mental Health Through Community and Outdoor Sports", "2026-08-25", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "ORLANDO, Fla.\u2014Surrounded by more than a hundred veterans at a VFW Post in Orlando today,Senator Ashley Moody announced legislation that aims to expand outdoor recreation opportunities for our nation\u2019s veterans. Senator Moody is cosponsoring the Veterans Outdoor Rehabilitation Act, which would establish a grant program to help states provide veterans with additional resources for recovery. The legislation would build on the success of programs like Florida\u2019s Operation Outdoor Freedom, which has served more than 6,800 Florida veterans since 2009.\n\n\u201cOur veterans risked their lives to defend this nation in some of the most dangerous places on earth. When they return home, they deserve every opportunity to build healthy, connected and fulfilling lives. The Veterans Outdoor Rehabilitation Act is one more way we can keep our promise to those who served \u2013 by helping them reconnect, rebuild and find healing amongst their community in the country they sacrificed so much to defend,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThe bipartisan Veterans Outdoor Rehabilitation Act would establish a grant program through the Department of Veterans Affairs to help states develop and expand outdoor recreation opportunities for veterans. It would authorize $10 million each year, with every approved state receiving at least $200,000 to support these programs.\n\nThe funding would allow states to partner with local outfitters, guides, nonprofit organizations and community groups. It would help cover equipment and program fees \u2013 removing barriers that keep some veterans from participating. Veterans would gain access to a wide range of outdoor activities, including hunting, fishing, hiking, kayaking, archery and target shooting, with adaptive and accessible options for veterans with disabilities.\n\nView Senator Moody\u2019s full remarks here.\n\nSenator Moody is a proud supporter of the U.S. Armed Forces, veterans, and military families. Since becoming a United States Senator, Moody has:\n\nRecently cosponsored the Veterans Bill of Rights Act. The Veterans Bill of Rights Act would require the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure veterans are clearly informed of their existing rights regarding VA-administered health care, benefits, and services.\n\nCosponsored the Military Spouse Hiring Act to address difficulties servicemembers\u2019 families face when looking for work;\n\nCosponsored the Major Richard Star Act, which seeks to fix unjust disability policies for retired combat veterans;\n\nSupported the Veterans Education and Technical Skills (VETS) Opportunity Act, which would expand educational benefits for veterans;\n\nSupported the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025, which would help ensure that only the most dedicated individuals can serve veterans;\n\nHeld a town hall with VA Secretary Collins in Tampa to discuss issues facing veterans;\n\nRecognized 200 years of U.S. Navy presence in Pensacola and discussed the critical importance of the Navy and Coast Guard\u2019s presence in the Florida Panhandle; and more.\n\nSenator Moody recently joined the Senate Armed Services Committee.\n\nSenator Moody has long fought for Florida\u2019s military members. As Florida Attorney General, Moody oversaw the Military and Veterans Assistance Program to assist servicemembers, veterans and their families who encounter scams or fraud.\n\nSenator Moody is proud to be part of a military family.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-08-26T05:33:32Z", "2026-08-26T05:34:56Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/what-they-are-saying-10-organizations-trade-groups-and-a-school-district-endorse-senator-moodys-efforts-to-fund-vocational-training/", "WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: 10 Organizations, Trade Groups and a School District Endorse Senator Moody\u2019s Efforts to Fund Vocational Training", "2026-08-24", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Senator Ashley Moody\u2019s legislation to help ensure more educational opportunities for technical and trade students is gaining steam\u2014receiving additional endorsements from major trade organizations. Senator Moody\u2019s TRADES Act would increase what elite, multi-billion-dollar-endowment universities, such as Harvard and Yale, pay for their endowment income and redirect that money to career and technical education across the U.S. The Jobs and Careers Coalition\u2014representing 33 business groups\u2014American Dental Hygienists Association, Automotive Service Association and the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association are joining the list of endorsements for Sen. Moody\u2019s legislation.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s exciting that the TRADES Act is gaining steam\u2014with The Jobs and Careers Coalition, American Dental Hygienists Association, Automotive Service Association and the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association joining the list of major organizations endorsing the measure. My bill supports Floridians who want to learn in-demand trades or skills, increasing America\u2019s commitment to training the next generation for meaningful career opportunities,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\n\u201cADHA supports congressional efforts to expand investments in career and technical education and urges Congress to ensure that dental hygiene education programs are included as eligible and prioritized recipients of any new workforce development funding. Dental hygienists are essential preventive oral health providers, and strengthening the dental hygiene workforce pipeline is critical to expanding access to care in rural and underserved communities,\u201d said the American Dental Hygienists Association.\n\n\u201cAs I travel around the country and meet with automotive shop owners, the number one challenge our industry faces is attracting, developing, and retaining highly skilled automotive repair technicians. This legislation will help strengthen the workforce of tomorrow by investing in Perkins Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs that prepare the next generation of skilled tradespeople, including automotive technicians. By expanding support for these programs, more students will have access to the hands-on training, skills, and opportunities they need to pursue rewarding, in-demand careers while helping meet our industry\u2019s growing need for highly trained professionals,\u201d said Automotive Service Association Chairman Dan Stander.\n\n\u201cAs vehicles become increasingly sophisticated, the demand for highly trained technicians continues to outpace the available workforce. We believe targeted educational investments can transform lives while addressing critical workforce shortages. The TRADES Act would expand these opportunities by helping more individuals access the training they need to enter high demand careers. We appreciate Sen. Moody\u2019s leadership in championing legislation that recognizes the value of skilled trades and addresses one of the most pressing workforce challenges facing the automotive industry today,\u201d said National Independent Automobile Dealers Association Director of Government Relations & Compliance Patrick O\u2019Brien.\n\n\u201cWhile the need for a skilled workforce continues to grow, funding continues to lag. Perkins State Grants have increased slightly but Career and Technical Education programs must have the resources to meet greater demand. The Jobs and Careers Coalition supports Senator Moody\u2019s TRADES Act as a reasonable way to fix the CTE funding shortfall. The Jobs and Careers Coalition is a Washington-based business group focused on job training and workforce development. Members include employers and employer associations from a broad range of industries experiencing skills mismatches and worker shortages who know greater investment in CTE is crucial for the U.S. economy,\u201d said Jobs and Careers Coalition Executive Director Craig Brightup.\n\nThe bill has already been endorsed by Hillsborough County Public Schools, The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, The Associated Equipment Distributors, The Automotive Service Association, The Associate General Contractors of America, and The Associated Industries of Florida.\n\n\u201cAs the seventh-largest school district in the nation, Hillsborough County Public Schools serves more than 220,000 students and offers extensive career and technical education (CTE) programs that prepare students for high-skill, high-demand careers. Perkins funding is essential to supporting these programs by expanding access to industry-recognized credentials, modern equipment, work-based learning opportunities, and workforce-aligned instruction. As Florida\u2019s demand for skilled workers continues to grow, additional Perkins funding would help districts strengthen career pathways and ensure more students graduate with the skills and credentials needed for postsecondary success and economic mobility.\n\n\u201cBy directing additional resources to career and technical education, S. 4907 would strengthen workforce development opportunities for students while benefiting employers, communities, and Florida\u2019s economy,\u201d said Hillsborough County Public Schools.\n\n\u201cAs a nation, we should encourage and invest in career paths that do not require a college education and its associated debt. This starts with supporting good, quality job training programs that result in guaranteed union job placement. Senator Moody\u2019s bill sends a strong message about putting our money where our priorities ought to be,\u201d said Sean M. O\u2019Brien, President, International Brotherhood of Teamsters.\n\n\u201cEquipment dealers across Florida and the nation commend Senator Moody for introducing the TRADES Act and her tremendous leadership in tackling the skills gap,\u201d said Daniel B. Fisher, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at Associated Equipment Distributors. \u201cThe greatest challenge facing equipment dealers remains the lack of service technicians and it is long overdue that investments in career and technical education match the extreme demand for skilled workers. The TRADES Act truly represents an investment in our future workforce, which is critical for businesses to grow, and America\u2019s continued prosperity and competitiveness.\u201d\n\n\u201cYears of underinvestment in the nation\u2019s career and technical education programs are one of the key reasons industries like construction face significant labor shortages that delay projects and increase the cost of construction. Directing new resources to the Perkins Career and Technical Education program will help expand training opportunities, strengthen the skilled trades pipeline, and better prepare the next generation of workers for high-paying careers in fields like construction. That is why the Associated General Contractors of America supports this measure, and we encourage Congress to rapidly enact it\u201d said Associated General Contractors of America.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nIn the near future, America will need hundreds of thousands of new skilled workers to keep up with demand, including electricians, plumbers, and commercial drivers. Now more than ever, we must invest in America\u2019s future.\n\nThe TRADES Act would increase an existing tax on ultra-wealthy universities similar to that of the capital gains tax that Floridians already pay on their investment income. This money would then be used to provide additional funding to the Perkins Career and Technical Education grants, which currently contribute to the education of around 12 million students across the country.\n\nPerkins Career and Technical Education grants are the federal government\u2019s primary way of funding career and technical education.\n\nThe Jobs and Careers Coalition, a business coalition comprised of the below groups, has endorsed the TRADES Act:\n\no Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute\n\no American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers\n\no American Industrial Hygiene Association\n\no American Staffing Association\n\no American Supply Association\n\no Associated Builders and Contractors\n\no Associated Equipment Distributors\n\no Associated General Contractors of America\n\no Association of Equipment Manufacturers\n\no Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals\n\no Automotive Service Excellence Education Foundation\n\no Building Industry Policy Roundtable\n\no Construction Industry Round Table\n\no International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials\n\no Independent Electrical Contractors\n\no International Code Council\n\no International Franchise Association\n\no National Asphalt Pavement Association\n\no National Association of Home Builders\n\no National Center for Construction Education and Research\n\no National Roofing Contractors Association\n\no National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association\n\no Opportunity America\n\no Partnership for New York City\n\no H-E-B Grocery Stores\n\no IBM\n\no International Paper\n\no Realityworks Inc.\n\no S & B Engineers and Constructors, Ltd.\n\no Shapiro & Duncan, Inc.\n\no Universal Technical Institute\n\no Worley\n\no Zachry Group\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-08-25T05:31:37Z", "2026-08-25T05:33:09Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-on-national-fentanyl-prevention-and-awareness-day-senator-moody-renews-commitment-to-end-opioid-crisis/", "VIDEO: On National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day, Senator Moody Renews Commitment to End Opioid Crisis", "2026-08-21", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014On National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day, Senator Ashley Moody is recognizing the hundreds of thousands of lives stolen by fentanyl and working to end the opioid crisis. As Florida\u2019s former Attorney General, and now as U.S. Senator, Moody has fought to hold drug traffickers accountable, secure the border, and support law enforcement efforts.\n\n\u201cOn National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day, we remember the hundreds of thousands of lives stolen by fentanyl and the families forever changed by this devastating epidemic and renew our commitment to end this crisis. While Florida has seen our fentanyl-related death rate fall faster than the national average, our work is far from finished. We\u2019ll continue fighting to save lives and build a Stronger, Safer Florida,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nBy coordinating local, state, and federal partners, Florida reduced fentanyl-related deaths by 42% from the first half of 2024 to the first half of 2025\u2014greater than the estimated nationwide decrease of 22% from 2024 to 2025.\n\nAs Florida\u2019s newest United States Senator, Senator Moody continues to combat the nation\u2019s fentanyl crisis by cosponsoring the HALT Fentanyl Act, Tyler\u2019s Law, and most recently the PRESS Act. Last Summer, Senator Moody joined President Trump as he signed the HALT Fentanyl Act into law. The new law assists law enforcement officers get fentanyl traffickers off the streets and permanently classifies fentanyl-related substances under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act;\n\nTyler\u2019s Law would require HHS to issue guidance on whether hospital emergency departments should implement fentanyl testing as a routine procedure for patients experiencing an overdose.\n\nPRESS Act would criminalize the intentional importation of pill press machines and unlisted precursor chemicals with the intent to manufacture illicit drugs.\n\nAs Florida Attorney General, Senator Moody chaired the Statewide Task Force on Opioid Drug Abuse and secured a massive multibillion-dollar settlement from opioid manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies.\n\nSenator Moody is a long-time supporter of the rule of law and of law enforcement officers.\n\nSince becoming Florida\u2019s newest Senator, Moody has also:\n\nIntroduced the HALO Act to shield federal officers from those who seek to threaten and harass them on duty;\n\nSupported the Graham Hoffman Act, which would allow the U.S. to use the full force of state and federal law to prosecute those who assault first responders and act as a deterrent to anyone considering such acts of violence;\n\nIntroduced the HELPER Act to make homeownership more obtainable for Florida heroes, including law enforcement officers;\n\nSponsored the RIPPLE Act, which would expand the 287(g) program and provide resources to state law enforcement to more efficiently get criminal illegal aliens out of communities; and\n\nAdvanced six bills to support law enforcement, strengthen public safety and deliver critical tools to officers out of the Judiciary Committee during Police Week earlier this year.\n\nAs Florida\u2019s Attorney General, Senator Moody created many programs to recognize the selfless efforts of law enforcement officers, including her Back the Blue, Thin Line Tribute, and Sunshine Salute programs. Moody also worked with state lawmakers to strengthen statutes to hold criminals accountable and help officers and prosecutors do their jobs.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-08-22T05:24:59Z", "2026-08-22T05:26:16Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/8/sen-rick-scott-calls-on-congress-to-pass-bills-to-cut-red-tape-help-small-businesses-thrive", "Sen. Rick Scott Calls on Congress to Pass Bills to Cut Red Tape, Help Small Businesses Thrive", "2026-08-20", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "NAPLES, Fla. \u2013 U.S. Senator Rick Scott is calling on Congress to pass a series of bills that will cut red tape and make it easier for Floridians to open small businesses. While Democrat Socialists are kneecapping the American Dream, Senator Scott is calling for Congress to unshackle workers and entrepreneurs from restrictions that big government has imposed on them.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cToday\u2019s Democrat Party is unrecognizable. My father was a teamster; Democrats used to believe in what makes America the greatest country in the world. Now, they want to open government-run grocery stores and bankroll illegal aliens. The American Dream works when the government gets out of the way and lets Americans innovate and succeed. Congress should immediately pass these bills to remove bureaucratic hurdles that discourage Floridians from opening small businesses. We should be encouraging the American Dream, not sabotaging it.\u201d\n\nThese bills include:\n\nDestroying Unnecessary, Misaligned, and Prohibitive (DUMP) Red Tape Act\n\nRequires the Small Business Administration\u2019s (SBA) Office of Advocacy to continue running the Red Tape Hotline, a website where small businesses can report complaints and issues with regulations, policy statements, or other activities to the SBA Office of Accountability.\n\nSmall Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act\n\nRequires agencies to assess the economic impact of proposed regulations on small businesses and requires detailed descriptions of alternatives to a proposed rule with significant economic impact that would minimize any adverse economic impact or maximize any beneficial economic impact.\n\nPermitting Transparency and Accountability Act\n\nRequires all U.S. agencies issuing permits to create a page on their website for permit applicants to track the status of their permit application, along with the steps completed and those that are remaining, the timeframe expected, and contact information readily available for users.\n\nRegulatory Decimation Act\n\nRequires federal agencies to repeal ten existing regulations prior to issuing a new one and ensures the cost of any new regulation does not exceed the ones repealed.\n\nRegulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act\n\nRequires congressional approval of any major rule proposed by a federal agency.\n\nExpediting Reform and Stopping Excess Regulations (ERASER) Act\n\nProhibits an agency from issuing a major rule unless the agency has repealed three or more rules AND the cost of the new major rule is less than or equal to the cost of the rules repealed, as certified by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs.\n\nProtecting Access to Credit for Small Businesses Act\n\nProtects community lending by prohibiting a Biden-era rule that forced America\u2019s community banks and credit unions to compete with the federal government to issue loans.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-21T05:30:57Z", "2026-08-21T05:32:22Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/8/sens-rick-scott-mike-lee-marsha-blackburn-rep-young-kim-demand-investigation-into-california-s-unconstitutional-involvement-with-beijing-to-undermine-u-s-foreign-policy", "Sens. Rick Scott, Mike Lee, Marsha Blackburn, Rep. Young Kim Demand Investigation into California\u2019s Unconstitutional Involvement with Beijing to Undermine U.S. Foreign Policy", "2026-08-19", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "NAPLES, Fla. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Rick Scott, Mike Lee, Marsha Blackburn, and U.S. Representative Young Kim sent a letter to Attorney General Todd Blanche and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, calling for an investigation into the state of California\u2019s numerous climate agreements with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).\n\nThe members wrote, \u201cIf Governor Newsom would like to assume foreign affairs authorities constitutionally vested in the federal government, that option, however quixotic, ill-conceived, and downright laughable, is theoretically available to him. As it stands, however, he is likely violating the Constitution, serving as China\u2019s useful pawn while destroying the pocketbooks of millions of hardworking Americans.\u201d\n\nThe Compact Clause of the Constitution gives the federal government authority over foreign affairs, and the Supreme Court has upheld that even state action with a mere \"direct impact upon foreign relations\"[1]may be unconstitutional.\n\nDating back to former California Governor Jerry Brown, the state has an extensive history of circumventing Congressional approval and entering into agreements with CCP conduits, including:\n\nCalifornia China Climate Institute\n\nFounded in 2019 by Governor Jerry Brown and the CCP\u2019s longtime global climate envoy, Xie Zhenhua, the goal was to shape U.S. and subnational climate policy and advance the goals of the Paris Agreement. The California China Climate Institute was codified into law by Governor Newsom.\n\nChina-U.S. ZEV Policy Lab\n\nAgreed upon by the University of California-Davis and the China Automotive Technology and Research Center, the China-U.S. ZEV Policy Lab committed both sides to speed the commercialization of electric cars.\n\nRead the full letter HERE or below:\n\nDear Attorney General Blanche and Secretary Rubio:\n\nWe write to urge the Department of Justice, in consultation with the Department of State, to open a formal investigation into whether signed agreements and other institutionalized engagements between the State of California, including its regulatory agencies and the University of California (UC) system, and organs and entities of the People\u2019s Republic of China (PRC or China) and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), China\u2019s dominant political institution, constitute agreements or compacts with a foreign power prohibited by, or requiring congressional consent under, Article I, Section 10 of the Constitution, and whether they unlawfully intrude on the President's conduct of foreign policy.[2] The National Association of Scholars' latest report, Behind the Climate Curtain, documents an alleged years-long pattern in which Governors Jerry Brown and Gavin Newsom tied California's climate regulators to Beijing's Party-State, embedded PRC-linked institutions inside the state's regulatory apparatus, and deliberately structured these arrangements to circumvent President Trump's decisions in climate diplomacy.[3] These individuals appear to have engaged in unlawful, unconstitutional activity, and their efforts to support Communist China\u2019s strategic aims \u2013 at the expense of America\u2019s \u2013 must be confronted.\n\nArticle I, Section 10 prohibits any state from entering any \"Treaty, Alliance, or Confederation\" and bars any \"Agreement or Compact\" with a foreign power absent congressional consent. Chief Justice Taney, writing for a plurality, explained that the Framers chose the broadest possible words in order \"to cut off all connection or communication between a state and a foreign power[.]\"[4] The Supreme Court has interpreted the Compact Clause to require Congressional consent for arrangements tending to increase state power in ways that \"encroach upon or interfere with the just supremacy of the United States[.]\"[5] Critically, the U.S. State Department applies this test in the context of state arrangements with foreign powers.[6] The Court has also stated that \"[p]ower over external affairs is not shared by the States[,]\"[7] and that even state action with a mere \"direct impact upon foreign relations\"[8] may be unconstitutional.\n\nSimilarly, in Crosby v. National Foreign Trade Council,[9] the Court unanimously struck down a state law that compromised the President's capacity for effective diplomacy called for in a federal statute, and in American Insurance Association v. Garamendi[10], the Court reaffirmed that \"at some point an exercise of state power that touches on foreign relations must yield to the National Government's policy,\u201d which may even include foreign policy embodied in executive agreements rather than statute.[11] In these and many other cases, the Court has regularly emphasized the importance of federal supremacy in foreign affairs. Instead of recognizing its own limitations under the United States Constitution, however, California\u2019s pro-CCP state leadership decided to dig in and engage more closely with our foremost national enemy.\n\nCalifornia has routinely employed the instrumentalities of its state government, including its university system, in service of inappropriate bilateral relations with Communist China. In 2013, then Governor Jerry Brown signed a memorandum of understanding with Xie Zhenhua, then head of China's central planning agency, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the first agreement of its kind between the PRC and a U.S. state; this agreement committed California to joint work with Beijing on carbon reduction, emissions trading, and electric vehicles. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) signed its own memorandum with the NDRC that year, building on ties to the Beijing Environmental Protection Bureau dating to 2005. CARB Chairwoman Mary Nichols personally attended the launch of China's cap-and-trade pilot in Shenzhen, and CARB soon began co-leading a zero-emission vehicle \"Policy Lab\" with a PRC government automotive research center through UC Davis.[12] In 2015, the UC system signed a memorandum with Tsinghua University, a PRC government academic institution, aimed at shaping bilateral climate commitments. Tsinghua University, often described as \"China\u2019s MIT\" and from which Xi Jinping graduated, is \u201cstrongly and institutionally committed to military-civil fusion and to supporting the advancement of military applications of AI.\u201d[13] It hosts advanced defense laboratories engaged in missile technology, rocket systems, and projects linked to China\u2019s nuclear weapons program.[14] According to the NAS report, Tsinghua has also been tied to cyberattacks (including against Alaska\u2019s state government), and the building of surveillance tools used in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR).[15]\n\nIn 2017, President Trump lawfully announced the United States\u2019 withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement. Governor Brown's response was to fly to Beijing. Then Governor Brown met behind closed doors with China\u2019s leader, Xi Jinping, and signed an agreement with China's Minister of Science and Technology (MOST) to bypass the President's withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. That same week, Brown signed multiple agreements with PRC officials, including MOST and Jiangsu and Sichuan provinces, focusing on the establishment of a California-China Clean Technology Partnership Fund (as well as agreements to promote general green energy technology and energy cooperation).[16][17] Meanwhile, then-CARB Chairwoman Nichols, the regulator responsible for enforcing California's vehicle emissions standards, pitched those same mandates to BYD, Geely, Great Wall, and other PRC EV manufacturers, positioning these firms to profit from the new California requirements.[18] What California\u2019s political leadership has been able to do over the years is nothing short of an obscene abuse of power; they appear to have fused state regulatory power, and all associated national-level consequences, with a foreign adversary\u2019s industrial strategy.\n\nConsider that California, by nature of its economic size, can easily drive U.S. national standards and policies, as well as corporate behaviors, purely by nature of what it sets for state requirements.[19] This sort of outsized influence gives the PRC all the incentive needed to promote subnational agreements \u2013 especially if the end result will result in amending U.S. policy on terms that support Communist China\u2019s strategic aims. As part of their Made in China (MIC) 2025 initiative, the PRC has sought to achieve technological breakthroughs in key sectors deemed necessary to secure global economic and technological leadership, including electric vehicles.[20] The manner in which the PRC has gained global market share of these sectors includes massive government subsidies, structural excess capacity, forced technology transfer and IP theft, market access restrictions, tax preferences, forced joint ventures and partnerships, and several other tactics that have reinforced their disproportionate market share in multiple industries. Any U.S. state, including California, would be well served by vigilance against China\u2019s efforts to leverage its growing market influence to influence U.S. domestic and foreign policy.\n\nIn 2021, Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill 39, codifying the California-China Climate Institute (CCCI) into state law and directing it, in partnership with Tsinghua University, to shape U.S. and subnational climate policy.[21] The CCCI, housed at UC Berkeley, was initially launched in 2019 under the co-chairmanship of former Governor Brown and Xie Zhenhua, former head of China\u2019s central planning agency, the NDRC[22], and the CCP's longtime chief global climate envoy; Brown continues to lead the Institute today, with Nichols as Vice Chair. By its own account, the CCCI has helped integrate PRC experts into California's regulatory agencies.[23] Between 2021 and 2022, the CCCI and Tsinghua convened private, off-the-record discussions on the design of California's carbon market in which the head of the state's cap-and-trade program participated. Those sessions were financed by the Berggruen Institute and the China Institute for Innovation and Development Strategy, an organization founded by a career CCP propaganda official whose leadership has included a former head of a Ministry of State Security bureau. Jamestown Foundation research has separately identified Tsinghua and China's Ministry of Ecology, California's counterparty on 2018 and 2022 memoranda, as organizations operating under the CCP\u2019s United Front Work Department and related PRC efforts to target U.S. climate policy.[24] Entities proximate to PRC intelligence financed closed-door sessions at which California regulators discussed California regulatory design with PRC counterparts.\n\nGovernor Newsom, whose love affair with Beijing dates to a 2005 memorandum he signed as mayor with then-Shanghai mayor Han Zheng, has made the CCCI project his own. In October 2023, he met with Xi Jinping, Wang Yi, and Han Zheng, and signed a memorandum[25] with the NDRC charging CARB, the California EPA, the Natural Resources Agency, and the Energy Commission to develop a joint action plan with China's central planners. The trip yielded the first-ever Declaration of Enhanced Subnational Climate Action[26] between China and a subnational government, with the CCCI brokering the meetings. The Hewlett Foundation paid $300,000[27] for the delegation's travel while granting millions to the CCCI (and even more to Energy Foundation China, a China-based climate nonprofit).[28]\n\nThe years-long ties between California and China in climate policy have produced cascading effects, none of them good. San Francisco and Los Angeles bought Chinese BYD buses under state mandates, BYD America received $120 million in cap and trade funds[29], and Governor Newsom signed a $1 billion no-bid pandemic mask contract with BYD (later extended by another $316 million) while BYD gave $40,000 to his campaign funds.[30] On June 8, 2026, the Department of War added BYD to its Section 1260H list of Chinese military companies operating in the United States.[31] This is the predictable result of the left's mandate-driven climate program: with Beijing controlling roughly 90 percent of rare-earth refining and roughly 70 percent of global electric vehicle production, California's gas car bans and net zero mandates risk forcing American dependency on Chinese supply chains while raising costs on millions of Californians.[32] So much for affordability.\n\nIf Governor Newsom would like to assume foreign affairs authorities constitutionally vested in the federal government, that option, however quixotic, ill-conceived, and downright laughable, is theoretically available to him. As it stands, however, he is likely violating the Constitution, serving as China\u2019s useful pawn while destroying the pocketbooks of millions of hardworking Americans. We believe these arrangements between California and Communist China exhibit many features the Supreme Court has deemed constitutionally significant: reciprocal commitments,[33] standing institutional machinery, designated state agencies executing joint plans with foreign ministries, and an avowed purpose of sustaining an agreement the President has twice repudiated, all in dual-use domains central to China's military-civil fusion strategy.[34] We therefore respectfully request that the Department of Justice, in coordination with the Department of State, as appropriate, consider the following requests:\n\nOpen a formal investigation, in conjunction with the Department of State, into whether California's climate, energy, and technology engagements with Communist China-linked entities, including the 2013 Brown-NDRC and CARB-NDRC memoranda, the 2015 UC-Tsinghua memorandum, the 2017 Ministry of Science and Technology, Jiangsu, and Sichuan agreements, the 2018 and 2022 Ministry of Ecology memoranda, the 2023 NDRC, provincial, and municipal agreements and the Declaration of Enhanced Subnational Climate Action, and the CCCI under Assembly Bill 39, violate Article I, Section 10 or otherwise impermissibly infringe on federal foreign affairs authorities.\n\nEvaluate, if necessary, the need for civil litigation against the State of California and the UC Regents.\n\nIssue requests for information to the Governor's Office, CARB, the California EPA, the Energy Commission, the Natural Resources Agency, the UC Regents, the CCCI, and the UC Davis ZEV Policy Lab for all agreements, action plans, correspondence, funding and travel records, minutes of the 2021 and 2022 off the record dialogues, and records identifying Communist China-linked personnel given access to California regulatory proceedings or non-public regulatory information.\n\nConduct a Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) review of whether current or former officials, CCCI personnel, or intermediary organizations, including the China Institute for Innovation and Development Strategy, the Berggruen Institute's China programs, and Energy Foundation China, acted as unregistered agents of the PRC, and refer any documented access of Ministry of State Security-linked and United Front-linked entities to California regulators to the FBI for counterintelligence assessment. As part of this review, we further request that the Department identify (a) any PRC-directed or PRC-linked activity documented in the course of the review that, while raising influence or counterintelligence concerns, falls outside the scope of FARA's registration requirements or its existing exemptions; and (b) any resulting statutory gaps, including in FARA, that Congress should consider addressing through legislation.\n\nCoordinate with the Department of Commerce and others on export control and deemed export review of technology exchanges under these agreements in batteries, grid management software, offshore wind, hydrogen, and connected vehicles. This review can also assess where current safeguards fall short in addressing Science and Technology collaboration with the PRC more broadly, including in Department of Energy research security policies, the sharing of U.S. intellectual property and know-how, and joint policy and standards development that existing restrictions don\u2019t reach.\n\nFor two decades, Governors Brown and Newsom have treated Beijing as a partner and the elected government of the United States as an obstacle. The Constitution entrusts the conduct of foreign affairs to the federal government. Where state officials enter sustained institutional arrangements with foreign governments that may implicate Article I, Section 10 or interfere with the Nation's foreign policy, those arrangements warrant careful federal review. We cannot allow a rogue state government to place its regulators and flagship university in the service of a hostile power\u2019s industrial strategy.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-20T05:28:41Z", "2026-08-20T05:29:58Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-senator-moody-praises-florida-deputy-who-rescued-three-young-girls-from-powerful-rip-current/", "VIDEO: Senator Moody Praises Florida Deputy Who Rescued Three Young Girls from Powerful Rip Current", "2026-08-17", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Senator Ashley Moody took to the Senate Floor recently to praise a Florida sheriff\u2019s deputy with a Florida\u2019s Finest Award for rescuing three young girls. While patrolling a beach on Florida\u2019s Gulf Coast earlier in May, Lee County Sheriff\u2019s Deputy Raymond Tellez Ferriol responded to calls that three teen girls were caught in a rip current and immediately jumped into action to bring them back safely to shore.\n\n\u201cA fun day at the beach almost turned tragic, but thanks to Deputy Raymond Tellez Ferriol\u2019s courage and quick thinking, three young girls made it home safely to their families. It was an honor to recognize his brave actions on the Senate Floor and present him with a Florida\u2019s Finest Award,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nWhen Dep. Tellez Ferriol saw the girls struggling in the water, yards from the shore, he immediately grabbed flotation devices and swam towards the youth, bringing them back to safety. Learn more here.\n\nRip currents can be deadly, even for experienced swimmers. Since the start of 2026, Florida has seen eight confirmed cases of rip current deaths, the youngest of which was only 17.\n\nBeachgoers should be aware of water conditions, the presence or absence of a lifeguard, and swim with a partner to help stay safe. If caught in a rip current, don\u2019t panic\u2014do not fight the current, swim parallel to the shoreline until out of the current and then swim to shore. If you feel you can\u2019t reach shore, face towards the shoreline and call or wave for help.\n\nSenator Moody\u2019s Florida\u2019s Finest Award is presented to law enforcement officers or Floridians who go above and beyond to save lives.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-08-18T05:27:41Z", "2026-08-18T05:29:06Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/8/el-senador-rick-scott-felicita-al-presidente-colombiano-abelardo-de-la-espriella-por-asumir-el-cargo-y-expresa-su-apoyo-al-pueblo-colombiano", "El Senador Rick Scott felicita al Presidente colombiano Abelardo de la Espriella por asumir el cargo y expresa su apoyo al pueblo colombiano", "2026-08-17", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 El Senador Rick Scott envi\u00f3 una carta al Presidente colombiano Abelardo de la Espriella, felicit\u00e1ndole por su reciente investidura y ofreciendo sus condolencias tras el reciente terremoto que hasta ahora ha causado casi 300 muertes.\n\nEl Senador Rick Scott escribi\u00f3: \"Colombia ha enfrentado adversidades antes y siempre ha salido m\u00e1s fuerte, unida por la resiliencia de su pueblo. Estados Unidos est\u00e1 ahora con Colombia, como amigo y socio, en este momento de nuevos comienzos y p\u00e9rdida profunda.\"\n\nPuede leer la carta completa AQU\u00cd o a continuaci\u00f3n:\n\nEstimado Presidente De la Espriella:\n\nEn nombre de cada floridano, le expreso mis m\u00e1s c\u00e1lidas felicitaciones por su toma de posesi\u00f3n como Presidente de la Rep\u00fablica de Colombia. Su elecci\u00f3n marca un nuevo cap\u00edtulo importante en la estrecha y duradera amistad entre nuestras dos naciones. Espero trabajar con su administraci\u00f3n para fortalecer los lazos que unen a Estados Unidos y Colombia, incluyendo el comercio, la inversi\u00f3n y la cooperaci\u00f3n en seguridad regional.\n\nUsted y su administraci\u00f3n cuentan con mi total apoyo mientras inician este nuevo cap\u00edtulo y la gran promesa del liderazgo colombiano. Le deseo a usted y al pueblo colombiano un gran \u00e9xito en los pr\u00f3ximos a\u00f1os.\n\nTambi\u00e9n escribo con gran pesar sobre el devastador terremoto que sacudi\u00f3 el oeste de Colombia a principios de este mes. Mis pensamientos y oraciones est\u00e1n con las familias que han perdido a sus seres queridos y con todos aquellos que a\u00fan buscan a los desaparecidos.\n\nLa administraci\u00f3n Trump est\u00e1 comprometida a apoyar al pueblo colombiano y a su gobierno en este momento de necesidad. El Departamento de Estado de EE. UU. ha proporcionado 15,5 millones de d\u00f3lares en fondos de ayuda de emergencia del Departamento de Estado para alojamiento, alimentos, protecci\u00f3n y evaluaciones estructurales post-terremotos, as\u00ed como un Equipo de Respuesta de Asistencia ante Desastres (DART) para coordinarse con nuestra Embajada en Bogot\u00e1 y apoyar la respuesta de su gobierno sobre el terreno.[1] Tambi\u00e9n me complace se\u00f1alar que el gobierno israel\u00ed, con el que ha renovado relaciones y ha mostrado gran apoyo a este aliado com\u00fan, est\u00e1 prestando asistencia sobre el terreno. Los incansables esfuerzos de los rescatistas, voluntarios y primeros intervinientes colombianos son un ejemplo para todos nosotros de lo que es posible cuando las personas se unen y se ayudan mutuamente en condiciones extraordinariamente dif\u00edciles.\n\nColombia ya ha enfrentado adversidades antes y siempre ha salido m\u00e1s fuerte, unida por la resiliencia de su pueblo. Estados Unidos apoya ahora a Colombia, como amigo y socio, en este momento de nuevos comienzos y profunda p\u00e9rdida.\n\nEnhorabuena de nuevo por su investidura, y por favor acepte mis m\u00e1s profundas condolencias por las vidas perdidas en esta tragedia.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-18T05:27:41Z", "2026-08-18T05:29:06Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/8/sen-rick-scott-congratulates-colombian-president-abelardo-de-la-espriella-on-taking-office-expresses-support-for-colombian-people", "Sen. Rick Scott Congratulates Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella on Taking Office, Expresses Support for Colombian People", "2026-08-17", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella, congratulating him on his recent inauguration and offered his condolences following the recent earthquake that has claimed nearly 300 lives so far.\n\nSenator Rick Scott wrote, \u201cColombia has faced adversity before and has always emerged stronger, united by the resilience of its people. The United States stands with Colombia now, as a friend and partner, in this moment of both new beginnings and profound loss.\u201d\n\nClick HERE or read the full letter below.\n\nDear President De La Espriella:\n\nOn behalf of every Floridian, I extend my warmest congratulations on your inauguration as President of the Republic of Colombia. Your election marks an important new chapter in the close and enduring friendship between our two nations. I look forward to working with your administration to strengthen the ties that bind the United States and Colombia, including trade, investment, and regional security cooperation.\n\nYou and your administration have my full support as you embark on this new chapter and the great promise of Colombian leadership. I wish you and the Colombian people great success in the years ahead.\n\nIt is also with a heavy heart that I write regarding the devastating earthquake that struck western Colombia earlier this month. My thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost loved ones and with all those still searching for those who are missing.\n\nThe Trump administration is committed to supporting the people of Colombia and your government during this time of need. The U.S. Department of State has provided $15.5 million in emergency relief funding from the State Department for shelter, food, protection, and post-earthquake structural assessments, and a Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) to coordinate with our Embassy in Bogot\u00e1 and support your government\u2019s response on the ground. I am also pleased to note that the Israeli government, with which you have renewed relations and shown great support for this common ally, is providing assistance on the ground. The tireless efforts of Colombian rescue workers, volunteers, and first responders are an example to us all of what is possible when people come together and help one another amid extraordinarily difficult conditions.\n\nColombia has faced adversity before and has always emerged stronger, united by the resilience of its people. The United States stands with Colombia now, as a friend and partner, in this moment of both new beginnings and profound loss.\n\nCongratulations again on your inauguration, and please accept my deepest condolences for the lives lost in this tragedy.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-18T05:27:41Z", "2026-08-18T05:29:06Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-senator-moody-joins-nasa-administrator-isaacman-to-announce-the-launch-of-max-power-expo-and-massive-airshow-scheduled-to-be-held-on-floridas-space-coast/", "VIDEO: Senator Moody Joins NASA Administrator Isaacman to Announce the Launch of Max Power Expo and Massive Airshow Scheduled to be Held on Florida\u2019s Space Coast", "2026-08-14", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.\u2014Senator Ashley Moody is spotlighting Florida\u2019s central role in American space exploration and fighting to secure additional resources and infrastructure to keep the Space Coast first in space. Today, with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, Senator Moody and other officials announced that Kennedy Space Center will host Max Power, a high-profile tech expo and air show\u2014putting Florida\u2019s space industry center stage.\n\n\u201cFlorida truly is the launchpad of American space innovation\u2014and hosting the upcoming Max Power Expo is a great opportunity to show off the hard work of our engineers and scientists who are developing systems to get American boots back on the Moon and beyond. When America shoots for the stars, it launches from Florida\u2014I\u2019ll continue fighting to ensure our Space Coast has the resources and infrastructure needed to keep us leading in Space,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nMax Power is coming to Kennedy Space Center in November. The event will feature a tech expo, air show and high-impact speakers, and will be held on the Shuttle runway.\n\nThe event is expected to be one of the largest air shows ever according to the Space Coast Office of Tourism. The Tourism Development Council (TDC) anticipates the NASA-partnered show will easily surpass 50,000 out-of-county attendees.\n\nThe event is headlined by the U.S.A.F Thunderbirds.\n\nThe event is part of a national series of events recognizing the United States\u2019 250th anniversary.\n\nSenator Moody has a staunch record supporting Florida\u2019s Space Coast, where launches have increased by over 500% since 2016.\n\nSenator Moody passed the Secure U.S. Leadership in Space Act, to ensure the U.S. remains competitive and at the forefront of space innovation and exploration.\n\nThe legislation bolsters public-private partnerships by making spaceport facility bonds tax-exempt, treating spaceports the same as airports and seaports.\n\nSenator Moody recently introduced the Space Ready 2.0 Act, which would establish a NASA-wide pilot program allowing the agency to accept voluntary private contributions for infrastructure improvement projects at NASA centers.\n\nThe proposal does not create a new spending program, establish a new Treasury fund, or authorize new federal spending. Rather, it builds upon NASA\u2019s existing authority and allows private-sector partners to voluntarily invest in infrastructure improvements that directly support the missions they rely upon.\n\nEarlier in July, Senator Moody met with the crew of Artemis II at Kennedy Space Center as they thanked the hundreds of NASA engineers, mathematicians and scientists who built the rocket that launched them farther into space than any human has ever traveled.\n\nSenator Moody also introduced the CAPE Canaveral Act to relocate NASA headquarters to Florida\u2019s Space Coast\u2014where it belongs.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-08-15T05:23:20Z", "2026-08-15T05:24:50Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-senator-moody-hosts-back-to-school-expo-for-florida-families-showcasing-new-ways-to-invest-in-childrens-futures-and-protect-kids-from-online-threats/", "VIDEO: Senator Moody Hosts Back to School Expo for Florida Families Showcasing New Ways to Invest in Children\u2019s Futures and Protect Kids from Online Threats", "2026-08-13", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "ORLANDO, Fla.\u2014Senator Ashley Moody hosted the Florida Families First Back to School Resources Fair at Valencia College, bringing valuable resources directly to Florida families. The fair connected families with local, state, federal and community partners offering information and resources about children\u2019s health, education, finances, and safety. Senator Moody, as one of the few mothers to a school-aged child in the Senate, is delivering new ways to jumpstart the American Dream for Florida youth and protect kids against online threats.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s back-to-school time for millions of Florida families, and we want to make sure our children are happy, healthy, and safe. I hosted a Florida Families First Back to School Resources Fair today in Central Florida, bringing together local, state, and federal partners to provide parents valuable information about children\u2019s health, safety, and education\u2014and highlight the important victories we secured to jumpstart the American dream for Florida youth,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nTo view Senator Moody\u2019s full remarks, click here.\n\nJoining Senator Moody at today\u2019s event include: Florida Representative Erika Booth, Kissimmee Police Chief Charles \u201cChuck\u201d Broadway, Florida Department of Education Senior Chancellor Paul Burns, Valencia College President Dr. Kathleen Plinske, Chef Justin Timineri, Pastor Tim Grosshans and Jonathan Cajigas, from Step Up for Students.\n\nSenator Moody championed the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, signed into law last year. The package created child-owned investment accounts designed to give the next generation a real jumpstart on the American Dream. More than 5.5. million child-owned investment accounts have been opened nationwide so far, with 1.4 million eligible for the $1,000 pilot program contribution.\n\nFor every baby born from 2025 through 2028 whose parents open one of these accounts, the U.S. Treasury will invest $1,000.\n\nIf that initial investment is left untouched, it could grow to nearly $8,000 by the time the child turns 18.\n\nAnd if they leave it invested until retirement, it could potentially grow into hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on market returns.\n\nParents can sign up today at IRS.gov/TrumpAccounts.\n\nThrough the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, Senator Moody also fought to double the enhanced Child Tax Credit. 40 million families have taken advantage of the expanded credit.\n\nThe Working Families Tax Cuts Act also expanded school choice options nationwide \u2013 similar to what Florida has accomplished and to what Senator Ashley Moody supported while as Florida\u2019s Attorney General.\n\nThe Working Families Tax Cuts Act includes a provision for a federal tax credit scholarship that could help as many as 2 million students access a school or educational service of their parents\u2019 choice.\n\nSenator Moody is a fierce fighter for school choice. Earlier this year, Senator Moody introduced the FLEX Act, which will cut red tape around Charter School Program grants to be used more effectively based on educational needs, not bureaucratic limitations.\n\nSenator Moody has also fought to strengthen Florida\u2019s education system through co-sponsoring the Educational Choice for Children Act to allow parents to choose the best school for their children.\n\nAnother one of Senator Moody\u2019s efforts includes introducing the Home School Graduation Recognition Act to fight for home-schooled students to be officially recognized as graduates.\n\nSenator Moody is championing the Kids Online Safety Act, which is now headed to the Senate floor. The measure aims to guard youth from harm on the internet such as online predators, drug dealers, and addictive algorithms.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-08-14T06:13:05Z", "2026-08-14T06:14:08Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/senator-moodys-cosponsored-bill-the-stop-secret-spending-act-heads-to-the-presidents-desk/", "Senator Moody\u2019s Cosponsored Bill, The\u00a0Stop Secret Spending\u00a0Act, Heads\u00a0to the President\u2019s Desk", "2026-08-12", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Legislation Senator Ashley Moody is supporting to bring more transparency to government spending is headed to the President\u2019s desk.Senator Ashley Moody is a cosponsor of the Stop Secret Spending Act. This bipartisan legislation requires the federal government to publicly disclose billions of dollars in spending that is currently being hidden from public view because of being labeled as an \u201cOther Transaction Agreement.\u201d\n\n\u201cWashington has no business hiding how it spends your tax dollars. The Stop Secret Spending Act brings much-needed transparency to a system that has allowed billions of dollars in spending to fly under the radar. Our bosses, the American people, deserve to know how their money is being spent. This legislation is a great step toward restoring accountability, and I look forward to seeing it reach President Trump\u2019s desk,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThe Stop Secret Spending Act requires OTAs to be disclosed in the same manner as grants, contracts, loans, and other government expenditures on the public website, USAspending.gov, so Americans can view who is receiving their tax dollars and for what purpose.\n\nLast year, more than $18 billion in government spending was hidden from taxpayers by using OTAs and, from fiscal years 2020-2022, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that more than $40 billion was hidden from the public through OTAs.\n\nThe National Taxpayers Union listed the Stop Secret Spending Act on the 15th annual National Taxpayers Union\u2019s (NTU) \u201cNo-Brainers\u201d list.\n\nRead the bill text here.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-08-13T06:17:16Z", "2026-08-13T06:18:13Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-as-millions-of-florida-students-return-to-school-senator-moody-is-seeking-greater-protection-for-children-from-online-threats/", "VIDEO: As Millions of Florida Students Return to School, Senator Moody is Seeking Greater Protection for Children from Online Threats", "2026-08-10", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014As millions of Florida students head back to school, Senator Ashley Moody is fighting to protect children from online threats. Senator Moody is championing the Kids Online Safety Act, legislation that would help guard youth from harm on the internet such as online predators, drug dealers, and addictive algorithms. The Kids Online Safety Act just passed out of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation and will advance to the full Senate floor.\n\n\u201cAs millions of Florida families get back into the rhythm of a new school year, it is important that we keep our children safe not just at school, but online as well. We are continuing to see risks follow young people into the digital spaces where they spend so much of their time, that\u2019s why I\u2019m fighting to protect our children through the Kids Online Safety Act. This legislation would help guard our youth from online threats like predators and drug dealers,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody. \u201cTo all of Florida\u2019s students, parents and teachers, I hope you have a safe and successful start to the new school year.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nLike millions of Florida families, Senator Moody is preparing to send her son back to school.\n\nThis bill recently passed out of the Senate Commerce committee and is headed for a full Senate vote.\n\nStudies show the correlation between time spent on social media platforms and declining mental health. The Kids Online Safety Act is crucial legislation that protects children from online harm. Key provisions of the bill include:\n\nMandatory default safety settings: Requiring platforms to automatically enable their strongest safety protections for minors rather than burying these features behind opt-in screens;\n\nAddiction prevention: Allowing young users and their parents to disable manipulative design features and algorithmic recommendations that keep children endlessly scrolling; and\n\nParental empowerment: Providing parents with new tools to identify harmful behaviors and improved capabilities to report dangerous content.\n\nLearn more about the bill here.\n\nSenator Moody first called for Congress to pass the legislation as former Florida Attorney General. As Florida\u2019s newest U.S. Senator, Moody is a cosponsor of the legislation.\n\nSenator Moody has long been committed to protecting children online. As the former Florida Attorney General, Senator Moody launched investigations into Meta and Instagram, as well as took legal action, over the platform\u2019s algorithms and practices that sought to addict children to using the service and then profit off the children\u2019s data.\n\nAs Attorney General, Senator Moody also called Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg to testify to the Statewide Council on Human Trafficking about Meta applications allowing traffickers to prey on victims using the platform. Moody also released the Online Safety Toolkit to help parents talk to children about safe internet use and to avoid online predators and traffickers.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-08-11T05:54:29Z", "2026-08-11T05:56:25Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/senator-moody-honors-wounded-warriors-and-fallen-soldiers-on-national-purple-heart-day/", "Senator Moody Honors Wounded Warriors and Fallen Soldiers on National Purple Heart Day", "2026-08-07", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Senator Ashley Moody is honoring wounded warriors and those who have died in service of our country on National Purple Heart Day. Senator Moody introduced a resolution recognizing August 7 as Purple Heart Recognition Day. Senator Moody also is recognizing four Floridian Purple Heart recipients by inputting their stories into the Congressional Record. The Purple Heart Medal is the oldest U.S. military decoration in present use and is awarded to recognize service members who are killed or wounded in action against an enemy of the U.S. or while held as prisoners of war.\n\n\u201cOn Purple Heart Recognition Day, we honor our nation\u2019s wounded warriors and those who have died in service of our country. No one ever serves hoping to receive this medal, it is not an honor anyone sets out to earn\u2014it is given because an American stood his or her ground against an enemy. It\u2019s a privilege to introduce a resolution in Congress honoring these patriots\u2019 sacrifice, as well as spotlight four brave Floridians by including their stories in the Congressional Record,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\n\u201cConcerned Veterans for America is proud to support this effort to honor the brave men and women who defended our nation and our liberty at great personal sacrifice. The Purple Heart is one of our nation\u2019s highest honors, representing extraordinary courage and selfless service in the face of profound hardship. Designating a day to recognize those who have borne the cost of protecting our homeland is the least we can do for them, said CVA Strategic Director John Byrnes.\n\nThe four Florida recipients of the Purple Heart being highlighted in the Congressional Record include:\n\nSergeant Jason Crawford and retired Staff Sergeant Dustin Tuller served together with Company B, 3rd Battalion, 124th Infantry Regiment during Operation Iraqi Freedom. On December 23, 2003, both men were critically wounded during a combat mission in Baghdad while engaging enemy forces. Despite his own life-threatening injuries, Sergeant Crawford urged medics to \u201csave him [Tuller] first\u201d after seeing the severity of Staff Sergeant Tuller\u2019s wounds. Both soldiers survived, continued lives of service after the military, and remain close friends more than two decades later.\n\nSergeant Peter McKanna served with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines in Vietnam and volunteered for a second combat tour. On Christmas Day 1970, while leading fellow Marines on a mission, Sgt. McKanna stepped on an explosive device, which claimed part of his left leg and the lives of three Marines beside him. Following a successful civilian career, Sgt. McKanna has dedicated himself to serving veterans.\n\nRetired U.S. Navy Commander Douglas Doughty served in Vietnam. In April 1969, during intense fighting, Doughty was wounded by enemy shrapnel to his shoulder and lower body. After returning home, Commander Doughty continued serving both his country and community\u2014building a career in medicine and remaining in the Navy Reserve, where he answered the country\u2019s call once again during Operation Desert Storm.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nOn August 7, 1782, General George Washington established what is now known as the Purple Heart Medal. The Purple Heart Medal has been awarded to more than 1,800,000 recipients.\n\nSenator Moody is a proud supporter of the U.S. Armed Forces, veterans, and military families. Since becoming a United States Senator, Moody has:\n\nCosponsored the Military Spouse Hiring Act to address difficulties servicemembers\u2019 families face when looking for work;\n\nCosponsored the Major Richard Star Act, which seeks to fix unjust disability policies for retired combat veterans;\n\nIntroduced Drone Espionage Act to crack down on spying through video surveillance of military installations;\n\nSupported the Veterans Education and Technical Skills (VETS) Opportunity Act, which would expand educational benefits for veterans;\n\nSupported the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025, which would help ensure that only the most dedicated individuals can serve veterans;\n\nHeld a town hall with VA Secretary Collins in Tampa to discuss issues facing veterans;\n\nRequested President Trump to send F-35As to Homestead Air Reserve Base;\n\nRecognized 200 years of U.S. Navy presence in Pensacola and discussed the critical importance of the Navy and Coast Guard\u2019s presence in the Florida Panhandle; and more.\n\nLast year, Senator Moody secured major funding for Florida\u2019s military bases through her work on the National Defense Authorization Act, totaling over $851 million aimed to support shipbuilding, delivery of next-generation aircraft, and construction of Golden Dome missile defense.\n\nSenator Moody recently joined the Senate Armed Services Committee.\n\nSenator Moody has long fought for Florida\u2019s military members. As Florida Attorney General, Moody oversaw the Military and Veterans Assistance Program to assist servicemembers, veterans and their families who encounter scams or fraud.\n\nSenator Moody is proud to be part of a military family.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-08-08T05:41:38Z", "2026-08-08T05:43:24Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/senator-moody-votes-to-hold-fauci-in-contempt-of-congress-for-failing-to-answer-questions-while-under-subpoena/", "Senator Moody Votes to Hold Fauci in Contempt of Congress for Failing to Answer Questions while under Subpoena", "2026-08-06", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014 Senator Ashley Moody voted in support of a resolution to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress for failing to sufficiently testify while under subpoena before the United States Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.\n\n\u201cDr. Fauci lied to the American people, promoted unjustified mandates that destroyed businesses, disrupted our children\u2019s education, stripped Americans of their freedoms. Now, he believes he should not have to answer for his actions. His refusal to cooperate with Congress not only obstructs a congressional investigation but is a complete slap in the face to the American people, who deserve answers. We must push forward for accountability from the man who claimed to be the sole representative of \u2018the Science.\u2019\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nIn an interview with Margaret Brennan, Dr. Anthony Fauci stated that he represented \u2018the Science.\u2019 \u2013 and supported unjustified mandates and directives that upended Americans\u2019 lives.\n\nDr. Anthony Fauci, who testified last week, refused to answer the questions and pleaded the Fifth over 100 times in the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs hearing.\n\nDuring her time as Attorney General, Senator Moody supported Florida\u2019s efforts to reopen the economy and protect residents, workers and businesses during COVID-19. Moody worked with Governor DeSantis on the Re-Open Florida Task Force that was instrumental in opening businesses and schools.\n\nAs the former Attorney General, Senator Moody led 20 other states in a multistate legal action against the Biden administration\u2019s unlawful mask mandate on public transportation.\n\nSenator Moody boldly advocated for restarting the cruise industry after it had been shut down for more than a year, challenging the CDC\u2019s restrictions on Florida\u2019s cruise industry, and arguing they harmed the state\u2019s ports, tourism economy, and workforce.\n\nSenator Moody also opposed federal vaccine mandates and supported legal challenges to those requirements. Moody led a coalition of 21 state attorneys general in filing an amicus brief in support of the commonwealth of Kentucky\u2019s multistate suit against Biden\u2019s federal contractor vaccine mandate.\n\nEarly in the pandemic, Senator Moody activated Florida\u2019s Price Gouging Hotline for essential supplies and issued consumer alerts warning about COVID-19 related scams. Her office investigated complaints involving essential goods, fraudulent schemes, and recovered more than $11 million.\n\nSenator Moody repeatedly cited a Florida grand jury investigation that found masks and lockdowns were harmful and ineffective.\n\nRead the full resolution here.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-08-07T06:11:19Z", "2026-08-07T06:12:42Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/8/sen-rick-scott-in-the-wall-street-journal-filibuster-abuse-has-destroyed-senate-debate", "Sen. Rick Scott in The Wall Street Journal: \u201cFilibuster Abuse Has Destroyed Senate Debate\u201d", "2026-08-06", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Rick Scott published a letter to the editor in The Wall Street Journal titled, \u201cFilibuster Abuse Has Destroyed Senate Debate\u201d In his letter, Senator Scott shows how the Senate filibuster has failed to force debate, compromise, and results\u2014and why it needs to go.\n\nSenator Rick Scott wrote, \u201cAbuse of the filibuster has stifled open debate in the chamber. It prevents, by design, the results that voters expect us to deliver.\u201d\n\n\u2026\n\n\u201cModern majority leaders file cloture before debate begins. The agenda changes at the threat of debate. The iconic final scene from the film \u2018Mr. Smith Goes to Washington\u2019 rarely occurs.\u201d\n\n\u2026\n\n\u201cIn 1964 opponents of the Civil Rights Act attempted to stop the legislation with a filibuster. The bill\u2019s supporters were initially far short of the 67 votes needed to break the filibuster. But by forcing open debate, the Senate finally forced an answer on Jim Crow.\u201d\n\n\u2026\n\n\u201cThe filibuster is a muscle we never exercise. It has atrophied. Senators have lost the implicit understanding that a debate needs to happen before it can end. This legislative body needs to deliver results, not fail while adhering to a prohibitive process. We should end the filibuster and pass the SAVE America Act\u2014or require debate until exhaustion or satisfaction.\u201d\n\nSenator Scott wrote in response to an op-ed published by his colleague U.S. Senator John Curtis (R-Utah) last week arguing to preserve the filibuster.\n\nRead the full letter HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-07T06:11:19Z", "2026-08-07T06:12:42Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/8/sen-rick-scott-leads-fight-to-codify-president-trump-s-america-first-trade-agenda", "Sen. Rick Scott Leads Fight to Codify President Trump\u2019s America First Trade Agenda", "2026-08-06", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Rick Scott introduced the Trade Deficit Elimination Act to codify President Trump\u2019s efforts to address decades-long trade deficits that have allowed foreign countries to take advantage of working American families while protecting their own domestic markets through unfair trade practices.\n\nU.S. Senators Kevin Cramer and Tim Sheehy cosponsored this legislation.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cPrevious generations of Americans gave us an economic superpower; it\u2019s our job to preserve what they built and to leave America better than we found it for our children and grandchildren. That means we can\u2019t let other countries rip us off. In recent years, our trading partners have taken advantage of access to American markets while unfairly crowding American products out of their own countries. Decline is a choice, and President Trump is taking action to restore American prosperity. I'm proud to introduce this legislation to give President Trump the tools he needs to level the playing field, protect American workers, and put America First.\u201d\n\nSenator Kevin Cramer said, \u201cTrade should be fair, not one-sided, and it\u2019s refreshing to have a president who isn\u2019t afraid to hold our trading partners accountable. This bill gives President Trump and Ambassador Greer tools to address trade deficits, keep critical supply chains intact, and achieve better trade agreements for American farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, and workers.\u201d\n\nSenator Tim Sheehy said, \u201cFor too long, America has tolerated massive trade deficits that hollow out our manufacturing base and put American workers at a disadvantage. This bill puts American producers first, strengthens our industrial base, and ensures our trade relationships work for the hardworking men and women of this country - not against them.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThe Trade Deficit Elimination Act creates a congressional framework authorizing tariffs to address bilateral trade imbalances in goods. Each year, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) must identify which trading partners run a trade deficit with the U.S. and publish this list of \"trade deficit economies.\u201d\n\nWithin 15 days, the USTR may adjust tariffs on these countries' imports as needed to close the gap, in addition to any tariffs already in place.\n\nThe legislation allows exemptions for products critical to national security, essential supply chains, and goods that cannot reasonably be produced in the United States.\n\nThe bill also authorizes the USTR to negotiate trade agreements with these countries to shrink the imbalance through commitments to reform trade practices, buy more American goods, or limit exports.\n\nFull text of the bill can be found HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-07T06:11:19Z", "2026-08-07T06:12:42Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/senator-moody-brings-crime-fighting-experience-to-white-house-task-force-to-eliminate-fraud-with-vice-president-vance/", "Senator Moody Brings Crime Fighting Experience to White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud with Vice President Vance", "2026-08-05", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Senator Ashley Moody is bringing decades of crime fighting experience to the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud today with Vice President JD Vance. Senator Moody and Vice President Vance discussed the historic progress made against fraud and further legislative reforms needed to protect taxpayers. Senator Moody has been a fierce fighter against fraud while serving in the U.S. Senate, having introduced or cosponsored more than a dozen legislative measures to address fraud since being appointed last year.\n\n\u201cFrom my time as Florida\u2019s Attorney General to now serving in the United States Senate, I\u2019ve made combatting fraud a major priority. Whether it\u2019s the purposeful targeting of senior\u2019s retirement savings or scheming our taxpayer-funded programs, unaddressed fraud erodes trust in our institutions and hurts the people these programs are meant to serve. I\u2019ve been one of the Senate\u2019s most active members when it comes to tackling fraud, so discussing ways we can address the issue with the Vice President at the White House\u2019s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud was not only productive but served as a springboard for future cooperation and successful intergovernmental coordination in shutting down fraud where it may appear. Fraudsters remain extremely cunning, so we must continue a whole of government approach in order to hold bad actors accountable and protect the integrity of our public programs,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nSenator Moody has always been committed to combating fraud and protecting taxpayer dollars. In the past year and a half alone, Senator Moody:\n\nIntroduced the SWIPES Act to combat gift card fraud and protect seniors;\n\nIntroduced the Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act to extend criminal penalties to make intentionally staging an accident with a commercial motor vehicle a federal crime, protecting all drivers on the roads and preventing con artists from driving up the cost of insurance;\n\nIntroduced the Stop Child Care Scams Act to fight fraud in federal child care programs;\n\nIntroduced the STOP Scams Against Seniors Act to protect seniors from scams and financial fraud;\n\nIntroduced the No Aid for Ghost Students Act to stop fraudsters, often called \u201cghost students,\u201d from using stolen or fake identities to submit FAFSA applications and take federal student aid money;\n\nJoined the Senate Anti-Fraud Task Force, an oversight effort focused on identifying fraud against the federal government, exposing systemic vulnerabilities, recovering taxpayer dollars, and advancing reforms that strengthen accountability;\n\nIntroduced the Punishing Health Care Fraudsters Act, which increases financial and criminal penalties for health care fraud across the board; and\n\nCosponsored the SCAM Act, which would increase safety and protect the integrity of American citizenship by ensuring individuals who join terrorist organizations or are naturalized through fraud or deception can have their citizenship revoked; and\n\nCosponsored the Protecting American Taxpayers Act, comprehensive anti-fraud legislation that includes 16 commonsense measures that would stop bad actors, protect taxpayer dollars and recover stolen funds, providing $240 billion in projected savings.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-08-06T07:37:31Z", "2026-08-06T07:38:34Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/8/sen-rick-scott-highlights-senate-to-do-list-before-leaving-town-on-mornings-with-maria", "Sen. Rick Scott Highlights Senate To-Do List Before Leaving Town on \u201cMornings with Maria\u201d", "2026-08-05", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 This morning, U.S. Senator Rick Scott joined Fox Business\u2019s \u201cMorning with Maria\u201d to lay out next steps to pass the SAVE America Act and the Senate\u2019s upcoming vote to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress.\n\nSenator Rick Scott also discussed yesterday\u2019s Senate Budget Committee hearing about closing Medicaid abuse loopholes and tackling fraud.\n\nWatch the full interview HERE and read the highlights below.\n\nHIGHLIGHTS\n\nRECONCILIATION 3.0/SAVE AMERICA ACT:\n\n\u201cWe have to get [SAVE America Act] done before we leave town. We\u2019ve got to get the budget done; make sure we don\u2019t shut down government\u2026 We don\u2019t work that hard. We only work two-and-half days a week. When I was in business, I was working seven days a week, and most people are at least working five days a week.\u201d\n\nFAUCI FALLOUT:\n\n\u201cThere was no logic to what Fauci did. He just lied. The gain of function \u2013 just a complete lie, the origin of Covid \u2013 complete lie. His diary showed that he believed different than what he was telling us\u2026 He\u2019s going to be held in contempt, it needs to be referred, and he\u2019s going to serve time for what he did.\u201d\n\nMEDICAID FRAUD:\n\n\u201cThe amount of fraud in the Medicaid program is unbelievable. First off, the way it\u2019s structured to where these states can use all sorts of gimmicks to get all this free federal money. And we, as the federal government, we give more money to states to take care of able-bodied adults than we do disabled Americans. This is the most foolishly set up program ever.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-06T07:37:31Z", "2026-08-06T07:38:34Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/8/sen-rick-scott-rep-byron-donalds-push-bill-to-expedite-state-wildlife-conservation-efforts", "Sen. Rick Scott, Rep. Byron Donalds Push Bill to Expedite State Wildlife Conservation Efforts", "2026-08-05", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 U.S. Senator Rick Scott recently introduced the Make State Wildlife Action Plan Efficient (SWAPs) Act to require the U.S. Department of the Interior to act on state conservation efforts within 180 days of submission.\n\nStates develop and submit annual State Wildlife Action Plans (SWAPs) to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), detailing which non-game species require state intervention so they do not become threatened or endangered. Currently, there is no deadline for the federal government to approve SWAPs, forcing states to wait a year or longer to receive funding for critical conservation needs.\n\nIn December 2025, Congressman Byron Donalds\u2019 companion legislation passed the House of Representatives.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cFlorida\u2019s natural beauty, including its wildlife, is worth protecting. It is unacceptable that federal bureaucracy stalls critical wildlife funding year after year, leaving Florida\u2019s wildlife and our environment vulnerable. The American people deserve prompt and efficient use of their tax dollars. I\u2019m glad to join Congressman Donalds to fast-track this funding and protect Florida\u2019s wildlife.\u201d\n\nCongressman Byron Donalds said, \u201cWhen states do the work to protect wildlife, Washington should do its part by reviewing their plans on time. Giving agencies 180 days to act will help cut through red tape and ensure states can keep protecting the wildlife and natural resources their communities depend on. I am grateful to Senator Scott for joining this effort to get the bill across the finish line.\u201d\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-08-06T07:37:31Z", "2026-08-06T07:38:34Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-senator-moody-targets-gift-card-fraudsters-and-fights-to-protect-seniors/", "VIDEO: Senator Moody Targets Gift Card Fraudsters and Fights to Protect Seniors", "2026-08-04", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Senator Ashley Moody is targeting gift card fraudsters with new legislation to combat criminals who target seniors. Senator Moody introduced the Saving Wallets and Increasing Penalties for Elder Scams (SWIPES) Act to give law enforcement stronger tools to prosecute gift card fraud, close loopholes criminals exploit and impose tougher penalties on those who knowingly target seniors.\n\nGift card fraud occurs in many forms. In some instances, fraudsters execute elaborate schemes where the criminals rob physical cards from stores, steal the redemption information on the back of the cards, and then place the cards back in stores for unsuspecting shoppers to purchase. Once someone buys a card that has been tampered with and loads money onto it, the fraudsters are able to immediately withdraw the funds.\n\n\u201cCareer fraudsters are constantly finding new ways to steal from hardworking Floridians\u2014especially our seniors. One emerging trend we are seeing within the Fraud Economy is the proliferation of gift card fraud. We must shore up our laws as fast as these criminals change their strategies. That\u2019s why I am continuing the fight against fraud with my new SWIPES Act. I\u2019ve put crooks and fraudsters behind bars my entire career from prosecutor and judge to Florida\u2019s Attorney General. Now, as your U.S. Senator, I am using that experience to strengthen our laws to hold criminals accountable and protect consumers,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nGift card thieves also call individuals, many times seniors, pretending to be someone they are not in order to con the victims into handing over gift cards\u2019 redemption information. Fraudsters are also known to set up fake websites that appear like legitimate sites consumers use to check gift card balances, and when a victim inputs the card\u2019s information, the fraudsters can steal the funds.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nFederal law enforcement is aggressively targeting this major, growing financial crime and has successfully prosecuted some gift card fraud cases already with dollar losses ranging from $20,000 to $11 million.\n\nSenator Moody\u2019s SWIPES Act:\n\nAmends the access device fraud statute \u2013 frequently used by prosecutors in gift card fraud cases \u2013 to create a crime for obtaining an access device with fraudulent intent, including by creating, maintaining, or using a spoof domain that collects access device information;\n\nEnsures these criminals face the same penalties as other fraudsters;\n\nIncreases penalties for offenders charged with possession of large numbers of fraudulent devices;\n\nClarifies the law to expressly state that gift cards, digital credentials, and other information can be counterfeited, used without authorization, or otherwise fraudulently obtained to steal gift card funds and digital assets from an individual;\n\nCreates an additional 2-year sentence for any criminal who knowingly defrauds someone over the age of 60; and\n\nExpressly includes gift card fraud within the scope of money laundering statutes where applicable.\n\nFor full bill text, click here.\n\nThe following are some recent cases of gift card fraud found in Florida:\n\nIn September 2025, a Chinese national pleaded guilty for participating in a gift card fraud scheme that targeted grocery stores in St. Lucie, Martin, Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties.\n\nIn December 2024, a Chinese national pleaded guilty to possessing over 6,100 unauthorized gift cards, resulting in fraud of more than $1.9 million, following a joint investigation with HSI Orlando and the Ocala Police Department.\n\nSenator Moody, as Florida\u2019s former Attorney General worked to protect consumers and fight for Florida\u2019s seniors:\n\nAs Attorney General, Moody created Florida\u2019s Senior Protection Team comprised of leading experts from the AG\u2019s Office of Statewide Prosecution, Consumer Protection Division, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and the Criminal Justice Programs Unit, as well as specifically-designated FDLE agents from around the state;\n\nOrganized and formalized a Consumer Alert program to warn Floridians about scams involving gift cards, tax returns, identity theft, email phishing and more; and\n\nCreated the Scams at a Glance outreach program, designed to inform older Floridians about common and emerging scams. The materials highlighted general signs of scams, such as unsolicited calls or email, high-pressure tactics, threats of loss if immediate action is not taken and requests for immediate payment via wire transfer, credit, prepaid debit or gift cards.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-08-05T07:37:37Z", "2026-08-05T07:38:44Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/8/sen-rick-scott-discusses-protecting-medicaid-closing-fraud-loopholes-at-budget-committee-hearing", "Sen. Rick Scott Discusses Protecting Medicaid, Closing Fraud Loopholes at Budget Committee Hearing", "2026-08-04", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014 Today, U.S. Senator Rick Scott joined a Senate Budget Committee hearing focused on protecting Medicaid from waste, fraud, and abuse.\n\nDuring the hearing, Senator Scott questioned witnesses Dr. Brian Blase, President of Paragon Health Institute, and Jonathan Ingram, VP of Policy and Research at the Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA), about how fraudsters are able to abuse the public trust to enrich themselves through Medicaid loopholes \u2013 and how some states are even fleecing the federal government in the process.\n\nTo watch Sen. Scott\u2019s full line of questions, click HERE.\n\nHIGHLIGHTS\n\nFRAUD AND STATE RESPONSIBILITY:\n\nSEN. SCOTT: \u201cWhen you think about it, the federal government\u2019s goal was to take care of, especially the pregnant women, kids, the disabled. The states have lost focus because there\u2019s so much money and the providers have lost\u2014 because there\u2019s so much money here for the able-bodied adults.\u201d\n\nDR. BLASE: \u201cThe federal government is encouraging states to discriminate against the most vulnerable. The most problematic [provider taxes] are where you get a local health facility that transfers money to the state. The state then uses that as its payment back to the facility and then leverages the federal dollars. So, it\u2019s a way for states to use the Medicaid financing system to benefit the governmental providers at the expense of the taxpayer\u2026 In California\u2026 they\u2019ll pay the government ambulance providers more than three times what they pay the private ambulance providers through the Medicaid program.\u201d\n\nTHE MEDICAID FRAUD CONTROL UNIT PROGRAM:\n\nMR. INGRAM: \u201c[Fraud is] not a new problem; it\u2019s been going on for years. It definitely worsened under President Biden. States are getting more funding from taxpayers than ever for these [investigative] units and getting worse results. Investigations are down, indictments are down, convictions are down, recoveries are down\u2026 This is a longstanding problem, and nobody really seemed to care about it until President Trump.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-05T07:37:37Z", "2026-08-05T07:38:44Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-senator-moody-brings-no-tax-on-tips-and-no-tax-on-overtime-home-to-local-florida-restaurant-chain/", "VIDEO: Senator Moody Brings No Tax on Tips and No Tax on Overtime Home to Local Florida Restaurant Chain", "2026-08-03", "2026", "2026-08", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "ORLANDO, Fla.\u2014 Senator Ashley Moody is continuing to celebrate one year of No Tax on Tips for Florida\u2019s service industry workers. Senator Moody recently visited Beth\u2019s Burger Bar in Edgewood, where she met with the owner, restaurant employees, and customers to discuss the real impact of No Tax on Tips, a historic win secured through the Working Families Tax Cuts Act.\n\n\u201cFloridians know how to spend their money better than the federal government, and that is why I fought so hard to pass the largest tax cut in U.S. history. It\u2019s exciting to see how well these tax cuts are being received by hardworking Floridians back home\u2014like the employees of Beth\u2019s Burger Bar. As your United States Senator, I will continue to fight so you can keep more of what you earn,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nSenator Moody championed the No Tax on Tips provision included in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act.\n\nThe provision allows eligible workers in tipped occupations to deduct qualified tip income from their federal taxable income.\n\nNo Tax on Tips is designed to allow Florida\u2019s Service Industry workers to keep more of their hard-earned money.\n\nMore than 7.5 million workers have already claimed No Tax on Tips \u2013 with an average deduction of over $7,000.\n\nThere are about 1.34 million employees in the Leisure and Hospitality industry in the state of Florida.\n\nSenator Moody heard firsthand from service workers about how keeping more of their tips will support their families and strengthen Florida\u2019s hospitality sector.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-08-04T07:35:49Z", "2026-08-04T07:37:27Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-senator-moody-named-2026-hero-of-main-street-by-national-retail-federation/", "VIDEO: Senator Moody Named 2026 \u2018Hero of Main Street\u2019 by National Retail Federation", "2026-07-31", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014 The National Retail Federation is recognizing Senator Ashley Moody as a 2026 Hero of Main Street. The NRF honored Senator Moody with the award for her steadfast work and support for main street industry through legislative action and common-sense, small government leadership.\n\n\u201cIt is an honor to be recognized as the 2026 Hero of Main Street by the National Retail Federation. From family-owned small businesses to major employers, Florida\u2019s retailers drive opportunity and play a vital role in our state\u2019s continued growth. They support more than 4 million jobs and contribute more than $159.5 billion to Florida\u2019s economy \u2013 helping grow our state\u2019s economy to the 14th largest economy in the world,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\n\u201cFrom the merchants who helped found our nation to the retailers serving communities today, retail has played a critical role in America for the past 250 years,\u201d NRF Executive Vice President of Government Relations David French said. \u201cNRF is proud to recognize Senator Moody as a \u2018Hero of Main Street\u2019 for her commitment to advancing policies that ensure the retail industry continues to drive our economy forward.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThe \u201cHero of Main Street\u201d award was created by NRF in 2013 to recognize a bipartisan group of lawmakers for their support of the retail industry. Award eligibility is based on key votes, bill sponsorship, and advocacy to advance the retail industry\u2019s priorities. Retail is one of Florida\u2019s largest private-sector employers, driving the economy and creating jobs in communities throughout the throughout the state. In Florida, retail directly supports more than 4 million local jobs and contributes more than $159.5 billion in economic activity. The National Retail Federation empowers the industry that powers the economy.\n\nFlorida is home to over 387,000 retail establishments which makes up of 28% of the jobs in the state supported by the retail industry.\n\nOver $94 billion is direct labor income for Floridians from retail jobs.\n\nRetail is the nation\u2019s largest private-sector employer, contributing $5.3 trillion to annual GDP and supporting more than one in four U.S. jobs \u2014 55 million working Americans.\n\nIn 2021, Senator Moody, while serving as Florida Attorney General, partnered with the Florida Retailers Federation to launch the Florida Organized Retail Crime Exchange, a first-of-its-kind, statewide task force and a new interactive database to help spot trends, identify suspects and take down massive, organized retail theft rings. The database was designed to bridge the gaps among retailers, law enforcement and prosecutors by allowing shareable, searchable information on incidents of theft statewide. Senator Moody, then Attorney General, also worked with Florida legislators to strengthen state laws against organized retail theft and help prosecutors dismantle retail theft crime rings.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-08-01T07:27:26Z", "2026-08-01T07:28:22Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/7/sen-rick-scott-rep-ben-cline-push-to-end-overregulation-and-cut-red-tape-for-small-businesses", "Sen. Rick Scott, Rep. Ben Cline Push to End Overregulation and Cut Red Tape for Small Businesses", "2026-07-31", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, U.S. Senator Rick Scott announced the introduction of the Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act to make it easier for Americans to open small businesses.\n\nRegulations cost the U.S. economy more than $2 trillion annually, and they especially hurt small businesses.\n\nThe Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act helps American entrepreneurs by forcing regulatory agencies to examine the true costs of every rule, regulation, or requirement. The bill improves the federal rulemaking by requiring designated agencies to assess the economic impact of a proposed regulation on small businesses and requires detailed descriptions of alternatives to a proposed rule with significant economic impact that would minimize any adverse economic impact or maximize any beneficial economic impact.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cA cornerstone of the American dream is the entrepreneurial spirit, but more and more small businesses are giving up because of overregulation and red tape. When I opened my first business, my donut shop only needed a handful of permits. Now, self-absorbed bureaucrats are piling on hundreds of regulations without thinking of the consequences for individual businesses and the U.S. economy. It\u2019s our job to ensure hardworking people can live out the American Dream without the government getting in the way. I\u2019m proud to partner with Rep. Cline to stop these agencies from overregulating and discouraging entrepreneurship.\u201d\n\nThis bill was introduced by U.S. Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA) in the House of Representatives in January 2025 and passed out of the House Judiciary Committee in June 2025.\n\nRepresentative Ben Cline said, \u201cSmall businesses across the Nation are at a disadvantage when complying with overly burdensome federal regulation. Facing insurmountable compliance costs, potential entrepreneurs all too often choose never to open their small businesses in the first place. Thank you, Senator Scott, for joining me in introducing the Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act, an important piece of legislation that will help American small businesses cut through the overwhelming weight of federal regulation.\u201d\n\nKey Provisions of the Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act:\n\nBroader economic analysis: Requires agencies to assess both direct and reasonably foreseeable indirect economic effects (e.g., compliance costs, revenue impact).\n\nAlternatives and benefits: Agencies must describe alternative rule options that either minimize adverse impacts or maximize benefits to small entities.\n\nExpanded applicability: Applies the RFA to more types of actions, including revisions to land management plans and interpretive rules.\n\nRemove waiver authority: Agencies can no longer skip the Regulatory Flexibility Act\u2019s flexibility analysis; they also need to follow procedures set by SBA\u2019s Chief Counsel.\n\nTransparency & accountability:\n\nRequires publications of detailed analyses, numeric or explain-why-not quantification.\n\nMandates posting final regulatory flexibility analyses online.\n\nIncreases avenues for public comment and judicial review.\n\n###", 1, "2026-08-01T07:27:26Z", "2026-08-01T07:28:22Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-senator-moody-fights-to-bring-our-schools-back-to-basics-introduces-pledge-act-to-instill-patriotism-and-the-pledge-of-allegiance-in-d-c-schools/", "VIDEO: Senator Moody Fights to Bring Our Schools Back to Basics, Introduces PLEDGE Act to Instill Patriotism and the Pledge of Allegiance in D.C. Schools", "2026-07-30", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Senator Ashley Moody is fighting back against the anti-American indoctrination in schools. Currently, there are schools in Washington, D.C., the nation\u2019s capital, that do not display our flag or set aside time for students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, but they do teach them to be activists. Today, Senator Moody introduced the PLEDGE Act, which would require American flags to be displayed in all Washington, D.C. school classrooms and that students be given the opportunity to recite the Pledge of Allegiance daily. At a time when anti-American sentiment and communist ideas are spreading across the country, Senator Moody is leading a restoration of our civic traditions and a reverence for our common values that made the U.S. the greatest country in the world.\n\n\u201cRadicals want to teach kids to be ashamed of the United States of America and how to be activists instead. We should be teaching kids why America is worth loving, and most importantly, the principles and values that make America worth defending. My PLEDGE Act helps restore pride in our nation by reminding students every day of the freedom, responsibilities, and blessings that come with being an American, and the sacrifices made for our flag and everything it represents,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nMore than 40 states have varying Pledge requirements in their schools. With Senator Moody\u2019s bill, the schools in our nation\u2019s capital should set an example for schools nationwide.\n\nSenator Moody sits on the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Disaster Management, District of Columbia, and Census, that has jurisdiction over this legislation.\n\nYounger generations are less likely to say they have pride in being an American\u2014according to a Gallup poll, less than half (41%) of people belonging to Generation Z have been extremely or very proud to be Americans, compared with 58% of millennials. The rate increases to 71% of Generation X, 75% of the baby boom generation and 83% of the Silent Generation. Only 36% of Democrats say they are extremely or very proud to be Americans.\n\nView full text of the PLEDGE Act here.\n\nSenator Moody is also fighting to ensure that more American flags that are displayed or bought with federals funds are made in the U.S.A.\n\nWhile not requiring schools to display the American Flag or having students recite the Pledge of Allegiance, D.C. schools do require schools to teach the following outrageous curriculum.\n\nAccording to the District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), the Washington, DC, K\u201312 Social Studies Standards include the following:\n\nFirst-grade Social Studies Standards identify Harvey Milk as a past community leader for students to analyze, despite the fact that Milk entered into a relationship with an underage teenage boy when he was 33 years old.\n\nFirst-grade students are required to learn how populations such as the LGBTQ+ community have shaped and defined the Washington, D.C. community.\n\nThird-grade Social Studies Standards require students to evaluate the impact of significant political movements, including LGBTQ+ liberation, on the lives of District of Columbia residents.\n\nFourth-grade social studies standards require students to evaluate the limitations of using European source material to understand Indigenous history, including the \u201climitations of European understanding of Two-Spirit identities.\u201d\n\nFifth-grade social studies standards require students to analyze the rise of queer culture during the Black Renaissance.\n\nFifth-grade standards require students to compare the experiences of LGBTQ+ servicemembers returning to the United States after World War II.\n\nFifth-grade students are introduced to the concept of the \u201cThe Long Civil Rights Movement,\u201d which teaches that the Civil Rights Movement extends to the present day and that its goals have \u201cintersected\u201d beyond race to include gender, sexuality, class, religion, and sovereignty.\n\nAccording to OSSE\u2019s 2025 statewide assessment results:\n\nEnglish Language Arts\n\nGrades 3\u20135: Only 34.8% of students met or exceeded expectations.\n\nGrades 6\u20138: Only 40.2% of students met or exceeded expectations.\n\nGrades 9\u201312: Only 38.8% of students met or exceeded expectations.\n\nMathematics\n\nGrades 3\u20135: Only 31.2% of students met or exceeded expectations.\n\nGrades 6\u20138: Only 26.4% of students met or exceeded expectations.\n\nGrades 9\u201312: Only 15.0% of students met or exceeded expectations.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-07-31T07:49:23Z", "2026-07-31T07:50:48Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/7/democrats-block-sen-scott-s-safe-kids-act-as-support-grows-for-ending-birth-tourism-loophole", "Democrats Block Sen. Scott\u2019s \u2018SAFE KIDS Act\u2019 as Support Grows for Ending Birth Tourism Loophole", "2026-07-30", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, Senate Democrats blocked Senate passage of U.S. Senator Rick Scott\u2019s Stopping Adversarial Foreign Exploitation of Kids in Domestic Surrogacy (SAFE KIDS) Act, despite growing support for the bill.\n\nThis legislation prevents adversarial nations, including Communist China, from using American surrogates to obtain U.S. citizenship for their children and traffic infants abroad. It is the first bill of its kind to curb this practice and establish accountability for brokers who facilitate commercial surrogacy contracts with America\u2019s foreign adversaries: China, Iran, Russia, and North Korea.\n\nTwelve of Senator Scott\u2019s Republican colleagues have now joined his efforts to pass the SAFE KIDS Act following the Supreme Court ruling that struck down President Trump\u2019s executive order and has brought renewed attention to the ways foreign nationals can exploit U.S. citizenship laws.\n\nCosponsors of the SAFE KIDS Act now include: U.S. Senators Mike Lee, Marsha Blackburn, Jim Banks, Dan Sullivan, Pete Ricketts, Cynthia Lummis, Ted Budd, Mike Rounds, John Kennedy, Ashley Moody, Dave McCormick, and Tim Sheehy.\n\nU.S. Senator Mike Lee said, \u201cOur foreign adversaries aren\u2019t afraid to use unsuspecting American surrogates as pawns to churn out birthright citizens. Just last year, the Wall Street Journal uncovered a citizenship trafficking ring in California involving 22 babies born to Chinese \u2018parents\u2019 via surrogates who had no idea they were being exploited for a citizenship farm. This is a disturbing attack on our laws, on the innocent children abused, and on the young women who were deceived. I\u2019m proud to cosponsor the SAFE KIDS Act with Senator Rick Scott to close the surrogacy loopholes used to exploit women, children, and our country.\u201d\n\nU.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis said, \"China is using America's surrogacy industry to buy U.S. citizenship for its elite, and American women are being used and lied to in the process. Right now, surrogacy in this country is almost entirely unregulated, and predators have noticed. Congress has known about this loophole for years and done nothing. The SAFE KIDS Act closes it: no surrogacy deals with brokers serving China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea. That is just common sense.\u201d\n\nU.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn said, \u201cThere is absolutely no reason foreign nations like Communist China should be able to use American surrogates to obtain U.S. citizenship for their children and pull them into trafficking schemes. The SAFE KIDS Act would prevent the exploitation of innocent women and children and ensure surrogacy is used to build families, not abuse them.\u201d\n\nU.S. Senator Ted Budd said, \u201cForeign nationals from China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran are exploiting America\u2019s surrogacy system to obtain U.S. citizenship for their children. Preying on American women is a scheme that not only threatens our national security but also enables human trafficking. We cannot allow these abuses to continue. I am proud to join Senator Scott and my colleagues in closing this loophole to prevent further abuse of the U.S. surrogacy system and protect the American family.\u201d\n\nU.S. Senator Jim Banks said, \"Communist China will exploit any loophole it can to undermine America's security and abuse our laws. We should never allow foreign adversaries to weaponize American surrogacy to obtain U.S. citizenship or traffic children abroad. I'm proud to support Senator Scott's SAFE KIDS Actto protect women, children, and our national security.\"\n\nU.S. Senator Pete Ricketts said, \u201cUnrestrained birthright citizenship hands Communist China and other adversaries an opportunity to infiltrate our country. Bad actors are exploiting policy loopholes to prey upon innocent women and children. The SAFE KIDS Actwould put an end to surrogacy schemes being used for our enemies\u2019 gain by punishing criminal brokers, not surrogates. This is a matter of national security and defending innocent life. I am proud to support it.\u201d\n\nU.S. Senator John Kennedy said, \u201cForeign adversaries should never be allowed to abuse America\u2019s surrogacy laws to traffic innocent babies, game our immigration system or threaten our national security. Communist China and other hostile regimes are always looking for another loophole to exploit. The SAFE KIDS Act will help slam this one shut and give the good guys another tool to stop these bad actors.\u201d\n\nSenator Dave McCormick said, \u201cThe SAFE KIDS Act is another way of putting Pennsylvania families first. This legislation closes a dangerous vulnerability by ensuring that U.S. citizenship cannot be wrongfully obtained through surrogacy schemes orchestrated by our adversaries. I\u2019m proud to support this commonsense effort to protect American families, defend the integrity of our immigration system, and close a gap that should never have existed in the first place.\u201d\n\nInternational commercial surrogacy raises serious national security and human trafficking concerns, but there are currently no U.S. laws on the books to address these issues. The SAFE KIDS Act addresses a gap in U.S. surrogacy law by:\n\nInvalidating any commercial surrogacy agreement that is entered into with citizens of a foreign adversarial nation; and\n\nCreating a misdemeanor for brokers\u2014not surrogates\u2014who knowingly or recklessly facilitate a prohibited commercial surrogacy agreement with citizens of a foreign adversarial nation.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-31T07:49:23Z", "2026-07-31T07:50:48Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-senator-moody-holds-fauci-to-account-for-misrepresentations-to-the-public-during-covid/", "VIDEO: Senator Moody\u00a0Holds Fauci to Account for Misrepresentations to the Public during COVID", "2026-07-29", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Senator Ashley Moody demanded answers from Dr. Anthony Fauci for the federal government\u2019s COVID-19 response during his testimony in the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Hearing.\n\n\u201cWhile Fauci and Democrats pushed policies that misled the public and harmed families, businesses, and communities across the country, Florida stood as the beacon of freedom in a sea of shutdowns and pushed for advice actively based on science. I will never stop fighting for and standing up for Floridians\u2019 God-given freedom,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nDuring her time as Attorney General, Senator Moody supported Florida\u2019s efforts to reopen the economy and protect residents, workers and businesses during COVID-19. Moody worked with Governor DeSantis on the Re-Open Florida Task Force that was instrumental in opening businesses and schools.\n\nAs the former Attorney General, Senator Moody led 20 other states in a multistate legal action against the Biden administration\u2019s unlawful mask mandate on public transportation.\n\nSenator Moody boldly advocated for restarting the cruise industry after it had been shut down for more than a year, challenging the CDC\u2019s restrictions on Florida\u2019s cruise industry, and arguing they harmed the state\u2019s ports, tourism economy, and workforce.\n\nSenator Moody also opposed federal vaccine mandates and supported legal challenges to those requirements. Moody led a coalition of 21 state attorneys general in filing an amicus brief in support of the commonwealth of Kentucky\u2019s multistate suit against Biden\u2019s federal contractor vaccine mandate.\n\nEarly in the pandemic, Senator Moody activated Florida\u2019s Price Gouging Hotline for essential supplies and issued consumer alerts warning about COVID-19 related scams. Her office investigated complaints involving essential goods, fraudulent schemes, and recovered more than $11 million.\n\nView Senator Moody\u2019s full hearing remarks here.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-07-30T07:32:48Z", "2026-07-30T07:34:08Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/7/sen-rick-scott-demands-answers-as-dr-fauci-hides-behind-fraudulent-autopen-pardon", "Sen. Rick Scott Demands Answers as Dr. Fauci Hides Behind Fraudulent \u201cAutopen Pardon\u201d", "2026-07-29", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, U.S. Senator Rick Scott confronted Dr. Anthony Fauci on his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic during a hearing in the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC).\n\nDr. Fauci refused to answer every question Senator Scott asked, as well as all other questions posed by members of the committee.\n\nTo watch Senator Scott\u2019s full questioning of Dr. Fauci, click HERE or read excerpts below:\n\n\u201cDr. Fauci, your entries made clear that you loved being a hero, a celebrity, and having the eyes of the world upon you.\n\nYou loved every newspaper profile, every photoshoot, every fancy dinner with the elites.\n\nTo many Americans who lost family members and who lost trust in our federal government, you are not a hero, unfortunately you\u2019re a villain.\n\nYou made yourself the story and abandoned the American people to serve your own ego.\n\nTo begin, I would like to talk about your relationship with David Morens. He was the senior advisor in the NIAID office of the Director, your office, for 16 years. He was your friend. He was a frequent guest at your house.\n\nYou reportedly co-authored over 50 scientific articles with him. You turned to him first right after COVID-19 first occurred.\u201d\n\n_______\n\n\u201cDr Fauci, I want to just close with this, here is how you impacted my family and people close to me:\n\nI have daughters. You can\u2019t imagine the questions they had around vaccines for their kids and themselves \u2013 and the pressure, the unbelievable pressure to make the right decision.\n\nI can tell you, pregnant women who worked for me were so scared because every time they went to the doctor, they were told something different about taking the vaccine. And you caused this.\n\nImagine being a mom trying to protect their kids. Or an expectant mother trying to figure out what to do.\n\nEvery three weeks a doctor tells you a new set of guidance on a vaccine. The haphazard information you released and pushed on the American people with little research is appalling and why there is so much distrust in our institutions.\n\nThat trust is crucial to public health and you, more than any other person or event in my lifetime have destroyed that trust for millions of Americans. You lied to hundreds of millions of people amid the worst public health crisis in a century.\n\nYou failed to follow your own guidance. You forced people to watch their loved ones die alone over the phone. It\u2019s disgusting. And you destroyed the federal government\u2019s credibility when it comes to public health.\n\nWe have entire generations of Americans who, rightfully so, do not trust our institutions to keep people safe because of you.\n\nThis has destroyed decades of progress and lifetimes of work because you wanted to fuel your own ego and be the center of attention.\n\nWhat would you do differently, knowing what you do today?...\n\nAll the evidence is right here, and you still can\u2019t bring yourself to tell the truth or apologize because you received an autopen pardon from a staffer in the Biden White House.\n\nIf we have another pandemic tomorrow, millions could die because what you did- what you did to make Americans lose trust in their government when it comes to medicine and healthcare.\n\nHow many families have you apologized to who had to watch a loved one die alone?\n\nYou breached public trust and now you are hiding behind a fraudulent pardon.\n\nYour legacy will not be as the man that saved America from COVID, but as the man who destroyed the public trust in America\u2019s public health institutions in exchange for five minutes of fame.\n\nThis is how history will remember you. I yield back.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-30T07:32:48Z", "2026-07-30T07:34:08Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/7/sen-rick-scott-introduces-american-hiring-transparency-act-giving-u-s-workers-fair-opportunity", "Sen. Rick Scott Introduces American Hiring Transparency Act, Giving U.S. Workers Fair Opportunity", "2026-07-29", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, U.S. Senator Rick Scott introduced the American Hiring Transparency Act to incentivize hiring skilled American workers over cheap, foreign labor.\n\nThe bill would enact a $10,000 fee for employers hiring foreign workers using the Application for Permanent Employment Certification and closes loopholes in the Program Electronic Review Management (PERM) labor certification system to boost American workers.\n\nThere is currently no fee to submit this form. At the same time, employers who want to outsource work to foreigners have found ways to get around current job posting requirements.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cAmerican workers deserve a fair shot at the American Dream. Instead, many have been forced to watch jobs they are qualified for get raffled off overseas to someone willing to accept a substandard wage \u2013 all with the U.S. government\u2019s blessing. That\u2019s not acceptable. A good job is the cornerstone of the American dream, and federal policies should always put American workers first. That\u2019s why I\u2019m introducing this bill.\u201d\n\nThe labor certification of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) provisions requires employers to demonstrate that there are insufficient U.S. workers and that the foreign national's employment will not adversely affect wages and conditions for similar U.S. workers.\n\nFor example, employers are required to place job advertisements on two different Sundays in a newspaper of general circulation in the area of intended employment to establish that there are no U.S.-based workers available for the position.\n\nThis requirement is vulnerable to abuse. For example, employers can strategically advertise jobs in low-circulation physical newspapers to discourage U.S. workers from applying.\n\nThe $10,000 fee will enhance employment search tools like USAJOBS.gov to give Americans a single, user-friendly platform to discover job openings and submit applications. This enforces Section 1182\u2019s requirement that qualified U.S. workers be given a fair opportunity to obtain these jobs.\n\nThe fee will also offset program costs, upgrade the capabilities of USAJOBS.gov, and raise significant revenues to be directed to the U.S. Treasury.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-30T07:32:48Z", "2026-07-30T07:34:08Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-senator-moody-takes-to-senate-floor-to-urge-immediate-unanimous-passage-of-measure-to-stop-congressional-insider-trading-and-institute-voter-id/", "VIDEO:\u00a0Senator Moody Takes to Senate Floor to Urge Immediate Unanimous Passage of Measure to Stop Congressional Insider Trading and Institute Voter ID", "2026-07-28", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2013 Senator Ashley Moody took the Senate Floor last night to urge immediate unanimous passage of H.R. 7008, or the Stop Insider Trading Act, a bipartisan measure that would stop Congressional insider trading and institute nationwide voter ID requirements.\n\n\u201cThe American People expect results, and I didn\u2019t come to the Senate to just listen as the vast majority of this country call for securing our elections and banning members from trading stocks,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody. \u201cIT\u2019S TIME TO ACT! I joined my colleagues on the floor last night to fight for America, ban congressional insider trading and pass voter ID. Both measures would restore trust in the People\u2019s Government \u2013 something our country desperately needs.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nLast night, Senator Moody took to the senate floor to move for unanimous consent on the Stop Insider Trading Act, which was passed by the House in bipartisan fashion last week. The act would generally prohibit Members of Congress and their spouses and dependent children from purchasing stocks and requiring public notice before selling stocks. The measure also would instate national voter ID requirements. Senator Moody has supported similar efforts in the Senate, and is an original cosponsor of the SAVE America Act.\n\nSenate Democrats objected to the measure.\n\nSenator Moody has fought to ban stock trading by members. Earlier this year, Senator Moody introduced the bipartisanRestore Trust in Congress Act to stop insider trading.\n\nThe vast majority of Americans support voter ID\u2014according to Pew Research Center, 83% of adults\u2014including 76% of Black Americans and 82% of Hispanic Americans.\n\nAccording to a University of Maryland study, an overwhelming majority of 86% of American favor banning members of Congress from trading individual stocks, including 88% of Democrats and 81% of Independents.\n\nView Senator Moody\u2019s full comments on the floor here.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-07-29T07:41:48Z", "2026-07-29T07:42:57Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/7/sens-rick-scott-mark-kelly-urge-colleagues-to-join-bipartisan-effort-to-modernize-clean-water-infrastructure", "Sens. Rick Scott, Mark Kelly Urge Colleagues to Join Bipartisan Effort to Modernize Clean Water Infrastructure", "2026-07-28", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, U.S. Senators Rick Scott and Mark Kelly sent a letter to impacted Senate colleagues inviting them to join the bipartisan Clean Water Allotment Modernization Act, and urge that this legislation be included in the Water Resources and Development Act of 2026.\n\nThe bill replaces the outdated, fixed percentage formula for distributing Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) grants with a transparent, needs-based formula that reflects current clean water infrastructure demands, state populations, and economic burden. The outdated distribution allotment hasn\u2019t been adjusted since 1987 and doesn\u2019t provide for each state\u2019s need and population growth.\n\nSenators Scott and Kelly wrote, \u201cEvery year, the EPA distributes federal clean water infrastructure dollars using the same fixed percentages assigned to each state when the program was created. In other words, the nation\u2019s principal clean water infrastructure program is running on an outdated, unexplainable formula that no longer reflects the needs of the communities it is meant to serve.\u201d\n\nThe full letter can be found HERE.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nEach year the federal government gives grants through the CWSRF to help pay for clean water projects such as fixing old sewers, upgrading wastewater treatment plants, converting septic systems, managing stormwater, and protecting natural wetlands like the Everglades.\n\nFlorida\u2019s current allotment of 3.43 percent was set when the state\u2019s population was roughly 12 million; it now exceeds 23 million. Florida\u2019s clean water needs are substantial: the state faces ongoing challenges with aging wastewater infrastructure, septic-to-sewer conversions (particularly in the Indian River Lagoon and Biscayne Bay watersheds), nutrient management for Everglades restoration and Lake Okeechobee, stormwater management across rapidly urbanizing areas, and coastal resilience. Under the updated formula, Florida\u2019s allotment of the CWSRF grants would increase from 3.43 percent to approximately 6.16 percent after the 4-year transition.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-29T07:41:48Z", "2026-07-29T07:42:57Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-senator-moody-provides-update-on-fight-to-end-the-fentanyl-crisis-to-sheriffs-from-across-florida/", "VIDEO: Senator Moody Provides Update on Fight to End the Fentanyl\u00a0Crisis to Sheriffs from Across Florida", "2026-07-27", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "DORAL, Fla.\u2014Senator Ashley Moody today rallied Florida law enforcement leaders at the Florida Sheriff\u2019s Association Summer Conference. During the conference in Doral, Sen. Moody announced Florida\u2019s fast-declining fentanyl death rate, thanked sheriffs for their role in the sharp decline, and laid out legislative plans to keep our state moving in the right direction.\n\n\u201cDuring my time as Attorney General, Florida led the nation in fentanyl interdiction efforts, saw its opioid death rate fall faster than the national average and put free naloxone and other resources in the hands of first responders. As U.S. Senator, I will continue to provide Florida\u2019s great sheriffs with the resources they need to fight the drug overdose epidemic, save lives and help communities heal. It was great to stand in support of law enforcement leaders from across the state at the FSA summer conference in Doral today,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nTo view Senator Moody\u2019s full remarks at the FSA Summer Conference, click here.\n\nBy coordinating local, state, and federal partners, Florida reduced fentanyl-related deaths by 42% from the first half of 2024 to the first half of 2025\u2014greater than the estimated nationwide decrease of 22% from 2024 to 2025.\n\nAs Florida\u2019s newest United States Senator, Senator Moody continues to combat the nation\u2019s fentanyl crisis by cosponsoring the HALT Fentanyl Act, Tyler\u2019s Law, and most recently the PRESS Act. HALT Fentanyl Act would permanently classify fentanyl-related substances under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. Last Summer, Senator Moody joined President Trump as he signed this legislation into law.\n\nTyler\u2019s Law would require HHS to issue guidance on whether hospital emergency departments should implement fentanyl testing as a routine procedure for patients experiencing an overdose.\n\nPRESS Act would criminalize the intentional importation of pill press machines and unlisted precursor chemicals with the intent to manufacture illicit drugs.\n\nAs Florida Attorney General, Senator Moody chaired the Statewide Task Force on Opioid Drug Abuse and secured a massive multibillion-dollar settlement from opioid manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies.\n\nSenator Moody is a long-time supporter of the rule of law and of law enforcement officers. Since becoming Florida\u2019s newest Senator, Moody has: Introduced the HALO Act to shield federal officers from those who seek to threaten and harass them on duty;\n\nSupported the Graham Hoffman Act, which would allow the U.S. to use the full force of state and federal law to prosecute those who assault first responders and act as a deterrent to anyone considering such acts of violence;\n\nIntroduced the HELPER Act to make homeownership more obtainable for Florida heroes, including law enforcement officers;\n\nCo-Sponsored the HALT Fentanyl Act, which was signed into law by President Trump. The new law assists law enforcement officers get fentanyl traffickers off the streets and permanently classifies fentanyl-related substances under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act;\n\nSponsored the RIPPLE Act, which would expand the 287(g) program and provide resources to state law enforcement to more efficiently get criminal illegal aliens out of communities; and\n\nAdvanced six bills to support law enforcement, strengthen public safety and deliver critical tools to officers out of the Judiciary Committee during Police Week earlier this year.\n\nAs Florida\u2019s Attorney General, Senator Moody created many programs to recognize the selfless efforts of law enforcement officers, including her Back the Blue, Thin Line Tribute, and Sunshine Salute programs. Moody also worked with state lawmakers to strengthen statutes to hold criminals accountable and help officers and prosecutors do their jobs.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-07-28T07:37:32Z", "2026-07-28T07:38:50Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/7/el-senador-rick-scott-visita-la-instalaci-n-de-gem-en-miami-tras-el-esfuerzo-de-ayuda-humanitaria-para-venezuela", "El Senador Rick Scott visita la instalaci\u00f3n de GEM en Miami tras el esfuerzo de ayuda humanitaria para Venezuela", "2026-07-27", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "MIAMI, Florida \u2013 El Senador Rick Scott visit\u00f3 la instalaci\u00f3n humanitaria de la organizaci\u00f3n Global Empowerment Mission (GEM, por sus siglas en ingl\u00e9s) en Miami para agradecer a los voluntarios y organizaciones asociadas que trabajan incansablemente para preparar ayuda humanitaria cr\u00edtica para el pueblo venezolano mientras la naci\u00f3n se recupera de la devastaci\u00f3n causada por los recientes terremotos y avanza hacia una transici\u00f3n democr\u00e1tica.\n\nDurante la visita, el Senador Scott recibi\u00f3 un informe de Michael Capponi, CEO de Global Empowerment Mission, sobre los esfuerzos de recuperaci\u00f3n en curso y la respuesta humanitaria. El Senador Scott tambi\u00e9n se reuni\u00f3 con el personal de GEM, voluntarios, l\u00edderes comunitarios y organizaciones aliadas que han dedicado incontables horas a recopilar, organizar y preparar suministros que salvar\u00e1n vidas y que apoyar\u00e1n a las familias venezolanas.\n\nEl Senador Rick Scott dijo: \"Es maravilloso estar aqu\u00ed en Doral con Global Empowerment Mission y agradecerles el por incre\u00edble trabajo que est\u00e1n realizando. Desafortunadamente, muchas personas han perdido la vida o han resultado heridas en Venezuela, y gracias a Dios por la Misi\u00f3n de Empoderamiento Global y todo lo que hacen cada d\u00eda para salvar vidas. Vamos a seguir luchando\u2014no vamos a dejar de luchar\u2014por la libertad y las oportunidades para el pueblo de Venezuela. Ahora mismo, debemos hacer todo lo posible para garantizar que la ayuda humanitaria llegue a quienes m\u00e1s la necesitan.\"\n\nDesde el primer d\u00eda, el Senador Scott ha luchado junto al pueblo venezolano en su b\u00fasqueda de la libertad, pidiendo repetidamente la m\u00e1xima presi\u00f3n sobre el r\u00e9gimen de Maduro, apoyando sanciones contra funcionarios del r\u00e9gimen, abogando por la asistencia humanitaria y apoyando a l\u00edderes democr\u00e1ticos que buscan restaurar la libertad y el Estado de derecho.\n\nMientras contin\u00faan los esfuerzos humanitarios, el Senador Scott reafirm\u00f3 su compromiso de trabajar junto al Presidente Trump, el Secretario Rubio y sus aliados en toda Florida para garantizar que el pueblo venezolano reciba el apoyo que necesita mientras comienzan a reconstruir una naci\u00f3n libre, democr\u00e1tica y pr\u00f3spera.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-07-28T07:37:32Z", "2026-07-28T07:38:50Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/7/sen-rick-scott-visits-global-empowerment-mission-facility-in-miami-ahead-of-humanitarian-aid-effort-for-venezuela", "Sen. Rick Scott Visits Global Empowerment Mission facility in Miami Ahead of Humanitarian Aid Effort for Venezuela", "2026-07-27", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "MIAMI, Fla. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Rick Scott visited the Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) humanitarian facility in Miami to thank the volunteers and partner organizations working tirelessly to prepare critical humanitarian aid for the Venezuelan people as the nation recovers from the devastation caused by the recent earthquakes and moves toward a democratic transition.\n\nDuring the visit, Senator Scott received a briefing from Michael Capponi, CEO of Global Empowerment Mission, on the ongoing recovery efforts and humanitarian response. Senator Scott also met with GEM Staff, volunteers, community leaders, and humanitarian partners who have dedicated countless hours to collecting, organizing, and preparing life-saving supplies that will support Venezuelan families in the days ahead.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cIt\u2019s wonderful to be here in Doral with Global Empowerment Mission and thank them for the incredible work they are doing. Unfortunately, so many people have lost their lives or have been injured in Venezuela, and thank God for Global Empowerment Mission and everything they do each and every day to save lives. We are going to continue fighting\u2014we are not going to stop fighting\u2014for freedom, liberty, and opportunity for the people of Venezuela. Right now, we must do everything in our power to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those who need it most.\u201d\n\nSince day one, Senator Scott has fought alongside the Venezuelan people in their pursuit of freedom, repeatedly calling for maximum pressure on the Maduro regime, supporting sanctions against regime officials, advocating for humanitarian assistance, and standing with democratic leaders seeking to restore liberty and the rule of law.\n\nAs humanitarian efforts continue, Senator Scott reaffirmed his commitment to working alongside President Trump, Secretary Rubio and partners across Florida to ensure the Venezuelan people receive the support they need as they begin rebuilding a free, democratic and prosperous nation.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-07-28T07:37:32Z", "2026-07-28T07:38:50Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-senator-moody-champions-one-year-of-no-tax-on-tips-no-tax-on-overtime-no-tax-on-social-security-and-other-working-families-tax-cuts-wins/", "VIDEO: Senator Moody Champions One Year of No Tax on Tips, No Tax on Overtime, No Tax on Social Security and Other Working Families Tax Cuts Wins", "2026-07-24", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Senator Ashley Moody recently took to the Senate Floor today to share Floridians\u2019 excitement following the one-year anniversary of the Working Families Tax Cuts\u2014legislation that included no tax on Social Security, no tax on tips, and no tax on overtime. Senator Moody recently traversed Florida, meeting with hundreds of law enforcement officers, restaurant service workers, teachers and parentstouting the many wins for Floridians included in the landmark tax cuts package.\n\n\u201cIt is clear that Floridians are thrilled about the major wins we secured one year ago with the Working Families Tax Cuts. Families and small businesses know how to spend their money far better than bureaucrats in Washington ever will\u2014and with this largest tax cut in history, Floridians and Americans alike are able to achieve more with more of the own hard-earned money in their wallets,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nAmerican families and workers have claimed $82 billion in individual relief directly from the Working Families Tax Cuts. Americans received $325 billion in total tax refunds.\n\nThis past tax filing season, 97% of Americans received a tax cut.\n\nMore than 7.5 million have claimed No Tax on Tips.\n\nMore than 29 million have claimed No Tax on Overtime.\n\nMore than 35 million seniors have claimed the Enhanced Deduction for Seniors.\n\nFloridians brought home the largest average federal tax refunds in the country\u2014Florida filers brought home an average refund of nearly $4,500 compared to the national average refund of $3,300.\n\nThe WFTC package also created child-owned investment accounts. For every baby born from 2025 through 2028 whose parents open one of these accounts, the U.S. Treasury will invest $1,000.\n\nMore than 5.5 million child-owned investment accounts have been opened nationwide so far, with 1.4 million eligible for the $1,000 pilot program contribution.\n\n40 million families have taken advantage of the enhanced Child Tax Credit that the WFTC doubled.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-07-25T07:13:44Z", "2026-07-25T07:15:09Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/7/sen-rick-scott-sends-letter-to-boost-florida-stevia-farmers-block-chinese-market-saturation", "Sen. Rick Scott Sends Letter to Boost Florida Stevia Farmers, Block Chinese Market Saturation", "2026-07-24", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, U.S. Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to Ambassador Julie Callahan, the chief agricultural negotiator for the office of the U.S. Trade Representative, highlighting the emergence of Florida\u2019s stevia market and how cheap Chinese stevia \u2013 produced by slave labor and of questionable quality \u2013 undercuts American farmers and workers.\n\nSenator Rick Scott wrote, \u201cWith appropriate protections, American farmers have the capacity to meet this demand and to grow well beyond it as consumers increasingly seek a safe, transparent, and natural low-calorie sweetener option that supports farmers, protects consumers, and strengthens public health. This supply chain is achievable, but it cannot be built or sustained without U.S. government intervention to counteract China\u2019s structural excess capacity to grow and process this crop.\u201d\n\nFlorida\u2019s stevia farmers produce 225 metric tons each year, but unfair pricing practices by Chinese producers threaten Florida farmers\u2019 ability to fairly compete in the market. China dumps 3,200 metric tons of Stevia into American markets at alarmingly low prices due to their widespread and despicable use of forced labor, making it difficult for U.S. producers to compete while paying fair wages to American workers.\n\nClick HERE or read the full letter below:\n\nDear Ambassador Callahan,\n\nWe write to you as members of the United States Congress representing the States of Florida and Indiana to bring to your attention an emerging American agricultural industry that warrants protection as the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) conducts its Section 301 investigation of Acts, Policies, and Practices of Certain Economies Relating to Structural Excess Capacity and Production in Manufacturing Sectors. We respectfully urge you to protect domestic agricultural capacity for stevia, a high-value crop with significant promise for farmers in our states and across the country.\n\nWhile most of the world's stevia is sourced from China, the crop stands out as an emerging agricultural product that is also developed into tabletop sweeteners in our states. In the United States, stevia is grown in Florida, processed in Indiana, and used in homes and businesses by millions of Americans. America can, and should, promote emerging agricultural markets. For stevia, this is as simple as protecting the U.S. market from Chinese excess capacity.\n\nIn Florida, stevia presents an especially valuable opportunity. As Florida\u2019s agricultural industry continues to be impacted by Citrus Greening, stevia presents a lifeline for farmers who must diversify. For smaller land holders in particular, stevia presents a high-value, high-margin crop that thrives, and an opportunity for those who want to preserve their way of life and their land.\n\nDespite this potential, the emerging U.S. stevia industry is being challenged by Chinese excess capacity and imports priced in ways that do not reflect normal market behavior. As American production scaled up and began to compete, the price of Chinese stevia has fallen from $330 per kilogram in 2020 to $90 per kilogram today, a decline that tracked directly with the emergence of a domestic U.S. supplier. This is the direct result of China\u2019s excess agricultural and processing capacity that exists with no transparency into the chemicals used to treat the crop, the origin of the crop or the labor conditions under which it was grown and processed.\n\nChina maintains a significant trade surplus regarding stevia and similar sweeteners with the United States as most highly processed stevia extracts are cultivated and refined overseas before being imported into the United States. Each year, roughly 3,500 metric tons of stevia are imported into the United States, nearly all of it from China, along with most other low-calorie sweeteners. With appropriate protections, American farmers have the capacity to meet this demand and to grow well beyond it as consumers increasingly seek a safe, transparent, and natural low-calorie sweetener option that supports farmers, protects consumers, and strengthens public health. This supply chain is achievable, but it cannot be built or sustained without U.S. government intervention to counteract China\u2019s structural excess capacity to grow and process this crop.\n\nIn addition to excess capacity, there have been significant issues in the past with the use of forced labor to harvest and process stevia in China. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has documented the use of forced labor in the Chinese stevia supply chain. In May 2016, CBP issued a Withhold Release Order on stevia extracts and derivatives produced in China, and in 2020 it collected a $575,000 penalty from an importer for shipments processed with prison labor and issued a formal Finding authorizing their seizure and forfeiture. Strengthening domestic stevia production directly reduces our reliance on a foreign supply chain that has been tainted by forced labor.\n\nWe believe there is an opportunity to both protect and foster this emerging agricultural sector, supporting American farmers while reducing our reliance on foreign sources for a critical food ingredient. We respectfully request that the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative review this situation as part of its broader consideration of domestic agriculture, trade dynamics, and supply chain resilience, and particularly within its Section 301 investigation of Acts, Policies, and Practices of Certain Economies Relating to Structural Excess Capacity and Production in Manufacturing Sectors.\n\nThank you for your time and consideration of this important matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-25T07:13:44Z", "2026-07-25T07:15:09Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-senator-moody-works-to-increase-competition-and-lower-prescription-drug-prices-for-floridians/", "VIDEO: Senator Moody Works to Increase Competition and Lower Prescription Drug Prices for Floridians", "2026-07-23", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2014 Senator Ashley Moody is working to unlock more competition in the drug market by cutting regulatory red tape. Right now, unnecessary regulation in the biosimilar drug approval process at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has led to delays and higher costs for Floridians. Senator Moody\u2019s new legislation would consolidate duplicative regulatory efforts, allow personnel to prioritize getting more biosimilars, which are affordable alternatives to brand name biological drugs, approved, and ultimately lower costs for Floridians. The broader usage of affordable alternatives to expensive brand name biological drugs has been shown to collectively save Americans billions of dollars on their health care.\n\n\u201cOne of my top priorities in the Senate is getting control of runaway costs for Florida families, and that includes the cost of prescription drugs. My new legislation will help families save billions by cutting out unnecessary regulation from the approval process, ultimately reining in drug prices. This is an easy bipartisan fix, and that is why I fought hard to sponsor and pass this bill language out of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension Committee this week,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\n\u201cIn Maryland, we are proud to have the FDA operating in our own backyard. This bill allows the FDA to streamline its review process, increasing efficiency and incentivizing innovation for our life sciences manufacturers in Maryland by getting drugs to market for patients faster. It will reduce confusion, slash the red tape that delays drug approvals, and ultimately, lower prices for patients. I look forward to working with Senator Moody to get this simple fix requested by the career experts at FDA across the finish line,\u201d said Senator Angela Alsobrooks.\n\n\u201cThe Biosimilars Forum commends Senator Moody [and Senator Alsobrooks] for introducing an important bill to streamline and modernize development for safe, effective, and lower-cost biosimilars,\u201d said Juliana M. Reed, executive director of the Biosimilars Forum. \u201cThe Forum and its members take immense pride in developing and manufacturing lower-cost biosimilars, and supportive policies are essential to ensure these medicines can reach the patients who need them. Senator Moody\u2019s leadership will help bring more biosimilars to the market more quickly, ensure those biosimilars can reach patients, and improve affordability by lowering everyday health care costs for Americans.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\n\u00b7 Under the Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act of 2009, FDA must require that all biosimilar applications be reviewed by the same review division that handled the reference product. This statute is preventing FDA from promoting the Office of Therapeutic Biologics and Biosimilars to handle biosimilars exclusively and save resources in the other review divisions.\n\n\u00b7 This bill simply strikes Section 351(k)(5)(B) of the Public Health Service Act.\n\n\u00b7 This effort is in line with President Trump\u2019s Great Healthcare Plan to increase health care affordability, making it easier for biosimilar drugs to come to market by reducing regulatory burden.\n\n\u00b7 The language in Senator Moody\u2019s bill passed out of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension Committee this week.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-07-24T07:30:11Z", "2026-07-24T07:31:13Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/senator-moody-introduces-staged-accident-fraud-prevention-act-to-protect-all-drivers-on-our-roads-and-prevent-con-artists-from-driving-up-the-cost-of-insurance/", "Senator Moody Introduces Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act to Protect All Drivers on our Roads and Prevent Con Artists from Driving up the Cost of Insurance", "2026-07-22", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, Senator Ashley Moody introduced the Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act, legislation that would extend criminal penalties to make intentionally staging an accident with a commercial motor vehicle a federal crime.\n\n\u201cWith over 450,000 trucking jobs in Florida, it is safe to say that truck drivers keep the economy moving. Unfortunately, there are crazed and dangerous fraudsters out there who would rather put people\u2019s lives in danger for a quick payday instead of making an honest living putting in a hard day\u2019s work. Anyone who stages or helps stage an accident with a commercial motor vehicle endangers people\u2019s lives and livelihoods. On top of that, these stunts run up insurance premiums for everyone. Unacceptable. This legislation sends a clear message: if you do this, you will be prosecuted,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nAmerican Trucking Associations: \u201cWhen con artists seeking a big payday intentionally collide with commercial motor vehicles, their reckless disregard for safety puts innocent truck drivers and the motoring public at risk. The frivolous lawsuits these rapacious individuals file against honest trucking companies contribute to soaring insurance premiums and raise costs for consumer goods,\u201d said American Trucking Associations Chief Advocacy & Public Affairs Officer Henry Hanscom. \u201cATA commends Senator Ashley Moody for introducing the Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act, which would close legal loopholes that criminals are exploiting to target America\u2019s hardworking truckers. By establishing clear, enforceable criminal penalties, we can finally put an end to this dangerous and costly practice.\u201d\n\nFlorida Trucking Association: \u201cFlorida\u2019s trucking industry doesn\u2019t just move freight\u2014it also bears the cost of organized fraud. Staged crashes put innocent motorists and professional truck drivers at risk, while driving up insurance costs for carriers, businesses, and consumers alike,\u201d said Florida Trucking Association President & CEO Scott Perry. \u201cWe appreciate Senator Moody\u2019s leadership in giving law enforcement additional tools to combat these dangerous criminal enterprises.\u201d\n\nU.S. Chamber of Commerce: \u201cStaged accidents are a dangerous and costly crisis that is threatening public safety and household budgets across America,\u201d said President of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce\u2019s Institute for Legal Reform Stephen Waguespack. \u201cSenator Moody\u2019s leadership on the Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act builds on the momentum to put a stop to these organized crime rings that specifically target trucking businesses.\u201d\n\nIndependent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America: \u201cThe Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America applauds Senator Moody for introducing legislation to crack down on staged accidents that endanger motorists, disrupt supply chains and fuel lawsuit abuse. This commonsense measure will help deter insurance fraud, reduce unnecessary litigation costs and ease the pressure of rising insurance premiums on responsible commercial operators and consumers nationwide,\u201d said IIABA SVP of Federal Government Affairs Nathan Riedel.\n\nOwner-Operator Independent Drivers Association: \u201cStaged accidents are not victimless crimes. These are calculated, premeditated assaults that endanger lives, destroy livelihoods, and compromise highway safety. To add insult to injury, criminals abuse the legal system for profit through false accusations and lawsuits, which contribute to skyrocketing insurance premiums for small trucking businesses,\u201d said Lewie Pugh, Executive Vice President, Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association. \u201cOOIDA and our nearly 150,000 members support Senator Moody and her commonsense legislation to protect law-abiding truckers from sophisticated criminal fraud schemes that exploit the hardworking men and women behind the wheel.\u201d\n\nNational Tank Truck Carriers: \u201cStaged accidents are deliberate criminal acts that put professional drivers, the motoring public, and our nation\u2019s supply chain at risk. Tank truck carriers operate the safest and most highly regulated vehicles on the road, yet they remain attractive targets for fraud schemes that exploit the legal system while driving up insurance costs for carriers, shippers, and ultimately consumers. The National Tank Truck Carriers strongly supports the Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act because it establishes meaningful federal penalties to deter these dangerous crimes and hold everyone involved in these fraudulent schemes accountable. We commend Senator Ashley Moody for introducing this important legislation in the Senate, as well as Representatives Mike Collins and Brandon Gill for leading its introduction in the House. Their leadership will help protect hardworking truck drivers, strengthen highway safety, and combat the costly fraud schemes that threaten our industry,\u201d said National Tank Truck Carriers President & CEO Ryan Streblow.\n\nTruck Renting and Leasing Association: \u201cThe Truck Renting and Leasing Association (TRALA) supports and endorses the Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act. The ever-increasing use of these staged accidents not only cause disruptions, endanger lives, and harm highway safety, but they are also a contributing factor to the out-of-control lawsuit abuse that occurs due to these bad actors, leading to increased insurance costs and a disruption in the supply chain for all Americans,\u201d said TRALA President & CEO Jake Jacoby. \u201cWe applaud Congressman Mike Collins and Senator Ashley Moody for their leadership in tackling this critical commonsense issue and our members \u2013 who represent approximately 30% of all newly purchased commercial over-the-road trucks and tractors \u2013 stand ready to support this legislation and have it enacted into law.\u201d\n\nAmerican Bus Association: \u201cThe American Bus Association is proud to support the Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act,\u201d said Fred Ferguson, President and CEO of the American Bus Association. \u201cABA applauds Senator Ashley Moody for leading this important effort in the Senate, building on the leadership of Representatives Mike Collins and Brandon Gill in the House. Staged collisions are deliberate criminal acts that endanger professional drivers, motorcoach passengers, and everyone else on the road. Beyond the immediate safety risks, these schemes fuel fraudulent insurance claims, increase litigation costs, and contribute to the rising insurance premiums that continue to challenge responsible motorcoach operators nationwide. By providing federal law enforcement with another tool to investigate and prosecute those who intentionally target commercial vehicles, this legislation will help protect the traveling public, strengthen accountability, and support the safe, reliable transportation services that millions of Americans depend on every year.\u201d\n\nNational Motor Freight Traffic Association: \u201cThe trucking industry cannot afford to let staged accident schemes continue putting professional truck drivers, motor carriers, and the motoring public at risk. NMFTA strongly supports the Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act and commends Senator Ashley Moody as well as Representatives Collins and Gill for leading this effort to hold those responsible criminally accountable. By targeting organized fraud at its source, this legislation represents a critical step toward safeguarding our nation\u2019s freight network and the millions of Americans who depend on it every day,\u201d said NMFTA Chief Operations and Technical Officer Joe Ohr.\n\nInternational Warehouse Logistics Association: \u201cStaged accidents are not simply fraudulent insurance claims \u2014 they are deliberate criminal acts that put drivers, passengers, and the public at risk. The Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act would provide a strong federal deterrent against these dangerous schemes and help protect the hardworking men and women who keep our nation\u2019s supply chain moving. IWLA thanks Senator Moody for bringing this important legislation to the Senate and urges Congress to advance this commonsense measure,\u201d said IWLA President & CEO Jay Strother.\n\nNational Association of Mutual Insurance Companies: \u201cEvery day, staged accidents and fraudulent schemes put innocent lives at risk and raise costs for every American. The Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act will help coordinate law enforcement in combatting these sophisticated crime rings and bring the weight of federal law to stopping them. NAMIC commends Senator Moody for her leadership on this issue and for working to lower costs and make Americans safer on our roads and highways,\u201d said NAMIC Senior Vice President of Federal & Political Affairs Jimi Grande.\n\nInternational Foodservice Distributors Association: \u201cStaged accidents are a growing threat to the drivers who move our nation\u2019s food supply and to the businesses that depend on them. IFDA is proud to support the Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act,\u201d said Mala Parker, Senior Vice President of Government & Public Affairs. \u201cThanks to Senator Moody for championing this commonsense measure to hold bad actors accountable. These staged collisions have resulted in escalating insurance premiums and fueled the rise of so-called nuclear verdicts, both of which lead to higher costs for consumers. The nation\u2019s foodservice distributors, and the customers who count on them, deserve nothing less than the passage of this legislation.\u201d\n\nTransportation Intermediaries Association: \u201cStaged accidents are fraudulent schemes that hit brokers and carriers alike, and the criminals responsible drive up costs for everyone in the supply chain, which represents the $343 billion third-party logistics industry. \u201cTIA fully supports the Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act, which takes concrete steps to crack down on fraud and hold these bad actors and their co-conspirators accountable \u2013 and in doing so, will keep the traveling public safe and bolster supply chain resilience,\u201d said President & CEO Chris Burroughs.\n\nThe Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act is also supported by:\n\nAssociated Industries of Florida\n\nTruckload Carriers Association\n\nGeorgia Motor Trucking Association\n\nTexas Trucking Association\n\nAmerican Property Casualty Insurance Association\n\nAmerican Tort Reform Association\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nDespite an increase in staged truck accidents, few states have taken action to combat staged accident fraud schemes.\n\nA notable example of this staged fraud occurred multiple times in Louisiana, where scammers over the course of 5 years caused dozens of intentional crashes with 18 wheelers.\n\nFollowing an FBI investigation into these kinds of accidents, Danny Patrick Keating, a personal injury attorney, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Keating admitted to paying another cooperating government witness, Damien Labeaud, to stage 31 accidents.\n\nKeating told investigators he represented 77 plaintiffs in subsequent lawsuits. Federal authorities say such fake crashes predominantly took place in New Orleans East and Gentilly, often close to one truck stop.\n\nFlorida is one of the nation\u2019s largest freight hubs, supporting more than 460,000 trucking industry jobs and over 130,000 trucking companies.\n\nThe Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act would:\n\nMake intentionally staging a collision with a commercial motor vehicle a federal criminal offense.\n\nEstablish criminal penalties for individuals who organize or participate in staged crashes\n\nHold attorneys, physicians, and other co-conspirators accountable if they knowingly participate in this fraud.\n\nThis legislation was introduced in the House by Representatives Mike Collins (GA-10) and Brandon Gill (TX-26).\n\nRead full bill text here.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-07-23T07:31:02Z", "2026-07-23T07:32:26Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/7/sens-rick-scott-dan-sullivan-tommy-tuberville-introduce-bill-to-create-secretary-of-the-coast-guard-position", "Sens. Rick Scott, Dan Sullivan, Tommy Tuberville Introduce Bill to Create Secretary of the Coast Guard Position", "2026-07-22", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, U.S. Senators Rick Scott, Dan Sullivan, and Tommy Tuberville introduced the Coast Guard Leadership Modernization Act. This bill would create a Secretary of the U.S. Coast Guard, mirroring a position across all other branches of the U.S Armed Forces. Currently, the Coast Guard lacks a dedicated civilian leadership position, and it defaults to the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cThe Coast Guard has a unique and highly specialized mission to protect our country from threats posed by smugglers, drug traffickers, terrorists, and other lawbreakers, and it deserves a service secretary to oversee and coordinate its operations, just like every other branch of the military. This bill creates a Secretary of the Coast Guard in federal law to ensure the Service has the leadership it needs to take on the challenges of the 21st century and beyond. This is a matter of readiness and national security; Congress should pass this immediately so President Trump can make his nomination, and the Senate can get to work on confirmation.\u201d\n\nSenator Tommy Tuberville said, \u201cThe men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard are critical to our national defense and security, which is why they deserve the same strategic organization as other branches of our military. Having a permanent Coast Guard Secretary will make the organization even more effective and enhance our national security. I\u2019m proud to join this legislation with Sen. Rick Scott to give President Trump full authority to nominate a Secretary of the Coast Guard and further his mission of Peace Through Strength.\u201d\n\nSenator Dan Sullivan said, \u201cI\u2019m glad to join my colleagues in introducing legislation to provide even greater support and advocacy to our Coast Guard with a dedicated civilian Secretary who can represent the needs and perspective of the Coast Guard at the highest levels of our federal government. We rely on our brave Coast Guardsmen to monitor and defend vast maritime borders, execute life-saving search-and-rescue operations, respond to international crises, and support Department of War missions. No state is more aware of the important service of the Coast Guard than Alaska\u2014home to more coastline than the Lower 48 states combined\u2014which is why I spearheaded the largest investment in the Coast Guard in history in last year\u2019s Working Families Tax Cuts Act.\u201d\n\nSCOOP:\n\nRepublican Senators Introduce Bill to Create Service Secretary for the Coast Guard\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nCurrently, all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces have a dedicated Secretary overseeing operations and representing the branch. However, the Coast Guard lacks an executive leader, creating confusion or delays in an organization responsible for protecting 95,000 miles of coastline and 3.4 million square nautical miles of the U.S. exclusive economic zone.\n\nThis legislation creates, in statute, a Secretary of the Coast Guard to run as the leader of the branch. Upon this bill becoming law, the President would have the authority to nominate a Secretary of the Coast Guard subject to Senate confirmation.\n\nFull text of the bill can be found HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-23T07:31:02Z", "2026-07-23T07:32:26Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/7/sens-rick-scott-marsha-blackburn-introduce-bill-to-memorialize-victims-of-communist-chinese-tyranny", "Sens. Rick Scott, Marsha Blackburn Introduce Bill to Memorialize Victims of Communist Chinese Tyranny", "2026-07-22", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senators Rick Scott and Marsha Blackburn introduced the Honoring the Victims of Communist China\u2019s Tyranny Act, a bill to create a permanent memorial in Washington, D.C. to honor those killed by authoritarian Communist ideology and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) dating back to Mao Zedong. The memorial would be placed in a public park directly across from the CCP embassy in Washington, D.C.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cXi Jinping and Communist China are responsible for some of the worst human rights violations in human history. Those who are brave enough to fight back and speak up against them pay the price, like my friend, Jimmy Lai. Countless others have been forced into slave labor; some face torture, forced sterilization, organ harvesting, and other horrors. As Xi\u2019s henchmen at the embassy walk into work every day, they should have to face the litany of crimes in which they\u2019ve been complicit. The people of China deserve nothing less than the God-given liberty and unalienable rights America\u2019s founders fought for 250 years ago. America should have zero tolerance for Communist China and its crimes.\u201d\n\nSenator Marsha Blackburn said, \u201cThe Chinese Communist Party is guilty of the worst human rights abuses imaginable, including genocide, brutal religious persecution, forced labor, and forced sterilization. Our legislation would honor victims of Communist China\u2019s tyranny by allocating existing funds and donations to build a memorial that will ensure America never forgets the human cost of the CCP\u2019s oppression.\"\n\nSCOOP: GOP senators unveil move to memorialize communism victims on CCP's doorstep amid Dem civil war: 'No tolerance'\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nThe CCP is responsible for committing human rights atrocities, including genocide and persecution against ethnic and religious minorities, including the Uyghurs in Xinjiang. Many outsiders have expressed concerns about restrictions on political dissent, religious freedom, freedom of expression, and press freedom in Communist China.\n\nA public memorial in Washington, D.C. would honor victims of persecution, educate visitors about these abuses, and reaffirm the United States\u2019 commitment to human rights and individual liberty. Examples of events, campaigns, and episodes that could be referenced or reflected in the memorial\u2019s educational elements include:\n\nMao Zedong killed at least 40 million people during his time in power.\n\nForced labor, forced sterilization, family separation, and other abuses against Uyghurs that led the United States Government to determine that genocide and crimes against humanity were occurring in Xinjiang.\n\nThe suppression of Tibetan religious and cultural practices, including restrictions on monasteries, language instruction, and expressions of loyalty to the Dalai Lama.\n\nThe 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and subsequent crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators in Beijing.\n\nThe imprisonment of democracy advocates, lawyers, journalists, and dissidents, including figures such as Liu Xiaobo, Xu Zhiyong, Ilham Tohti, and Jimmy Lai.\n\nThe crackdown on Hong Kong\u2019s pro-democracy movement in 2020.\n\nThe persecution of religious groups, including underground Christian churches, Falun Gong practitioners, Tibetan Buddhists, and other faith communities.\n\nRestrictions on freedom of expression, censorship of the press and internet, and the use of advanced surveillance technologies to monitor citizens.\n\nThe history of political campaigns under Communist Party rule resulting in widespread suffering (i.e. the Anti-Rightist Campaign, the Great Leap Forward)\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-23T07:31:02Z", "2026-07-23T07:32:26Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-shooting-for-the-stars-starts-in-florida-on-space-exploration-day-senator-moody-touts-florida-dominance-as-nations-leader-in-american-expeditions-to-the-final-frontier/", "VIDEO: Shooting for the Stars Starts in Florida \u2013 On Space Exploration Day, Senator Moody Touts Florida Dominance as Nation\u2019s Leader in American Expeditions to the Final Frontier", "2026-07-20", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014On Space Exploration Day, Senator Ashley Moody is touting Florida\u2019s major role in propelling American interests into the Final Frontier. Launches on the Space Coast have increased by over 500% since 2016. Senator Moody is a champion of Florida\u2019s dominance in space, witnessing the historic Artemis II launch from Kennedy Space Center, speaking with the crew as they returned from the moon, and meeting face to face with the world-renown astronauts last month at KSC when they thanked the NASA workers who made their trip possible.\n\n\u201cSpace Exploration Day is a time to honor the innovators, engineers, astronauts, and visionaries who continue pushing the boundaries of the once thought impossible. The next generation of space exploration is being built in the Sunshine State, and I\u2019ll continue fighting to keep Florida the launchpad for American innovation,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nSenator Moody has a staunch record supporting Florida\u2019s Space Coast.\n\nSenator Moody passed the Secure U.S. Leadership in Space Act, to ensure the U.S. remains competitive and at the forefront of space innovation and exploration.\n\nThe legislation bolsters public-private partnerships by making spaceport facility bonds tax-exempt, treating spaceports the same as airports and seaports.\n\nSenator Moody recently introduced the Space Ready 2.0 Act, which would establish a NASA-wide pilot program allowing the agency to accept voluntary private contributions for infrastructure improvement projects at NASA centers.\n\nThe proposal does not create a new spending program, establish a new Treasury fund, or authorize new federal spending. Rather, it builds upon NASA\u2019s existing authority and allows private-sector partners to voluntarily invest in infrastructure improvements that directly support the missions they rely upon.\n\nEarlier in July, Senator Moody met with the crew of Artemis II at Kennedy Space Center as they thanked the hundreds of NASA engineers, mathematicians and scientists who built the rocket that launched them farther into space than any human has ever traveled.\n\nSenator Moody also introduced the CAPE Canaveral Act to relocate NASA headquarters to Florida\u2019s Space Coast\u2014where it belongs.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-07-21T07:32:02Z", "2026-07-21T07:33:33Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-the-juice-was-worth-the-squeeze-senator-moody-declares-victory-in-fight-to-modernize-oj-standards-and-save-floridas-citrus-industry/", "VIDEO: The Juice Was Worth the Squeeze\u2014Senator Moody Declares Victory in Fight to Modernize OJ Standards and Save Florida\u2019s Citrus Industry", "2026-07-17", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "LAKELAND, Fla.\u2014Senator Ashley Moody today took a victory lap with Florida\u2019s citrus growers after a years-long battle to modernize orange juice standards. Shortly after taking the oath to become Florida\u2019s newest U.S. Senator, Moody sponsored the Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act to update a sugar regulation known as the Brix Standard. Senator Moody also petitioned the White House to get it done. Today, at a citrus exhibit in Polk County, administration officials joined Senator Moody to declare mission accomplished.\n\n\u201cWhen I heard an outdated FDA rule was threatening the survival of Florida\u2019s great citrus growers, I immediately went to work\u2014filing the Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act and meeting with the White House to expedite a solution. Today is proof that the juice was worth the squeeze. Florida\u2019s citrus farmers are an integral part of Florida\u2019s culture, and I will always fight to ensure they have the support they need to continue growing and making a living,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody. \u201cThank you to everyone who worked so cohesively to make this happen, including Sec. Kennedy, Sec. Rollins, Rep. Franklin, Rep. Lee, Rep. Cammack, and our industry partners. This is a major win for our state.\u201d\n\n\u201cPresident Trump is ending an outdated regulation that forced American orange juice producers to rely on foreign imports and an obsolete sugar standard,\u201d said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. \u201cWe are cutting red tape, saving the industry more than $50 million each year, strengthening American supply chains, and creating a level playing field for U.S. citrus growers \u2014 all while maintaining the safety, quality, and taste Americans expect. That is America First policy, guided by gold-standard science.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis final rule is a critical victory for Florida citrus and the growers working tirelessly to keep this iconic industry alive,\u201d said Representative Scott Franklin. \u201cFor years, our producers have battled citrus greening, hurricanes, freezes and rising production costs while operating under a federal regulation written for a different era. This rule finally brings federal policy in line with today\u2019s agricultural realities by cutting unnecessary red tape, helping American growers get more value from the fruit they produce and reducing our reliance on imported orange juice. I\u2019m grateful to Secretary Kennedy, Senator Moody, our Florida delegation and our citrus industry leaders for helping deliver this long overdue win for Florida agriculture.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhen Congressman Scott Franklin and I first started working on this issue, Florida growers kept asking us one simple question: Why are we being forced to blend imported juice into a product made from perfectly good Florida oranges? The answer was an outdated Washington regulation that had not kept pace with citrus greening, hurricanes, freezes, and the realities in Florida\u2019s groves,\u201d said Representative Kat Cammack. \u201cFor years, we have worked with Florida Citrus Mutual, the Florida Citrus Processors Association, the Florida Farm Bureau, FDA, and our colleagues in Congress to fix it. We introduced legislation, took the case directly to the agency, and kept pushing until Washington listened. I\u2019m grateful to Secretary Kennedy and Acting Commissioner Diamantas for delivering a commonsense, science-based solution. Now, more Florida oranges can go into Florida orange juice, and one of our state\u2019s proudest industries has a stronger path forward.\u201d\n\n\u201cSecretary Kennedy understands that supporting American agriculture and promoting access to wholesome, American-grown foods go hand in hand,\u201d said Representative Laurel Lee. \u201cThe FDA\u2019s proposed update to the Brix standard preserves the quality consumers expect while creating new opportunities for Florida\u2019s citrus growers. I appreciate his leadership and look forward to continuing our work together to strengthen American agriculture and reduce unnecessary barriers for our producers.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nTo view the recorded press conference, click here.\n\nLast year, Senator Moody introduced the Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act to modernize the Brix standard. Rep. Scott Franklin introduced the measure in the House.\n\nThe newly approved FDA rule mirrors Senator Moody\u2019s legislation to modernize the arbitrary standard of sugar levels for pasteurized orange juice from 10.5% to 10% while not making a discernible difference in taste and nutritional value.\n\nBy updating this sugar standard, Florida citrus growers will be able to more easily respond to greening and recover from severe weather, while also regain their ability to compete in the marketplace and reduce reliance on importing foreign-grown citrus.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/7/sen-rick-scott-announces-new-communications-team", "Sen. Rick Scott Announces New Communications Team", "2026-07-17", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, U.S. Senator Rick Scott announced his new communications team, which has recently changed with several new hires and a promotion as he continues to connect with Floridians and Americans in his efforts to make Washington work.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cI\u2019m confident the new communications team we\u2019ve assembled will deliver for the people of Florida and our nation. My team and I are committed to sharing important updates on the issues my constituents care about most, like the SAVE America Act, and making sure Floridians and Americans know how I am fighting to create more jobs, advance conservative values, support President Trump, and deliver for Florida families in Washington. We serve the American people, and my communications team is working overtime show the results we secure.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m especially proud to announce the well-deserved promotion of Rosa Virginia P\u00e9rez to State Media Director. Rosa has been an indispensable member of our team since my first term in the U.S. Senate and has played a critical role in communicating our work to Floridians, especially throughout Florida\u2019s Hispanic community.\u201d\n\nSenator Scott\u2019s full communications team and their current titles can be found below:\n\nNate Madden, Communications Director\n\nRosa Virginia P\u00e9rez, State Media Director\n\nHannah Starcher, Deputy Communications Director of Digital Operations\n\nJack Chambers, Deputy Communications Director of Media Operations\n\nHannah Benfield, Digital Director\n\nGracie Englund, Press Secretary\n\nKristen Carr, Deputy Press Secretary\n\nLuke Johnson, State Communications Coordinator\n\nShaina Weinberg, Rapid Response Assistant\n\nPress inquiries can be directed to members of the communications team or at press_scott@rickscott.senate.gov\n\nHispanic media inquiries can be directed to Rosa Virginia P\u00e9rez.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/7/sens-rick-scott-mark-kelly-introduce-clean-water-allotment-modernization-act", "Sens. Rick Scott, Mark Kelly Introduce Clean Water Allotment Modernization Act", "2026-07-17", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C.- On Thursday, July 16, U.S. Senators Rick Scott and Mark Kelly introduced the Clean Water Allotment Modernization Act. The bill replaces the outdated, fixed percentage formula for distributing Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) grants with a transparent, needs-based formula that reflects current clean water infrastructure demands, state populations, and economic burden.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cIt\u2019s time to bring the CWSRF into the 21st century. Through the Clean Water Allotment Act, Florida, along with 30 other states, will start receiving the proper funds which reflect our modern population sizes, areas of need, and economically constrained areas. This will help maintain our clean water infrastructure while protecting our beautiful natural lakes, rivers, and wetlands.\u201d\n\nSenator Mark Kelly said, \u201cArizona has grown dramatically, but the allocation system for federal water infrastructure funding hasn\u2019t been updated. Our bipartisan bill fixes this so Arizona gets the resources it needs for a secure water future.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nEach year the federal government gives grants through the CWSRF to help pay for clean water projects such as fixing old sewers, upgrading wastewater treatment plants, converting septic systems, managing stormwater, and protecting natural wetlands like the Everglades. The outdated distribution allotment hasn\u2019t been adjusted since 1987 and doesn\u2019t provide for each state\u2019s need and population growth.\n\nFlorida\u2019s current allotment of 3.43 percent was set when the state\u2019s population was roughly 12 million; it now exceeds 23 million. Florida\u2019s clean water needs are substantial: the state faces ongoing challenges with aging wastewater infrastructure, septic-to-sewer conversions (particularly in the Indian River Lagoon and Biscayne Bay watersheds), nutrient management for Everglades restoration and Lake Okeechobee, stormwater management across rapidly urbanizing areas, and coastal resilience. Under the updated formula, Florida\u2019s allotment of the CWSRF grants would increase from 3.43 percent to approximately 6.16 percent after the 4-year transition.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/7/sens-rick-scott-mark-kelly-introduce-clean-water-allotment-modernization-act/b52bae80-8d42-4869-8087-2c552f1eb43f", "Sens. Rick Scott, Mark Kelly Introduce Clean Water Allotment Modernization Act", "2026-07-17", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C.- On Thursday, July 16, U.S. Senators Rick Scott and Mark Kelly introduced the Clean Water Allotment Modernization Act. The bill replaces the outdated, fixed percentage formula for distributing Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) grants with a transparent, needs-based formula that reflects current clean water infrastructure demands, state populations, and economic burden.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cIt\u2019s time to bring the CWSRF into the 21st century. Through the Clean Water Allotment Act, Florida, along with 30 other states, will start receiving the proper funds which reflect our modern population sizes, areas of need, and economically constrained areas. This will help maintain our clean water infrastructure while protecting our beautiful natural lakes, rivers, and wetlands.\u201d\n\nSenator Mark Kelly said, \u201cArizona has grown dramatically, but the allocation system for federal water infrastructure funding hasn\u2019t been updated. Our bipartisan bill fixes this so Arizona gets the resources it needs for a secure water future.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nEach year the federal government gives grants through the CWSRF to help pay for clean water projects such as fixing old sewers, upgrading wastewater treatment plants, converting septic systems, managing stormwater, and protecting natural wetlands like the Everglades. The outdated distribution allotment hasn\u2019t been adjusted since 1987 and doesn\u2019t provide for each state\u2019s need and population growth.\n\nFlorida\u2019s current allotment of 3.43 percent was set when the state\u2019s population was roughly 12 million; it now exceeds 23 million. Florida\u2019s clean water needs are substantial: the state faces ongoing challenges with aging wastewater infrastructure, septic-to-sewer conversions (particularly in the Indian River Lagoon and Biscayne Bay watersheds), nutrient management for Everglades restoration and Lake Okeechobee, stormwater management across rapidly urbanizing areas, and coastal resilience. Under the updated formula, Florida\u2019s allotment of the CWSRF grants would increase from 3.43 percent to approximately 6.16 percent after the 4-year transition.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-18T06:58:50Z", "2026-07-18T07:00:34Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/senator-moody-works-with-hhs-to-make-food-in-florida-hospitals-healthier-and-praises-tampa-general-being-the-first-to-sign-the-make-hospital-food-healthier-pledge/", "Senator Moody Works with HHS to Make Food in Florida Hospitals Healthier and Praises Tampa General Being the First to Sign the Make Hospital Food Healthier Pledge", "2026-07-16", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Senator Ashley Moody is working with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make food in Florida hospitals healthier. Today, Tampa General became the very first hospital in the nation to sign the HHS Make Hospital Food Healthier Pledge. The hospitals that sign the pledge are committing to providing healthier, more nutritious food for patients. Tampa General has pledged to limit ultra-processed foods, sugar-sweetened beverages, added sugar, deep fried foods, and so many more menu items that contribute to chronic disease.\n\n\u201cIf any place should serve healthy food, I think we can all agree, it\u2019s a hospital. I\u2019m excited Tampa General is leading the charge by signing on to the Make Hospital Food Healthier Pledge. This announcement comes after my office has worked with HHS to find ways to ensure Florida is at the forefront of improving our nation\u2019s health,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\n\u201cHospitals exist to heal people, and the food they serve should help patients recover\u2014not contribute to the chronic disease that brought so many there in the first place. That\u2019s why the Trump administration launched the Make Hospital Food Healthier Pledge. Every patient deserves real, nutritious food that supports healing. I commend Tampa General Hospital for leading by example and encourage every hospital to join us,\u201d saidSecretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.\n\n\u201cReal food starts with America\u2019s farmers and ranchers, who produce the safest, most abundant food supply in the world. President Trump has made it clear that making America healthy again begins with putting wholesome, American-grown food back at the center of our institutions. USDA is proud to partner with Secretary Kennedy and HHS to ensure more wholesome, nutrient-dense food reaches our schools, hospitals, and communities. We are thrilled Tampa General is joining this pledge, because when we connect patients and families with American-grown foods, we strengthen public health while supporting the hardworking producers who make it all possible,\u201d said Secretary Brooke Rollins.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nAs part of the Make Hospital Food Healthier Pledge, hospitals that sign the pledge commit to aligning patient food services with the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. That means they plan to:\n\nLimit ultra-processed foods.\n\nLimit sugar-sweetened beverages.\n\nEnsure meals limit added sugar.\n\nLimit processed meats and foods high in added sugars, sodium, and artificial additives.\n\nEmphasize whole grains over refined grains.\n\nPrioritize minimally processed proteins, including plant-based options.\n\nEmphasize vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds, seafood, and healthy fats.\n\nUse baked, broiled, roasted, stir-fried, or grilled preparation methods; eliminate deep frying.\n\nSenator Moody talked with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. during a committee hearing about the department\u2019s efforts to improve Americans\u2019 health via dietary changes.\n\nPrior to the current administration, the overwhelming majority of medical students received no nutrition education\u2014less than 1% of lecture hours in medical schools were dedicated to nutrition. Earlier in the year, HHS secured historic agreements with more than 50 top medical schools in America to require comprehensive nutrition education. Six Florida schools were part of this agreement.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-senator-moody-honored-by-bipartisan-group-for-constituent-services/", "VIDEO: Senator Moody Honored by Bipartisan Group for Constituent Services", "2026-07-16", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2013 Today, a bipartisan group, The Congressional Management Foundation, honored Senator Moody for her work to serve the constituents of Florida. Although Senator Moody has only been in office for little over a year, the exceptional work her office has done to serve Floridians won her the Democracy Award for Constituent Service. Since taking office, Senator Moody has helped thousands of constituents including over a thousand veterans and service members.\n\n\u201cI came to Washington to fight for Floridians and make sure the people trust we are working for them. Constituent service is often the most difficult, emotionally demanding role in public service. It is quiet, relentless, behind-the-scenes problem-solving. Yet, it is the heartbeat of our office. There is nothing more meaningful, and nothing more deeply rewarding, than knowing your hard work materially improved someone\u2019s life when they had nowhere else to turn. While my name might be on the door, I know full well that this award belongs entirely to our constituent services team. They are the ones on the front lines, answering the phones, and doing the heavy lifting every single day,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nSenator Moody is the first Senator to win this award after just one year in Congress.\n\nThe Best of Constituent Service category recognizes offices that demonstrate outstanding dedication through effective casework, timely resolution of individual issues, personalized support, and a relentless focus on ensuring constituents receive the help they need.\n\nWinning this award indicates outstanding attention to detail, empathy, and persistence in solving constituent requests. Some examples of outstanding constituent service include, but are not limited to:\n\nan office\u2019s casework procedures and outcomes,\n\nsupporting constituents navigating federal grants,\n\nand processes for vetting and nominating students to military service academies.\n\nThe Congressional Management Foundation is the premier bipartisan foundation dedicated to strengthening the first branch of government. The Democracy Awards are CMF\u2019s signature program recognizing the best in congressional non-legislative achievements.\n\nTo learn more about CMF\u2019s Democracy Awards, click here.\n\nTo learn how Sen. Ashley Moody (R-FL)\u2019s office can serve you, click here.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/7/sen-rick-scott-reacts-to-president-trump-s-release-of-ccp-election-interference-evidence", "Sen. Rick Scott Reacts to President Trump\u2019s Release of CCP Election Interference Evidence", "2026-07-16", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 U.S. Senator Rick Scott issued the following statement following President Trump\u2019s speech Thursday night:\n\n\u201cTonight\u2019s revelations in President Trump\u2019s speech were truly shocking. Communist China is our enemy and will stop at nothing to undermine our republic and destroy our way of life. The deep state will stop at nothing to stay in power and control the American people.\n\n\u201cIt should be clear to every American citizen \u2014 Republican, Democrat, and Independent \u2014 that it has never been more crucial to secure our elections against fraud and foreign interference.\n\n\u201cWe need the SAVE America Act now. The Senate should be in Washington working around the clock to get this done. Use or lose the filibuster. Cancel recess. Whatever it takes. However long it takes.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/7/sen-rick-scott-rep-john-moolenaar-ask-sec-chairman-paul-atkins-to-block-sanctioned-ccp-companies-access-to-u-s-markets", "Sen. Rick Scott, Rep. John Moolenaar Ask SEC Chairman Paul Atkins to Block Sanctioned CCP Companies\u2019 Access to U.S. Markets", "2026-07-16", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, U.S. Senator Rick Scott and U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar, Chairman of the House Select Committee on China, sent a letter to Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairman Paul Atkins requesting the agency restrict sanctioned Chinese companies' access to U.S. capital markets to protect America's economy\n\nOn June 8, 2026, the Department of War issued a revised list of Chinese military companies operating directly or indirectly in the United States, as required by statute. The updated list expanded significantly from the prior year, adding 65 additional entities and representing the most comprehensive U.S. government assessment to date of companies that may support or contribute to the capabilities of the People\u2019s Liberation Army. However, certain companies identified on the Section 1260H list continue to access U.S. capital markets, allowing them to raise capital from American investors.\n\nThe lawmakers wrote said, \u201cChina has long sought to take advantage of American markets seeking to enrich themselves and threaten our national security. These Chinese companies, including those on the Chinese military company blacklist, have no business trading on U.S. exchanges. We respectfully urge the Commission to consider what actions within its existing authority might appropriately address the ability of these sanctioned companies to access U.S. capital markets and raise funds that may support Communist China\u2019s political, economic, or military objectives.\u201d\n\nTo address this problem, the lawmakers call on the SEC to establish clearer investor warnings, including a ticker symbol, for sanctioned companies from countries of concern, and leverage existing authority to impose temporary trading suspensions on securities issued by those companies.\n\nThis letter is a continuation of Senator Scott\u2019s efforts to untangle Communist China from the U.S. economy. As Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, he has held multiple hearings to shed light on the national security risk Chinese involvement has in financial markets.\n\nIn April 2025, the Committee held a joint hearing with the U.S. House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, \u201cFinancial Aggression: How the Chinese Communist Party Exploits American Retirees and Undermines National Security,\u201d to expose the significant threats posed by Communist China to American investments, with a focus on the urgent need for seniors to safeguard their retirement savings from the CCP\u2019s predatory practices.\n\nOn Wednesday of this week, Chairman Scott hosted a hearing titled, \u201cBehind the Label: Foreign Ownership and Control in America's Drug Supply Chain\u201d to expose the disturbing degree to which Communist China controls the drugs in America\u2019s medicine cabinets.\n\nSCOOP: GOP lawmakers push for SEC to flag, suspend trading of Chinese military-linked stocks\n\nRead the full letter HERE or below:\n\nDear Chairman Atkins:\n\nOn June 8, 2026, the Department of War (DOW) released a revision to the statutorily required Section 1260H list of Chinese military companies operating directly or indirectly in the United States.1 DOW\u2019s expansion of the 1260H list \u2013 adding 65 entities beyond last year\u2019s list \u2013 represents the most robust assessment of the threat posed by these companies to the U.S. These companies have no business trading on U.S. exchanges, and we respectfully urge the Commission to consider what actions within its existing authority might appropriately address the ability of these companies to access U.S. capital markets and raise funds that may support the People\u2019s Liberation Army\u2019s (PLA) modernization efforts.\n\nThe Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has broad oversight jurisdiction over American national exchanges by law and regulation. Section 23(a)2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the \u201cExchange Act\u201d) authorizes the SEC to make such rules and regulations as necessary or appropriate to implement the Act. Section 6(b)(5)3 of the Exchange Act further provides that the rules of a national securities exchange must be designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative acts and practices, to promote just and equitable principles of trade, and to protect investors and the public interest. Additionally, Section 12(k) authorizes the Commission to summarily suspend trading in any security for a period not to exceed 10 business days where it determines such action is in the public interest, and necessary for the protection of investors.4 Under the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act (as amended), the SEC can also suspend trading of securities of foreign companies that fail to meet the same regulatory and transparency standards required of U.S. companies.\n\nAccordingly, we encourage you to utilize your pre-existing authorities to initiate the following actions within 60 days of the postmarked date of this letter:\n\n1). Initiate a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to establish a ticker-level disclosure requirement for sanctioned issuers.\n\nWe would require U.S. national securities exchanges to append a standardized suffix or flag to the ticker symbol of any listed company within 30 days of that company's designation on any U.S. government sanctions list, including but not limited to the Section 1260H list of Chinese military companies. This designation should also be disclosed prominently in any Exchange Act periodic report (such as a Form 20-F or Form 6-K) filed with the Commission by the relevant issuer. Such a ticker-level flag would function analogously to existing exchange-assigned suffix codes that alert investors to material status changes, such as filing delinquencies or bankruptcy proceedings, and would provide investors with clear, visible notice of national security related designations.\n\nThe Chinese military companies to which this proposed rulemaking would apply include Alibaba Group (BABA, listed on the NYSE), Nio, Inc. (\u201cNIO\u201d, listed on the NYSE), Baidu, Inc. (BIDU, listed on NASDAQ), and Hesai Group (HSAI, listed on NASDAQ). BYD Company and Tencent Holdings currently trade in U.S. markets through Over-the-Counter (OTC) American Depositary Receipts rather than direct exchange listings, and the Commission may wish to consider whether analogous disclosure requirements would be appropriate for OTC traded securities as well.\n\n2). Utilize existing Section 12(k) authority to temporarily suspend trading upon sanctions designation.\n\nSecond, we request that the Commission temporarily suspend the trading of securities of any company headquartered in, or beneficially owned by an entity or government of, a foreign country of concern upon such company\u2019s addition to a sanctions list maintained by the U.S. government. 6 A temporary ten business day suspension would provide the Commission with a reasonable opportunity to assess whether additional or more permanent action is warranted, while signaling to the market that designation carries consequences. Section 12(k) expressly vests the Commission with discretion to act in the public interest and in the protection of investors, and this measured application of that authority would seem well within that mandate.\n\nWe respectfully request a written response by the close of business on July 23, 2026, indicating the Commission's assessment of and intentions with respect to these requests. Thank you for your consideration and for your service to the Commission.\n\nSincerely,\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-07-17T07:15:58Z", "2026-07-17T07:17:05Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-senator-moody-slams-rampant-fraud-across-the-united-states-unveils-ballots-by-election-day-act/", "VIDEO: Senator Moody Slams Rampant Fraud Across The United States, Unveils Ballots by Election Day Act", "2026-07-15", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON D.C. \u2014 Today, Senator Ashley Moody shined a light on the Fraud Economy that exists in America and called out Democrats who dismiss the issue and don\u2019t even attend hearings exposing pervasive fraud. Senator Moody\u2019s comments came during the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, where she also unveiled the Ballots by Election Day Act, aimed at restoring trust in elections and implementing the same type of reforms that have made Florida\u2019s elections a blueprint for the entire nation.\n\n\u201cDismantling the Fraud Economy and going after those who defraud the American taxpayer should be a 100-0 issue. Regardless of place or party, elected representatives should be asking \u2018What are we going to do about it?\u2019 Washington needs to work every single day at investigating fraud and passing new laws to prevent it. That\u2019s why I am proud of the bills I have introduced to do just that and am introducing yet another bill, the Ballots by Election Day Act. This bill requires all ballots across the country to be received by the time polls close on Election Day. This simple, commonsense idea is one easy way we can restore faith in elections and implement a basic electoral safeguard to mirror Florida\u2019s successful reforms\u2014that took us from hanging chads and national embarrassment, to now results before bed and a national blueprint,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nSenator Moody announced her new bill, the Ballots by Election Day Act, aimed to implement a requirement that all ballots, including mail-in ballots, are to be received by election officials by the time polls close on Election Day. This mirrors Florida\u2019s requirements to keep elections fair and free from fraud. The requirement does not apply to ballots subject to the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA).\n\nAmericans lose faith in our electoral process when Democrat-run jurisdictions take days to count ballots and even permit ballots to be accepted weeks after the election ended. This bill creates a uniform requirement across the country that no matter how you vote, everyone\u2019s deadline is at the end of Election Day.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nTo view Senator Moody\u2019s remarks before the committee, click here.\n\nSenator Moody has been the at the forefront of the Senate\u2019s fight to combat fraud in tandem with the President, havingintroduced a handful of bills aimed at curbing the epidemic across the country.\n\nHer most recent effort, the Ballots by Election Day Act, aims to restore trust in the American election system by ensuing our elections are run in a secure manner and ballots are counted efficiently \u2013 much like how Florida runs elections.\n\nThis bill comes following a recent Supreme Court decision in Watson, and the Florida blueprint is what every state should replicate.\n\nSenator Moody has always been committed to combating fraud and protecting taxpayer dollars. Recently, Senator Moody:\n\no Introduced the Stop Child Care Scams Act to fight fraud in federal child care programs;\n\no Introduced the STOP Scams Against Seniors Act to protect seniors from scams and financial fraud;\n\no Introduced the No Aid for Ghost Students Act to stop fraudsters, often called \u201cghost students,\u201d from using stolen or fake identities to submit FAFSA applications and take federal student aid money.\n\no Joined the Senate Anti-Fraud Task Force, an oversight effort focused on identifying fraud against the federal government, exposing systemic vulnerabilities, recovering taxpayer dollars, and advancing reforms that strengthen accountability;\n\no Introduced STOP Fraud in Medicaid Act to give state Medicaid Fraud Control Units new authority to investigate and prosecute those fraudulently bilking the system to obtain funds through benefitting claims in addition to fraudulent providers;\n\no Introduced the Punishing Health Care Fraudsters Act, which increases financial and criminal penalties for health care fraud across the board; and\n\no Cosponsored the SCAM Act, which would increase safety and protect the integrity of American citizenship by ensuring individuals who join terrorist organizations or are naturalized through fraud or deception can have their citizenship revoked.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/7/sen-rick-scott-discusses-election-fraud-with-james-o-keefe-at-hsgac-hearing", "Sen. Rick Scott Discusses Election Fraud with James O\u2019Keefe at HSGAC Hearing", "2026-07-15", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, at a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) hearing on fraud across the country, U.S. Senator Rick Scott asked journalist James O\u2019Keefe about his recent reports about election fraud in California.\n\nThis follows shocking reports of election fraud that occurred in the Los Angeles Mayoral and gubernatorial primary elections in California on June 2, 2026. Aside from HSGAC Ranking Member Senator Gary Peters, all Democrat committee members refused to attend the hearing.\n\nSenator Rick Scott asked, \u201cMr. O'Keefe, your team returned to Skid Row after the DOJ indicted somebody for election fraud and found the same operation running openly: cash for signatures, fake voter data, and coaching on forgery. So, walk us through what you documented and what it tells you about whether the indictment deterred anybody. How widespread is the model beyond Skid Row in Los Angeles? Based on your investigation, do you think this model could easily be replicated in other states and cities around the country?\u201d\n\nWitness James O\u2019Keefe responded, \u201cYeah, within seconds of appearing on Skid Row, I personally, disguised as a homeless person, caught this behavior happening in broad daylight. So, it's happening thousands of times\u2026 These people are logging in to an online database called Sigvalid.com and pulling real names and voters. Those people's votes are disenfranchised. We went to their homes, and we knocked on their doors. One of them said, \u2018What if I wanted to vote in this election?\u2019 This is a completely nonpartisan, nonpolitical issue.\u201d\n\nClick HERE to watch Senator Rick Scott\u2019s full line of questioning to witness James O\u2019Keefe.\n\nCitizen journalist Nick Shirley, who exposed massive fraud in Minnesota and California, was also a witness before the committee.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nOn June 12, 2026, Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche and Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon urging the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate reports of voters being paid to register, voters registered to incorrect addresses, and irregularities in the recent mayoral primary in Los Angeles.\n\nSenator Rick Scott has been one of the loudest voices on passing the SAVE America Act. Earlier this week, he penned an op-ed in Fox News urging the Senate to deliver on key promises made to the American people, including election security, before leaving Washington, D.C. for a 5-week August recess.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-16T07:21:44Z", "2026-07-16T07:23:13Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-local-florida-schools-major-trade-organizations-endorse-senator-moodys-efforts-toincrease-funding-for-vocational-training-by-targeting-multibillion-dollar-elite-university-endowments/", "VIDEO: Local Florida Schools, Major Trade Organizations Endorse Senator Moody\u2019s Efforts to Increase Funding for Vocational Training By Targeting Multibillion-Dollar Elite University Endowments", "2026-07-14", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "The Bill has been endorsed by Hillsborough County Public Schools, The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, The Associated Equipment Distributors, The Automotive Service Association, The Associate General Contractors of America, and The Associated Industries of Florida.\n\nTAMPA, Fla.\u2014 Senator Ashley Moody is targeting the multibillion-dollar endowments that fund the nation\u2019s top universities\u2014like Harvard and Yale\u2014to help ensure more educational opportunities for technical and trade students. Senator Moody\u2019s Technical Reinvestment and Apprenticeship Development Through Endowment Sharing (TRADES) Act will increase what elite universities pay on their endowment income and redirect that money to career and technical education across the United States, making that tax burden closer to what Floridians pay on investment income.\n\n\u201cThe TRADES Act will fund technical schools that prepare Floridians to enter professions in fields like construction, electrical repair, automotive maintenance, logistics, and welding: jobs that keep Florida growing and running. Once revered American universities have now become the Left\u2019s go-to indoctrination centers, becoming immensely rich in the process and saddling students with crushing debt. Harvard has close to $57 billion in its endowment, Yale has $44 billion in its endowment, and Stanford has $40 billion in its endowment. The top schools indoctrinating students contribute a much lower percentage on investment income on their multibillion-dollar endowments than does the average Floridian\u2014many of whom make their money building the infrastructure that keeps America moving. My bill supports Floridians who want to learn a trade or skill and send a message that our government is committed to meaningful opportunities for all Americans,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\n\u201cAs the seventh-largest school district in the nation, Hillsborough County Public Schools serves more than 220,000 students and offers extensive career and technical education (CTE) programs that prepare students for high-skill, high-demand careers. Perkins funding is essential to supporting these programs by expanding access to industry-recognized credentials, modern equipment, work-based learning opportunities, and workforce-aligned instruction. As Florida\u2019s demand for skilled workers continues to grow, additional Perkins funding would help districts strengthen career pathways and ensure more students graduate with the skills and credentials needed for postsecondary success and economic mobility.\n\n\u201cBy directing additional resources to career and technical education, S. 4907 would strengthen workforce development opportunities for students while benefiting employers, communities, and Florida\u2019s economy,\u201d said Hillsborough County Public Schools.\n\n\u201cAs a nation, we should encourage and invest in career paths that do not require a college education and its associated debt. This starts with supporting good, quality job training programs that result in guaranteed union job placement. Senator Moody\u2019s bill sends a strong message about putting our money where our priorities ought to be,\u201d said Sean M. O\u2019Brien, President, International Brotherhood of Teamsters.\n\n\u201cEquipment dealers across Florida and the nation commend Senator Moody for introducing the TRADES Act and her tremendous leadership in tackling the skills gap,\u201d said Daniel B. Fisher, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at Associated Equipment Distributors. \u201cThe greatest challenge facing equipment dealers remains the lack of service technicians and it is long overdue that investments in career and technical education match the extreme demand for skilled workers. The TRADES Act truly represents an investment in our future workforce, which is critical for businesses to grow, and America\u2019s continued prosperity and competitiveness.\u201d\n\n\u201cYears of underinvestment in the nation\u2019s career and technical education programs are one of the key reasons industries like construction face significant labor shortages that delay projects and increase the cost of construction. Directing new resources to the Perkins Career and Technical Education program will help expand training opportunities, strengthen the skilled trades pipeline, and better prepare the next generation of workers for high-paying careers in fields like construction. That is why the Associated General Contractors of America supports this measure, and we encourage Congress to rapidly enact it\u201d said Associated General Contractors of America.\n\nIn the near future, America will need hundreds of thousands of new skilled workers to keep up with demand, including electricians, plumbers, and commercial drivers. Now more than ever, we must invest in America\u2019s future.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nSenator Moody sits on the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.\n\nThis bill increases the tax on ultra-wealthy universities that have $2 million or more in endowment dollars per student to 15%, similar to that of a capital gains tax and more closely aligned with what Floridians must pay on investment income. This money would be disbursed through Perkins Career and Technical Education grants, which then would allow states to invest in the skills education of around 12 million students across the country.\n\nCurrently, Perkins Career and Technical Education grants are the federal government\u2019s primary way of funding career and technical education.\n\nSpecifically, the TRADES Act:\n\nPuts additional federal funding into the Perkins Career and Technical Education grant program by increasing an existing tax on America\u2019s wealthiest university endowments and redirecting that tax to the Perkins Career and Technical Education programs.\n\nEmpowers the Department of Education and states to provide more financial support to school districts and trade schools for career and technical education, including additional career and technical education curriculum, certification exams, equipment, teacher salaries and more.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/7/sen-rick-scott-introduces-safeguard-kids-act-to-protect-children-from-ai-risks-at-school", "Sen. Rick Scott Introduces Safeguard Kids Act to Protect Children from AI Risks at School", "2026-07-14", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C.- U.S. Senator Rick Scott today introduced the Safeguard Kids Act, a bill to educate American K-12 students on risks posed by artificial intelligence (AI) and allow Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) Federal Block Grants to fund AI literacy and specialized counseling programs.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cArtificial Intelligence has the potential to be the greatest information innovation since the printing press, but technology is only as good as our ability to use it well and for the right reasons. We cannot let AI be the wild west and hope our kids figure it out; that doesn\u2019t work. It\u2019s on us to guide them as they grow. We need to teach kids about the risks associated with AI, so they can be the kind of principled innovators, leaders, and job creators America\u2019s future economy needs.\u201d\n\nSCOOP: Townhall: EXCLUSIVE: Proposal Aims to Prevent Children From Using AI As a Therapist\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nAn October 2025 study identified 15 distinct ethical risks in AI chatbot behavior in mental health contexts \u2014 including false empathy, providing responses to reinforce users\u2019 negative beliefs about themselves and others, and lack of crisis management. Transparency about the non-human nature and limitations of AI systems protects consumers and supports responsible innovation.\n\nSince 2022, there have also been over 200 complaints lodged with the Federal Trade Commission against ChatGPT specifically, with many of those cases involving AI-induced psychosis, suicides, and at least one murder. In one notable case, a young woman asked ChatGPT to write her suicide note.\n\nThis legislation does not increase government spending or increase the federal deficit.\n\nRead the full bill HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-15T07:12:08Z", "2026-07-15T07:13:45Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-senator-moody-kicks-off-inaugural-fentanyl-free-america-summit-in-florida-with-dea-administrator-cole-and-acting-ag-blanche-attracting-thousands-from-across-the-nation/", "VIDEO: Senator Moody Kicks Off Inaugural Fentanyl Free America Summit in Florida with DEA Administrator Cole and Acting AG Blanche, Attracting Thousands from Across the Nation", "2026-07-13", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "ORLANDO, Fla.\u2014Senator Ashley Moody today helped the Drug Enforcement Administration kick off the first-ever DEA Fentanyl Free America Summit in Orlando. Senator Moody joined DEA Administrator Terrence Cole, Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche, Office of National Drug Control Policy Director Sara Carter, and Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma to launch the national event. The leaders in the fight to end the opioid crisis held an in-depth panel discussion to discuss local, state and federal strategies to combat the illicit drug trade and reduce fentanyl overdose deaths.\n\n\u201cAs Florida\u2019s Attorney General, I united local, state, and federal partners to confront the opioid crisis\u2014and we delivered results. Florida led the nation in fentanyl interdiction efforts, while our overdose death rate declined faster than the national average. Now, as Florida\u2019s newest United States Senator, I am working to bring that proven model to the country. Today\u2019s inaugural summit reflects our shared commitment to strengthening coordination, sharing critical knowledge and resources, ending the fentanyl crisis nationwide, and saving lives,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nMoody led efforts to stop the flow of illicit fentanyl into the state during her tenure as Attorney General and during that time, Florida led the nation in fentanyl seizures. By coordinating local, state, and federal partners, Florida reduced fentanyl-related deaths by 42% from the first half of 2024 to the first half of 2025\u2014greater than the estimated nationwide decrease of 22% from 2024 to 2025. Now in the U.S. Senate, Moody continues this fight through the Senate Judiciary Committee and legislation to expand Florida\u2019s successful model nationwide.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nTo view Senator Moody\u2019s remarks, click here.\n\nAs Florida\u2019s newest United States Senator, Senator Moody continues to combat the nation\u2019s fentanyl crisis by cosponsoring the HALT Fentanyl Act, Tyler\u2019s Law, and most recently the PRESS Act.\n\nHALT Fentanyl Act would permanently classify fentanyl-related substances under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act.\n\nTyler\u2019s Law would require HHS to issue guidance on whether hospital emergency departments should implement fentanyl testing as a routine procedure for patients experiencing an overdose.\n\nPRESS Act would criminalize the intentional importation of pill press machines and unlisted precursor chemicals with the intent to manufacture illicit drugs.\n\nAs Florida Attorney General, Senator Moody chaired the Statewide Task Force on Opioid Drug Abuse and secured a massive multibillion-dollar settlement from opioid manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies.\n\nWhile serving as Attorney General, Senator Moody also demanded Biden classify illicit fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction and declare Mexican drug cartels smuggling fentanyl into the country as terrorist organizations. President Trump declared drug cartels terrorist organizations on Day One.\n\nAs Attorney General, Senator Moody created Dose of Reality Florida and Fast Facts on Fentanyl to help Floridians learn about the dangers of illicit fentanyl and opioid use.\n\nThe Helping Heroes program was also created to provide free naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal-medication, to law enforcement and first responds across the state.\n\nUnder Senator Moody\u2019s leadership during her time as Attorney General, Florida\u2019s fentanyl deaths began decreasing in 2022 and have continued to decrease each year since. When nationwide fentanyl deaths dropped by 2% in 2023, Florida fentanyl deaths decreased by 11% during that same time period. And according to the newest data available from the FDLE Drugs Identified in Deceased Persons by Florida Medical Examiners report, Florida fentanyl deaths in the first six months of 2025 are down 42% compared to the first six months of 2024\u2014outpacing the 2025 nationwide decrease of 22%.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/7/in-case-you-missed-it-sen-rick-scott-reflects-on-sen-lindsey-graham-s-legacy-on-brian-kilmeade-show", "In Case You Missed It\u2026 Sen. Rick Scott Reflects on Sen. Lindsey Graham\u2019s Legacy on Brian Kilmeade Show", "2026-07-13", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, U.S. Senator Rick Scott joined \u201cthe Brian Kilmeade Show\u201d on Fox News Radio to remember Senator Lindsey Graham\u2019s life and work following his unexpected death.\n\nWatch the full interview HERE.\n\nON SENATOR LINDSEY GRAHAM\u2019S LEGACY:\n\n\u201cEverybody loved being around Lindsey. He was a patriot, he cared about this country, he cared about every American and our safety. He cared about our allies. He knew there was good in the world. He knew that Putin, Xi, the Ayatollah, and Kim Jong Un are evil and we\u2019re the good guys. He\u2019s a big loss and whoever takes his place, it\u2019s going to be really hard to fill his shoes.\n\n\u2026\n\n\u201cIn 2018, when I was not supposed to win my Senate race, he came down and campaigned for me. It was right after the Kavanaugh hearing. He was a superstar and everybody loved him\u2026 when I ran against [Mitch] McConnell to be the Leader in 2022, he stood with me and supported me\u2026 He was not part of the establishment crowd saying, \u2018Oh I\u2019m just going to do whatever leadership tells me to do.\u2019 He had his views and he was passionate about them.\u201d\n\nON THE SENATE COMING BACK TO WORK TO PASS SAVE AMERICA ACT:\n\n\u201cI hope as Republican and Democrat Senators come back from this two-week recess and they did what I did\u2014go around my state, heard from everybody saying, \u2018you\u2019ve got to secure our elections.\u2019\n\n\u2026\n\n\u201cYou have to pass the SAVE America Act\u2026 I know I\u2019m going to work on it. I know Mike Lee is going to work on it. Ron Johson\u2019s going to work on it. Whatever we have to do\u2014 if we have to do the talking filibuster for two-three months, whether we have to get rid of the filibuster, we\u2019ve got to secure the elections\u2026 It\u2019s the most important thing for our country, so let\u2019s take as many days as it takes.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/7/sen-rick-scott-in-fox-news-americans-work-five-days-a-week-why-can-t-the-senate", "Sen. Rick Scott in Fox News: \u2018Americans Work Five Days a Week, Why Can\u2019t the Senate?\u2019", "2026-07-13", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, U.S. Senator Rick Scott published an op-ed in Fox News urging his Senate colleagues to work and vote every day on codifying President Trump\u2019s agenda and delivering on the promises made to the American people.\n\nToday, the Senate returns from a two-week recess for a four-week work period in Washington, D.C. ahead of a scheduled five-week recess in August.\n\nSenator Rick Scott wrote, \u201cDid you know the U.S. Senate has only been in session 79 days (about 40% of the time) so far this year? And so far, we haven\u2019t passed anything to secure our elections, reduce inflation, cut spending or prevent another Democrat shutdown.\n\n\u2026\n\n\u201cRight now, we take fewer than 10 votes a week. We arrive late Monday to vote and leave as soon as possible on Thursday afternoon. The Senate is rarely in session on Fridays and almost never works over the weekend \u2014 even when pressing deadlines approach on issues critical to the safety, security and stability of the American people.\n\n\u2026\n\n\u201cTime is short. Getting all of this done before November would mean staying in Washington until we figure out how to deliver it. It would mean sitting down and working together to find solutions, instead of throwing up our hands and going home. We can\u2019t take \u2018no\u2019 for an answer, and we can\u2019t stop just because it\u2019s hard.\u201d\n\nRead the full op-ed HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/7/washington-needs-to-protect-florida-s-farmers-from-foreign-cheaters", "Washington Needs to Protect Florida\u2019s Farmers from Foreign Cheaters", "2026-07-13", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "Plant City Observer\n\nSen. Rick Scott\n\nJuly 13, 2026\n\nFlorida produces some of the best food in the world grown by the best farmers, growers, and ranchers in the world. We have a vibrant agricultural industry that forms the backbone of our state\u2019s economy and helps keep food on American tables. It also provides good jobs and a meaningful way of life to so many Floridians.\n\nAll that is under attack by foreign cheaters, and we need to dig in and fight back.\n\nLast week I called on the Department of Commerce to beef up its investigations into suspected illegal dumping of Mexican strawberries into U.S. markets during peak winter season. This is a blatant attempt by Mexico to rip off hardworking Florida farmers and cut their profits. Florida produces 15 percent of America\u2019s strawberries, and the industry has a $1.1 billion impact on Hillsborough County alone. Crop dumping distorts the market and pushes prices down, and it cheats American farmers and their families out of their livelihood.\n\nHere\u2019s what we know: On December 31, 2025, the Strawberry Growers for Fair Trade (SGFT), a coalition of domestic growers, filed a petition with the Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) alleging that fresh winter strawberries from Mexico are being sold in the United States at less than fair value. The investigation covered fresh and chilled strawberries from November 1 and March 31, the same window in which Florida growers harvest and sell their crops. Further demonstrating the obvious attempt by Mexico to undermine Florida farmers and destroy their way of life.\n\nMexico has used the same playbook against Florida\u2019s tomato, blueberry, bell pepper, and many other specialty crop growers for nearly 30 years. The damage this illegal practice causes is immense. I have sat down and met with Florida farmers, many from the Winter Strawberry Capitol of the World in Plant City, and have seen firsthand the damage that this illegal crop dumping brings.\n\nFarmers are the backbone of our state and country and that is why we need to stand up to any and all foreign countries trying to game the system.\n\nMany of the affected Florida farms are multigenerational operations, i.e., parents and grandparents who built their farms from a few acres and hope to pass them on to their children. After fighting through Hurricanes Helene and Milton and this most recent winter freeze, these families now face a flood of dumped Mexican strawberries that threatens to take everything they have rebuilt.\n\nIt isn\u2019t fair, and it isn\u2019t good for Florida. When a family farm in Plant City shuts down, it doesn\u2019t come back, and the jobs, the rural communities and the food security that depend on it can disappear with it.\n\nFood security is national security; a nation that cannot feed itself cannot defend itself. We cannot allow our nation\u2019s ability to feed itself to depend on the trade practices of a foreign government. It\u2019s time to put an end to this despicable practice and allow our Florida farmers to sell their crops at fair prices and continue to produce the best strawberries in the world.\n\nI will never stop fighting for Florida\u2019s farmers and will work hard to ensure they get the fair playing field they deserve.", 1, "2026-07-14T07:08:55Z", "2026-07-14T07:10:52Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/7/sen-rick-scott-mourns-passing-of-sen-lindsey-graham", "Sen. Rick Scott Mourns Passing of Sen. Lindsey Graham", "2026-07-12", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "NAPLES, Fla.- This morning, U.S. Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.) released the following statement after the sudden passing of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham:\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cAnne and I are shocked and heartbroken to learn of the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham. We ask that you join us in keeping his family, friends, and team in your prayers during this time.\n\n\u201cLindsey was a good friend and a dedicated public servant for the people of South Carolina and the United States. He knew what it was like to rise up from difficult circumstances and build a life of purpose.\n\n\u201cThrough his time in the Air Force and in Congress, Lindsey dedicated his career to America\u2019s national defense and freedom around the world. I was grateful to work with him. He will be greatly missed as a legislator and a friend.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-07-13T08:14:37Z", "2026-07-13T08:15:42Z"], ["https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases/video-senator-moody-celebrates-the-florida-heroes-who-stare-danger-in-the-eye-to-restore-power-after-major-hurricane-strikes/", "VIDEO: Senator Moody Celebrates the Florida Heroes Who Stare Danger in the Eye to Restore Power After Major Hurricane Strikes", "2026-07-10", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Ashley Moody", "M001244", "www.moody.senate.gov", "moody", "https://www.moody.senate.gov/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014 Today, on Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day, Senator Ashley Moody is honoring the brave workers who risk their lives to restore power to Florida communities devastated by hurricanes. Senator Moody cosponsored a resolution to show gratitude for the skilled men and women whose work keeps Florida and America connected.\n\n\u201cLineworkers\u2019 jobs are essential, and often dangerous. That became very apparent in Florida after Hurricanes Helene and Milton rocked our state. Crews from Florida and from across state lines left their own families and worked around the clock in hazardous conditions to restore power to Floridians. On Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day and every day, we say thank you to the linemen who rushed to our state to get power back up and running after major disasters,\u201d said Senator Ashley Moody.\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nSenator Moody cosponsored a resolution recognizing Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day. View the resolution here.\n\nLineworkers provide a vital service on a daily basis and often work in dangerous conditions.\n\nFollowing natural disasters and hurricane strikes, lineworkers work around the clock in hazardous conditions to get Florida communities connected again. After the back-to-back storms of Helene and Milton in 2024, more than 50,000 lineworkers from across the country came to the Sunshine State to help recovery efforts.\n\nAs of 2025, Florida has 6,420 lineworkers.\n\nExamples include:\n\nDuke Energy Florida reported restoration of 95% of the 1 million customers\u2019 power within 4 days following Hurricane Milton.\n\nPrior to 2024, following Hurricane Ian, 2 out of 3 million families and businesses had lights back on within 48 hours thanks to Florida linemen.\n\nFlorida Power & Light reported power had been essentially completely restored for 2 million customers in only 5 days following Hurricane Milton.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2026/7/sens-rick-scott-ashley-moody-lead-resolution-honoring-fifth-anniversary-of-cuba-s-patria-y-vida-freedom-movement", "Sens. Rick Scott, Ashley Moody Lead Resolution Honoring Fifth Anniversary of Cuba\u2019s \u2018Patria y Vida\u2019 Freedom Movement", "2026-07-10", "2026", "2026-07", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2013 Today, ahead of the fifth anniversary of the peaceful movement for \u2018Patria y Vida\u2019 in Cuba, Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody reintroduced a resolution honoring the brave people of Cuba in their fight for freedom and condemning the illegitimate Communist Cuban regime. On July 11, 2021, the Cuban people heroically took to the streets to decry the human rights abuses by the Castro/D\u00edaz-Canel regime\u2014including political imprisonment and brutal oppression\u2014and to demand a democratic future.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cNow more than ever, there is a renewed spirit of hope for a free Cuba. President Trump and Secretary Rubio have put Raul Castro on notice by indicting him for his crimes and showing the world the true nature of the regime\u2019s atrocities. This is what the brave Cuban people who took to the streets five years ago hoped for, and we will not forget the courage and sacrifice of those Cuban freedom fighters. I will never stop working for a free and democratic Cuba \u2013 or holding this criminal regime accountable. That\u2019s why I am proud to once again introduce this resolution with Senator Moody and stand with the Cuban people as they continue their fight for \u2018Patria y Vida.\u2019\u201d\n\nSenator Ashley Moody said, \u201cFive years ago, the Cuban people rose in a series of protests against the tyrannic communist party that has ruled Cuba for more than half a century. The men and women who stood bravely against their government, faced beatings and torture but yet, they stood strong demanding the basic rights that have been eroded by socialist policies. The courage of the people of Cuba reminds me of the courage of our founding fathers who fought for their rights 250 years ago. We introduce this resolution as a reminder, not only of the evils of the oppressive Cuban regime, but as a reminder of the power of the people who boldly stand up to communism. I continue to commend the strength of those who fight for freedom, fight for their rights, and fight for a free and democratic Cuba.\u201d Said Senator Ashley Moody\n\nTo read the full resolution, click HERE.\n\nSenator Scott has long been one of the Senate\u2019s strongest advocates for a free Cuba and the Cuban people, leading efforts to hold the illegitimate Communist regime accountable while standing with those courageously fighting for freedom. Since the historic July 11 protests, Senator Scott has consistently urged the United States to increase pressure on the dictatorship, defend the Cuban people\u2019s fundamental rights, and support the cause of a free, democratic, and prosperous Cuba.\n\nEfforts this year alone include:\n\nJanuary 5, 2026: Sen. Rick Scott Reintroduces No Relief for Allies of Dictators Act\n\nApril 10, 2026: Sen. Rick Scott Releases Statement Ahead of Meet the Press Interview with Cuban Dictator\n\nApril 15, 2026: Sen. Rick Scott Encourages Pres. Trump to Increase Pressure on Illegitimate Castro/D\u00edaz-Canel Regime\n\nApril 24, 2026: Sen. Rick Scott Featured in Diario Las Am\u00e9ricas on Letter to NBC Over D\u00edaz-Canel Softball Interview on Meet the Press\n\nMay 20, 2026: Sen. Rick Scott Celebrates Ra\u00fal Castro Indictment and Justice for the Cuban People\n\nJune 2, 2026: Sen. Rick Scott Discusses Next Steps for Venezuela, Cuba with Sec. Marco Rubio at Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearing\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-07-11T07:10:48Z", "2026-07-11T07:14:29Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 1074, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"chamber\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Senate", "p1": "FL"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=FL", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 1037, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=FL&party=Republican", "selected": false}, {"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 37, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=FL&party=Democrat", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=FL", "results": [{"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 1074, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=FL", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=FL", "results": [{"value": "FL", "label": "FL", "count": 1074, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=FL", "results": [{"value": "2025", "label": "2025", "count": 354, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=FL&year=2025", "selected": false}, {"value": "2020", "label": "2020", "count": 348, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=FL&year=2020", "selected": false}, {"value": "2026", "label": "2026", "count": 277, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=FL&year=2026", "selected": false}, {"value": "2024", "label": "2024", "count": 92, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=FL&year=2024", "selected": false}, {"value": "2021", "label": "2021", "count": 3, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=FL&year=2021", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2026-07-10,https~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Erickscott~2Esenate~2Egov~2F2026~2F7~2Fsens-rick-scott-ashley-moody-lead-resolution-honoring-fifth-anniversary-of-cuba-s-patria-y-vida-freedom-movement", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=FL&_next=2026-07-10%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fwww~2Erickscott~2Esenate~2Egov~2F2026~2F7~2Fsens-rick-scott-ashley-moody-lead-resolution-honoring-fifth-anniversary-of-cuba-s-patria-y-vida-freedom-movement&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 560.6223419308662, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}