{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"Senate\", state = \"FL\" and year = 2024 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/12/sen-rick-scott-and-sen-jacky-rosen-applaud-passage-of-bill-to-hold-corrupt-politicians-accountable-and-protect-taxpayer-dollars", "Sen. Rick Scott and Sen. Jacky Rosen Applaud Passage of Bill to Hold Corrupt Politicians Accountable and Protect Taxpayer Dollars", "2024-12-30", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Senators Rick Scott and Jacky Rosen applauded their No Congressionally Obligated Recurring Revenue Used As Pensions to Incarcerated Officials Now (No CORRUPTION) Act being signed into law. The law closes a loophole that has allowed former members of Congress to continue to receive a taxpayer-funded pension during their appeals process after being convicted of certain felonies related to their time in office.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cI am incredibly proud to see our No CORRUPTION Act become law. If you are a Member of Congress and convicted of a crime involving public corruption you should lose all pension benefits provided to you by taxpayers and hardworking families\u2014period. Making Washington work for American families requires real reforms that end the current dysfunction. We must never stop working to hold elected officials accountable and protect taxpayers\u2019 hard-earned money.\u201d\n\nSenator Jacky Rosen said, \u201cNevadans elected me to the Senate to stand up to corruption and protect their taxpayer dollars from abuse. That\u2019s why I worked across the aisle with Senator Scott to close the loophole allowing politicians convicted of corruption to continue collecting taxpayer-funded pensions. I\u2019m proud to see our bill become law, and I\u2019ll keep working across the aisle to clean up Washington.\u201d\n\nDemian Brady, Vice President of Research at the National Taxpayers Union Foundation said, \u201cThe reform in Senators Jacky Rosen\u2019s and Rick Scott\u2019s No CORRUPTION Act is a win for taxpayers. The commonsense bipartisan legislation closes a loophole in federal law that allows former members of Congress convicted of a crime to still collect a taxpayer-funded pension. We commend Senators Rosen and Scott for their leadership on this good government bill.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/12/senate-passes-sen-rick-scott-s-fishes-act-to-bolster-disaster-relief-for-fisheries", "Senate Passes Sen. Rick Scott\u2019s FISHES Act to Bolster Disaster Relief for Fisheries", "2024-12-21", "2024", "2024-12", "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, Senator Rick Scott announced the Senate passage of his Fishery Improvement to Streamline Untimely Regulatory Hurdles post Emergency Situation Act (FISHES Act), which he led with Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska). The FISHES Act will improve the federal regulatory process associated with the allocation of fishery disaster relief and expedite the distribution of federal relief following official fishery disaster declarations\u2014which the State of Florida has requested seven times since 2012. This legislation now heads to President Biden\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\n\nThe FISHES Act passed in the House of Representatives earlier this year where it was led by Congressman Byron Donalds (R-Fla.). Representative Mary Peltola (D-Alaska) co-led the bill in the House, which had bipartisan cosponsors, including Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.), Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.), Neal Dunn (R-Fla.), Troy Carter (D-La.), Troy Nehls (R-Texas), James Moylan (R-Guam), John Rutherford (R-Fla.), Daniel Webster (R-Fla.), Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.), Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (R-America Samoa), Clay Higgins (R-La.) and Brian Mast (R-Fla.).\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cFloridians know better than anyone that when disaster strikes, families and small businesses can\u2019t be left wondering whether the federal government is going to show up. I\u2019m proud that the FISHES Act has passed the Senate and finally heads to the president\u2019s desk so we can ensure our fishing industry in Florida and across the country has a reliable partner in Washington.\u201d\n\nCongressman Byron Donalds said, \u201cFor years, fishery disaster determinations across our nation have been left pending due to bureaucratic inaction. This includes the catastrophic devastation caused by Hurricane Ian in our Southwest Florida community. This is a national problem; this is wrong; this must change; and this is why I introduced \u2018The FISHES Act\u2019 alongside Senator Rick Scott to expedite fishery disaster relief to communities in need. Thank you to my colleagues in the United States Senate for advancing this critical legislation to the President\u2019s desk. Government must put the American people first and I am proud to stand-up for coastal communities across our nation.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, the FISHES Act:\n\nSeeks to improve the federal regulatory processes associated with fishery disaster relief funding within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB); and\n\nCuts red tape by enacting a 90-day decision requirement for NOAA, in coordination with OMB, to deny/approve the State\u2019s spending plan, which will ultimately expedite the federal fishery disaster relief funding process overall.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/12/el-senador-rick-scott-publica-una-actualizaci-n-semanal-sobre-los-aumentos-de-precios-de-biden-harris/12a92420-fd69-440e-926c-a1103b65e83f", "El Senador Rick Scott publica una actualizaci\u00f3n semanal sobre los aumentos de precios de Biden-Harris", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "Encabeza conferencia de prensa bicameral en apoyo del proceso de reconciliaci\u00f3n de dos pasos para avanzar en la agenda de Trump\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 El Senador Rick Scott public\u00f3 una actualizaci\u00f3n semanal sobre sus acciones para abordar la crisis de deuda de Estados Unidos y el aumento de la inflaci\u00f3n. Mientras los floridanos luchan por llegar a fin de mes, los informes de la Oficina de An\u00e1lisis Econ\u00f3mico mostraron que el indicador clave de inflaci\u00f3n del gobierno federal, el gasto de consumo personal, volvi\u00f3 a aumentar en noviembre, lo que ejerci\u00f3 presi\u00f3n sobre los presupuestos de las familias y las peque\u00f1as empresas estadounidenses.\n\nA principios de esta semana, el senador Scott encabez\u00f3 una conferencia de prensa con el congresista Andy Harris, presidente del Caucus de la Libertad de la C\u00e1mara de Representantes, y sus colegas republicanos del Senado y la C\u00e1mara de Representantes que apoyan una estrategia de reconciliaci\u00f3n de dos pasos en el 119\u00ba Congreso. Los miembros han sido claros en la necesidad de aprobar de inmediato un proyecto de ley de reconciliaci\u00f3n centrado en una legislaci\u00f3n transformadora de Estados Unidos Primero para asegurar la frontera, seguido de la aprobaci\u00f3n de un segundo proyecto de ley de reconciliaci\u00f3n para prevenir los aumentos de impuestos dem\u00f3cratas, extender los recortes de impuestos de Trump y recortar el gasto gubernamental derrochador a trav\u00e9s de reformas y recortes identificados por el nuevo Departamento de Eficiencia Gubernamental. Junto al senador Scott y el congresista Harris estuvieron los senadores Mike Lee, Ron Johnson y los representantes Andy Biggs, Ralph Norman, Clay Higgins y Scott Perry.\n\nM\u00c1S...\n\nEsta semana, el Senador Scott y el Congresista Harris encabezaron a 26 de sus colegas del Senado y la C\u00e1mara de Representantes en una carta dirigida al l\u00edder electo John Thune y al Presidente de la C\u00e1mara de Representantes, Mike Johnson, en apoyo total de una estrategia de reconciliaci\u00f3n de dos pasos en el 119\u00ba Congreso.\n\nJunto al Senador Scott y el Congresista Harris en la carta est\u00e1n los Senadores Ron Johnson, Mike Lee, Marsha Blackburn, Ted Budd, Roger Marshall, Lindsey Graham y el Congresista Chip Roy, la Congresista Lauren Boebert, el Congresista Josh Brecheen, el Congresista Eric Burlison, el Congresista Michael Cloud, el Congresista Andrew Clyde, el Congresista Byron Donalds, el Congresista Russ Fulcher, el Congresista Bob Good, el Congresista Andy Harris, M.D., el congresista Clay Higgins, la congresista Anna Paulina Luna, la congresista Mary Miller, el congresista Barry Moore, el congresista Ralph Norman, el congresista Andy Ogles, el congresista Scott Perry, el congresista Bill Posey, el congresista Tom Tiffany, la congresista Anna Paulina-Luna, el congresista Andy Biggs y el congresista Keith Self.\n\nLea la carta completa AQU\u00cd.\n\nDesde que fue elegido para el Senado de los Estados Unidos, el senador Scott ha instado repetidamente a tomar medidas para abordar la crisis de la deuda de los Estados Unidos y los efectos nocivos de la inflaci\u00f3n. Haga clic AQU\u00cd para obtener una lista completa de sus declaraciones y acciones sobre este tema urgente y AQU\u00cd para ver el Panorama Econ\u00f3mico Trimestral del Senador Scott.\n\nVea m\u00e1s de esta semana en X, anteriormente conocido como Twitter arriba.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/12/sen-rick-scott-named-member-of-u-s-senate-committee-on-foreign-relations-chairman-of-special-committee-on-aging", "Sen. Rick Scott Named Member of U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Chairman of Special Committee on Aging", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "Announces Additional 119th Congress Committee Assignments\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Senator Rick Scott announced that he has been named to the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and as Chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging. In addition to these committee assignments, Senator Scott will continue to serve on the U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and the Committee on the Budget.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cI\u2019m incredibly proud to continue serving the great state of Florida in the 119th Congress and be a member of key committees that will be essential to our fight to Make Washington Work for Florida families. As a new member of the Committee on Foreign Relations, Chairman of the Special Committee on Aging, and member of the Armed Services, Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, and Budget committees, I will have the opportunity to fight every day in Washington for the issues most important to Florida families. During my time as Governor of Florida and U.S. Senator, I\u2019ve made it a priority to put Florida families first and stand with our allies around the globe who believe in our way of life and freedoms. As a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, I will play a central role in continuing this work and fighting for America\u2019s interests abroad, especially standing up for Israel as it defends itself against terrorists; holding our adversaries, like Communist China, Russia and Iran fully accountable; and standing for freedom and democracy in Cuba, Venezuela and all of Latin America. This work will be incredibly important in rightfully positioning the United States as a beacon of freedom and hope around the globe.\n\n\u201cI\u2019d like to thank Leader-elect John Thune and Senator Mike Crapo for their work with myself and my colleagues on committee assignments, ensuring that the many talented members of the Senate Republican Conference are well positioned to advance President Trump\u2019s agenda. I will serve proudly and faithfully on these committees to protect the best interests of the United States and its allies domestically and abroad, fight for our military and service members, keep Americans healthy and bring fiscal sanity back to our nation.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/12/video-release-sen-rick-scott-issues-weekly-update-on-biden-harris-price-hikes", "Sen. Rick Scott Issues Weekly Update on Biden-Harris Price Hikes", "2024-12-20", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "Leads Bicameral Press Conference Supporting Two-Step Reconciliation Process to Advance Trump Agenda\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, Senator Rick Scott released a weekly update on his actions to address America\u2019s debt crisis and rising inflation. As Floridians are struggling to make ends meet, reports from the Bureau of Economic Analysis showed that the federal government\u2019s key inflation indicator, Personal Consumption Expenditure, rose again in November putting strain on the budgets of American families and small businesses.\n\nEarlier this week, Senator Scott led a press conference with Congressman Andy Harris, Chair of the House Freedom Caucus, and their Senate and House Republican colleagues supporting a two-step reconciliation strategy in the 119th Congress. The members have been clear on the need to immediately pass a reconciliation bill focused on transformational America First legislation to secure the border, followed by the passage of a second reconciliation bill to prevent Democrat tax hikes, extend the Trump Tax Cuts, and slash wasteful government spending through reforms and cuts identified by the new Department of Government Efficiency. Joining Senator Scott and Congressman Harris were Senators Mike Lee, Ron Johnson, and Representatives Andy Biggs, Ralph Norman, Clay Higgins and Scott Perry.\n\nMORE\u2026\n\nThis week, Senator Scott and Congressman Harris led 26 of their Senate and House colleagues in a letter to Leader-Elect John Thune and Speaker Mike Johnson fully supporting a two-step reconciliation strategy in the 119th Congress.\n\nJoining Senator Scott and Congressman Harris on the letter are Senators Ron Johnson, Mike Lee, Marsha Blackburn, Ted Budd, Roger Marshall, Lindsey Graham and Congressman Chip Roy, Congresswoman Lauren Boebert, Congressman Josh Brecheen, Congressman Eric Burlison, Congressman Michael Cloud, Congressman Andrew Clyde, Congressman Byron Donalds, Congressman Russ Fulcher, Congressman Bob Good, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D., Congressman Clay Higgins, Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna, Congresswoman Mary Miller, Congressman Barry Moore, Congressman Ralph Norman, Congressman Andy Ogles, Congressman Scott Perry, Congressman Bill Posey, Congressman Tom Tiffany, Congresswoman Anna Paulina-Luna, Congressman Andy Biggs, and Congressman Keith Self.\n\nRead the full letter HERE.\n\nSince being elected to the U.S. Senate, Senator Scott has repeatedly urged action to address America\u2019s debt crisis and the harmful effects of inflation. Click HERE for a comprehensive list of his statements and actions on this urgent issue and HERE for Senator Scott\u2019s Quarterly Economic Snapshot.\n\nSee more from this week on X, formerly known as Twitter:\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/12/senator-rick-scott-joins-senator-roger-marshall-to-announce-make-america-healthy-again-caucus", "Senator Rick Scott Joins Senator Roger Marshall to Announce Make America Healthy Again Caucus", "2024-12-19", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Senator Rick Scott joined Senator Roger Marshall to announce the creation of the Congressional Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Caucus. This new caucus will focus on nutrition, access to affordable, high-quality-nutrient-dense foods, improving primary care, and addressing the root causes of chronic diseases. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Trump\u2019s nominee for Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Secretary, has endorsed the creation of this new caucus that will work to build a stronger and healthier America. Earlier this week, Senator Scott met with RFK Jr. to discuss his nomination. See more HERE.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cAs the incoming Chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, I want to give my full endorsement of the official Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Caucus. From the day we are born, we start aging\u2014and my goal is that every American has the resources and information to live long, happy lives. If you have your health, you have everything and I am looking forward to working with my fellow MAHA members and RFK Jr. to Make America Healthy Again.\u201d\n\nSenator Roger Marshall said, \"The MAHA caucus is committed to improving health outcomes by prioritizing nutrition, providing access to affordable, nutrient-dense foods, and focusing on primary care availability to tackle the root causes of chronic diseases. With our 'Food is Medicine' approach, support from RFK Jr., and a shared goal to Make America Healthy Again, we aim to foster transparency, innovation, and a transformative agenda that builds a healthier, stronger nation.\"\n\nAdditional members of the MAHA Caucus include Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), and Ron Johnson (R-WI).\n\nSenator Tommy Tuberville said, \u201cEarlier this week, I met with RFK Jr., President Trump\u2019s nominee to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Like I told him, I\u2019ve heard from young people across the country who are inspired by his message to Make America Healthy Again. During our meeting, Bobby and I had a great discussion about ways to make our food and health care system better. As a founding member of the Senate Make America Healthy Again Caucus, I look forward to working with my friend Senator Roger Marshall and our colleagues to make sure our food is safe, bring transparency to vaccines and health care, and Make America Healthy Again.\u201d\n\nSenator Cynthia Lummis said, \u201cAmerica is sicker than ever, and President Trump has made it a priority to address America\u2019s chronic disease epidemic. I am partnering with Dr. Roger Marshall to make America healthy again and hold the federal agencies who have failed the American people accountable.\u201d\n\nSenator Ron Johnson said, \u201cMaking America Healthy Again is an effort that has broad support across the political spectrum. It is a completely nonpartisan issue. It should start by restoring integrity to scientific research and our federal agencies. I am happy to join the MAHA caucus and use our Senate platforms to inform the public and accomplish those goals.\u201d\n\nYou can read more about the MAHA Caucus HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/12/sen-rick-scott-national-defense-bill-includes-big-wins-for-florida-u-s-national-security", "Sen. Rick Scott: National Defense Bill Includes Big Wins for Florida, U.S. National Security", "2024-12-18", "2024", "2024-12", "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, Senator Rick Scott, member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and ranking member of the SASC Personnel Subcommittee, released the following statement after Congress voted to pass the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Importantly, the FY2025 NDAA includes a 14.5 percent pay raise for junior enlisted service members, a 4.5 percent raise for all other service members, and big wins for Florida\u2019s military and America\u2019s national security that Senator Scott fought to secure as a member of SASC this year.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cEach year, I have fought to include big wins for Florida and U.S. national security in the NDAA, and this year\u2019s bill is a massive accomplishment that reflects the priorities of Florida families. As ranking member of the Subcommittee for Personnel, I am proud of the bipartisan work we accomplished in SASC to ensure our men and women in uniform are taken care of, and our military remains the most lethal force in the world. Our service members deserve to make a wage that reflects the sacrifice they make\u2014and I am proud that we secured a much-needed 14.5 percent pay raise for junior enlisted service members and a 4.5 percent increase for other members in this year\u2019s NDAA. Additionally, we know how important it is to our military families with children to have access to quality childcare\u2014especially our dual-military families. Expanding childcare access for military families has been a priority for me in the NDAA for several years, and I am excited to share that this year\u2019s NDAA includes $4.1 million for the design of a Child Development Center at Naval Air Station Whiting Field and $6.9 million for the design of a Child Development Center Naval Air Station Jacksonville to increase access to childcare for military families throughout North Florida.\n\n\u201cAlong with these personnel wins, we secured big wins for national security. Florida is uniquely positioned 90 miles off the coast of Cuba, and with our adversaries, like Russia, China and Iran, threatening the waters of our coasts, I fought to ensure that Homestead Air Reserve Base near Miami will continue to be a critical military asset through at least 2028. This is a massive win for Florida and ensures that a key base continues to be our eyes and ears into Latin America. I am also proud to have personally fought for and secured big wins to cut U.S. dependence on Communist China. Drones made in Communist China pose a significant threat to our freedoms and security and cannot be allowed to continue operating in our airspace for the sake of public safety and national security. Companies based in Communist China are at the will of Xi\u2019s evil regime, meaning one of the United States\u2019 greatest adversaries has total access to every bit of data collected by devices. It should terrify every single American that the Chinese Communist Party, known for spying, stealing and espionage, could have access to our intelligence and then use it against us. A negotiated version of my bill, the Countering CCP Drones Act, was included in this defense package and is a step in the right direction. Additionally, this year\u2019s NDAA contains key provisions I fought for including a ban on the purchase of manned and unmanned Chinese-made LiDAR systems and the elimination of disgusting Chinese Sewage Garlic in our on-base commissaries.\n\n\u201cThe United States is at a critical moment where military strength is essential to preserving our national security and fending off the threats of tyranny and terrorism that are rising around the globe. This NDAA reflects what must be done to combat the threats posed by our enemies in Communist China, Iran and Russia, protect our allies and partners in Israel, the Philippines and across Europe, and protect and grow our military strength in Florida where we have massive defense assets that are critical to our national security. I would like to thank Chairman Reed, Ranking Member Wicker, and all of my colleagues on the Armed Services Committee for their leadership on these important issues. I am proud of the work we have done and look forward to seeing this good bill signed into law.\u201d\n\nAdditionally, Senator Scott fought for and secured several measures, including:\n\nAuthorization for funding to support a 14.5 percent pay raise for junior enlisted service members (E1-E4) and a 4.5 percent pay raise for all other military members.\n\nBanning the sale of garlic grown in Communist China in Defense Commissary stores to ensure U.S. service members and families aren\u2019t subject to unnecessary risks. Chinese-grown garlic is widely reported to be grown in human sewage, then bleached and harvested in abhorrent conditions, often with slave labor.\n\nPreventing the DoD from procuring LiDAR technology for manned or unmanned systems from companies based in Communist China, a known U.S. adversary, unless granted explicit Congressional approval. It also supports research and development efforts to enhance the United States\u2019 commercial space-based LiDAR capabilities.\n\nA report on the operational value of the Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar given the concerning relationship the Government of Qatar has with Hamas and other terrorist organizations, as well as its continuing hostility to the State of Israel and other U.S. interests.\n\nAuthorizes $47.5 million for continued U.S.-Israel collaborative research on emerging technologies and adds $30 million for U.S.-Israel anti-tunneling program.\n\n$4.1 million for the design of a Child Development Center at Naval Air Station Whiting Field and $6.9 million for the design of a Child Development Center at Naval Air Station Jacksonville to increase access to childcare for military families.\n\nExtending the joint use prohibition at Homestead Air Reserve Base to 2028 to protect the military mission as threats to U.S. national security rise in Latin America.\n\nRequiring a briefing to the Armed Services Committee on the readiness of Hurricane Hunter aircraft prior to the start of hurricane season to avoid issues like what occurred prior to Hurricane Idalia when the planes were grounded.\n\nRequires DOD to develop a plan to secure their pharmaceutical supply chain by promoting domestically sourced drugs and not use Chinese ingredients or key starting materials.\n\nEnds China\u2019s monopoly over the drone market by changing U.S. standards and initiating an off-ramp to eliminate America\u2019s reliance on CCP drones.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/12/sen-rick-scott-releases-statement-on-social-security-fairness-act", "Sen. Rick Scott Releases Statement on Social Security Fairness Act", "2024-12-18", "2024", "2024-12", "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, Senator Rick Scott released the following statement on his vote to advance the Social Security Fairness Act.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cI cosponsored and voted today to advance the Social Security Fairness Act because hardworking folks like police, firefighters and teachers who pay into Social Security ought to receive full Social Security benefits in retirement. It is shameful that public sector employees, like first responders, have been punished for their service for decades and denied the full benefits they deserve. While I\u2019m glad to see this bill move forward today, the Social Security Trust Fund faces major issues and looming insolvency that must also be addressed. I look forward to working with President Trump to protect and preserve Social Security, and working with Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy at the Department of Government Efficiency to identify $200 billion in government waste to pay for and responsibly implement this policy. Deficit spending is killing our country, fueling inflation and hurting hardworking families. We must end it while working to pass responsible policy like my Protect Our Seniors Act that protects and preserves critical programs like Social Security.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/12/sen-rick-scott-rep-andy-harris-lead-letter-urging-two-step-reconciliation-process-to-advance-trump-agenda", "Sen. Rick Scott & Rep. Andy Harris Lead Letter Urging Two-Step Reconciliation Process to Advance Trump Agenda", "2024-12-18", "2024", "2024-12", "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, Senator Rick Scott and Congressman Andy Harris, Chair of the House Freedom Caucus, led 26 of their Senate and House colleagues in a letter to Leader-Elect John Thune and Speaker Mike Johnson fully supporting a two-step reconciliation strategy in the 119th Congress. In their letter, the members emphasize the need to immediately pass a reconciliation bill focused on transformational America First legislation to secure the border, followed by the passage of a second reconciliation bill to prevent Democrat tax hikes, extend the Trump Tax Cuts, and slash wasteful government spending through reforms and cuts identified by the new Department of Government Efficiency.\n\nJoining Senator Scott and Congressman Harris on the letter are Senators Ron Johnson, Mike Lee, Marsha Blackburn, Ted Budd, Roger Marshall, Lindsey Graham and Congressman Chip Roy, Congresswoman Lauren Boebert, Congressman Josh Brecheen, Congressman Eric Burlison, Congressman Michael Cloud, Congressman Andrew Clyde, Congressman Byron Donalds, Congressman Russ Fulcher, Congressman Bob Good, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D., Congressman Clay Higgins, Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna, Congresswoman Mary Miller, Congressman Barry Moore, Congressman Ralph Norman, Congressman Andy Ogles, Congressman Scott Perry, Congressman Bill Posey, Congressman Tom Tiffany, Congresswoman Anna Paulina-Luna, Congressman Andy Biggs, and Congressman Keith Self.\n\nRead the full letter HERE or below.\n\nLeader-Elect Thune and Speaker Johnson,\n\nFollowing President Trump\u2019s decisive victory, House and Senate Republicans now have a responsibility to do everything we can to help the President fulfill the promises he made to the American people. One of those promises was to secure our borders and restore the integrity of our nation\u2019s immigration system after four years of President Biden\u2019s open border policies. That is why we believe it is critical that we prioritize the prompt passage of a border security focused reconciliation bill. Mindful that our slim majority in the House and the filibuster in the Senate means that success is far from guaranteed, we believe that a two-step reconciliation process gives us the best chance of securing passage of this transformational border security legislation. With this goal in mind, we believe that the first reconciliation bill introduced in the 119th session should:\n\nProvide four years of funding to:\n\nComplete and strengthen the border wall started during President Trump\u2019s first term as President.\n\nHire thousands of additional Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers and agents and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in order to effectively secure the border and apprehend and remove migrants who have entered the U.S. illegally.\n\nEnsure a substantial increase in the number of ICE and CBP detention and short-term holding facilities.\n\nEncourage self-deportation by imposing significant financial penalties on aliens illegally in the United States.\n\nLimit, and in most instances eliminate, a non-citizen\u2019s ability to apply for and receive taxpayer-funded welfare benefits.\n\nNot only be fully offset with real mandatory spending cuts \u2013 not relying on spending reductions that President Trump will make through executive action \u2013 but also achieve deficit reduction with additional spending cuts at a level the conferences require and are realistic for passage.\n\nThe second budget reconciliation should primarily be focused on preventing the massive tax increase that automatically takes effect on January 1, 2026. Allowing that scenario to occur would undo the major economic benefits the country has enjoyed as a result of the landmark Trump Tax Cuts. To ensure passage, after factoring in the dynamic score of extending the Trump Tax Cuts, that reconciliation bill should reduce the deficit by including necessary spending reforms and cuts. This includes, but is not limited to, repealing the green tax credits in Democrats\u2019 so-called \u201cInflation Reduction Act\u201d and the estimated $2.5 trillion worth of cuts that the Department of Government Efficiency will identify as necessary to restore the fiscal health of the nation.\n\nThere are obviously many details to be worked out, but we are committed to helping both of you gain the support and passage of these budget reconciliation packages in the House and Senate.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/12/video-release-sen-rick-scott-leads-bicameral-press-conference-supporting-two-step-reconciliation-process-to-advance-trump-agenda", "Sen. Rick Scott Leads Bicameral Press Conference Supporting Two-Step Reconciliation Process to Advance Trump Agenda", "2024-12-18", "2024", "2024-12", "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, Senator Rick Scott led a press conference with Congressman Andy Harris, Chair of the House Freedom Caucus, and their Senate and House Republican colleagues supporting a two-step reconciliation strategy in the 119th Congress. The members have been clear on the need to immediately pass a reconciliation bill focused on transformational America First legislation to secure the border, followed by the passage of a second reconciliation bill to prevent Democrat tax hikes, extend the Trump Tax Cuts, and slash wasteful government spending through reforms and cuts identified by the new Department of Government Efficiency. Joining Senator Scott and Congressman Harris were Senators Mike Lee, Ron Johnson, and Representatives Andy Biggs, Ralph Norman, Clay Higgins and Scott Perry.\n\nMORE\u2026\n\nEarlier today, Senator Scott and Congressman Harris led 26 of their Senate and House colleagues in a letter to Leader-Elect John Thune and Speaker Mike Johnson fully supporting a two-step reconciliation strategy in the 119th Congress.\n\nJoining Senator Scott and Congressman Harris on the letter are Senators Ron Johnson, Mike Lee, Marsha Blackburn, Ted Budd, Roger Marshall, Lindsey Graham and Congressman Chip Roy, Congresswoman Lauren Boebert, Congressman Josh Brecheen, Congressman Eric Burlison, Congressman Michael Cloud, Congressman Andrew Clyde, Congressman Byron Donalds, Congressman Russ Fulcher, Congressman Bob Good, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D., Congressman Clay Higgins, Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna, Congresswoman Mary Miller, Congressman Barry Moore, Congressman Ralph Norman, Congressman Andy Ogles, Congressman Scott Perry, Congressman Bill Posey, Congressman Tom Tiffany, Congresswoman Anna Paulina-Luna, Congressman Andy Biggs, and Congressman Keith Self.\n\nRead the full letter HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/12/sen-rick-scott-joins-sen-john-hoeven-to-introduce-cra-resolution-to-block-natural-gas-tax-reduce-energy-costs-boost-u-s-energy-production", "Sen. Rick Scott Joins Sen. John Hoeven to Introduce CRA Resolution to Block Natural Gas Tax, Reduce Energy Costs & Boost U.S. Energy Production", "2024-12-17", "2024", "2024-12", "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, Senator Rick Scott joined Senator John Hoeven and Congressman August Pfluger to introduce a bicameral Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution of disapproval to block implementation of the Biden administration\u2019s Natural Gas Tax, which was passed as part of the Inflation Reduction Act\u2014Democrats\u2019 reckless tax-and-spend legislation in 2022. This bill is also cosponsored by Senators Shelley Moore Capito, Mike Lee, James Lankford, Katie Britt, Steve Daines, Roger Marshall, Kevin Cramer, Cynthia Lummis and James Risch in the U.S. Senate and Congressman Jodey Arrington in the House of Representatives. The full text of the legislation can be found here.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cIt\u2019s time Washington focused on what the American people want: unleashing American energy, growing our economy and ending the woke agenda. As President Trump prepares to take office, we must do everything possible to undo Biden\u2019s disastrous policies that have hurt American businesses and families. I\u2019m proud to join my colleagues in leading this commonsense CRA to block the natural gas tax.\u201d\n\nSenator John Hoeven said, \u201cAmerican households and businesses depend every day on access to affordable and reliable energy. The best way to bring down prices for U.S. consumers is to increase supply. That\u2019s why we\u2019re working to rescind policies like the Natural Gas Tax, among the many other costly and burdensome taxes and regulations imposed under the Biden administration. Doing so will help unleash our domestic energy production and make our nation energy dominant once again.\u201d\n\nCongressman August Pfluger said, \u201cPresident Biden\u2019s promise to end fossil fuels hurt the hardworking energy producers of my district who have worked diligently to increase production while fueling our allies abroad. If implemented, the ill-conceived natural gas tax will handicap technological innovation, reduce supplies of affordable energy, and increase both costs and emissions. I am proud to lead this CRA to rescind implementation of the natural gas tax.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/12/in-case-you-missed-it-sen-rick-scott-in-the-washington-examiner-republicans-should-take-this-first-step-to-turn-america-s-economy-around", "IN CASE YOU MISSED IT\u2026 Sen. Rick Scott in The Washington Examiner: Republicans should take this first step to turn America\u2019s economy around", "2024-12-16", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 In case you missed it, Senator Rick Scott wrote an op-ed for the Washington Examiner highlighting the importance of rebuilding America\u2019s labor force and reestablishing work requirements for federal welfare.\n\nIn the op-ed, Senator Rick Scott wrote, \u201cLast month, voters delivered a resounding endorsement of the American dream \u2014 the idea that you can become anything you want as long as you are willing to work for it. By electing Donald Trump and Republican majorities in both chambers of Congress, our voters rejected four years of failed policies that destroyed full-time jobs, optimism, and opportunity from coast to coast. The country wants the return of more good-paying jobs, and Republicans must reduce the size of government, cut taxes, eliminate burdensome regulations, and reduce permitting times to fuel private-sector job growth and get more people back in the workforce.\n\n...\n\n\u201cUnfortunately, instead of focusing on private-sector job creation, President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and the Democrats in Congress have leaned too heavily on our country\u2019s welfare system, breaking it beyond recognition.\n\n...\n\n\u201cUnder the cover of the pandemic, the Biden-Harris administration massively ramped up federal welfare payments to the point that people can make more from government checks than a company paycheck.\n\n...\n\n\u201cThe most recent data show that nearly 25 million able-bodied adults receive taxpayer health benefits without working, and more than 50 million people between the ages of 16 and 64 are not in the workforce. Meanwhile, America\u2019s employers report having more than 7 million open jobs, many of which could be easily filled by able-bodied adults who are on welfare.\n\n...\n\n\u201cReal and lasting reform that benefits America and gets our nation back to work will only come from Congress working hand-in-glove with Trump on these issues. That\u2019s why I authored the Let\u2019s Get to Work Act, which would permanently end the work exemptions that states have abused.\n\n...\n\n\u201cIn 2016, when Florida instituted this policy for food stamps, the number of able-bodied adults without dependents on the program dropped by 94% in three years. They went back to work in more than 1,000 different industries, touching every corner of the economy.\n\n...\n\n\u201cIn fact, universal work requirements and cracking down on welfare fraud could save taxpayers up to $1.5 trillion over the next decade. That\u2019s desperately needed at a time when Washington, D.C., is adding nearly $2 trillion to the national debt every year\u2026\u201d\n\nRead the full op-ed in the Washington Examiner HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/12/sen-rick-scott-and-sen-jacky-rosen-bipartisan-bill-to-punish-corrupt-politicians-and-protect-taxpayer-dollars-passes-house-heads-to-president-s-desk", "Sen. Rick Scott and Sen. Jacky Rosen Bipartisan Bill to Punish Corrupt Politicians and Protect Taxpayer Dollars Passes House, Heads to President\u2019s Desk", "2024-12-16", "2024", "2024-12", "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, Senators Rick Scott and Jacky Rosen announced that their bipartisan bill to punish corrupt politicians and protect taxpayer dollars has passed the House of Representatives and now heads to the president to be signed into law. The No Congressionally Obligated Recurring Revenue Used As Pensions to Incarcerated Officials Now (No CORRUPTION) Act, which Senators Scott and Rosen introduced, and the Senate passed last year, will prevent Members of Congress from collecting taxpayer-funded pensions if they are convicted of a felony related to public corruption, even if they continue to drag out the appeals process.\n\nCurrent law requires former members of Congress convicted of a felony to forfeit their pensions only after exhausting their appeals, which allows convicted former members to drag the appeals process on for years while continuing to collect their taxpayer-funded pensions. The No CORRUPTION Act amends the law to close that loophole so former members of Congress lose their pensions immediately following a conviction of certain felonies related to their official duties.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cIf you are a Member of Congress and convicted of a crime involving public corruption you should lose all pension benefits provided to you by taxpayers and hardworking families\u2014period. Making Washington work for American families requires real reforms that end the current dysfunction. I\u2019m proud to see our bipartisan, commonsense legislation pass the Senate and the House and head to the president\u2019s desk to become law. We must never stop working to hold elected officials accountable and protect taxpayers\u2019 hard-earned money.\u201d\n\nSenator Jacky Rosen said, \u201cFor too long, corrupt Washington politicians have been exploiting a loophole in the system to continue to collect taxpayer-funded pensions even after they have been convicted of felonies. I\u2019m proud to see that my bipartisan legislation with Senator Scott to protect taxpayers\u2019 money by closing this loophole has passed the House of Representatives, and it\u2019s on its way to be signed into law. I\u2019ll keep working across party lines to find commonsense solutions to protect Nevadans\u2019 hard-earned dollars.\u201d\n\nMORE\u2026\n\nDecember 7, 2023: Sen. Rick Scott & National Taxpayers Union in the Sun Sentinel: Closing a Corruption Loophole\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/12/el-senador-rick-scott-publica-una-actualizaci-n-semanal-sobre-los-aumentos-de-precios-de-biden-harris", "El Senador Rick Scott publica una actualizaci\u00f3n semanal sobre los aumentos de precios de Biden-Harris", "2024-12-13", "2024", "2024-12", "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 public\u00f3 una actualizaci\u00f3n semanal sobre sus acciones para abordar la crisis de deuda de Estados Unidos y el aumento de la inflaci\u00f3n. Mientras los floridanos luchan por llegar a fin de mes, los informes de la Oficina de Estad\u00edsticas Laborales mostraron que los indicadores clave de inflaci\u00f3n del gobierno federal, el \u00cdndice de Precios al Consumidor (IPC) y el \u00cdndice de Precios al Productor (PPI), aumentaron a\u00fan m\u00e1s en noviembre, lo que ejerci\u00f3 presi\u00f3n sobre los presupuestos de las familias y las peque\u00f1as empresas estadounidenses. Desde que el Presidente Joe Biden y la Vicepresidenta Kamala Harris asumieron el cargo, la inflaci\u00f3n del CPI ha subido 20,6%, mientras que la inflaci\u00f3n del PPI ha aumentado un 20,8%. A principios de esta semana, tras la publicaci\u00f3n del informe del PPI, el Senador Scott emiti\u00f3 la siguiente declaraci\u00f3n.\n\nEl Senador Rick Scott dijo: \"Bidenomics ha sido un completo fracaso para el pueblo estadounidense en los \u00faltimos cuatro a\u00f1os. La inflaci\u00f3n r\u00e9cord ha obligado a las familias a recortar gastos, a las personas mayores a salir de la jubilaci\u00f3n y a las peque\u00f1as empresas a cerrar. Los aumentos de precios de Biden-Harris han plagado las billeteras y las cuentas de ahorro de los estadounidenses, y todo eso ha influido en la borraci\u00f3n del sue\u00f1o americano durante la fallida administraci\u00f3n de Biden. Bajo Biden, las esperanzas de un futuro mejor disminuyeron, pero con el Presidente Trump de vuelta en el cargo, y Elon Musk y Vivek Ramaswamy al frente del Departamento de Eficiencia Gubernamental (DOGE), hay renovadas esperanzas de un gobierno que trabaje para el pueblo estadounidense en lugar de cargarlo con el costo de un gasto imprudente y una burocracia masiva. Es por eso que soy miembro fundador del Caucus DOGE del Senado y contin\u00fao luchando como el infierno todos los d\u00edas para reducir los precios y poner fin a todos los gastos imprudentes que salen de Washington. El pueblo estadounidense est\u00e1 m\u00e1s preparado que nunca para que el presidente Trump se ponga a trabajar, baje los precios y ponga fin a la pesadilla inflacionaria que ha causado la administraci\u00f3n Biden-Harris\".\n\nDesde que fue elegido para el Senado de los Estados Unidos, el Senador Scott ha instado repetidamente a tomar medidas para abordar la crisis de la deuda de los Estados Unidos y los efectos nocivos de la inflaci\u00f3n. Haga clic AQU\u00cd para obtener una lista completa de sus declaraciones y acciones sobre este tema urgente y AQU\u00cd para ver el Panorama Econ\u00f3mico Trimestral del Senador Scott.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/12/in-case-you-missed-it-sen-rick-scott-s-disaster-tax-relief-bill-signed-into-law", "IN CASE YOU MISSED IT\u2026 Sen. Rick Scott\u2019s Disaster Tax Relief Bill Signed into Law", "2024-12-13", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Senator Rick Scott\u2019s Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act was signed into law on December 12, 2024. This legislation will provide disaster-loss tax relief for communities in Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, Puerto Rico and more across the nation that have been affected by disasters, including Hurricanes Helene, Debby, and Milton this year, and Hurricanes Ian, Nicole, Fiona and Idalia in recent years that are still waiting for much-needed relief from the federal government.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cAfter years of fighting, I am incredibly proud to see the passage of meaningful tax relief for families who faced devastation and loss from Hurricanes Ian, Idalia, Helene, Milton and other disasters in recent years. For too long, families have been left waiting. My Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act becoming law will finally start getting families in Florida, Puerto Rico and folks across the nation, the tax relief they need and deserve after suffering losses from these devastating storms. I want to thank everyone who supported the legislation and the president for quickly signing it into law to bring relief as soon as possible.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/12/sen-rick-scott-issues-weekly-update-on-biden-harris-price-hikes", "Sen. Rick Scott Issues Weekly Update on Biden-Harris Price Hikes", "2024-12-13", "2024", "2024-12", "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, Senator Rick Scott released a weekly update on his actions to address America\u2019s debt crisis and rising inflation. As Floridians are struggling to make ends meet, reports from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that the federal government\u2019s key inflation indicators, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI), rose even more in November putting strain on the budgets of American families and small businesses. Since President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris took office, CPI inflation is up 20.6%, while PPI inflation has risen 20.8%. Earlier this week, following the PPI report being released, Senator Scott released the following statement.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cBidenomics has been a complete failure for the American people these past four years. Record inflation has forced families to cut back spending, seniors to come out of retirement and small businesses to shut down. Biden-Harris price hikes have plagued Americans' wallets and savings accounts, and that has all played a role in The American Dream being erased during the failed Biden administration. Under Biden, the hopes for a brighter future dwindled, but with President Trump back in office, and Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy heading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), there is renewed hope for a government that works for the American people instead of sticking them with the cost of reckless spending and massive bureaucracy. That\u2019s why I am a founding member of the Senate DOGE Caucus and continue to fight like hell every day to bring down prices and end all the reckless spending coming out of Washington. The American people are more ready than ever for President Trump to get to work, bring prices down and end the inflation nightmare the Biden-Harris administration has caused.\u201d\n\nSince being elected to the U.S. Senate, Senator Scott has repeatedly urged action to address America\u2019s debt crisis and the harmful effects of inflation. Click HERE for a comprehensive list of his statements and actions on this urgent issue and HERE for Senator Scott\u2019s Quarterly Economic Snapshot.\n\nSee more from this week on X, formerly known as Twitter:\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/12/sen-rick-scott-and-sen-gary-peters-bipartisan-bill-to-strengthen-federal-building-security-heads-to-president-s-desk-to-be-signed-into-law", "Sen. Rick Scott and Sen. Gary Peters Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Federal Building Security Heads to President\u2019s Desk to be Signed into Law", "2024-12-12", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Bipartisan legislation authored by Senators Rick Scott and Gary Peters to improve security for federal employees and members of the public who use federal buildings passed the U.S. House of Representatives and now heads to the president\u2019s desk to be signed into law. Every day, federal facilities face a wide range of threats, including active shooters, cyber-attacks, hostile surveillance, improvised explosive devices, and more. The bipartisan Improving Federal Building Security Act will require federal agencies to adequately respond to security recommendations issued by the Federal Protective Service (FPS) within 90 days.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cThis good legislation will make sure that when the Federal Protective Service makes safety recommendations for federal offices and buildings, they are quickly reviewed and taken into consideration. Federal agencies must do everything necessary to serve the American people while keeping public servants safe. I applaud our colleagues in the House for passing this commonsense legislation after it passed in the Senate and look forward to President Biden signing it into law.\u201d\n\nSenator Gary Peters said, \u201cMillions of dedicated federal employees and the Americans who are accessing critical government services visit federal buildings across the nation every day \u2013 and they deserve to feel safe and secure in those spaces. Once signed into law, this bill will help ensure federal agencies are following the most up-to-date security recommendations to protect both these facilities and the people in them.\u201d\n\nMORE\u2026\n\nMore than 9,000 federal facilities hosting 1.4 million employees and countless visitors are protected by the FPS within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). While FPS plays a key role in keeping federal facilities safe, agencies can be vulnerable to security threats when they do not adopt FPS\u2019 facility security recommendations. In fiscal years 2017 through 2021, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that FPS submitted over 25,000 facility security recommendations, yet agency facility security committees completely ignored 57 percent of those recommendations. When agencies did acknowledge the FPS guidance, they only implemented 27 percent of the recommended security measures.\n\nThe legislation requires federal agencies to adequately respond to security recommendations issued by FPS within 90 days. Agencies may choose to adopt or reject FPS recommendations. However, agencies must provide an explanation to DHS detailing the reasons for any rejected recommendations. The legislation also requires DHS to develop a method to monitor the responses to FPS security assessments and take reasonable actions to ensure agency responses, holding agencies accountable to adopting sound, defensible security decisions. DHS would report annually to Congress on agency responses to FPS security assessments, which would provide a regular snapshot of the threat and security landscape.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/12/sen-rick-scott-joins-sen-dan-sullivan-55-congressional-colleagues-asking-college-football-playoffs-to-preserve-army-navy-game-s-time-honored-tradition", "Sen. Rick Scott Joins Sen. Dan Sullivan & 55 Congressional Colleagues Asking College Football Playoffs to Preserve Army-Navy Game\u2019s \u2018Time-Honored Tradition\u2019", "2024-12-12", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Senator Rick Scott joined Senator Dan Sullivan along with 55 members of Congress and two senators-elect, sent a letter to the executive directors of the College Football Playoff and Bowl Season asking that they preserve the annual Army-Navy football game\u2019s \u201ctime-honored tradition\u201d of setting \u201caside the second Saturday in December in future seasons solely\u201d for the patriotic sporting event. This year\u2019s Army-Navy game will be the first time since 2009 that other games have been scheduled on the same day (excluding the 2020 season which was modified due to the COVID-19 pandemic).\n\nThe members write, \u201cThe Army vs. Navy Football Game \u2013 affectionately known as \u201cAmerica\u2019s Game\u201d \u2013 has long been recognized as one of the greatest events in all of college sports. The game is so important that it continued to be played even during World War II. Citizens throughout the world look forward to the game\u2019s telecast, which engages the interest of millions of Americans, including the hundreds of thousands of current and former military personnel who watch it. The game is always played in a sold out NFL venue and brings patriotism and pageantry to the fans in the stadium and to the people of the host city. To reflect the immeasurable esteem that this event garnered for decades, it has been played for many years on a Saturday reserved specifically for the Army vs. Navy Game without any competing college football events\u2026\n\n\u201cWe write out of concern that the additional games detract from the focus on our Armed Forces that the nationally televised Army vs. Navy Game provided with a unique day set aside for it. Young Americans often cite the pregame events as igniting their interest in serving in uniform. The airtime of those pregame events are now in jeopardy with a preceding televised college football game. We feel there is no other block of time in television programming that rekindles our nation's patriotism, unity, and confidence in the military and promotes a greater sense of appreciation than this incredible game day production. On behalf of both Army and Navy, all those who are serving or have served our country and the citizens whom we represent, we respectfully request you set aside the second Saturday in December in future seasons solely for the Army vs. Navy Game to preserve this time-honored tradition.\u201d\n\nRead the full letter HERE or see below. The letter was first reported in a news story by Dan Saksheske in Outkick.\n\nDear Mr. Clark and Mr. Carparelli:\n\nThe Army vs. Navy Football Game \u2013 affectionately known as \u201cAmerica\u2019s Game\u201d \u2013 has long been recognized as one of the greatest events in all of college sports. The game is so important that it continued to be played even during World War II. Citizens throughout the world look forward to the game\u2019s telecast, which engages the interest of millions of Americans, including the hundreds of thousands of current and former military personnel who watch it.\n\nThe game is always played in a sold out NFL venue and brings patriotism and pageantry to the fans in the stadium and to the people of the host city. To reflect the immeasurable esteem that this event garnered for decades, it has been played for many years on a Saturday reserved specifically for the Army vs. Navy Game without any competing college football events.\n\nAs you know, college commissioners voted unanimously to schedule the twelve-team College Football Playoff (CFP) around the Army vs. Navy Football Game. The decision demonstrated a significant degree of respect extended by the most prominent leaders in college football, which we strongly commend. Nevertheless, the expanded CFP will cause other bowl games\u2014for the first time in recent history\u2014to be played on the same day as the Army vs. Navy Game.\n\nWe write out of concern that the additional games detract from the focus on our Armed Forces that the nationally televised Army vs. Navy Game provided with a unique day set aside for it. Young Americans often cite the pregame events as igniting their interest in serving in uniform. The airtime of those pregame events are now in jeopardy with a preceding televised college football game. We feel there is no other block of time in television programming that rekindles our nation's patriotism, unity, and confidence in the military and promotes a greater sense of appreciation than this incredible game day production.\n\nOn behalf of both Army and Navy, all those who are serving or have served our country and the citizens whom we represent, we respectfully request you set aside the second Saturday in December in future seasons solely for the Army vs. Navy Game to preserve this time-honored tradition.\n\nWe would like to thank you in advance for recognizing the importance of safeguarding the exclusivity of the Army vs. Navy Game and are hopeful we can work together to protect America\u2019s Game.\n\nSincerely,\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/12/sen-rick-scott-on-ppi-report-the-american-people-have-never-been-more-ready-for-the-end-of-the-biden-harris-inflation-nightmare", "Sen. Rick Scott on PPI Report: The American People Have Never Been More Ready for the End of the Biden-Harris Inflation Nightmare", "2024-12-12", "2024", "2024-12", "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, Senator Rick Scott released the below statement following the latest Producer Price Index (PPI) release from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) highlighting the need to implement substantive fiscal reforms to end the ongoing inflation crisis fueled by the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s reckless tax-and-spend agenda. November\u2019s PPI data shows that there has been a significant rise in inflation during the Biden-Harris administration. Over the year, PPI has increased 3.0% and since President Biden and Vice President Harris took office, PPI inflation is up 20.8% percent.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cBidenomics has been a complete failure for the American people these past four years. Record inflation has forced families to cut back spending, seniors to come out of retirement and small businesses to shut down. Biden-Harris price hikes have plagued Americans' wallets and savings accounts, and that has all played a role in The American Dream being erased during the failed Biden administration. Under Biden, the hopes for a brighter future dwindled, but with President Trump back in office, and Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy heading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), there is renewed hope for a government that works for the American people instead of sticking them with the cost of reckless spending and massive bureaucracy. That\u2019s why I am a founding member of the Senate DOGE Caucus and continue to fight like hell every day to bring down prices and end all the reckless spending coming out of Washington. The American people are more ready than ever for President Trump to get to work, bring prices down and end the inflation nightmare the Biden-Harris administration has caused.\u201d\n\nAccording to today\u2019s PPI release, price increases over the year included:\n\nFruit: +11%\n\nVegetables: +34.3%\n\nEggs: +80.2%\n\nBeef: +6.7%\n\nPork: +13.7%\n\nCoffee: +12.9%\n\nSince being elected to the U.S. Senate, Senator Scott has repeatedly urged action to address America\u2019s debt crisis and the harmful effects of inflation. Click HERE for a comprehensive list of his statements and actions on this urgent issue and HERE for Senator Scott\u2019s Quarterly Economic Snapshot.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/12/in-case-you-missed-it-sen-rick-scott-in-the-tallahassee-democrat-trump-s-nominations-cement-florida-at-the-epicenter-of-the-gop", "IN CASE YOU MISSED IT\u2026 Sen. Rick Scott in The Tallahassee Democrat: Trump\u2019s nominations cement Florida at the epicenter of the GOP", "2024-12-11", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 In case you missed it, Senator Rick Scott wrote an op-ed for the Tallahassee Democrat highlighting Florida\u2019s growing influence in national politics. Following President Trump\u2019s big win, his decision to pull heavily from Florida for his cabinet nominations shows that Florida is now the center of the Republican Party.\n\nIn the op-ed, Senator Rick Scott wrote, \u201cOn November 5th, after months of Democrats claiming Florida was still a swing state and in play, the voters painted the state red and delivered massive victories for myself, President-elect Donald Trump and Republicans down the ballot.\n\n\u201cNow, with President-elect Trump choosing nominee after nominee from the Sunshine State to fill his cabinet, he is cementing Florida at the epicenter of Republican politics and bringing the state\u2019s success and common-sense policies to Washington.\n\n\u201cI am so proud of our next White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and next National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and look forward to enthusiastically voting to confirm my fellow Floridians Marco Rubio, as Secretary of State, and Pam Bondi, as Attorney General... solving problems created by the Biden administration on Day 1, and bringing Florida\u2019s success to Washington.\n\n...\n\n\u201cWiles ran a fantastic campaign for President-elect Trump and is the perfect person for the job to run the White House staff and make sure that the entire federal government is aligned behind his agenda to Make America Great Again.\n\n...\n\n\u201cWith Rubio leading President Trump\u2019s State Department, the United States will quickly reverse Joe Biden\u2019s dangerous appeasement policies, reinforce critical sanctions on murderous regimes and make clear to our enemies and allies alike around the world that America will always stand for freedom, democracy and human rights.\n\n\u201cFor Attorney General, Trump couldn\u2019t have a better leader than Pam Bondi... I worked alongside Bondi for eight years when I was governor of Florida and she was Florida\u2019s Attorney General to keep Florida safe and uphold the laws of our state. The Department of Justice (DOJ) is facing a public trust crisis after Democrats have spent years weaponizing the justice system and entire government and attacking President Trump. Bondi will fix that.\n\n...\n\n\u201cPresident Trump also chose wisely with Floridian and future National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. As a combat-decorated Green Beret, Waltz is a true patriot who has dedicated his life to serving his country.\n\n...\n\n\u201cWith these brilliant Floridians leading the way, Trump\u2019s agenda to Make America Great Again is in trusted and experienced hands. Now, Senate Republicans must do our job by confirming these great Floridians and all his nominees swiftly to get the president-elect\u2019s agenda done for the American people. Time to get to work!\u201d\n\nRead the full op-ed in the Tallahassee Democrat HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/12/sen-rick-scott-on-cpi-report-after-four-years-of-biden-families-are-in-need-of-a-washington-turnaround-story", "Sen. Rick Scott on CPI Report: After Four Years of Biden, Families Are in Need of a Washington Turnaround Story", "2024-12-11", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, following the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) release from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Senator Rick Scott released the below statement highlighting the need for the Trump administration to bring fiscal reforms in the new year that will finally put an end to the ongoing inflation crisis fueled by the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s reckless tax-and-spend agenda. November\u2019s CPI data shows that there has been a significant rise in inflation during the Biden-Harris administration, with CPI increasing 2.7% percent over the year in November 2024\u2014higher than last month. Since the Biden-Harris administration took office, inflation is up 20.6%.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cThe Biden-Harris administration will be remembered forever by families for its 20% inflation and economic failures that placed historic financial burdens on folks in every state. Whether it\u2019s at the gas pump, grocery store, or paying rent, inflation continues to climb and so do prices as Biden takes advantage of Washington\u2019s broken status quo with trillions in reckless spending. It\u2019s time for a total fiscal turnaround on the national level to get our economy back on track, just like we did in Florida. With Trump back in office, and Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy heading the Department of Government Efficiency, we can get to work ending the inflation nightmare plaguing the American people by reining in big government, cutting wasteful spending, paying down the $36 trillion debt crisis and growing our economy. It\u2019s not too late to save the American dream and January 20th can\u2019t come soon enough.\u201d\n\nAccording to today\u2019s CPI release, price increases over the year include:\n\nBeef: +5.0%\n\nPork Chops: +5.1%\n\nEggs: +37.5%\n\nFruit: +3.3%\n\nBeans: +7.4%\n\nButter: +3.6%\n\nSince being elected to the U.S. Senate, Senator Scott has repeatedly urged action to address America\u2019s debt crisis and the harmful effects of inflation. Click HERE for a comprehensive list of his statements and actions on this urgent issue and HERE for Senator Scott\u2019s Quarterly Economic Snapshot.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/12/senate-passes-sen-rick-scott-and-sen-gary-peters-bipartisan-legislation-to-secure-government-buildings-from-foreign-adversaries", "Senate Passes Sen. Rick Scott and Sen. Gary Peters\u2019 Bipartisan Legislation to Secure Government Buildings from Foreign Adversaries", "2024-12-11", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Bipartisan legislation authored by Senator Rick Scott and Senator Gary Peters to help ensure federal agencies are better able to prevent unauthorized access to buildings leased by the federal government has passed the Senate. The Secure Adjacent Federal Property Act will require the federal government to assess whether property located near federally leased space could provide opportunities for espionage attempts, cyber-attacks, or unauthorized access.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cThe federal government must do everything necessary to serve the American people while keeping public servants and the American people safe from espionage and terrorist attacks. One way to do that is making sure that federal facilities\u2014that contain sensitive information\u2014are kept safe from foreign entities looking to harm Americans and our way of life. I applaud the Senate for its passage of the Secure Adjacent Federal Property Act and urge our colleagues in the House to quickly take up and pass this important legislation that will bolster our national security.\"\n\nSenator Gary Peters said, \"Federal agencies often store sensitive materials in office buildings. By ensuring the government is vigilant about security threats to these physical spaces, we can strengthen national security and prevent foreign adversaries and other malicious actors from stealing critical information.\u201d\n\nMORE\u2026\n\nThe Government Accountability Office (GAO) has repeatedly raised concerns that federal agencies are vulnerable to espionage and other intrusions because individuals could exploit security loopholes to gain unauthorized access to spaces used for classified operations or to store sensitive data. The senators\u2019 legislation would ensure there is government-wide guidance for agencies to ensure spaces located near high-security leased federal properties do not pose a threat to the safety and security of sensitive materials.\n\nThe Secure Adjacent Federal Property Act would require the General Services Administration (GSA) to coordinate an interagency study with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Federal Protective Service (FPS), and other relevant federal agencies to establish a security assessment process on space adjacent to high-security space leased by the federal government. The process would be used to screen for potential risks in occupancies and help secure sensitive office space.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/12/sen-rick-scott-bipartisan-bill-to-mitigate-waste-fraud-and-abuse-following-natural-disasters-to-become-law", "Sen. Rick Scott Bipartisan Bill to Mitigate Waste, Fraud and Abuse Following Natural Disasters to Become Law", "2024-12-10", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Senator Rick Scott\u2019s bipartisan Disaster Contract Improvement Act passed the House of Representatives and is heading to the president\u2019s desk to become law. This legislation will improve the disaster contracting process on the federal, local and state levels of government following natural disasters and mitigate waste, fraud and abuse. The bill protects victims of natural disasters by ensuring post-disaster services are delivered quickly and taxpayer dollars are spent solely on helping impacted communities. Senators Gary Peters and Jacky Rosen are cosponsors of the bill, and Representative Nick LaLota led the charge in the House of Representatives.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cThis hurricane season brought devastation to families and businesses across the state, but thankfully, Florida is resilient because of the intense preparation that goes into our disaster readiness planning. Sadly, even when we prepare, all too often we have seen waste, fraud and abuse following storms. It hurts our families, local governments, and the American taxpayer. Our bill, the Disaster Contract Improvement Act, will help stop this waste and make sure that every dollar is spent with care, preserving resources for future disaster response efforts. I want to thank Representative LaLota for leading the charge in the House of Representatives and my colleagues in the Senate for its bipartisan passage earlier this Congress. The Disaster Contract Improvement Act is a win for American taxpayers and I look forward to President Biden signing it into law.\u201d\n\nThe Disaster Contract Improvement Act:\n\nEstablishes oversight on debris removal through the creation of an advisory working group comprised of representatives from FEMA, the Army Corps of Engineers, states and local governments, the USDA Natural Resources and Conservation Service, as well as subject matter experts, including those in the debris services contractor industry.\n\nRequires the FEMA Administrator, no later than one year after the bill\u2019s enactment and in consultation with the advisory working group, to develop and implement guidance and procedures with respect to the oversight and costs associated with debris removal contracts entered into under the public assistance grant program.\n\nRequires the FEMA Administrator to conduct training and outreach to State, Tribal and Local Governments on any new guidance developed under this program.\n\nRequires the GAO to conduct further study on the Debris Removal Advance Contracting process to improve oversight and prevent fraud, waste and abuse across the entire system.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/12/sen-rick-scott-to-biden-admin-garlic-grown-in-communist-china-poses-major-threat-to-security-food-safety", "Sen. Rick Scott to Biden Admin: Garlic Grown in Communist China Poses Major Threat to Security & Food Safety", "2024-12-10", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Senator Rick Scott sent letters to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), United States Trade Representative (USTR) and Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB) to investigate the food safety of garlic grown in Communist China following reports that the garlic is being grown in human sewage, then bleached and harvested in abhorrent conditions often involving slave and child labor.\n\nIn his letter to the USDA, Senator Scott expresses concerns over the importation of garlic from Communist China, as well as the lack of proper oversight from the agency inspectors of all consumables coming from Communist China which leaves American families vulnerable to low-quality food products. In his letter to USTR, Senator Scott is requesting the initiation of a Section 301 investigation into garlic grown in Communist China to determine if the country\u2019s trade practices are unfair or harmful to U.S. commerce. The letter highlights China\u2019s unethical labor and trade practices through their use of forced labor and evading tariffs. Finally, in his letter to ILAB, Senator Scott is requesting the bureau to include garlic from Communist China in its next investigation when publishing its List of Goods Produced by Child Labor or Forced Labor, which is updated biennially.\n\nSenator Scott has been sounding the alarm on the dangers of goods grown and produced in Communist China, and has previously introduced the SEWAGE GARLIC Imports Act to address the growth practices and safety of garlic produced in Communist China for human consumption.\n\nRead the full letters HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/12/sens-rick-scott-and-marco-rubio-s-pensacola-and-perdido-bays-estuary-of-national-significance-act-to-become-law", "Sens. Rick Scott and Marco Rubio\u2019s Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary of National Significance Act to Become Law", "2024-12-10", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 The House of Representatives passed Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio\u2019s Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary of National Significance Act to direct the Environmental Protection Agency to formally enroll the Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Program (PPBEP) into the National Estuary Program and list each as an \u201cEstuary of National Significance.\u201d First introduced in June 2021, the Senate unanimously passed the bill earlier this year and it now heads to the president\u2019s desk to be signed into law.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cThe Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary of National Significance Act will take important steps in our fight to protect and conserve Florida\u2019s environment and natural resources. I am proud that our good bill was passed by the House of Representatives, unanimously passed by the Senate and now heads to the president\u2019s desk to be signed into law\u2014a major win for Florida\u2019s panhandle.\u201d\n\nSenator Marco Rubio said, \u201cI am grateful for the House\u2019s passage of my bill to designate the Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Program. The EPA\u2019s National Estuary Program has a successful track record of cooperative federalism across the nation, including with the four existing Florida programs. Enrolling the PPBEP into this program will provide critical support for restoration, conservation, and monitoring efforts in Pensacola and Perdido Bays while enhancing economic activity in the Florida Panhandle.\u201d\n\nMORE\u2026\n\nMarch 2024: Sens. Rick Scott & Marco Rubio Applaud Passage of Pensacola & Perdido Bays Estuary of National Significance Act Passes Senate\n\nJune 2021: Rubio, Scott Introduce Legislation to Include Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Program in the National Estuary Program\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/12/sens-rick-scott-raphael-warnock-lead-bipartisan-effort-to-secure-immediate-agriculture-disaster-assistance-following-devastating-hurricane-season", "Sens. Rick Scott & Raphael Warnock Lead Bipartisan Effort to Secure Immediate Agriculture Disaster Assistance Following Devastating Hurricane Season", "2024-12-10", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "The bipartisan pair urged key Senate leaders to approve an agriculture supplemental disaster package that meets the needs of farmers and ranchers in Georgia and Florida after another costly hurricane season\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Senator Rick Scott and Senator Raphael Warnock urged Congressional leaders to approve an agriculture supplemental disaster package that meets the needs of farmers and ranchers in Florida and Georgia after two years of devastating natural disasters.\n\nThe lawmakers wrote, \u201c\u2026Both of our states have been heavily impacted by natural disasters over the last two years, leaving farmers and ranchers with decimated crops and wrangled infrastructure. Most recently, Georgia\u2019s cotton, pecan, and timber crops were flattened by Hurricane Helene, and Florida\u2019s citrus and vegetable crops were devastated after Hurricane Milton.\u201d\n\nThe lawmakers continued, \u201cWe also ask that you consider structuring a portion of this funding in the form of state block grants to ensure our states\u2019 Departments of Agriculture flexibility in efforts to assist our farmers and ranchers, including our specialty crop and timber producers.\u201d\n\nRead the full letter HERE.\n\nMORE\u2026\n\nIn addition to this supplemental, Senator Scott has been fighting to secure USDA block grants for Florida\u2019s farmers, ranchers and growers to aid in their recovery and support the state\u2019s agriculture industry since Hurricane Ian devastated Southwest Florida in 2022 and caused significant agriculture losses. Following Hurricane Helene, Senator Scott led a bipartisan group of his Florida delegation colleagues in a letter to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack supporting the State of Florida\u2019s request to issue a Disaster Declaration for Florida\u2019s counties that were impacted by Hurricane Helene and make assistance available immediately in the form of state block grants to expedite support for Florida\u2019s farmers and agricultural producers as they recover from the destructive impacts of the storms. Read more HERE. Senator Scott spoke to President Biden and USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack about the importance of USDA block grants during their meeting after Hurricane Helene in Keaton Beach on October 3. He stressed the importance of block grants again in his call with President Biden on October 10 and in his meeting with the president in St. Pete Beach on October 13.\n\nSenator Scott is leading the call for Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to fund disaster relief. Earlier this Congress, Senator Scott announced a bill with Senator Rubio to provide $20 billion for FEMA\u2019s Disaster Relief Fund to ensure the agency has what it needs to provide immediate aid to communities.\n\nSenator Scott encourages all Floridians to visit his website at www.rickscott.senate.gov/contact/casework for information or help with federal agencies like FEMA and the SBA, following Hurricanes Milton and Helene. Find more on state response efforts from the Florida Division of Emergency Management at floridadisaster.org or @FLSERT.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/12/sen-rick-scott-biden-harris-jobs-report-shows-1-27-million-jobs-lost-families-struggling", "Sen. Rick Scott: Biden-Harris Jobs Report Shows 1.27 Million Jobs Lost, Families Struggling", "2024-12-06", "2024", "2024-12", "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, following the release of the Bureau of Labor Statistics\u2019 November jobs report showing that the unemployment rate increased to 4.2% and over 1.27 million full-time jobs were lost over the year, Senator Rick Scott released the following statement. The November report shows that year over year, part-time work has increased by nearly 577,000 jobs. The report also highlighted that this year more than 250,000 more people have had to take on multiple jobs. That is a scary reality for many Americans and points to an unstable job market where folks are having to take on more work to make ends meet. Senator Scott also released a weekly update on his actions to address America\u2019s debt crisis, rising inflation and failing economy caused by the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s reckless and radical agenda.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cToday\u2019s report shines a light on the disturbing reality and impacts of the disastrous Biden-Harris administration\u2019s economic agenda and misplaced priorities. The reactions from the mainstream media and Washington elites touting today\u2019s report are exactly why the American people demanded change last month. Over the year, full-time jobs are down by 1.27 million, unemployment is up, and people are being forced to take on multiple jobs to make ends meet. The Biden-Harris agenda is a total disaster for hardworking Americans, and I\u2019m fighting like hell to stop it and make Washington work for Florida families. Families are struggling under the Biden-Harris economy, but thank God we have someone like President Trump who can fix it.\u201d\n\nSince being elected to the U.S. Senate, Senator Scott has repeatedly urged action to address America\u2019s debt crisis and the harmful effects of inflation. Click HERE for a comprehensive list of his statements and actions on this urgent issue and HERE for Senator Scott\u2019s Quarterly Economic Snapshot.\n\nSee more from this week on X:\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/12/in-case-you-missed-it-sen-rick-scott-in-fox-news-our-country-needs-a-turnaround-story-to-save-itself-elon-vivek-and-doge-can-restore-our-sanity", "IN CASE YOU MISSED IT\u2026 Sen. Rick Scott in Fox News: Our country needs a turnaround story to save itself. Elon, Vivek and DOGE can restore our sanity", "2024-12-05", "2024", "2024-12", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 In case you missed it, Senator Rick Scott wrote an op-ed for Fox News on how President Trump\u2019s new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, will help bring the dramatic change needed to rein in big government, restore America\u2019s fiscal sanity and save the American dream. Senator Scott has been fighting to stop Washington\u2019s reckless spending and dangerous status quo, and is a founding member of the Senate DOGE Caucus, led by Senator Joni Ernst, to make sure Congress provides the Trump administration maximum flexibility to fix the federal government and advance DOGE\u2019s work to ensure its success.\n\nIn the op-ed, Senator Rick Scott wrote, \u201cWe need dramatic change in Washington to bring America back to the path of fiscal sanity, and President Trump\u2019s decision to name Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy shows there are still patriots devoted to protecting the American Dream by reining in big government.\n\nThe work of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) will be critical to turning our country around, Making America Great Again and rescuing the American people from our big government, inflation and debt nightmares.\n\n\u2026\n\nI am 100% committed to DOGE\u2019s mission because my entire life has been a turnaround story.\n\n\u2026\n\nLike Florida did in 2010, America now finds itself at a moment where dramatic change is needed to save itself. These figures highlight just how dire our financial situation truly is. Since 2019, the U.S. population has grown just 2%, but federal spending has skyrocketed by 52% and the federal workforce has grown by more than 140,000 employees, an increase of over seven percent.\n\n\u2026\n\nAs a business guy, I know that if you don\u2019t run a company that constantly improves, innovates and becomes more efficient, you die. That\u2019s what we are seeing in the federal government right now. Washington\u2019s failure to live within its means which has forced inflation, high interest rates, and fewer jobs on American families. DOGE has the opportunity to fix this mess with a sea-change mentality that scales back big government regulation, slashes bureaucracy, cuts taxes, improves public safety and education, and grows our private sector to create good-paying American jobs so every family can live their dreams.\n\nElon and Vivek have had massive success in business because they know how to run efficient organizations and manage productive teams. The federal government needs a hell of a lot more of that type of leadership. Failing to force accountability within our federal government is a serious threat to our national security and the American Dream.\n\n\u2026\n\nSince being elected to the U.S. Senate in 2018, I\u2019ve been fighting to fix the problems and I\u2019m so glad DOGE is now being created to help tackle these issues.\n\n\u2026\n\nPresident Trump was elected with a mandate to reform Washington and the work of DOGE, with Elon and Vivek combing through and eliminating the reckless spending, waste and fraud in our federal government will be invaluable to advancing his agenda of government efficiency so we can Make America Great Again, save the American Dream and finally Make Washington Work for hardworking families across the country.\u201d\n\nRead the full op-ed in Fox News HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/12/sen-rick-scott-meets-with-secretary-of-defense-nominee-pete-hegseth", "Sen. Rick Scott Meets with Secretary of Defense Nominee Pete Hegseth", "2024-12-05", "2024", "2024-12", "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, Senator Rick Scott met with Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth to support his nomination to the position by President Donald Trump.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cI\u2019ve been talking to Pete since his nomination, and I think he\u2019ll do a great job. He\u2019s a decorated combat veteran and a great pick to run the Department of Defense. I am really appreciative of anyone that\u2019s willing to put on the uniform and risk their life to defend our freedoms. Pete understands the mission and what is needed to advance President Trump\u2019s agenda and reform the DoD to make America\u2019s military the world\u2019s most lethal fighting force. He understands the sacrifice our military and their families make because he\u2019s been to war, led his fellow servicemen and women in combat, and knows individuals who have lost their life or been gravely injured defending our nation. Pete knows how to hold people accountable, make sure we promote based on meritocracy, and get rid of the broken, woke policies implemented by the Biden administration. He has my full support and I look forward to voting to confirm him as Secretary of Defense.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/12/sen-rick-scott-resolution-honoring-5th-anniversary-of-nas-pensacola-terrorist-attack-passes-senate", "Sen. Rick Scott Resolution Honoring 5th Anniversary of NAS Pensacola Terrorist Attack Passes Senate", "2024-12-05", "2024", "2024-12", "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, Senator Rick Scott announced the passage of his resolution ahead of the fifth anniversary recognizing the terrorist attack at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, when a Saudi military trainee killed three U.S. Navy sailors and wounded several others on December 6th, 2019. Senators Marco Rubio, Katie Britt, Tommy Tuberville, Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock co-sponsored the resolution.\n\nIn 2020, Senator Rick Scott fought to include the Secure U.S. Bases Act in the National Defense Authorization Act to reform and improve foreign military student training programs following the terrorist attack at Naval Air Station Pensacola. This important law requires a thorough vetting process before a foreign student enters the U.S., requires foreign students to follow rules established by U.S. Base Commanders and vastly improves the security of our military installations, service members, their families and the surrounding communities.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cToday, on the fifth anniversary of the tragic shooting at NAS Pensacola that senselessly took the lives of three brave Americans\u2014Joshua Kaleb Watson, Mohammed Haitham and Cameron Walters\u2014we honor their service and life dedicated to serving and protecting our country. Every day, they are missed by their friends, family, and all who knew them. The entire Pensacola community was forever changed that day following the tragic news. This act of terror never should have happened, and following the attack, I fought for significant reform through my Secure U.S. Bases Act that became law. I will never stop working to make sure our bases are safe and this never happens again. I want to thank my colleagues for standing in solidarity and remembering and honoring the lives that were taken far too soon on that tragic day five years ago.\u201d\n\nSenator Tommy Tuberville said, \u201cEnsign Joshua Kaleb Watson is a hero who showed incredible courage in the face of terrorism on Dec. 6, 2019. His bravery and quick action saved countless lives on a tragic day for our nation. Ensign Watson\u2019s sacrifice showcases the very best of American patriotism, and Alabama is proud to call him one of ours. It\u2019s an honor to help introduce this resolution every year to help keep his memory alive. Today, we remember him, and pray for his loved ones who still grieve his loss.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/12/sen-rick-scott-s-disaster-tax-relief-bill-passes-senate-heads-to-president-s-desk", "Sen. Rick Scott\u2019s Disaster Tax Relief Bill Passes Senate, Heads to President\u2019s Desk", "2024-12-04", "2024", "2024-12", "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, Senator Rick Scott applauded the Senate passage of the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act to provide disaster-loss tax relief for communities in Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, Puerto Rico and more across the nation that have been affected by disasters, including Hurricanes Helene, Debby, and Milton this year, and Hurricanes Ian, Nicole, Fiona and Idalia in recent years that are still waiting for much-needed relief from the federal government. Now that this legislation has overwhelmingly passed the Senate and House, where it was led by Congressman Greg Steube, it heads to the president\u2019s desk to become law.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cAfter years of fighting, I am incredibly proud to see the passage of meaningful tax relief for families who faced devastation and loss from Hurricanes Ian, Idalia, Helene, Milton and other disasters in recent years. For too long, families have been left waiting. Passage of this bill is a good start to help so many families in Florida, Puerto Rico and across the nation, and I hope to see the president sign it into law quickly, just as past administrations have done, to bring relief as soon as possible.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/11/in-case-you-missed-it-sen-rick-scott-shares-fall-2024-economic-snapshot", "IN CASE YOU MISSED IT\u2026 Sen. Rick Scott Shares Fall 2024 Economic Snapshot", "2024-11-08", "2024", "2024-11", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "Shares Weekly Update on Biden-Harris Price Hikes\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Senator Rick Scott released a weekly update on his actions to address America\u2019s debt crisis and rising inflation and re-shared a copy of his Fall 2024 Economic Snapshot. Every day, Senator Scott is hearing from constituents about how much of a struggle it is for them to make ends meet due to the historic inflation caused by Biden-Harris Price Hikes. Last year, Senator Scott began distributing a report to his colleagues in the Senate, shedding light on America\u2019s current concerning economic conditions. This report highlights the fiscal cliff the country is quickly approaching in the hopes of beginning a productive dialogue in Congress on how members can work together to fix the economic mess our country finds itself in today. Senator Scott releases this report on a quarterly basis. Since President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris took office, CPI inflation is up 20.5%, while PPI inflation has risen 20.0%.\n\nLast month, following the release of his Economic Snapshot, Senator Rick Scott said, \u201cWe can all feel the impact of the ongoing inflation crisis caused by the failed policies of the Biden-Harris administration, and the goal of this report is to bring in-depth attention to the fiscal cliff our nation is quickly approaching. Since Vice President Harris and President Biden took office, inflation has skyrocketed more than 20% and Biden-Harris Price Hikes are crushing hardworking American families. In Washington, it is my job to ensure we are fighting every day to leave this country in a place where future generations can achieve the American Dream. It is personal for me. I grew up in public housing and watched my mom struggle to make ends meet. It breaks my heart that families are having to make the tough decisions and go without. It is time for a sea change in Washington so that we can get families back on their feet, this country back on the path to fiscal sanity and make Washington work for everyone.\u201d\n\nRead Senator Rick Scott\u2019s Fall 2024 Economic Snapshot HERE or below.\n\nSince being elected to the U.S. Senate, Senator Scott has repeatedly urged action to address America\u2019s debt crisis and the harmful effects of inflation. Click HERE for a comprehensive list of his statements and actions on this urgent issue and HERE for Senator Scott\u2019s Quarterly Economic Snapshot.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/11/por-si-te-lo-perdiste-el-senador-rick-scott-comparte-su-panorama-econ-mico-del-oto-o-2024", "POR SI TE LO PERDISTE\u2026 El Senador Rick Scott comparte su Panorama Econ\u00f3mico del oto\u00f1o 2024", "2024-11-08", "2024", "2024-11", "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 public\u00f3 una actualizaci\u00f3n semanal sobre sus acciones para abordar la crisis de deuda y la creciente inflaci\u00f3n de Estados Unidos y comparti\u00f3 nuevamente su Panorama Econ\u00f3mico del oto\u00f1o 2024. Todos los d\u00edas, el Senador Scott escucha a sus constituyentes hablar sobre lo dif\u00edcil que es para ellos llegar a fin de mes debido a la inflaci\u00f3n hist\u00f3rica causada por las subidas de precios de Biden-Harris. El a\u00f1o pasado, el Senador Scott comenz\u00f3 a distribuir un informe a sus colegas en el Senado que trae luz sobre las preocupantes condiciones econ\u00f3micas actuales de Estados Unidos. Este informe destaca el abismo fiscal al que el pa\u00eds se est\u00e1 acercando r\u00e1pidamente con la esperanza de iniciar un di\u00e1logo productivo en el Congreso sobre c\u00f3mo pueden trabajar juntos para solucionar el desastre econ\u00f3mico en el que se encuentra hoy nuestro pa\u00eds. El Senador Scott publica este informe trimestralmente. Desde que el Presidente Joe Biden y la Vicepresidenta Kamala Harris asumieron el cargo, la inflaci\u00f3n del CPI aument\u00f3 un 20,5 por ciento, mientras que la inflaci\u00f3n del PPI aument\u00f3 un 20,0 por ciento.\n\nEl mes pasado, tras la publicaci\u00f3n de su Panorama Econ\u00f3mico, El Senador Rick Scott dijo: \u201cTodos podemos sentir el impacto de la actual crisis inflacionaria causada por las pol\u00edticas fallidas de la Administraci\u00f3n Biden-Harris, y el objetivo de este informe es llamar la atenci\u00f3n sobre el precipicio fiscal al que nuestra naci\u00f3n se est\u00e1 acercando r\u00e1pidamente. Desde que la Vicepresidenta Harris y el Presidente Biden asumieron el cargo, la inflaci\u00f3n se ha disparado m\u00e1s del 20% y los aumentos de precios de Biden-Harris est\u00e1n impactando a las familias estadounidenses trabajadoras. En Washington, es mi trabajo asegurar que luchemos todos los d\u00edas para dejar este pa\u00eds en un lugar donde las futuras generaciones puedan lograr el sue\u00f1o americano. Es algo personal para m\u00ed. Crec\u00ed en una vivienda p\u00fablica y vi a mi madre luchar para llegar a fin de mes. Me rompe el coraz\u00f3n que las familias tengan que tomar decisiones dif\u00edciles y quedarse sin dinero. Es hora de un cambio radical en Washington para que podamos hacer que las familias se recuperen, que este pa\u00eds vuelva al camino de la cordura fiscal y que Washington funcione para todos\u201d.\n\nLea el Panorama Econ\u00f3mico Trimestral del Senator Rick Scott para el oto\u00f1o 2024 AQU\u00cd o debajo:\n\nDesde que fue elegido para el Senado de Estados Unidos, el Senador Scott ha instado repetidamente a tomar medidas para abordar la crisis de deuda de Estados Unidos y los efectos nocivos de la inflaci\u00f3n. Haga clic AQU\u00cd para obtener una lista completa de sus declaraciones y acciones sobre este tema urgente y AQU\u00cd para ver el Panorama Econ\u00f3mico Trimestral del Senador Scott.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/11/potus-approves-seminole-tribe-s-expedited-major-disaster-declaration-request-supported-by-sen-rick-scott-sen-marco-rubio-following-major-hurricane-milton", "POTUS Approves Seminole Tribe\u2019s Expedited Major Disaster Declaration Request Supported by Sen. Rick Scott & Sen. Marco Rubio Following Major Hurricane Milton", "2024-11-08", "2024", "2024-11", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 After the urging of Senator Rick Scott and Senator Marco Rubio with a letter to President Joe Biden calling for his immediate approval of the Seminole Tribe of Florida\u2019s request for an expedited Major Disaster Declaration following the impacts of major Hurricane Milton, President Biden approved the request. Hurricane Milton brought devastation throughout the entire State of Florida, and ensuring the Tribe has access to the federal resources needed for its ongoing response and recovery efforts is imperative to protecting members of the tribe, their communities and property. For more regarding Senator Scott and Rubio\u2019s request to President Biden, click HERE.\n\nSenator Scott encourages all Floridians to visit his website at www.rickscott.senate.gov/contact/caseworkfor information or help with federal agencies like FEMA and the SBA, following Hurricanes Milton and Helene. Find more on state response efforts from the Florida Division of Emergency Management at floridadisaster.org or @FLSERT.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/11/sen-rick-scott-shares-2024-veterans-day-update-highlighting-legislative-update-for-the-military-community", "Sen. Rick Scott Shares 2024 Veterans Day Update Highlighting Legislative Update for the Military Community", "2024-11-08", "2024", "2024-11", "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 Veterans Day, Senator Rick Scott shared his 2024 Veterans Day Legislative Update. Within the update, Senator Scott shares his work to support Florida\u2019s veterans, active duty service members and their families, and also highlights legislative actions he is working on and victories for the community.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cThis Veterans Day and every day, I am honored to serve the brave men and women who have fought to protect our great nation, and today I am proud to share this legislative update. As a Navy veteran and the son of a World War II veteran, I know firsthand the sacrifices our veterans, military members and their families make to defend our freedom. Veterans of our Armed Forces truly represent the best of what it means to be an American and a Floridian. None of the opportunities and freedoms we have as Americans would be possible without the dedicated service of our brave heroes. Fighting for our heroes continues to be one of my top priorities as your U.S. Senator and a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. I have made it my mission to keep our state the most military and veteran-friendly state in the nation, by championing important legislation and funding to support priorities that matter most to Florida's military and veteran families. I will always do everything I can to support our veterans and their families so they can succeed and pursue their dreams. If you are a Floridian in need of assistance with a federal agency, like the VA, go to rickscott.senate.gov/contact/casework to get the help you need.\u201d\n\nSenator Scott is always working to make the entire federal government more efficient and work for the American people. Through advocacy, outreach and casework, issues arise that highlight the need for increased oversight and Congressional action. The following bills are either sponsored or cosponsored by Senator Scott during the 118th Congress. More details provided within the update.\n\nVeterans Accessibility Act\n\nSCHEDULES Act\n\nMajor Richard Star Act\n\nElizabeth Dole Home Care Act\n\nU.S.-Israel PTSD Collaborative Research Act\n\nPreventing Crimes Against Veterans Act\n\nVeterans Homecare Choice Act\n\nThe Services Dogs Assisting Veterans (SAVES) Act\n\nEnsuring Continuity in Veterans Health Act\n\nTransition Assistance Program (TAP) Promotion Act\n\nSupporting Economic Opportunity of Veterans\n\nBelow are bills that Senator Scott supported that have become law:\n\nThe PACT Act\n\nFaster Payments to Veterans\u2019 Survivors Act\n\nImproving Access to the VA Home Loan Benefit Act\n\nHire Veteran Health Heroes Act\n\nPatient Advocate Tracker Act\n\nSVAC Act\n\nVeterans and Family Information Act\n\nVeterans Auto and Education Improvement Act\n\nVeterans Eligible to Transfer School (VETS) Credit Act\n\nVA Transparency & Trust Act\n\nSgt. Ketchum Rural Veterans Mental Health Act\n\nDUMP Opioids Act\n\nProtecting Moms Who Served Act\n\nVeterans Rapid Retraining Assistance Program Restoration and Recovery Act\n\nPAWS for Veterans Therapy Act\n\nResponsible Education Mitigating Options and Technical Extensions (REMOTE) Act\n\nWounded Warrior Access Act\n\nSolid Start Act\n\nWounded Veterans Recreation Act\n\nServicemembers and Veterans Initiative Act\n\nSupporting Veterans in STEM Careers Act\n\nKorean American VALOR Act\n\nRead Senator Scott\u2019s Veterans Day Update HERE or click the image above.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/11/sen-rick-scott-biden-harris-jobs-report-sheds-light-on-reality-of-reckless-economic-agenda-on-american-families", "Sen. Rick Scott: Biden-Harris Jobs Report Sheds Light on Reality of Reckless Economic Agenda on American Families", "2024-11-01", "2024", "2024-11", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "Issues Weekly Update on Failing Biden-Harris Economy\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Today, following the release of the Bureau of Labor Statistics\u2019 October jobs report showing that over 900,000 full-time jobs were lost over the year, Senator Rick Scott released the following statement. The October report shows that year over year, part-time work has increased by nearly 1.2 million jobs. Since Biden-Harris took office, 1.67 million more people have had to take on multiple jobs. That is a scary reality for many Americans and points to an unstable job market where folks are having to take on more work to make ends meet. Senator Scott also released a weekly update on his actions to address America\u2019s debt crisis, rising inflation and failing economy caused by the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s reckless and radical agenda.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cToday\u2019s report is a disturbing reality and shows the impacts of the disastrous Biden-Harris administration\u2019s abysmal economic agenda and misplaced priorities. Nearly one million full-time jobs were lost. Over the past year, and the last month, more people are having to take on part-time jobs to get by. This report is showing the devastating reality of folks across the country and many are struggling. When I travel around Florida and talk to families, I hear heartbreaking stories about parents having to take on multiple jobs, folks losing their jobs, and having to go without just to scrape by. Growing up in public housing, I watched my parents work hard but still struggle to put food on the table. My mother worked multiple jobs just to make ends meet\u2014and a lot of times, we went without. The Biden-Harris agenda is a total disaster for hardworking Americans, and I\u2019m fighting like hell to stop it & make Washington work for Florida families.\u201d\n\nSince being elected to the U.S. Senate, Senator Scott has repeatedly urged action to address America\u2019s debt crisis and the harmful effects of inflation. Click HERE for a comprehensive list of his statements and actions on this urgent issue and HERE for Senator Scott\u2019s Quarterly Economic Snapshot.\n\nSee more from this week on X:\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/11/sen-rick-scott-joins-sens-jacky-rosen-marco-rubio-in-bipartisan-letter-urging-administration-to-redesignate-the-houthis-as-a-foreign-terrorist-organization", "Sen. Rick Scott Joins Sens. Jacky Rosen & Marco Rubio in Bipartisan Letter Urging Administration to Redesignate The Houthis As A Foreign Terrorist Organization", "2024-11-01", "2024", "2024-11", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Senator Rick Scott joined Senators Jacky Rosen and Marco Rubio in a bipartisan letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging him to redesignate the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). As the Houthis, backed by Iran\u2019s regime, continue to escalate their attacks in the Middle East, this designation would impose meaningful costs on the Houthis and help limit their ability to commit acts of terrorism.\n\nThe senators wrote, \u201cSince the misguided revocation of the Houthis\u2019 FTO designation in 2021, the Houthis, backed by the Iranian regime, have only escalated their efforts to destabilize the Middle East. These actions include firing drones and missiles against Israel that have killed civilians, disrupting international shipping by targeting commercial vessels, directly attacking U.S. forces, and obstructing the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians in Yemen.\u201d\n\nThe senators continued, \u201cRelisting the Houthis as an FTO would make individuals or entities providing material support to the group liable for criminal prosecution and considered Tier III terrorists subject to sanctions and a travel ban, open up economic tools to target the Houthis\u2019 weapons procurement networks and manufacturing capabilities, provide a legal right of action to U.S. victims of Houthi terrorism, and ban Houthi members from obtaining a visa or entering the United States. We therefore urge you to immediately restore the designation of the Houthis as an FTO, which would enable the United States to better target the group\u2019s assets and financial support and hold the group accountable for committing terrorism against the United States, Israel, and our partners and allies throughout the region.\u201d\n\nRead the full letter HERE.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/11/sen-rick-scott-sen-marco-rubio-on-communist-china-s-inhumane-foreign-adoption-ban", "Sen. Rick Scott & Sen. Marco Rubio on Communist China\u2019s Inhumane Foreign Adoption Ban", "2024-11-01", "2024", "2024-11", "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, Senator Rick Scott and Senator Marco Rubio released a joint-statement condemning Communist China\u2019s recent announcement that it would be ending foreign adoptions. There are approximately 300 American families, including Floridians, who have been matched with Chinese children.\n\nThe senators said, \u201cUnder Xi Jinping\u2019s authoritarian regime, China has stopped allowing foreign adoptions. This decision has created significant challenges for many American families, including those in our home state of Florida, who are left in limbo after being matched with their adoptive children. These are selfless American families who seek to provide loving homes for Chinese American adoptees, including many with medical needs. We urge the Chinese regime to reconsider its position and allow these families to unite with their adoptive children once and for all.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/11/senador-rick-scott-el-informe-de-empleo-de-biden-y-harris-arroja-luz-sobre-la-realidad-de-la-agenda-econ-mica-imprudente-que-afecta-a-las-familias-estadounidenses", "Senador Rick Scott: El informe de empleo de Biden y Harris arroja luz sobre la realidad de la agenda econ\u00f3mica imprudente que afecta a las familias estadounidenses", "2024-11-01", "2024", "2024-11", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "Publica actualizaci\u00f3n semanal sobre la desastrosa econom\u00eda de Biden-Harris\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Tras la publicaci\u00f3n del informe de empleos de octubre de la Oficina de Estad\u00edsticas Laborales que muestra que se perdieron m\u00e1s de 900.000 puestos de trabajo a tiempo completo durante el a\u00f1o, el Senador Rick Scott public\u00f3 la siguiente declaraci\u00f3n. El informe de octubre muestra que, a\u00f1o tras a\u00f1o, el trabajo a tiempo parcial ha aumentado en casi 1,2 millones de puestos de trabajo. Desde que Biden-Harris asumi\u00f3 el cargo, 1,67 millones m\u00e1s de personas han tenido que aceptar varios trabajos. Esa es una realidad aterradora para muchos estadounidenses y apunta a un mercado laboral inestable en el que la gente tiene que aceptar m\u00e1s trabajos para llegar a fin de mes. El Senador Scott tambi\u00e9n public\u00f3 una actualizaci\u00f3n semanal sobre sus acciones para abordar la crisis de la deuda de Estados Unidos, la creciente inflaci\u00f3n y la econom\u00eda en crisis causada por la agenda imprudente y radical de la administraci\u00f3n Biden-Harris.\n\nEl Senador Rick Scott dijo: \u201cEl informe de hoy es una realidad inquietante y muestra los impactos de la p\u00e9sima agenda econ\u00f3mica y las prioridades equivocadas de la desastrosa administraci\u00f3n Biden-Harris. Se perdieron casi un mill\u00f3n de empleos a tiempo completo. Durante el \u00faltimo a\u00f1o y el \u00faltimo mes, m\u00e1s personas tuvieron que aceptar trabajos a tiempo parcial para sobrevivir. Este informe muestra la realidad devastadora de las personas en todo el pa\u00eds y muchas est\u00e1n pasando apuros. Cuando viajo por Florida y hablo con familias, escucho historias desgarradoras sobre padres que tienen que aceptar m\u00faltiples trabajos, personas que pierden sus trabajos y tienen que pasar necesidades para sobrevivir. Al crecer en viviendas p\u00fablicas, vi a mis padres trabajar duro pero a\u00fan as\u00ed luchar para poner comida en la mesa. Mi madre trabaj\u00f3 en varios trabajos solo para llegar a fin de mes, y muchas veces, nos quedamos sin nada. La agenda Biden-Harris es un desastre total para los estadounidenses trabajadores, y estoy luchando para detenerla y hacer que Washington funcione para las familias de Florida\u201d.\n\nDesde que fue elegido para el Senado de Estados Unidos, el Senador Scott ha instado repetidamente a tomar medidas para abordar la crisis de deuda de Estados Unidos y los efectos nocivos de la inflaci\u00f3n. Haga clic AQU\u00cd para obtener una lista completa de sus declaraciones y acciones sobre este tema urgente y AQU\u00cd para ver el Panorama Econ\u00f3mico Trimestral del Senador Scott.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/sen-rick-scott-rep-scott-franklin-lead-florida-delegation-urging-usda-to-expedite-aid-for-florida-agricultural-producers", "Sen. Rick Scott & Rep. Scott Franklin Lead Florida Delegation Urging USDA to Expedite Aid for Florida Agricultural Producers", "2024-10-31", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2014 Senator Rick Scott joined Congressman Scott Franklin to lead the full Florida congressional delegation in a letter urging U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Vilsack to take immediate action to provide disaster assistance for Florida agricultural producers affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Milton\u2019s path impacted some of Florida\u2019s most productive agricultural areas for fruits, vegetables, dairy, cattle, citrus and other specialty crops. According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), the preliminary estimate of total crop and infrastructure losses ranges from $1.5 to $2.5 billion.\n\nIn the letter the members:\n\nEmphasize the necessity for the USDA to utilize block grants to distribute aid to Florida and other specialty-crop states, where high volume of disaster program applications overwhelm local Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices and delay assistance for producers;\n\nDemand USDA enhance current FSA operations and improve staffing issues;\n\nUrge the USDA to provide a budgetary request to House and Senate Appropriations Committees to ensure Congress can appropriate adequate funding for disaster response;\n\nDiscuss crop insurance reforms to help specialty crop producers recover in tandem with disaster aid; and\n\nReasserts Congress\u2019 desire to collaborate with USDA to ensure proper support for Florida agriculture.\n\nCongress appropriates relief and disaster funds for the USDA to disburse relief. Currently, it is USDA\u2019s practice to stand up new, unique programs after disasters. These programs are administered by FSA, the USDA sub-agency charged with helping agricultural producers apply for aid and other USDA assistance programs. This practice not only makes the disaster relief process arduous, but also delays delivery of critical assistance for the producers who feed our state and nation. FSA offices across Florida are still having trouble facilitating disaster assistance programs after 2022 Hurricanes Ian and Nicole, which were not in the form of a block grant. In contrast, block grants administered by the state expedite disbursement, free up personnel at FSA to efficiently carry out routine programs and provide needed flexibility for states. After Hurricane Irma, Congress appropriated relief to help Florida agriculture and USDA delivered that aid through a block grant to the state. The State of Florida was successful in getting that aid without delay.\n\nOn June 12, 2023, Senator Scott and Congressman Franklin\u2019s effort, the Block Grant Assistance Act, which would empower the USDA to administer calendar year 2022 disaster relief via block grants, passed the House of Representatives unanimously. Leader Chuck Schumer has refused to allow Senate action on the bill.\n\nCosigners include: Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL-03); Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL-13); Rep. Neal Dunn (R-FL-02); Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL-21); Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12); Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL-26); Rep. Laurel Lee (R-FL-15); Rep. Michael Waltz (R-FL-06); Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27); Rep. Daniel Webster (R-FL-11); Rep. Aaron Bean (R-FL-04); Rep. Bill Posey (R-FL-08); Rep. John Rutherford (R-FL-05); Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL-09); Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL-19); Rep. Cory Mills (R-FL-7); Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23); Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25); Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL-17); Rep. Lois Frankel (D-FL-22); Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-FL-28); Rep. Federica Wilson (D-FL-24); Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL-20); Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL-16); Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL-01); Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL-14)\n\nRead the full letter HERE.\n\nMORE\u2026\n\nSince Hurricane Ian devastated Southwest Florida in 2022 and caused significant agriculture losses, Senator Scott has been fighting to secure USDA block grants for Florida\u2019s farmers, ranchers and growers to aid in their recovery and support the state\u2019s agriculture industry. Following Hurricane Helene, Senator Scott led a bipartisan group of his Florida delegation colleagues in a letter to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack supporting the State of Florida\u2019s request to issue a Disaster Declaration for Florida\u2019s counties that were impacted by Hurricane Helene and make assistance available immediately in the form of state block grants to expedite support for Florida\u2019s farmers and agricultural producers as they recover from the destructive impacts of the storms. Read more HERE. Senator Scott spoke to President Biden and USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack about the importance of USDA block grants during their meeting after Hurricane Helene in Keaton Beach on October 3. He stressed the importance of block grants again in his call with President Biden on October 10 and in his meeting with the president in St. Pete Beach on October 13.\n\nSenator Scott is leading the call for Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to fund disaster relief. Earlier this month, Senator Scott announced a bill with Senator Rubio to provide $20 billion for FEMA\u2019s Disaster Relief Fund to ensure the agency has what it needs to provide immediate aid to communities.\n\nSenator Scott encourages all Floridians to visit his website at www.rickscott.senate.gov/contact/casework for information or help with federal agencies like FEMA and the SBA, following Hurricanes Milton and Helene. Find more on response efforts from the Florida Division of Emergency Management at floridadisaster.org or @FLSERT.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/sen-rick-scott-slams-pce-report-biden-harris-inflation-crisis", "Sen. Rick Scott Slams PCE Report & Biden-Harris Inflation Crisis", "2024-10-31", "2024", "2024-10", "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, following the announcement from the Bureau of Economic Analysis\u2019 PCE Report showing September prices paid by consumers for goods and services increased 2.1% over the year and Americans\u2019 purchasing power continues to decline, Senator Scott released the following statement highlighting failures of the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s price hikes caused by their reckless tax-and-spend agenda. Senator Scott\u2019s statement highlights the declining fiscal health of this country, with inflation rising more than 20% since the Biden-Harris administration took office.\n\nSince the Biden-Harris administration took office, consumer prices in U.S. cities have risen 26% faster than private-sector wages. Paychecks now buy less than they did in January 2021. Read more from Senator Scott and Senator Ted Cruz in the Wall Street Journal on What Four Years of Biden-Harris Cost You HERE.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cOnce again, the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s handling of the economy continues to be a massive failure wreaking havoc and bringing hardship on Florida families. Their economic agenda has been a complete disaster, especially the pain they have caused with historic inflation. No matter what lies the White House tries to spin, the American people are smart, and they can feel this agenda working against them every single day. Unfortunately, this is a reality for folks. When I travel around Florida and talk to people, inflation is always top of mind. The failures of the Biden-Harris agenda mean small businesses are being forced to close, Americans are having to take on multiple jobs to make ends meet, and even seniors are coming out of retirement because they cannot afford to not work. A once affordable life is becoming unattainable for so many families. The Biden-Harris administration has proven to be a total disaster for all Americans and it\u2019s time for a change in Washington.\u201d\n\nSince being elected to the U.S. Senate, Senator Scott has repeatedly urged action to address America\u2019s debt crisis and the harmful effects of inflation. Click HERE for a comprehensive list of his statements and actions on this urgent issue and HERE for Senator Scott\u2019s Quarterly Economic Snapshot.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/sens-rick-scott-marco-rubio-urge-biden-harris-admin-to-address-iv-fluid-shortage", "Sens. Rick Scott & Marco Rubio Urge Biden-Harris Admin to Address IV Fluid Shortage", "2024-10-31", "2024", "2024-10", "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, Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio sent a letter to U.S. Department of Human Health Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra requesting the use of the Defense Production Act to help smaller manufacturers increase production of IV fluids to support our nation\u2019s healthcare facilities during the shortage following landfall of Hurricane Helene that significantly damaged North Carolina\u2019s Baxter International IV fluid manufacturing plant. Baxter is responsible for producing more than half of the country\u2019s IV fluid supply. This closure has strained the medical community, leading to delays in non-emergency procedures as providers conserve IV supplies for urgent needs.\n\nLast week, Senator Scott sent a similar letter to Services Secretary Becerra requesting answers and urging HHS, the Assistant Secretary of Preparedness and Response (ASPR) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure Americans have reliable access to medical necessities like dialysis supplies and IV solutions and to take swift actions to solve this growing supply shortage. Senator Scott also requested clarity on the origin of these replacement supplies, noting they should be from fully-FDA approved facilities. Read the full letter HERE.\n\nThe senators write, \u201cWhile importing supply from approved manufacturers abroad can be helpful in the short-term, HHS must do more to expand approvals and resources to all capable domestic IV fluid manufacturers by invoking the Defense Production Act (DPA) and other agency supportive actions to increase domestic production. HHS must also commit to greater transparency in its actions regarding the current available supply so healthcare providers can plan accordingly.\u201d\n\nRead the full letter HERE or below.\n\nDear Secretary Becerra:\n\nWe write with regard to the shortage of IV fluids and what seems to be the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services\u2019 (HHS) hesitance to fully leverage the domestic IV fluid manufacturing sector in the wake of Hurricane Helene.\n\nAs you are aware, Hurricane Helene caused significant damage across many states in the Southeast that led to the destruction of thousands of homes and businesses. The intense flooding in western North Carolina led to the temporary closure of the Baxter manufacturing plant in Marion, North Carolina. As Baxter handles the production of approximately 60 percent of the country\u2019s IV fluid supply, the closure and rationing of supply from this plant have raised considerable concern across the medical community.\n\nAlthough the administration attempted to help mitigate the shortage of IV supply in the weeks following the hurricane, we remain concerned that the delayed execution of these efforts may lead to longer-term consequences. Providers have already begun to delay procedures to conserve their supply for those with the most need. As we learned during COVID, delaying procedures can lead to worse outcomes for patients, so it is critical for our nation\u2019s supply of IV fluids to be restored as soon as possible. Further, it is essential that healthcare providers are fully stocked with IV fluids to treat the anticipated increase in patients during the winter respiratory season. While importing supply from approved manufacturers abroad can be helpful in the short-term, HHS must do more to expand approvals and resources to all capable domestic IV fluid manufacturers by invoking the Defense Production Act (DPA) and other agency supportive actions to increase domestic production. HHS must also commit to greater transparency in its actions regarding the current available supply so healthcare providers can plan accordingly.\n\nMaintaining an adequate supply of IV fluids is critical for the safety and stability of our healthcare system, particularly as many states rebuild after this year\u2019s hurricane season. HHS has a responsibility to ensure the gap in supply is quickly resolved. We respectfully request your response to the following questions.\n\n1. Why has the HHS not invoked the DPA to empower smaller, domestic actors in the IV manufacturing sector to boost their production and support the supply gap while Baxter repairs its facilities?\n\n2. Does the U.S. Food and Drug Administration intend to extend the shelf life of all sterile IV and peritoneal dialysis solutions near or past their expirations to support healthcare facilities in shortage?\n\n3. How is HHS ensuring safety and quality of IV supply that is imported to help mitigate the shortage?\n\n4. How is HHS evaluating how they can improve their response protocols and timeline for future shortages?\n\nThank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to your prompt response.\n\nSincerely,\n\nSenator Scott encourages all Floridians to visit his website at www.rickscott.senate.gov/contact/caseworkfor information or help with federal agencies like FEMA and the SBA, following Hurricanes Milton and Helene. Find more on state response efforts from the Florida Division of Emergency Management at floridadisaster.org or @FLSERT.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/el-senador-rick-scott-anuncia-donaci-n-de-su-salario-del-senado-a-museos-que-honran-la-lucha-por-la-libertad-en-cuba", "El Senador Rick Scott anuncia donaci\u00f3n de su salario del Senado a museos que honran la lucha por la libertad en Cuba", "2024-10-30", "2024", "2024-10", "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 y la Sra. Ann Scott anunciaron que han donado una parte de su salario en el Senado a tres museos del sur de Florida que honran la lucha por la libertad en Cuba y a los activistas a favor de la democracia decididos a poner fin a la ileg\u00edtima dictadura comunista cubana. El Senador ha donado al Museo Americano de la Di\u00e1spora Cubana, al Museo y Biblioteca de Bah\u00eda de Cochinos y al Museo de Hialeah Gardens en Honor a la Brigada de Asalto 2506.\n\nEl Senador Rick Scott dijo: \u201cAnn y yo estamos felices de apoyar al Museo Americano de la Di\u00e1spora Cubana, al Museo y Biblioteca de Bah\u00eda de Cochinos y al Museo de Hialeah Gardens en Honor a la Brigada de Asalto 2506. Estos grandes museos trabajan para honrar a quienes han luchado por la democracia y la libertad para el pueblo cubano y rinden homenaje a las grandes contribuciones culturales del pueblo cubano a los Estados Unidos. Cuando viajo por el estado, conozco a muchas personas incre\u00edbles que han escapado del malvado r\u00e9gimen cubano, saben lo que es enfrentar la verdadera opresi\u00f3n y el mal, y realmente comprenden la importancia de la libertad y la democracia que Estados Unidos siempre debe defender. Ann y yo compartimos y apoyamos con orgullo el compromiso de estos museos de arrojar luz sobre la libertad y garantizar que los estadounidenses conozcan los verdaderos peligros del socialismo y el comunismo\u201d.\n\nMarcell Felipe, Presidente del nuevo Museo Americano de la Di\u00e1spora Cubana, dijo: \u201cHay una clara distinci\u00f3n entre un l\u00edder y un pol\u00edtico, uno ve el poder como un medio y por lo tanto deja un legado de grandeza, el otro ve el poder como un fin y nunca deja ning\u00fan legado. El Senador Scott es todo lo que deseamos de un l\u00edder. Ha estado a la altura de las circunstancias en nombre de los oprimidos en el extranjero, nunca se echa atr\u00e1s ante los agresores en su pa\u00eds y siempre inspira a los estadounidenses a seguir trabajando para hacer de su pa\u00eds un gran pa\u00eds. Rick Scott, un empresario exitoso y creador de empleo que ha puesto esos talentos al servicio de los estadounidenses, encarna lo mejor de Estados Unidos y las esperanzas puestas en Estados Unidos por quienes la aman y le desean \u00e9xito. El hecho de que el Senador Scott y su esposa hayan donado su salario al Museo Americano de la Di\u00e1spora Cubana nos da orgullo, esperanza y prop\u00f3sito en nuestra misi\u00f3n, que es en esencia una advertencia sobre c\u00f3mo una democracia pr\u00f3spera puede convertirse en una dictadura empobrecida en una generaci\u00f3n. Esta contribuci\u00f3n enciende la fe en que este gran pa\u00eds tiene grandes l\u00edderes y es en s\u00ed misma una causa por la que vale la pena luchar. Aquellos que vinieron de pa\u00edses plagados por el socialismo est\u00e1n agradecidos por l\u00edderes como Scott que comprenden la amenaza que la ideolog\u00eda representa para Estados Unidos y la humanidad\u201d.\n\nRafael Montalvo, Presidente de la Asociaci\u00f3n de Veteranos de la Brigada 2506 y la Dra. Yuleisy Mena, Directora Ejecutiva del Museo y Biblioteca de Bah\u00eda de Cochinos, dijo: \u201cEstamos muy agradecidos por el apoyo del Senador Rick Scott y la Sra. Ann Scott para continuar nuestra misi\u00f3n de ser la principal instituci\u00f3n del mundo que examina el profundo impacto de la Invasi\u00f3n de Bah\u00eda de Cochinos en los Estados Unidos, Cuba y el mundo. A trav\u00e9s de nuestra colecci\u00f3n cuidadosamente seleccionada, nuestro museo preserva la historia del evento y honra a los hombres que participaron, y conecta las luchas pasadas y presentes por la libertad\u201d.\n\nF\u00e9lix Rodr\u00edguez, Director del Museo en Honor a la Brigada de Asalto 2506 de Hialeah Gardens, dijo: \u201cEstamos muy agradecidos de contar con el apoyo del Senador Rick Scott y la Sra. Ann Scott. Nuestro museo rinde homenaje a los nobles esfuerzos de la Brigada de Asalto 2506 durante la Invasi\u00f3n de Bah\u00eda de Cochinos, reconociendo a los miles de h\u00e9roes que tan valiente y honorablemente lucharon por la libertad en una Cuba oprimida bajo un r\u00e9gimen malvado. Este museo se mantiene firme como un recordatorio de los sacrificios que tantos cubanos han hecho para luchar contra el mal, y que la libertad y la democracia siempre valen la pena. Gracias, Senador Scott\u201d.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/en-caso-de-que-te-lo-hayas-perdido-el-senador-rick-scott-contin-a-luchando-por-la-ayuda-en-caso-de-desastres-para-florida-puerto-rico-y-los-estados-afectados-por-los-recientes-huracanes", "EN CASO DE QUE TE LO HAYAS PERDIDO\u2026 El Senador Rick Scott contin\u00faa luchando por la ayuda en caso de desastres para Florida, Puerto Rico y los estados afectados por los recientes huracanes", "2024-10-30", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 En caso de que te lo hayas perdido, el Senador Rick Scott contin\u00faa con su esfuerzo para brindar ayuda en caso de desastres, incluyendo la aprobaci\u00f3n inmediata de su proyecto de ley, Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act para brindar alivio fiscal por p\u00e9rdidas por desastres a las comunidades de Florida, Carolina del Norte, Georgia, Puerto Rico y m\u00e1s en todo el pa\u00eds que se han visto afectadas por desastres, como los huracanes Helene, Debby y Milton este a\u00f1o, y los huracanes Ian, Nicole, Fiona e Idalia, en los \u00faltimos a\u00f1os, que a\u00fan esperan el tan necesario alivio del gobierno federal. Esta legislaci\u00f3n fue aprobada por gran mayor\u00eda en la C\u00e1mara de Representantes a principios de este a\u00f1o, pero los dem\u00f3cratas en el Senado la han estancado a pesar de que se aprobaron paquetes de alivio fiscal similares en congresos y administraciones anteriores con apoyo bipartidista.\n\nEl Senador Rick Scott dijo: \u201cMientras viajo por el estado y hablo con los floridanos afectados por huracanes este a\u00f1o y en a\u00f1os anteriores, una cosa est\u00e1 muy clara: est\u00e1n hartos de que su gobierno federal juegue a la pol\u00edtica mientras esperan la ayuda y los recursos que han necesitado durante MESES y A\u00d1OS. Obviamente, ese es el caso con el continuo paro de los dem\u00f3cratas de mi Proyecto de ley Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act. Mi colega, el Congresista Steube, lider\u00f3 la aprobaci\u00f3n de este proyecto de ley en la C\u00e1mara de Representantes con un apoyo masivo de ambos partidos, tal como lo hemos hecho con las tormentas bajo administraciones anteriores. He estado luchando para lograr esto durante casi dos a\u00f1os, mientras que los dem\u00f3cratas se niegan a tomar medidas y las familias esperan. Es por eso que estoy pidiendo que Schumer vuelva a convocar inmediatamente al Senado para aprobar los fondos necesarios para desastres para FEMA, SBA y el USDA y aprobar un alivio de sentido com\u00fan como mi proyecto de ley Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act y mi proyecto de ley para reponer FEMA con el Senador Rubio, y he reiterado este llamado al presidente varias veces. Las familias de Florida, Carolina del Norte, Georgia, Puerto Rico y de todo el pa\u00eds no deber\u00edan ser castigadas en los juegos pol\u00edticos de Chuck Schumer\u201d.\n\nAdem\u00e1s de la aprobaci\u00f3n de su proyecto de ley Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act, el Senador sigue pidiendo al L\u00edder de la Mayor\u00eda Chuck Schumer que vuelva a convocar inmediatamente al Senado para financiar completamente la ayuda en caso de desastre tan pronto como las comunidades hayan finalizado las evaluaciones aceleradas de los da\u00f1os y sus necesidades por parte del gobierno federal y ha pedido al USDA que ponga a disposici\u00f3n asistencia de inmediato en forma de subvenciones estatales en bloque para acelerar el apoyo a los agricultores y productores agr\u00edcolas de Florida mientras se recuperan de los impactos destructivos de las tormentas. El Senador Scott tambi\u00e9n se ha unido al Senador Marco Rubio para presentar una legislaci\u00f3n cr\u00edtica que agregar\u00e1 20 mil millones de d\u00f3lares para el Fondo de Ayuda en Caso de Desastre de FEMA para garantizar que FEMA tenga los recursos necesarios para abordar las necesidades inmediatas de las comunidades y cumplir con las obligaciones de tormentas anteriores en Florida y en todo el pa\u00eds.\n\nEsta semana, el Senador Scott tambi\u00e9n se uni\u00f3 a los Senadores Thom Tillis, Ted Budd, Tim Scott y Bill Cassidy, M.D., para anunciar una nueva legislaci\u00f3n que repondr\u00eda los fondos del Programa de Pr\u00e9stamos para Desastres de la Administraci\u00f3n de Peque\u00f1as Empresas (SBA, por sus siglas en ingl\u00e9s). El proyecto de ley Relief Act asignar\u00eda 550 millones de d\u00f3lares para financiar la Cuenta del Programa de Pr\u00e9stamos para Desastres de SBA, que proporcionar\u00eda 2.475 mil millones de d\u00f3lares en capacidad de pr\u00e9stamo que se proyecta que durar\u00e1 hasta fines de 2024.\n\nEl Senador Scott tambi\u00e9n est\u00e1 liderando legislaci\u00f3n importante para reducir los costos para las familias, incluyendo su legislaci\u00f3n que proporciona una exenci\u00f3n de impuestos no reembolsable a las familias que compran cobertura de seguro contra inundaciones y un proyecto de ley que proporciona una exenci\u00f3n de impuestos de 10,000 d\u00f3lares para las primas de seguros de propiedad. El Senador Scott tambi\u00e9n anunci\u00f3 recientemente su READY Accounts Act para ayudar a las personas a ahorrar para los costos de mitigaci\u00f3n de desastres y respuesta a desastres en el hogar en cuentas libres de impuestos.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/in-case-you-missed-it-sen-rick-scott-continues-to-fight-for-disaster-relief-for-florida-puerto-rico-states-affected-by-recent-hurricanes", "IN CASE YOU MISSED IT\u2026 Sen. Rick Scott Continues to Fight for Disaster Relief for Florida, Puerto Rico & States Affected by Recent Hurricanes", "2024-10-30", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 In case you missed it, Senator Rick Scott is continuing his push to provide disaster relief, including immediate passage of his Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act to provide disaster-loss tax relief for communities in Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, Puerto Rico and more across the nation that have been affected by disasters, including Hurricanes Helene, Debby, and Milton this year, and Hurricanes Ian, Nicole, Fiona and Idalia in recent years that are still waiting for much-needed relief from the federal government. This legislation overwhelmingly passed the House earlier this year, but has been stalled by Democrats in the Senate despite similar tax relief packages passing under previous congresses and administrations with overwhelming bipartisan support.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cAs I travel the state and talk to Floridians impacted by hurricanes this year and in years past, one thing is abundantly clear: they are sick and tired of their federal government playing politics as they wait for relief and resources they\u2019ve needed for MONTHS and YEARS. That\u2019s obviously the case with Democrats\u2019 continued stalling of my Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act. My colleague, Congressman Steube, led the passage of this bill in the House with massive support from both sides of the aisle, just like we\u2019ve done with storms under prior administrations. I\u2019ve been fighting to get this done for nearly two years, while Democrats refuse to take action and families wait. That\u2019s why I\u2019m calling on Schumer to bring the Senate back ASAP to pass needed disaster funding for FEMA, SBA and the USDA and approve common sense relief like my Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act and my bill to replenish FEMA with Senator Rubio, and I\u2019ve reiterated this call to the president multiple times. Families in Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, Puerto Rico and across the nation shouldn\u2019t be punished in Chuck Schumer\u2019s political games.\u201d\n\nIn addition to passage of his Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act, the Senator continues to call for Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to bring Congress back into session to fully fund disaster relief as soon as communities have completed expedited assessments of damage and their needs from the federal government and has called for the USDA to make assistance available immediately in the form of state block grants to expedite support for Florida\u2019s farmers and agricultural producers as they recover from the destructive impacts of the storms. Senator Scott has also joined Senator Marco Rubio to introduce critical legislation that will add $20 billion for FEMA\u2019s Disaster Relief Fund to ensure FEMA has needed resources to address communities immediate needs and fulfill obligations from prior storms in Florida and across the nation.\n\nThis week, Senator Scott also joined Senators Thom Tillis, Ted Budd, Tim Scott and Bill Cassidy, M.D. to announce new legislation that would replenish the Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Program. The Restoring an Economic Lifeline with Immediate Emergency Funding (Relief) Act would appropriate $550 million to fund the SBA Disaster Loan Program Account, which would provide $2.475 billion in lending capacity projected to last until the end of 2024.\n\nSenator Scott is also leading important legislation to bring costs down for families, including his legislation that provides a non-refundable tax break to families who purchase flood insurance coverage and a bill that provides a $10,000 tax break for property insurance premiums. Senator Scott also recently announced his READY Accounts Act to help folks save for home mitigation and disaster response costs in tax-free accounts.\n\nSee more on the Senator\u2019s efforts to bring much-needed disaster relief to impacted communities below:\n\nOctober 29, 2024: Sen. Rick Scott Joins Sen. Thom Tillis on Legislation to Replenish the SBA Disaster Loan Program Following Hurricanes Helene and Milton\n\nOctober 28, 2024: Sen. Rick Scott & Sen. Marco Rubio Send Letter to Biden Supporting the Seminole Tribe\u2019s Request For Expedited Major Disaster Declaration Following Major Hurricane Milton\n\nOctober 21, 2024: Sen. Rick Scott to POTUS: OMB Must Quickly Assess & Request Funding for USDA Block Grants\n\nOctober 16, 2024: Sen. Rick Scott Shares Hurricane Milton Resource Guide for Floridians\n\nOctober 16, 2024: Sens. Rick Scott, Marco Rubio & Colleagues Announce Bill to Replenish Disaster Relief Fund\n\nOctober 8, 2024: Sen. Rick Scott Joins Sen. Marco Rubio in Letter to POTUS Supporting the Seminole Tribe\u2019s Request For A Pre-Landfall Emergency Declaration for Major Hurricane Milton\n\nOctober 8, 2024: Sens. Rick Scott, Marco Rubio to POTUS: Prepare for Hurricane Impacts to Port of Tampa Bay\n\nOctober 6, 2024: Sens. Rick Scott, Marco Rubio Support Florida\u2019s Request for Pre-Landfall Emergency Declaration for Hurricane Milton\n\nOctober 4, 2024: Sens. Rick Scott, Marco Rubio & Colleagues to POTUS: Expedite Resources to Floridians\n\nOctober 3, 2024: Sen. Rick Scott in Meeting with Biden: Federal Gov. Must Fully Support Florida\u2019s Recovery from Hurricane Helene\n\nOctober 3, 2024: Sen. Rick Scott and Sen. Marco Rubio Urge FEMA to Expedite Hurricane Reimbursements to Local Governments\n\nOctober 2, 2024: Senator Rick Scott Joins Colleagues in Making Bipartisan Push for Quick Passage of Disaster Relief Legislation\n\nOctober 1, 2024: Sen. Rick Scott & Florida Colleagues Urge USDA to Approve Disaster Declaration Request, Issue Block Grants to Recover from Hurricane Helene\n\nOctober 1, 2024: Sen. Rick Scott to FEMA: Housing for Floridians Displaced by Helene Must be Top Priority\n\nSeptember 30, 2024: Sen. Rick Scott: Once FEMA Determines Need, Senate Must Immediately Reconvene to Vote on Helene Aid Package\n\nSeptember 28, 2024: Sen. Rick Scott & Sen. Marco Rubio Support Florida\u2019s Request for Major Disaster Declaration\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/sen-rick-scott-announces-senate-salary-donation-to-museums-honoring-the-fight-for-freedom-in-cuba", "Sen. Rick Scott Announces Senate Salary Donation to Museums Honoring the Fight for Freedom in Cuba", "2024-10-30", "2024", "2024-10", "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, Senator Rick Scott and Mrs. Ann Scott announced they have donated a portion of his Senate salary to three South Florida museums honoring the fight for freedom in Cuba and honoring pro-democracy activists determined to end the ruthless, illegitimate communist Cuban dictatorship. The senator has donated to the American Museum of the Cuban Diaspora, the Bay of Pigs Museum and Library, and the Hialeah Gardens Museum Honoring Assault Brigade 2506.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cAnn and I are glad to support the American Museum of the Cuban Diaspora, the Bay of Pigs Museum and Library, and the Hialeah Gardens Museum Honoring Assault Brigade 2506. These great museums work to honor those who have fought for democracy and freedom for the Cuban people and pay tribute to the great cultural contributions of the Cuban people to the United States. As I travel the state, I meet so many incredible people who have escaped the evil Cuban regime, know what it\u2019s like to face true oppression and evil, and truly understand the importance of freedom and democracy that the United States must always stand for. Ann and I proudly share and support these museum\u2019s commitment to shining a light on freedom and ensuring Americans know the true dangers of socialism and communism.\u201d\n\nMarcell Felipe, Chairman of the new American Museum of the Cuban Diaspora, said, \u201cThere is a clear distinction between a leader and a politician, one looks at power as a means and hence leave a legacy of greatness, the other sees power as an end and never leave any legacy. Senator Scott is everything we wish for in a leader. He has risen to the occasion on behalf of the oppressed abroad, never backs down from bullies at home, and is always inspiring Americans to continue working to make their country great. A successful entrepreneur and job creator who has put those talents to the service of his fellow Americans, Rick Scott embodies the best of America and the hopes placed upon America by those who love her and wish her success. To have Senator Scott and Mrs. Scott donate his salary to the American Museum of the Cuban Diaspora gives us pride, hope and purpose in our mission which is at its core a warning on how a prosperous democracy can turn into an impoverished dictatorship in one generation. This contribution ignites faith that this great country has great leaders and is in itself a cause worth fighting for. Those who came from countries plagued by socialism are grateful for leaders like Scott who understand the threat that ideology poses to America and humanity.\u201d\n\nRafael Montalvo, President of Brigade 2506 Veterans Association and Dr. Yuleisy Mena, Executive Director of the Bay of Pigs Museum and Library, said, \u201cWe are so grateful for the support of Senator Rick Scott and Mrs. Ann Scott to continue our mission of being the world\u2019s premier institution examining the Bay of Pigs Invasion\u2019s profound impact on the US, Cuba, and the world. Through our carefully curated collection, our museum preserves the history of the event and honors the men who participated, and connects the past and present struggles for freedom.\u201d\n\nFelix Rodriguez, head of theHialeah Gardens Museum Honoring Assault Brigade 2506, said, \u201cWe are so grateful to have the support of Senator Rick Scott and Mrs. Ann Scott. Our museum honors the noble efforts of the 2506 Assault Brigade during the Bay of Pigs Invasion, recognizing the thousands of heroes who so bravely and honorably fought for freedom in a Cuba oppressed under an evil regime. This museum stands strong as a reminder of the sacrifices so many Cubans have made to fight evil, and that freedom and democracy is always worth fighting for. Thank you, Senator Scott.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/sen-rick-scott-slams-biden-harris-economic-failures-following-q3-gdp-report", "Sen. Rick Scott Slams Biden-Harris Economic Failures Following Q3 GDP Report", "2024-10-30", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C.\u2014Today, following the disappointing Third Quarter 2024 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) announcement which showed growth slow to 2.8%, Senator Rick Scott released the following statement highlighting failures of the Biden-Harris administration and the economic hardships fueled by their reckless tax-and-spend agenda. Today\u2019s report shows the growth of the economy is down from last quarter and comes as inflation has risen more than 20% since President Biden and Vice President Harris took office.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cUnder the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s failed leadership, the American Dream is at risk. Their economic agenda has been a complete disaster and their lies to the American people through doctored jobs reports and refusal to acknowledge the pain they caused with historic inflation are disgusting and disqualifying. No matter what lies the White House tries to spin, the American people are smart, and they can feel this agenda working against them every single day. I\u2019ve been warning about the dangers of Biden\u2019s bad policies since the start of his administration and last year, I began distributing a quarterly Economic Snapshot that shows America\u2019s decline under Biden\u2019s disastrous agenda. The numbers show a country in economic decline, and we all know it\u2019s caused by reckless government spending and that a massively growing regulatory regime are killing opportunity in this country, causing prices to skyrocket and digging America in nearly $36 TRILLION of debt. We cannot continue down this path of fiscal insanity. It\u2019s going to take hard work to get back on track, but I have faith in the American people and believe there will be a sea change in Washington come the new year.\u201d\n\nMORE\u2026 Senator Scott highlights staggering debt projections in his Economic Snapshot:\n\nSenator Scott\u2019s Economic Snapshot highlights the fiscal cliff the country is quickly approaching and urges his colleagues to engage in a productive dialogue on how members can work together to fix the economic mess our country finds itself in today. This page highlights some staggering statistics:\n\n1. Debt is projected to grow two times as fast as the economy over the next 30 years\n\n2. Interest payments on national debt EXCEEDS defense spending\n\n3. FY24 marked the 5th year in a row of federal deficit spending over $1 trillion\n\nRead Senator Scott\u2019s full Fall 2024 Economic Snapshot on Biden-Harris Price Hikes HERE or below:\n\nSince being elected to the U.S. Senate, Senator Scott has repeatedly urged action to address America\u2019s debt crisis and the harmful effects of inflation. Click HERE for a comprehensive list of his statements and actions on this urgent issue and HERE for Senator Scott\u2019s Quarterly Economic Snapshot.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/lock-the-clock-sen-rick-scott-continues-push-to-make-daylight-saving-time-permanent", "LOCK THE CLOCK\u2026 Sen. Rick Scott Continues Push to Make Daylight Saving Time Permanent", "2024-10-29", "2024", "2024-10", "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, as Americans prepare for the burdensome chore of switching the clocks backward this weekend, Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio are continuing their push for their bipartisan Sunshine Protection Act to end the twice-yearly time change and make Daylight Saving Time the national year-round standard. In 2018, as Governor of Florida, Senator Scott signed legislation which, pending federal approval, would exempt Florida from the time change practice and allow the state to remain on Daylight Saving Time year-round. Senators James Lankford, Alex Padilla, Tommy Tuberville, Ed Markey, Bill Hagerty, Tina Smith, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Rand Paul, Ron Wyden and Martin Heinrich are cosponsors of the Sunshine Protection Act in the Senate. Representative Vern Buchanan introduced companion legislation in the House. Last Congress, the Senate unanimously passed the Sunshine Protection Act.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cFloridians are sick of changing their clocks because we all want more sunshine. It\u2019s time for Congress to act, pass the Sunshine Protection Act and lock the clock. I\u2019m proud to be leading the bipartisan Sunshine Protection Act with Senator Rubio to get this done. When I was Governor of Florida, I signed this bill into law on the state level. Now it\u2019s Washington\u2019s turn and we should finish the job by immediately passing this good bill.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/sen-rick-scott-announces-senate-salary-donation-to-operation-bbq-relief", "Sen. Rick Scott Announces Senate Salary Donation to Operation BBQ Relief", "2024-10-29", "2024", "2024-10", "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, Senator Rick Scott and Mrs. Ann Scott announced that they have donated a portion of his Senate salary to Operation BBQ Relief. Operation BBQ Relief aids communities and first responders affected by natural disasters by providing the one hot meal that matters during times of need, including recent Hurricanes Helene and Milton in Florida. With a wide network of volunteers and equipment across the country, Operation BBQ Relief mobilizes immediately following natural disasters to serve hot meals within 24-48 hours of the disaster.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cOperation BBQ Relief has been a saving grace to so many Floridians following natural disasters in the past years, especially after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. As a volunteer-based organization, Operation BBQ Relief and its thousands of volunteers embody what it means to serve selflessly and show up when and where your fellow Americans are in need. It\u2019s truly humbling to see their impact in Florida following storms firsthand, when families have lost everything, have no power and no food in their homes. Ann and I are proud to support Operation BBQ Relief which is always there to provide a hot meal and kindness \u2013 making a world of difference.\u201d\n\nDavid Marks, Operation BBQ Relief Senior Head of Growth & Development, said, \u201cOur team at Operation BBQ Relief is so grateful to have the support of Senator and Mrs. Scott as we work in Florida and across the nation to provide hot meals and comfort to families devastated by natural disasters. In the weeks since, Hurricanes Helene and Milton, we\u2019ve been able to serve over a million meals across the Southeast and our work is far from over. It\u2019s thanks to Operation BBQ Relief\u2019s incredible network of volunteers and team members who come together within hours after a disaster strikes to set up operations and get to work, and support like the Senator\u2019s that we\u2019re able to help millions when they need it most.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/sen-rick-scott-joins-sen-thom-tillis-on-legislation-to-replenish-the-sba-disaster-loan-program-following-hurricanes-helene-and-milton", "Sen. Rick Scott Joins Sen. Thom Tillis on Legislation to Replenish the SBA Disaster Loan Program Following Hurricanes Helene and Milton", "2024-10-29", "2024", "2024-10", "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, following the October 15th announcement where the SBA announced the Disaster Loan Fund had run out of money, Senator Rick Scott joined Senator Thom Tillis, along with Senators Ted Budd, Tim Scott and Bill Cassidy, M.D. to announce the upcoming introduction of legislation that would replenish the Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Program. The senators plan to seek passage of the legislation when Congress returns to session. The Restoring an Economic Lifeline with Immediate Emergency Funding (Relief) Act would appropriate $550 million to fund the SBA Disaster Loan Program Account, which would provide $2.475B in lending capacity projected to last until the end of 2024.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cWe cannot allow frontline federal agencies, like the SBA, to run out of disaster relief funds. This is especially important in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton which devastated Florida, North Carolina and communities across the Southeast U.S. I continue to call on Leader Schumer to immediately reconvene the Senate so we can fund disaster relief functions at FEMA, the SBA, USDA and other agencies to get folks what they need and deserve. I won\u2019t stop fighting to get this done and am proud to join my colleagues to introduce a bill that funds SBA disaster loans and makes sure the federal government is a reliable partner as families continue their recovery.\u201d\n\nSenator Thom Tillis said, \u201cThe SBA Disaster Loan Program running out of funds risks delays in processing the loans of those affected by Helene and Milton and their ability to get their lives back on track. That is why I am leading legislation to replenish this fund when Congress returns to Washington, and I look forward to working across the aisle to pass a long-term disaster aid package that will provide additional resources to help make the victims of these hurricanes whole again.\u201d\n\nSenator Ted Budd said, \u201cThe citizens of Western North Carolina are some of the toughest and most resilient people in this country. As they recover and rebuild their communities, they must be able to access disaster loans from SBA. This recovery will take many years, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to cut through the delays and provide WNC with the resources they need as quickly as possible.\u201d\n\nSenator Bill Cassidy said, \u201cHurricanes Francine, Helene, and Milton hit us hard, but Louisianans and Americans are resilient. This funding is essential to help small businesses recover from these storms and support our local economies.\u201d\n\nRead text of the bill HERE.\n\nSenator Scott is leading the call for Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to immediately reconvene the Senate and fund disaster relief. On top of urging for the funding of disaster aid at SBA, Senator Scott announced a bill with Senator Rubio to provide $20 billion for FEMA\u2019s Disaster Relief Fund to ensure the agency has what it needs to provide immediate aid to communities. Senator Scott encourages all Floridians to visit his website at www.rickscott.senate.gov/contact/casework for information or help with federal agencies like FEMA and the SBA, following Hurricanes Milton and Helene. Find more on state response efforts from the Florida Division of Emergency Management at floridadisaster.org or @FLSERT.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/sen-rick-scott-announces-senate-salary-donation-to-special-olympics-florida", "Sen. Rick Scott Announces Senate Salary Donation to Special Olympics Florida", "2024-10-28", "2024", "2024-10", "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, Senator Rick Scott and Mrs. Ann Scott announced that they have donated a portion of his Senate salary to Special Olympics Florida toward its Race for Inclusion in Orlando over this past weekend. Special Olympics Florida provides year-round sports training and competition, crucial health services and life-changing leadership programs to people with intellectual disabilities, at no cost to the athletes or their caregivers.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cAnn and I are so honored to support Special Olympics Florida and the Race for Inclusion. The impact of Special Olympics Florida is far-reaching and life-changing to thousands in our state, providing opportunities for every Floridian to follow their dreams and succeed. This great organization holds a special place in our hearts and the hearts of so many, and we\u2019re so proud to support it.\u201d\n\nSpecial Olympics Florida President and CEO Sherry Wheelock said, \u201cWe are profoundly grateful to Senator Scott and Mrs. Scott for their support of the Race for Inclusion and our incredible athletes. Their generosity helps us serve more than 75,000 athletes across Florida and furthers our mission of ensuring that people with intellectual disabilities are treated with respect and given the opportunities to succeed that everyone deserves.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/sen-rick-scott-sen-marco-rubio-send-letter-to-biden-supporting-the-seminole-tribe-s-request-for-expedited-major-disaster-declaration-following-major-hurricane-milton", "Sen. Rick Scott & Sen. Marco Rubio Send Letter to Biden Supporting the Seminole Tribe\u2019s Request For Expedited Major Disaster Declaration Following Major Hurricane Milton", "2024-10-28", "2024", "2024-10", "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, Senator Rick Scott and Senator Marco Rubio sent a letter to President Joe Biden urging his immediate approval of the Seminole Tribe of Florida\u2019s request for an expedited Major Disaster Declaration following the impacts of major Hurricane Milton that brought devastation throughout the entire State of Florida. Ensuring the Tribe has access to the federal resources needed for its ongoing response and recovery efforts is imperative to protecting members of the tribe, their communities and property.\n\nRead the full letter HERE or below.\n\nDear Mr. President:\n\nWe write in support of the Seminole Tribe of Florida\u2019s request for an expedited Major Disaster Declaration related to the devastating impacts of major Hurricane Milton, which made landfall in Florida on October 9, 2024.\n\nAs detailed in the request submitted by Chairman Marcellus W. Osceola, Jr., Hurricane Milton impacted all Seminole Tribal lands in the state, with the most severe damage caused to the Tampa, Brighton, Big Cypress, and Immokalee Seminole Indian Reservations, as well as the Lakeland and Fort Pierce trust parcels. Ensuring the Tribe has access to the federal resources needed for its ongoing response and recovery efforts is imperative to protecting members of the tribe, their communities and property. As such, we urge you to promptly approve the Seminole Tribe of Florida\u2019s request for an expedited Major Disaster Declaration.\n\nThank you for your attention to this important matter.\n\nSenator Scott encourages all Floridians to visit his website at www.rickscott.senate.gov/contact/caseworkfor information or help with federal agencies like FEMA and the SBA, following Hurricanes Milton and Helene. Find more on state response efforts from the Florida Division of Emergency Management at floridadisaster.org or @FLSERT.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/el-senador-rick-scott-publica-su-panorama-econ-mico-del-oto-o-2024-y-una-actualizaci-n-semanal-sobre-la-crisis-inflacionaria-de-biden", "El Senador Rick Scott publica su Panorama Econ\u00f3mico del oto\u00f1o 2024, y una actualizaci\u00f3n semanal sobre la crisis inflacionaria de Biden", "2024-10-25", "2024", "2024-10", "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 public\u00f3 una actualizaci\u00f3n semanal sobre sus acciones para abordar la crisis de deuda y la creciente inflaci\u00f3n de Estados Unidos y comparti\u00f3 su Panorama Econ\u00f3mico del oto\u00f1o 2024. Todos los d\u00edas, el Senador Scott escucha a sus constituyentes hablar sobre lo dif\u00edcil que es para ellos llegar a fin de mes debido a la inflaci\u00f3n hist\u00f3rica causada por las subidas de precios de Biden-Harris. El a\u00f1o pasado, el Senador Scott comenz\u00f3 a distribuir un informe a sus colegas en el Senado que trae luz sobre las preocupantes condiciones econ\u00f3micas actuales de Estados Unidos. Este informe destaca el abismo fiscal al que el pa\u00eds se est\u00e1 acercando r\u00e1pidamente con la esperanza de iniciar un di\u00e1logo productivo en el Congreso sobre c\u00f3mo pueden trabajar juntos para solucionar el desastre econ\u00f3mico en el que se encuentra hoy nuestro pa\u00eds. El Senador Scott publica este informe trimestralmente. Desde que el Presidente Joe Biden y la Vicepresidenta Kamala Harris asumieron el cargo, la inflaci\u00f3n del CPI aument\u00f3 un 20,5 por ciento, mientras que la inflaci\u00f3n del PPI aument\u00f3 un 20,0 por ciento.\n\nEl Senador Rick Scott dijo: \u201cTodos podemos sentir el impacto de la actual crisis inflacionaria causada por las pol\u00edticas fallidas de la Administraci\u00f3n Biden-Harris, y el objetivo de este informe es llamar la atenci\u00f3n sobre el precipicio fiscal al que nuestra naci\u00f3n se est\u00e1 acercando r\u00e1pidamente. Desde que la Vicepresidenta Harris y el Presidente Biden asumieron el cargo, la inflaci\u00f3n se ha disparado m\u00e1s del 20% y los aumentos de precios de Biden-Harris est\u00e1n impactando a las familias estadounidenses trabajadoras. En Washington, es mi trabajo asegurar que luchemos todos los d\u00edas para dejar este pa\u00eds en un lugar donde las generaciones futuras puedan lograr el sue\u00f1o americano. Es algo personal para m\u00ed. Crec\u00ed en una vivienda p\u00fablica y vi a mi madre luchar para llegar a fin de mes. Me rompe el coraz\u00f3n que las familias tengan que tomar decisiones dif\u00edciles y quedarse sin dinero. Es hora de un cambio radical en Washington para que podamos hacer que las familias se recuperen, que este pa\u00eds vuelva al camino de la cordura fiscal y que Washington funcione para todos\u201d.\n\nLea el Panorama Econ\u00f3mico Trimestral del Senator Rick Scott para el oto\u00f1o 2024 AQU\u00cd o debajo:\n\nDesde que fue elegido para el Senado de Estados Unidos, el Senador Scott ha instado repetidamente a tomar medidas para abordar la crisis de deuda de Estados Unidos y los efectos nocivos de la inflaci\u00f3n. Haga clic AQU\u00cd para obtener una lista completa de sus declaraciones y acciones sobre este tema urgente y AQU\u00cd para ver el Panorama Econ\u00f3mico Trimestral del Senador Scott.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/sen-rick-scott-announces-ready-account-act-to-provide-tax-free-savings-accounts-for-disaster-mitigation-and-response", "Sen. Rick Scott Announces READY Accounts Act to Provide Tax-Free Savings Accounts for Disaster Mitigation and Response", "2024-10-25", "2024", "2024-10", "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, following Major Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Senator Rick Scott announced the Residential Emergency Asset Accumulation Deferred Taxation Yield (READY) Accounts Act to create a tax-free savings vehicle for home mitigation and disaster response costs. This legislation would enable taxpayers to establish a READY account, similar to a Health Savings Account (HSA), for at least 12 different mitigation measures used by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), such as various measures to strengthen the connection of the roof to the home; installing impact-resistant windows and doors; and, elevating the home or constructing floodwalls to mitigate against flooding. This tax-advantaged account would help millions of Floridians better afford disaster mitigation and protect their homes. The READY Account Act is endorsed by the State of Florida\u2019s Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cFloridians know that during Hurricane Season preparedness saves lives, and being ready for storms can also help save your home from catastrophic damage. While I continue to fight every day to make sure FEMA is showing up for Florida families and getting them all of the federal assistance available for them to recover, there is more than can be done to make sure Floridians are able to take personal action that protects their home and makes recovery from the next storm less burdensome. Today, I am proud to partner with CFO Patronis to announce the READY Accounts Act to give homeowners a triple tax advantage when saving for disaster mitigation and recovery projects, and build on work done at the state level in Florida through the My Safe Florida Home program. We know that there is a significant return on investment for families that take action to strengthen their homes and protect against hurricane damage, including a reduction in insurance costs, and the READY Account Act will make it easier to save for mitigation and recovery projects through a tax-free account. I urge my colleagues to support this good bill that helps families across the country establish tax-free disaster savings accounts and be better prepared for hurricanes and other natural disasters.\u201d\n\nFlorida CFO Jimmy Patronis said, \u201cI want to thank Senator Scott for building on our policy proposal to accomplish tax savings for homeowners that only the federal government can. READY accounts leverage the federal tax code to give homeowners a triple tax advantage when saving up funds to harden their homes against storms. Upgrading a home to the latest building codes saves $11 for every $1 invested and we\u2019ve had great success with the My Safe Florida Home Program in reducing insurance costs. Florida is once again leading the way so that all Americans can benefit from lower insurance bills and fewer headaches the next time mother nature throws you a curveball.\u201d\n\nThe READY Accounts Act:\n\nAmends the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C.) to enable taxpayers to establish a Residential Emergency Asset Accumulation Deferred Taxation Yield Account (\u201cREADY account\u201d), similar to an HSA (26 U.S.C. 223).\n\nCreates 3 tax benefits associated with the READY accounts:\n\nAn annual tax deduction is allowed in the amount that the taxpayer pays to the account in that tax year;\n\nGrowth of the investment account would be exempt from taxation; and\n\nAny amount distributed out of the account for eligible mitigation measures would not be taxed at withdraw.\n\nAnnually, a taxpayer may contribute up to $4,500.\n\nTo be eligible for the tax benefits, the READY account must be used to save and pay for mitigation and recovery measures that benefit the taxpayer\u2019s principle residence.\n\nThe bill lists 12 mitigation measures that taxpayers can choose from. The measures are derived from FEMA guidance, some examples include:\n\nVarious measures to strengthen the connection of the roof to the home;\n\nInstalling impact-resistant windows and doors;\n\nElevating the home or constructing floodwalls to mitigate against flooding.\n\nThe assets in the account could also be used to pay for any deductible for an insurance policy insuring the taxpayer\u2019s residential home.\n\nTo ensure that mitigation measures are truthfully and properly performed, an industry professional must certify that the applicable mitigation measure was performed.\n\nSenator Scott encourages all Floridians to visit his website at www.rickscott.senate.gov/contact/caseworkfor information or help with federal agencies like FEMA and the SBA, following Hurricanes Milton and Helene. Find more on state response efforts from the Florida Division of Emergency Management at floridadisaster.org or @FLSERT.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/sen-rick-scott-releases-fall-2024-economic-snapshot-shares-weekly-update-on-biden-harris-price-hikes", "Sen. Rick Scott Releases Fall 2024 Economic Snapshot, Shares Weekly Update on Biden-Harris Price Hikes", "2024-10-25", "2024", "2024-10", "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, Senator Rick Scott released a weekly update on his actions to address America\u2019s debt crisis and rising inflation and shared a copy of his Fall 2024 Economic Snapshot. Every day, Senator Scott is hearing from constituents about how much of a struggle it is for them to make ends meet due to the historic inflation caused by Biden-Harris Price Hikes. Last year, Senator Scott began distributing a report to his colleagues in the Senate, shedding light on America\u2019s current concerning economic conditions. This report highlights the fiscal cliff the country is quickly approaching in the hopes of beginning a productive dialogue in Congress on how members can work together to fix the economic mess our country finds itself in today. Senator Scott releases this report on a quarterly basis. Since President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris took office, CPI inflation is up 20.5%, while PPI inflation has risen 20.0%.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cWe can all feel the impact of the ongoing inflation crisis caused by the failed policies of the Biden-Harris administration, and the goal of this report is to bring in-depth attention to the fiscal cliff our nation is quickly approaching. Since Vice President Harris and President Biden took office, inflation has skyrocketed more than 20% and Biden-Harris Price Hikes are crushing hardworking American families. In Washington, it is my job to ensure we are fighting every day to leave this country in a place where future generations can achieve the American Dream. It is personal for me. I grew up in public housing and watched my mom struggle to make ends meet. It breaks my heart that families are having to make the tough decisions and go without. It is time for a sea change in Washington so that we can get families back on their feet, this country back on the path to fiscal sanity and make Washington work for everyone.\u201d\n\nRead Senator Rick Scott\u2019s Fall 2024 Economic Snapshot HERE or below.\n\nSince being elected to the U.S. Senate, Senator Scott has repeatedly urged action to address America\u2019s debt crisis and the harmful effects of inflation. Click HERE for a comprehensive list of his statements and actions on this urgent issue and HERE for Senator Scott\u2019s Quarterly Economic Snapshot.\n\nSee more from this week on X:\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/el-senador-rick-scott-se-une-al-senador-marco-rubio-en-una-carta-a-la-administraci-n-biden-harris-las-personas-vinculadas-al-r-gimen-cubano-no-son-bienvenidas", "El Senador Rick Scott se une al Senador Marco Rubio en una carta a la Administraci\u00f3n Biden-Harris: Las personas vinculadas al R\u00e9gimen Cubano no son bienvenidas", "2024-10-24", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Tras los informes de que el programa de inmigraci\u00f3n de la Administraci\u00f3n Biden-Harris ha permitido que personas vinculadas al r\u00e9gimen ileg\u00edtimo cubano ingresen y residan en los Estados Unidos, El Senador Rick Scott se uni\u00f3 al Senador Marco Rubio para enviar una carta al Secretario de Estado Antony Blinken y al Secretario de Seguridad Nacional Alejandro Mayorkas pidiendo una revisi\u00f3n de los procedimientos para tomar decisiones sobre el ingreso y expulsar r\u00e1pidamente a esos miembros del r\u00e9gimen cubano de nuestro pa\u00eds. Seg\u00fan la ley estadounidense, cualquier persona que haya estado o est\u00e9 afiliada a un partido comunista se considera inadmisible para ingresar a nuestra naci\u00f3n. Junto a los senadores, el Congresista Carlos Gim\u00e9nez y la Congresista Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar se unieron a la carta.\n\nLea la carta completa AQU\u00cd.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/sen-rick-scott-joins-sen-marco-rubio-in-letter-to-biden-harris-officials-individuals-tied-to-cuban-regime-are-not-welcome", "Sen. Rick Scott Joins Sen. Marco Rubio in Letter to Biden-Harris Officials: Individuals Tied to Cuban Regime Are Not Welcome", "2024-10-24", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Following reports that the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s mass immigration program has allowed individuals tied to the illegitimate Cuban regime to enter and reside in the U.S., Senator Rick Scott joined Senator Marco Rubio in sending a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas calling for a review of the procedures for making determinations on entry and promptly removing those Cuban regime members from our country. Under U.S. law, any individual who has been, or is affiliated with a Communist Party is deemed inadmissible for entry into our nation. Joining the senators on the letter are Representatives Carlos Gim\u00e9nez and Mar\u00eda Elvira Salazar.\n\nThe members wrote, \u201cThe United States must ensure that former Cuban regime members involved in the oppression of innocent Cuban citizens or the transnational persecution of Cuban-Americans are not welcome into our country. Additionally, applicants who have been found to have similar troubling backgrounds, and links after arrival, should not be allowed to continue to remain in the United States\u2026 We urge the administration to publicly communicate the vetting procedures and standards by which these immigration decisions are made, in order to ensure the utmost transparency and accountability.\u201d\n\nRead the full letter HERE or below.\n\nDear Secretary Blinken and Secretary Mayorkas:\n\nWe write with serious concern about the Biden-Harris Administration\u2019s decision to grant parole to Cuban Revolutionary Air Force Colonel Luis Ra\u00fal Gonz\u00e1lez-Pardo Rodr\u00edguez. As you are no doubt aware, Gonz\u00e1lez-Pardo is notoriously linked to the international incident of February 24, 1996, when two planes belonging to the humanitarian organization, Brothers to the Rescue, were unconscionably shot down by Cuban MiG-29 fighter jets under orders of Raul Castro. This incident tragically resulted in the deaths of four innocent Cuban-American pilots.\n\nMore disturbingly, this negligent oversight comes in the wake of another ill-considered decision to admit former high-ranking Cuban Communist Party regime member Manuel Menendez Castellanos, implicated in acts of oppression against the Cuban people. Taken together, these outcomes, among others, erode confidence in the competence of the administration to recognize threats to the United States and ensure those who have done us harm are not able to enter the United States.\n\nWe call on the Biden-Harris Administration to immediately review and revise the procedures used by U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Department of State for making determinations on whom it grants entry, whether it be humanitarian parole or immigrant/nonimmigrant visas. The current process, by virtue of the unacceptable results annotated above, has demonstrated its woeful inadequateness to properly vet applicants and to protect U.S. national security.\n\nThe United States must ensure that former Cuban regime members involved in the oppression of innocent Cuban citizens or the transnational persecution of Cuban-Americans are not welcome into our country. Additionally, applicants who have been found to have similar troubling backgrounds, and links after arrival, should not be allowed to continue to remain in the United States. We also urge the administration to publicly communicate the vetting procedures and standards by which these immigration decisions are made, in order to ensure the utmost transparency and accountability.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/sen-rick-scott-joins-sen-jim-risch-to-lead-26-colleagues-in-introducing-stand-with-israel-act-to-combat-israel-s-persecution-at-un", "Sen. Rick Scott Joins Sen. Jim Risch to Lead 26 Colleagues in Introducing Stand with Israel Act to Combat Israel\u2019s Persecution at UN", "2024-10-23", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Senator Rick Scott joined Senators Jim Risch and Tom Cotton, Chuck Grassley, Bill Cassidy, Dan Sullivan, Steve Daines, Mike Lee, Kevin Cramer, John Barrasso, Pete Ricketts, Eric Schmitt, John Kennedy, Mike Crapo, Roger Wicker, Shelley Moore Capito, Marco Rubio, Joni Ernst, Ron Johnson, Markwayne Mullin, Thom Tillis, Ted Budd, Susan Collins, Tim Scott, Josh Hawley, James Lankford, John Thune and Deb Fischer to announce their intent to introduce the Stand with Israel Act when the Senate and House reconvene in November. This legislation would cut off U.S. funding to United Nations (UN) agencies that expel, downgrade, suspend, or otherwise restrict the participation of the State of Israel. This is companion legislation to bipartisan House bill HR 9394 led by Representative Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.).\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cUnfortunately, the UN has lost almost all credibility on human rights. They coddle regimes like Iran while allowing the extremists to condemn Israel, and it is absurd that U.S. taxpayer dollars are helping fund this dysfunctional organization. The U.S. must stand with Israel and Congress must make that clear by passing this commonsense bill.\u201d\n\nSenator Jim Risch said, \u201cAny attempt to alter Israel\u2019s status at the UN is clearly anti-Semitic. That said, if the UN member states allow the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organization to downgrade Israel\u2019s status at the UN, the U.S. must stop supporting the UN system, as it would clearly be beyond repair. I am disgusted that this outrageous idea has even been discussed, and will do all we can to ensure any changes to Israel\u2019s status will come with consequences.\u201d\n\nSenator Tom Cotton said, \u201cA move to downgrade Israel\u2019s status at the United Nations would be a new low, even for an organization that is as rife with antisemites as the UN. Any attempt to alter Israel\u2019s status at the behest of the terrorist-affiliated Palestine Liberation Organization will be met with severe consequences.\u201d\n\nSenator Chuck Grassley said, \u201cAs the historic homeland of the Jewish people, the only democracy in the Middle East and a cherished ally of the United States, Israel\u2019s membership status in the UN shouldn\u2019t be up for debate. The United States is the UN\u2019s largest financial backer; any antisemitic attempt to downgrade Israel\u2019s status ought to be met with severe and immediate consequences by cutting off U.S. funding.\u201d\n\nSenator Bill Cassidy said, \u201cThe United States will not stand for antisemitism at home or on the world stage. Anyone who attempts to restrict or reduce Israel\u2019s status at the UN should bear a heavy cost.\u201d\n\nSenator Dan Sullivan said, \u201cAs Israel continues to fight for its existence, this legislation sends a critically important message that the United States stands firm in its support for Israel. Unfortunately, antisemitism has pervaded the United Nations for decades and discredits the U.N. mission. It must end. I recently raised this with the U.N. Secretary General and our U.S. ambassador to the U.N.. Not only should the U.N. continue to allow for the full participation of Israel, but the U.N. should also designate Iran-backed Hamas a terrorist organization and fully condemn Hamas\u2019s Oct. 7 attacks.\u201d\n\nSenator Steve Daines said, \u201cIsrael has long been a beacon of democracy in the Middle East and it\u2019s outrageous that the United Nations would discriminate against Israel or even consider its expulsion I am proud to support the \u201cStand with Israel Act\u201d because the United States now more than ever must support Israel.\u201d\n\nSenator Mike Lee said, \u201cThe United Nations has become a safe haven for anti-Semitic actors. Any attempt to downgrade Israel's status is a deliberate act of hostility aimed at undermining their right to exist. The U.S. must send a clear message: we will not fund or support agencies that tolerate such disgraceful actions. I am fully committed to ensuring that there are significant consequences for this blatant bias against Israel.\u201d\n\nSenator Kevin Cramer said, \u201cThe United States must unequivocally support Israel\u2019s right to defend itself. If the United Nations moves to expel, downgrade, suspend, or restrict Israel\u2019s participation in any way, it should not receive a cent from the American taxpayer. We have to stand by our strongest ally in the Middle East and really push back against these deliberate, antisemitic attempts to punish Israel for simply defending its own existence.\u201d\n\nSenator Jon Barrasso said, \u201cAmerica must stand with Israel, one of our strongest allies. The United States must use all of our influence and resources to protect the status of Israel at the United Nations (UN). The Palestinian Authority\u2019s efforts to downgrade Israel will be met with serious and substantial consequences. UN agencies that restrict Israel\u2019s participation should not receive American tax dollars.\u201d\n\nSenator Pete Ricketts said, \u201cThe United States will not stand by and allow the rampant antisemitism at the United Nations to go unchallenged. Downgrading Israel\u2019s membership at the UN should be seen as an attack on an American ally. Should the UN EMBRACE THIS DIPLOMATIC TERRORISM, the United States will respond accordingly and must end it\u2019s support for the UN system.\u201d\n\nSenator John Kennedy said, \u201cThe U.N. has failed to pass any resolution to condemn the October 7 terrorists, yet the Palestinian delegation has tried to delegitimize Israel by introducing radical resolutions. Even though the U.N.\u2019s policies often run against American interests, we remain its biggest funder. We shouldn\u2019t send American tax dollars to groups that demonize our strongest democratic ally in the Middle East while elevating terrorist-sympathizers and the Palestinian Authority.\u201d\n\nSenator Mike Crapo said, \u201cIsrael\u2019s enemies are trying to manipulate the United Nations to accomplish their misguided goals. Any moves by the United Nations to restrict Israel\u2019s participation would conflict with American values and global interests. American taxpayers should have no part in funding international bodies that threaten the diplomatic security of our ally.\u201d\n\nSenator Shelley Moore Capito said, \u201cThe UN and its agencies have increasingly become a platform for anti-Israel forces to target the world\u2019s only Jewish state. At the same time, countries like Iran and Russia have been free to maintain their status while launching ballistic missiles at their neighbors. If this ridiculous project to downgrade the membership of Israel\u2014a free, democratic country and rightful member state\u2014moves forward in the UN, the U.S. has no choice but to finally withdraw all support from a failed institution.\u201d\n\nSenator Marco Rubio said, \u201cThe United Nations weakens its credibility by giving credence to the Palestinian Authority\u2019s antisemitic initiatives. Such outrageous actions do nothing to advance peace between Israel and the Palestinians. Time and time again, the United Nations has insulted the democratic Jewish State of Israel and its citizens with outlandish claims. It\u2019s simple: America should not fund any organization that upholds anti-Jewish hatred and undermines our strongest ally in the Middle East.\u201d\n\nSenator Joni Ernst said, \u201cAs Israel is under attack on all fronts, the UN is shamefully considering supporting efforts by Iran and its proxy terror groups to delegitimize the Jewish state. This undermines its credibility and so-called commitment to peace and security. We cannot allow taxpayer dollars to fund an entity, like the UN, that chooses terrorists over Israel while it is in a fight for its life.\u201d\n\nSenator Ron Johnson said, \u201cIsrael is doing exactly what America would do \u2013 defend itself from brutal terrorists. The fact that this effort to downgrade Israel\u2019s status in the UN is even under consideration casts doubt on the legitimacy of the entire UN system and is an unacceptable betrayal of America\u2019s principal ally in the Middle East.\u201d\n\nSenator Markwayne Mullin said, \u201cThe United States must end funding to the UN if they cave to the Palestinian Authority and downgrade or restrict the State of Israel\u2019s participation in any way. Senate Republicans will not allow American taxpayer dollars to fund organizations that undermine the authority and autonomy of the only democracy in the Middle East. I\u2019m glad to support this common sense legislation.\u201d\n\nSenator Ted Budd said, \u201cThe world needs to stand on the side of Israel as it eliminates the terrorist threat from Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran. If an international body like the United Nations allows the Palestinian Authority and the PLO to downgrade Israel\u2019s UN status, then the United States should cease its financial support of the organization.\u201d\n\nSenator Susan Collins said, \u201cAny attempt to diminish Israel\u2019s status at the United Nations must be met with forceful condemnation by the United States. Congress has continually supported Israel\u2019s right to self-defense, and this bill will reaffirm that right while also providing the United States the ability to punish UN agencies that expel, downgrade, suspend, or otherwise restrict the participation of the State of Israel.\u201d\n\nSenator Josh Hawley said, \u201cUnelected bureaucrats at the UN have no business downgrading Israel\u2019s status anywhere, and the United States must not stand idly by while it happens. This legislation would help cut off U.S. taxpayer dollars that UN globalists use to silence one of America\u2019s greatest allies\u2014because now, more than ever, the United States must stand with Israel.\u201d\n\nSenator James Lankford said, \u201cIsrael deserves to have the world\u2019s full support in their defense against unspeakable terrorism. Our greatest ally in the Middle East has faced vicious attacks since their founding in 1948, but the latest all-out assault from the Iranian regime and their terrorist proxies intends to wipe Israel off the map. I will not walk away from Israel as the world tries to justify terrorism.\u201d\n\nSenator John Thune said, \u201cAttempts to weaken Israel's standing on the world stage will continue to be met with unwavering opposition. The United States stands firmly with Israel as it fights to defend itself, and I'm grateful to Sen. Risch for leading this effort to ensure there\u2019s accountability if Israel\u2019s membership at any UN entity is downgraded or restricted in any way.\u201d\n\nBACKGROUND:\n\nReports indicate that the Palestinian Authority (PA) will attempt to downgrade Israel\u2019s status at the UN.\n\nThe PA is able to do this after the UN General Assembly passed a biased resolution which enhanced the PA\u2019s status at the United Nations on May 10, 2024.\n\nFollowing that vote, Ranking Member Risch led 24 Senate colleagues in introducing the No Official Palestine Entry (NOPE) Act, legislation to update existing funding prohibitions in law that would cause the United States to cut off assistance to entities that give additional rights and privileges to the Palestinian Authority.\n\nThe Stand with Israel Act would cut off U.S. funding to UN agencies that expel, downgrade, suspend, or otherwise restrict the participation of the State of Israel. The bill is modeled after the current prohibition of funding to any UN entities that elevate the status of the Palestinian Authority to a member state.\n\nText of the Stand with Israel Act can be found here.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/sen-rick-scott-joins-sens-mike-crapo-jim-risch-pete-ricketts-to-introduce-bill-to-protect-ag-supply-chains-from-china", "Sen. Rick Scott Joins Sens. Mike Crapo, Jim Risch & Pete Ricketts to Introduce Bill to Protect Ag Supply Chains from China", "2024-10-23", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Senator Rick Scott joined Senators Mike Crapo, Jim Risch and Pete Ricketts to introduce the Securing American Agriculture Act, which would protect domestic agriculture supply chains and reduce America\u2019s reliance on foreign adversaries. Senators Tammy Baldwin, Mike Braun, John Barrasso, John Cornyn, Shelley Moore Capito, Deb Fischer, Cynthia Lummis and Eric Schmitt joined the senators in cosponsoring the legislation.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cFood security is national security and that is why I strongly support our American farmers, ranchers and growers and an American-grown food supply chain. In order to protect our nation\u2019s food supply, we must ensure the CCP is out of the process. We cannot allow them the opportunity to hold the food supply chain hostage and that is why I am partnering with my colleagues to introduce the Securing American Agriculture Act. This is commonsense legislation and I urge its immediate passage.\u201d\n\nSenator Mike Crapo said, \u201cClose and continued oversight evaluating America\u2019s relationship with the CCP is vital to our national security and protecting our nation\u2019s food supply chain. It is in our best interest to take every step toward mitigating potential threats from the CCP.\u201d\n\nSenator Jim Risch said, \u201cCongress can\u2019t allow Communist China to seize control of America\u2019s food supply chain. Idaho\u2019s farmers and ranchers fuel our economy and feed the world. The Securing American Agriculture Act will help defend against threats to Idaho agriculture from China\u2019s influence.\u201d\n\nSenator Pete Ricketts said, \u201cThe CCP is the single greatest threat to America\u2019s national security and financial independence. A CCP-led world would mean coercion instead of choice, tyranny instead of liberty, and dictatorship instead of democracy. The only way to combat this threat is with a strong, strategic, all-of-government approach. This bill moves us closer to that.\u201d\n\nIn recent years, China gained significant market share in the production of essential agricultural inputs like vitamins, veterinary pharmaceuticals and crop protection tools. Losing access to these key inputs could drastically reduce agricultural productivity, increase food prices, and undermine domestic food security.\n\nThe Securing American Agriculture Act would:\n\nRequire the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in conjunction with the U.S. Trade Representative and the Department of Commerce, to conduct an annual threat assessment of critical food and agricultural supply chains.\n\nRequire the Secretary of Agriculture to provide recommendations to mitigate potential threats from China and for legislative and regulatory actions to reduce barriers to domestic critical input production.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/senator-rick-scott-congressman-josh-brecheen-introduce-debt-per-citizen-transparency-act", "Senator Rick Scott & Congressman Josh Brecheen Introduce Debt-Per-Citizen Transparency Act", "2024-10-23", "2024", "2024-10", "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, Senator Rick Scott and Congressman Josh Brecheen introduced the Debt-Per-Citizen Transparency Act, which requires all Congressional Budget Office (CBO) cost estimates to include how much the bill will affect the total debt-to-citizen ratio.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cThe national debt has reached an unsustainable $35+ trillion dollars and it is beyond time for some accountability to the American people. When you break it down, that works out to over $104,000 per child born today\u2014we cannot continue to saddle our next generation with this debt. It is taking away their chance at the American Dream right before our eyes. I will not stand for it, and that is why I am introducing a bill that notifies Congress and the American people just how much a piece of legislation will impact the American people\u2019s financial burden before they vote and continue to grow the debt-to-citizen ratio. They have a right to know.\u201d\n\nCongressman Josh Brecheen said, \u201cWith our national debt at more than $35 trillion, it is essential that lawmakers are made aware of how much legislation will affect the total debt-per-citizen ratio before voting on it. Every child born today owes more than $104,000 as their share of our national debt. It is long past time we reverse this curse and stop stealing prosperity from our children and our grandchildren.\u201d\n\nRead the full bill text here.\n\nSenator Mike Braun joined Senator Scott to introduce the legislation in the Senate. Original cosponsors in the House of Representatives include Representatives Greg Lopez and Lloyd Smucker. Group support includes Heritage Action and Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/sen-rick-scott-joins-sen-mike-lee-to-introduce-the-saving-privacy-act-to-protect-americans-financial-data", "Sen. Rick Scott Joins Sen. Mike Lee to Introduce the Saving Privacy Act to Protect Americans' Financial Data", "2024-10-22", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Senator Rick Scott joined Senator Mike Lee to introduce the Saving Privacy Act, a bill to end government abuse of Americans\u2019 financial information. For years, federal agencies have been overreaching in their surveillance, collecting vast amounts of personal financial data from law-abiding citizens without just cause.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cBig government has no place in law-abiding Americans\u2019 personal finances. It is a massive overreach of the government and a gross violation of their privacy. That is why I am teaming up with Senator Lee so that we can protect Americans\u2019 personal financials for good. Our Saving Privacy Act will allow federal agencies to go after criminals while also protecting innocent Americans\u2019 data. This is commonsense legislation, and I am urging my colleagues to support its immediate passage.\u201d\n\nSenator Mike Lee said, \u201cThe federal government has no business surveilling the financial activities of millions of innocent Americans. The current system erodes the privacy rights of citizens, while doing little to effectively catch true financial criminals. My Saving Privacy Act ensures that Americans\u2019 personal information is protected and that government agencies operate within the bounds of the Constitution.\u201d\n\nNorbert Michel, Jennifer Schulp, and Nicholas Anthony of the Cato Institute said, \u201cThis kind of reform restores the proper balance\u2014as provided by the Fourth Amendment\u2014between Americans\u2019 privacy rights and law enforcement\u2019s ability to gather evidence to enforce laws. It would protect individuals\u2019 financial privacy and improve federal agencies\u2019 abilities to prosecute criminal activity rather than sift through millions of low-value reports. This kind of reform is long overdue.\u201d\n\nBryan Bashur, Director of Financial Policy for Americans for Tax Reform, said, \u201cFinancial privacy is of paramount importance in the digital age. Lawmakers should support Sen. Lee\u2019s efforts to further preserve financial privacy and prevent the federal government from easily accessing this information. Enacting this legislation will also protect consumers from other existential threats to financial privacy\u2014such as tracking stock trading and electronic payment activity.\n\nYa\u00ebl Ossowski, Deputy Director at the Consumer Choice Center, said, \u201cRather than forcing banks to hound their customers for cash withdrawals to purchase cars, pay rent, or simply live their lives, Senator Lee's Saving Privacy Act would restore consumer financial privacy and make reporting standards reasonable enough to still target malicious actors and criminals.\u201d\n\nGovernment surveillance efforts have been largely ineffective, as demonstrated by the dismal success rate of suspicious activity reports (SARs) submitted to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). In FY2023, financial institutions submitted 25.4 million SARs and currency transaction reports (CTRs), yet less than 0.3% of these reports resulted in relevant IRS-CI and FBI cases.\n\nIn recent years, FinCEN and the FBI surveilled the financial transactions of individuals and solicited banks for information on purchases related to \u201cTrump,\u201d \u201cMAGA,\u201d firearms, and even religious texts. Meanwhile, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has quietly been constructing a centralized database, the Consolidated Audit Trail (CAT), designed to track every single stock market transaction and the personal information of millions of Americans without any congressional approval.\n\nThe Saving Privacy Act seeks to curb these abuses and restore Fourth Amendment protections for all Americans.\n\nKey Provisions of the Saving Privacy Act:\n\nRepeals the Bank Secrecy Act\u2019s SAR and CTR reporting requirements while maintaining recordkeeping provisions.\n\nRepeals the Corporate Transparency Act.\n\nStrengthens Fourth Amendment protections, bolstering warrant requirements in the Right to Financial Privacy Act of 1978.\n\nRepeals the SEC\u2019s Consolidated Audit Trail (CAT) database.\n\nRequires congressional approval for any new databases that collect personally identifiable information of U.S. citizens.\n\nProhibits the creation of a Central Bank Digital Currency.\n\nRequires congressional authorization for financial regulations deemed major rules.\n\nInstitutes penalties for federal employees who illegally seek constitutionally protected financial information.\n\nEstablishes a private right of action for Americans and financial institutions harmed by illicit government activity.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/sens-rick-scott-marco-rubio-introduce-bill-to-punish-colleges-that-allow-antisemitism", "Sens. Rick Scott & Marco Rubio Introduce Bill to Punish Colleges that Allow Antisemitism", "2024-10-22", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Following the October 7, 2023 terrorist attack against Israel by Iran-backed Hamas terrorists and the rise of antisemitism on college campuses, Senator Rick Scott and Senator Marco Rubio introduced the Preventing Antisemitic Harassment on Campus Act to hold Institutes of Higher Education (IHEs) accountable by requiring enforcement of federal antisemitism prohibitions. Since the terrorist attack against Israel, cases of antisemitic harassment have increased more than 500 percent at college campuses across the United States, yet many IHEs have failed to prevent or stop antisemitism and have not been held responsible.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cJewish students deserve to be safe, and any college or university in this nation that\u2019s enabling antisemitism on campus and leaving students terrified for their safety must be held accountable. Colleges and universities must reject all forms of hate and prejudice and hold those accountable who are complicit in the rise in antisemitism we are seeing on campuses across the country. I am proud to join Senator Rubio in introducing the Preventing Antisemitic Harassment on Campus Act to address these issues head-on.\u201d\n\nSenator Marco Rubio said, \u201cColleges and universities claim to value diversity and inclusion but have failed to address dangerous antisemitic incidents that have been plaguing campuses for the past year. My Preventing Antisemitic Harassment on Campus Act is a critical step toward ensuring that our educational institutions carry out their responsibility to protect Jewish students from hate and discrimination.\u201d\n\nSpecifically, this bill would:\n\nExtend the scope of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit discrimination on the basis of religion (with an exception for programs or activities affiliated with religious organizations).\n\nCodify clear, escalating penalties for IHEs that are repeat offenders.\n\nRequire that Title VI is enforced as vigorously against antisemitic discrimination as it is for all other forms of discrimination.\n\nRequire IHEs to notify students, faculty and staff if they are found to be in violation of Title VI.\n\nRequire the U.S. Department of Education to monitor private lawsuits brought against colleges that receive federal financial assistance for antisemitism.\n\nRead more regarding every action and statement Sen. Scott has done in support of Israel following the October 7th Iran-backed Hamas terrorist attack: https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/israel.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/sen-rick-scott-to-potus-omb-must-quickly-assess-request-funding-for-usda-block-grants", "Sen. Rick Scott to POTUS: OMB Must Quickly Assess & Request Funding for USDA Block Grants", "2024-10-21", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Senator Scott sent a letter to President Joe Biden on Friday, October 18, urging him to direct the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to immediately assess and submit a supplemental appropriations request to Congress for disaster relief funds, and include provisions for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to issue block grants for agricultural losses. Last week, Senator Scott was in Polk County and Hillsborough County to hear from Florida\u2019s growers, ranchers and agricultural leaders regarding recovery and response efforts following major Hurricanes Helene and Milton and reinforce his commitment to having the federal government show up for the community. See more HERE.\n\nRead the full letter HERE or below.\n\nDear President Biden:\n\nI am writing to express my strong support for distributing disaster relief funds for agricultural losses due to natural disasters in the form of block grants, if requested by the state. I have been advocating for this proposal since Hurricane Ian caused significant damage to Florida\u2019s agricultural industry in 2022.\n\nI appreciated our conversation on October 3rd when I shared this request with you and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Vilsack, and our subsequent conversations on October 10th and 13th when we discussed this urgent matter. Just yesterday, I spoke with farmers and ranchers in Florida who have suffered substantial losses from hurricanes in previous years, including the recent impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. They overwhelmingly support the need for relief in the form of block grants to expedite recovery efforts.\n\nGiven the immense need, I respectfully ask that the Office of Management and Budget work quickly to determine the costs of recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and immediately submit a supplemental appropriations request to Congress that includes this necessary USDA block grant flexibility.\n\nThank you for your attention to this important matter.\n\nSincerely,\n\nMORE\u2026\n\nSince Hurricane Ian devastated Southwest Florida in 2022 and caused significant agriculture losses, Senator Scott has been fighting to secure USDA block grants for Florida\u2019s farmers, ranchers and growers to aid in their recovery and support the state\u2019s agriculture industry. Following Hurricane Helene, Senator Scott led a bipartisan group of his Florida delegation colleagues in a letter to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack supporting the State of Florida\u2019s request to issue a Disaster Declaration for Florida\u2019s counties that were impacted by Hurricane Helene and make assistance available immediately in the form of state block grants to expedite support for Florida\u2019s farmers and agricultural producers as they recover from the destructive impacts of the storms. Read more HERE. Senator Scott spoke to President Biden and USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack about the importance of USDA block grants during their meeting after Hurricane Helene in Keaton Beach on October 3. He stressed the importance of block grants again in his call with President Biden on October 10 and in his meeting with the president in St. Pete Beach on October 13.\n\nSenator Scott is leading the call for Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to fund disaster relief. Last week, Senator Scott announced a bill with Senator Rubio to provide $20 billion for FEMA\u2019s Disaster Relief Fund to ensure the agency has what it needs to provide immediate aid to communities.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/el-senador-rick-scott-publica-una-actualizaci-n-semanal-sobre-los-aumentos-de-precios-de-biden-y-harris", "El Senador Rick Scott publica una actualizaci\u00f3n semanal sobre los aumentos de precios de Biden y Harris", "2024-10-18", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "Reitera su pedido de alivio fiscal para los seguros contra inundaciones y de propiedad tras los Huracanes Helene y Milton\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 El Senador Rick Scott public\u00f3 una actualizaci\u00f3n semanal sobre sus acciones para abordar la crisis de deuda de Estados Unidos y la inflaci\u00f3n. Mientras los floridanos luchan para llegar a fin de mes mientras se recuperan de los huracanes consecutivos, los informes de la Oficina de Estad\u00edsticas Laborales mostraron que los indicadores clave de inflaci\u00f3n del gobierno federal, el \u00edndice de precios al consumidor (CPI, por sus siglas en ingl\u00e9s) y el \u00edndice de precios al productor (PPI, por sus siglas en ingl\u00e9s), aumentaron a\u00fan m\u00e1s en septiembre, lo que puso presi\u00f3n sobre los presupuestos de las familias y las peque\u00f1as empresas estadounidenses. Desde que el Presidente Joe Biden y la Vicepresidenta Kamala Harris asumieron el cargo, la inflaci\u00f3n del CPI aument\u00f3 un 20,5 por ciento, mientras que la inflaci\u00f3n del PPI aument\u00f3 un 20,0 por ciento.\n\nAntes de que los huracanes Helene y Milton tocaron tierra catastr\u00f3ficamente, el Senador Scott present\u00f3 un Proyecto de ley para brindar alivio fiscal a los estadounidenses que compren un seguro contra inundaciones a trav\u00e9s del Programa Nacional de Seguros contra Inundaciones (NFIP, por sus siglas en ingl\u00e9s) o de una compa\u00f1\u00eda de seguros privada. La legislaci\u00f3n del Senador Scott incentiva la cobertura del seguro contra inundaciones al crear una deducci\u00f3n fiscal no reembolsable para las primas del seguro contra inundaciones. Lea m\u00e1s AQU\u00cd. El Senador Scott tambi\u00e9n present\u00f3 el proyecto de ley Homeowners Premium Tax Reduction Act para brindarles a los propietarios de viviendas una deducci\u00f3n fiscal de hasta $10,000 de las primas pagadas anualmente por el seguro de propietarios de viviendas en su residencia principal. Lea m\u00e1s AQU\u00cd.\n\nEl Senador Rick Scott dijo: \u201cMientras viajo por Florida para reunirme con funcionarios locales, estatales y federales, escuchar a las familias y ayudar a coordinar recursos para garantizar que nuestro estado se recupere por completo de los huracanes Helene y Milton, una cosa que sigue siendo una de las principales preocupaciones de la gente de nuestro estado es la terrible inflaci\u00f3n causada por las pol\u00edticas de gasto imprudentes de la Administraci\u00f3n Biden-Harris. Mientras lucho por devolver la cordura fiscal a Washington y poner fin al gasto gubernamental imprudente que caus\u00f3 los aumentos de precios de Harris que vemos hoy, me comprometo a hacer todo lo posible para reducir los costos para las familias. Es por eso que present\u00e9 una legislaci\u00f3n que brinda una exenci\u00f3n fiscal no reembolsable a las familias que compren cobertura de seguro contra inundaciones, ya sea a trav\u00e9s del mercado privado o del NFIP, y otro proyecto de ley que brinda una exenci\u00f3n fiscal de $10,000 para las primas de seguro de propiedad. Estos proyectos de ley de sentido com\u00fan ayudar\u00e1n a reducir los costos para los floridanos mientras luchamos por controlar la inflaci\u00f3n de la Administraci\u00f3n Biden-Harris. Los floridanos son fuertes. Nos recuperaremos y estar\u00e9 all\u00ed en cada paso del camino para asegurarme de que Washington funcione para ustedes\u201d.\n\nEl Senador Scott ha estado luchando durante a\u00f1os para reformar el quebrado NFIP. En 2023, el Senador Scott escribi\u00f3 una carta a David Maurstad, alto ejecutivo del NFIP, exigiendo transparencia y rendici\u00f3n de cuentas, ya que la calificaci\u00f3n de riesgo 2.0 de FEMA ha aumentado injustamente las tarifas del seguro contra inundaciones para millones de floridanos, haciendo que la cobertura sea casi inasequible para las familias trabajadoras que la necesitan. En este Congreso, el Senador Scott present\u00f3 el proyect de ley Flood Insurance Affordability Act, que requerir\u00eda que la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA, por sus siglas en ingl\u00e9s) ofrezca a los floridanos una opci\u00f3n para pagar sus primas de seguro contra inundaciones mensualmente, en lugar de en una suma m\u00e1s grande una vez al a\u00f1o. El Senador Scott tambi\u00e9n ha reintroducido tres proyectos de ley, Removing Barriers to Private Flood Insurance Act, Flood Insurance Consumer Choice Act, y Flood Insurance Transparency Act para reformar el NFIP que ayudar\u00eda a reducir el costo del seguro contra inundaciones, construir un mercado privado m\u00e1s s\u00f3lido y garantizar que el mercado de seguros de propiedad sirva mejor a las familias de Florida. El paquete NFIP del Senador Scott ha sido respaldado por la Asociaci\u00f3n Federal para la Reforma de Seguros (FAIR, por sus siglas en ingl\u00e9s).\n\nEl Senador Scott alienta a todos los floridanos a visitar su sitio web en www.rickscott.senate.gov/contact/casework para obtener informaci\u00f3n o ayuda con agencias federales como FEMA y SBA, luego de los huracanes Milton y Helene, para m\u00e1s sobre los esfuerzos de respuesta de la Divisi\u00f3n de Manejo de Emergencias de Florida en floridadisaster.org o @FLSERT.\n\nDesde que fue elegido para el Senado de los Estados Unidos, el Senador Scott ha instado repetidamente a que se tomen medidas para abordar la crisis de la deuda de Estados Unidos y los efectos nocivos de la inflaci\u00f3n. Haga clic AQU\u00cd para obtener una lista completa de sus declaraciones y acciones sobre este tema urgente y AQU\u00cd para ver el Panorama Econ\u00f3mico Trimestral del Senador Scott.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/sen-rick-scott-issues-weekly-update-on-biden-harris-price-hikes", "Sen. Rick Scott Issues Weekly Update on Biden-Harris Price Hikes", "2024-10-18", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "Reiterates Call for Flood and Property Insurance Tax Relief Following Hurricanes Helene and Milton\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Senator Rick Scott released a weekly update on his actions to address America\u2019s debt crisis and rising inflation. As Floridians are struggling to make ends meet while recovering from the back-to-back Hurricanes, reports from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that the federal government\u2019s key inflation indicators, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI), rose causing even more in September putting strain on the budgets of American families and small businesses. Since President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris took office, CPI inflation is up 20.5%, while PPI inflation has risen 20.0%.\n\nAhead of the catastrophic landfalls of Hurricane Helene and Milton, Senator Scott introduced legislation to provide tax relief for Americans who purchase flood insurance either through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurance carrier. Senator Scott\u2019s legislation incentivizes flood insurance coverage by creating a non-refundable tax deduction for flood insurance premiums. Read more HERE. Senator Scott has also introduced the Homeowners Premium Tax Reduction Act to provide homeowners a tax deduction of up to $10,000 of premiums paid for homeowners\u2019 insurance annually at their primary residence. Read more HERE.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cAs I travel around Florida to meet with local, state and federal officials, hear from families and help coordinate resources to ensure our state fully recovers from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, one thing that remains a top concern for folks in our state is the horrific inflation caused by the reckless spending policies of the Biden-Harris administration. While I fight to bring fiscal sanity back to Washington and end the reckless government spending that caused the Harris Price Hikes we see today, I\u2019m committed to doing everything I can to bring costs down for families. That\u2019s why I introduced legislation that provides a non-refundable tax break to families who purchase flood insurance coverage, either through the private market or the NFIP, and another bill that provides a $10,000 tax break for property insurance premiums. These commonsense bills will help lower costs for Floridians while we battle to rein in the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s historic inflation. Floridians are strong. We will recover and I will be there every step of the way to make sure Washington works for you.\u201d\n\nSenator Scott has been fighting for years to reform the broken NFIP. In 2023, Senator Scott wrote a letter to David Maurstad, Senior Executive of the NFIP, demanding transparency and accountability as FEMA\u2019s Risk Rating 2.0 has unfairly increased flood insurance rates for millions of Floridians, making the coverage nearly unaffordable for working families who need it. Earlier this Congress, Senator Scott introduced the Flood Insurance Affordability Act, which would require the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to offer Floridians an option to pay their flood insurance premiums monthly, rather than in a larger lump sum once a year. Senator Scott has also reintroduced three bills, the Removing Barriers to Private Flood Insurance Act, the Flood Insurance Consumer Choice Act, and the Flood Insurance Transparency Act to reform the NFIP which would help lower the cost of flood insurance, build a more robust private market, and ensure the property insurance market better serves Florida families. Senator Scott\u2019s NFIP package has been endorsed by the Federal Association for Insurance Reform (FAIR).\n\nSenator Scott encourages all Floridians to visit his website at www.rickscott.senate.gov/contact/casework for information or help with federal agencies like FEMA and the SBA, following Hurricanes Milton and Helene. Find more on response efforts from the Florida Division of Emergency Management at floridadisaster.org or @FLSERT.\n\nSince being elected to the U.S. Senate, Senator Scott has repeatedly urged action to address America\u2019s debt crisis and the harmful effects of inflation. Click HERE for a comprehensive list of his statements and actions on this urgent issue and HERE for Senator Scott\u2019s Quarterly Economic Snapshot.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/el-senador-rick-scott-se-re-ne-con-agricultores-y-ganaderos-de-florida-sobre-la-respuesta-y-recuperaci-n-de-los-huracanes-helene-y-milton-en-los-condados-de-polk-y-hillsborough", "El Senador Rick Scott se re\u00fane con agricultores y ganaderos de Florida sobre la respuesta y recuperaci\u00f3n de los Huracanes Helene y Milton en los condados de Polk y Hillsborough", "2024-10-17", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "DOVER, Fla. \u2013 El Senador Rick Scott estuvo en los condados de Polk y Hillsborough para visitar a los productores, ganaderos y l\u00edderes agr\u00edcolas de Florida sobre los esfuerzos de recuperaci\u00f3n y respuesta tras los huracanes Helene y Milton y reforzar su compromiso de que el gobierno federal est\u00e9 presente para la comunidad. El Senador Scott estuvo acompa\u00f1ado por el Comisionado del Departamento de Agricultura y Servicios al Consumidor de Florida, Wilton Simpson, el Senador Estatal de Florida, Jay Collins, el Senador Estatal de Florida, Danny Burgess, el Representante Estatal de Florida, Lawrence McClure, el Alcalde de Plant City, Nathan Kilton, el Vicealcalde de Plant City, Jason Jones, la Comisionada del Condado de Hillsborough, Christine Miller, el Comisionado del Condado de Hillsborough, Josh Wostal, el Director Ejecutivo de la Asociaci\u00f3n de Productores de Fresas de Florida (FSGA, por sus siglas en ingl\u00e9s), Kenneth Parker, Presidente de la Asociaci\u00f3n de Frutas y Vegetales de Florida, Mike Joyner y el propietario de Strawberry Ranch, Adam Young.\n\nEl Senador Scott encabeza el llamado para que el l\u00edder de la mayor\u00eda Chuck Schumer financie la ayuda en caso de un desastre. Adem\u00e1s, tras el hurac\u00e1n Helene, el Senador Scott encabez\u00f3 un grupo bipartidista de sus colegas de la delegaci\u00f3n de Florida en una carta al secretario del Departamento de Agricultura de los Estados Unidos (USDA, por sus siglas en ingl\u00e9s), Tom Vilsack, en apoyo a la solicitud del estado de Florida de emitir una declaraci\u00f3n de desastre para los condados de Florida que se vieron afectados por el hurac\u00e1n Helene. El Senador Scott y sus colegas tambi\u00e9n instan al secretario a que ponga a disposici\u00f3n asistencia de inmediato en forma de subvenciones estatales en bloque para acelerar el apoyo a los agricultores de Florida mientras se recuperan de los impactos destructivos de las tormentas, y recientemente hablaron con el Presidente Biden y el Secretario del USDA, Vilsack, sobre esta necesidad inmediata. Lea m\u00e1s AQU\u00cd.\n\nEl Senador Rick Scott dijo: \u201cNuestros agricultores, ganaderos y productores son la columna de Florida: trabajan las 24 horas del d\u00eda para garantizar que las familias del Estado del Sol y de todo el pa\u00eds tengan lo que necesitan. Est\u00e1 claro que la respuesta del gobierno federal a los huracanes de los \u00faltimos dos a\u00f1os ha dejado a demasiados floridanos, especialmente a nuestros agricultores, perjudicados y con necesidades insatisfechas. Desde que el hurac\u00e1n Ian impacto nuestro estado en 2022, los agricultores, ganaderos y productores de Florida han estado haciendo el trabajo de salir adelante con menos porque el gobierno federal no ha estado presente en su momento de necesidad. He hablado con el Presidente Biden y el Secretario del USDA, Vilsack, varias veces sobre esto y por qu\u00e9 la administraci\u00f3n debe tomar medidas ahora para aprobar las subvenciones en bloque del USDA para nuestros agricultores y decirles a los dem\u00f3cratas del Senado que dejen de bloquear esta ayuda. Esta semana, anunci\u00e9 una legislaci\u00f3n para proporcionar 20 mil millones de d\u00f3lares al Fondo de Ayuda para Desastres de FEMA, y exijo que el l\u00edder de la mayor\u00eda Schumer vuelva a convocar al Senado lo antes posible para financiar por completo otras funciones de ayuda para desastres en las subvenciones en bloque del SBA y USDA. Me alegra que en mis conversaciones con el Presidente Biden, haya estado completamente de acuerdo conmigo en la necesidad de lograrlo, pero ahora debemos ver acciones. Los floridanos son fuertes. Nos recuperaremos y estar\u00e9 all\u00ed en cada paso del camino para asegurarme de que Washington trabaje para ustedes\u201d.\n\nM\u00c1S\u2026\n\nDespu\u00e9s de que los huracanes Debby, Helene y Milton causaran da\u00f1os catastr\u00f3ficos en varios estados, el Senador Scott, el Senador Marco Rubio y sus colegas anunciaron una legislaci\u00f3n para reponer el Fondo de Ayuda para Desastres (DRF, por sus siglas en ingl\u00e9s) de la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA, por sus siglas en ingl\u00e9s). El DRF de FEMA ayuda a individuos, hogares, estados y entidades gubernamentales no federales con la recuperaci\u00f3n despu\u00e9s de desastres naturales, pero est\u00e1 disminuyendo r\u00e1pidamente. Espec\u00edficamente, este proyecto de ley asignar\u00eda 20 mil millones de dolares al DRF para ayudar a los estados a recuperarse. Lea m\u00e1s AQU\u00cd.\n\nEn preparaci\u00f3n y respuesta al hurac\u00e1n Milton, el Senador Scott ha estado en contacto constante con l\u00edderes estatales, alcaldes, sheriffs y jefes de polic\u00eda, funcionarios de gesti\u00f3n de emergencias y compa\u00f1\u00edas de energ\u00eda en comunidades de todo el estado, y ha visitado los condados de St. Lucie, Volusia, Lake, Pinellas, Sarasota, Hillsborough, Lee, Charlotte y Manatee para evaluar los da\u00f1os y recibir informaci\u00f3n de los funcionarios locales. El domingo, el Senador Scott se reuni\u00f3 con el Presidente Joe Biden y la administradora de FEMA, Deanne Criswell, para recibir informaci\u00f3n sobre la respuesta al hurac\u00e1n Milton y las misiones de rescate y recuperaci\u00f3n, y para analizar las necesidades de las comunidades a medida que comienzan su recuperaci\u00f3n.\n\nAntes de que Milton tocara tierra, el Senador Scott tuvo llamadas diarias con el NHC para recibir las \u00faltimas actualizaciones sobre el hurac\u00e1n Milton y viaj\u00f3 a lo largo de la costa del Golfo de Florida para recibir informes de los sheriffs, los l\u00edderes de las fuerzas del orden locales y los funcionarios de gesti\u00f3n de emergencias en el condado de Hillsborough, el condado de Sarasota y el condado de Lee, instando a las familias a mantenerse a salvo y preparadas. El Senador Scott tambi\u00e9n ha hablado y escrito a los funcionarios federales, incluido el Administrador de la Regi\u00f3n 4 de FEMA, Robert Samaan, y el secretario del Departamento de Transporte de EE. UU., Pete Buttigieg, para garantizar que Florida tenga el acceso necesario a los recursos federales.\n\nLos Senadores Scott y Rubio han escrito cartas al Presidente Biden en apoyo a las solicitudes del estado de Florida y del Seminole Tribe de Florida para que se declare una emergencia antes de que el hurac\u00e1n Milton toque tierra. Ambas solicitudes fueron aprobadas por el Presidente Biden tras recibir las cartas de los Senadores Scott y Rubio. Los Senadores Scott y Rubio tambi\u00e9n enviaron una carta al Presidente Biden instando a las agencias federales a que aceleren los planes para responder a las posibles obstrucciones en el puerto de la bah\u00eda de Tampa, que recibe m\u00e1s del 40 por ciento de los productos derivados del petr\u00f3leo de Florida. En su carta, los senadores enfatizaron que esta acci\u00f3n del gobierno federal es crucial para acelerar todas las medidas solicitadas para proteger la econom\u00eda de Florida y garantizar una recuperaci\u00f3n r\u00e1pida.\n\nEl Senador Scott alienta a todos los floridanos a visitar su sitio web en www.rickscott.senate.gov/contact/casework para obtener informaci\u00f3n o ayuda con agencias federales como FEMA y SBA, luego de los huracanes Milton y Helene, para m\u00e1s sobre los esfuerzos de respuesta de la Divisi\u00f3n de Manejo de Emergencias de Florida en floridadisaster.org o @FLSERT.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/in-case-you-missed-it-wfsu-senator-rick-scott-announces-bill-to-replenish-fema-disaster-relief-funds", "IN CASE YOU MISSED IT\u2026 WFSU: Senator Rick Scott Announces Bill to Replenish FEMA Disaster Relief Funds", "2024-10-17", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 In case you missed it, following Senator Rick Scott, Senator Marco Rubio and their colleagues announcing legislation to replenish the Federal Emergency Management Agency\u2019s (FEMA) Disaster Relief Fund (DRF), WFSU wrote a story highlighting the bill that will appropriate $20 billion to the DRF to help states recover from Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton. The FEMA DRF assists individuals, households, states, and non-federal government entities with recovery following natural disasters, yet is quickly dwindling. Read more from Senator Scott on his legislation to replenish the DRF HERE.\n\nIn the article, WFSU journalist Adrian Andrews wrote, \u201cFederal lawmakers have allocated $20 billion to go toward hurricane relief efforts\u2014including those in Florida. U.S. Sens. Rick Scott and Marco Rubio announced legislation Wednesday that aims to replenish the Federal Emergency Management Agency\u2019s (FEMA) Disaster Relief Fund (DRF).\n\nThe bill comes just days after the Biden Administration said certain disaster loan programs were \u2018running out of money.\u2019 \u2018Unfortunately, I am already hearing from local officials and families in Florida that are frustrated by the fact that these disasters have stretched FEMA\u2019s current resources too thin. That is unacceptable,\u2019 said Scott.\n\nThe former Florida governor emphasized the importance of getting those accounts back into the green during a recent visit to St. Lucie County. \u2018No state is immune from disasters and I hope that none of our colleagues in the Senate will object to the quick passage of this needed funding,\u2019 said Scott.\n\nOfficials said on Wednesday that FEMA has the money to help with current recovery needs, but says the $20 billion allotment will quickly dwindle. \u2018While assessments of the full extent of these storms are underway, the DRF cannot be allowed to be depleted,\u2019 Sen. Rubio said. \u2018I am proud to announce my colleagues and I will be introducing a bill to provide additional funding to support communities affected by the recent hurricanes.\u2019\u201d\n\nRead the full article WFSU HERE.\n\nMORE\u2026\n\nIn preparation for and response to Hurricane Milton, Senator Scott has been in constant contact with state leaders, mayors, sheriffs and police chiefs, emergency management officials and energy companies in communities throughout the state, and has visited St. Lucie, Volusia, Lake, Pinellas, Sarasota, Hillsborough, Lee, Charlotte and Manatee counties to survey damage and receive briefings from local officials. On Sunday, Senator Scott met with President Joe Biden and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell to receive a briefing on the response to Hurricane Milton and ongoing rescue and recovery missions and discuss communities\u2019 needs as they begin their recovery.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/sen-rick-scott-issues-statement-on-death-of-hamas-terrorist-leader-yahya-sinwar", "Sen. Rick Scott Issues Statement on Death of Hamas Terrorist Leader Yahya Sinwar", "2024-10-17", "2024", "2024-10", "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, Senator Rick Scott released the following statement on the death of Hamas terrorist leader Yahya Sinwar.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cI hope Sinwar's final moments were spent in terror and pain even greater than what he has long inflicted on the innocent Israeli people. Thank God for the brave Israel Defense Forces soldiers who took this evil terrorist out. The United States and the world are safer with this monster dead.\u201d\n\nRead more regarding every action and statement Sen. Scott has done in support of Israel following the October 7th Iran-backed Hamas terrorist attack: https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/israel.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/sen-rick-scott-meets-with-florida-growers-ranchers-on-major-hurricanes-helene-milton-response-recovery-in-polk-hillsborough-counties", "Sen. Rick Scott Meets with Florida Growers & Ranchers on Major Hurricanes Helene & Milton Response & Recovery in Polk & Hillsborough Counties", "2024-10-17", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "DOVER, Fla. \u2013 Today, Senator Rick Scott was in Polk and Hillsborough County to hear from Florida\u2019s growers, ranchers and agricultural leaders regarding recovery and response efforts following major Hurricanes Helene and Milton and reinforce his commitment to having the federal government show up for the community. Senator Scott was joined by Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Wilton Simpson, Florida State Senator Jay Collins, Florida State Senator Danny Burgess, Florida State Representative Lawrence McClure, Plant City Mayor Nathan Kilton, Plant City Vice-Mayor Jason Jones, Hillsborough County Commissioner Christine Miller, Hillsborough County Commissioner Josh Wostal, Florida Strawberry Growers Association (FSGA) Executive Director Kenneth Parker, President of the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association Mike Joyner, and Strawberry Ranch owner Adam Young.\n\nSenator Scott is leading the call for Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to fund disaster relief. Additionally, following Hurricane Helene, Senator Scott led a bipartisan group of his Florida delegation colleagues in a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack supporting the State of Florida\u2019s request to issue a Disaster Declaration for Florida\u2019s counties that were impacted by Hurricane Helene. Senator Scott and his colleagues are also urging the secretary to make assistance available immediately in the form of state block grants to expedite support for Florida\u2019s farmers and agricultural producers as they recover from the destructive impacts of the storms, and recently spoke with President Biden and USDA Secretary Vilsack on this immediate need. Read more HERE.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cOur farmers, ranchers and growers are the backbone of Florida\u2014they work around the clock every single day to ensure families in the Sunshine State and around the country have what they need. It\u2019s clear that the federal government\u2019s response to hurricanes over the last two years has left too many Floridians, especially our farmers, hurting and with unmet needs. Since Hurricane Ian hit our state in 2022, Florida\u2019s farmers, ranchers and growers have been doing the miraculous work of getting by with less because the federal government has failed to show up in their time of need. I\u2019ve spoken to President Biden and USDA Secretary Vilsack multiple times about this and why the administration needs to take action now to approve USDA block grants for our farmers and tell Senate Democrats to stop blocking this aid. This week, I announced legislation to provide $20 billion for FEMA\u2019s Disaster Relief Fund, and I am demanding that Majority Leader Schumer bring back the Senate as soon as possible to fully fund other disaster relief functions at the SBA and USDA block grants. I\u2019m glad that in my conversations with President Biden, he has completely agreed with me on the need to get this done, but now we must see action. Floridians are strong. We will recover and I will be there every step of the way to make sure Washington works for you.\u201d\n\nMORE\u2026\n\nYesterday, following Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton causing catastrophic damage across multiple states, Senator Scott, Senator Marco Rubio and their colleagues announced legislation to replenish the Federal Emergency Management Agency\u2019s (FEMA) Disaster Relief Fund (DRF). The FEMA DRF assists individuals, households, states, and non-federal government entities with recovery following natural disasters, yet is quickly dwindling. Specifically, this bill would appropriate $20 billion to the DRF to help states recover. Read more HERE.\n\nIn preparation for and response to Hurricane Milton, Senator Scott has been in constant contact with state leaders, mayors, sheriffs and police chiefs, emergency management officials and energy companies in communities throughout the state, and has visited St. Lucie, Volusia, Lake, Pinellas, Sarasota, Hillsborough, Lee, Charlotte and Manatee counties to survey damage and receive briefings from local officials. On Sunday, Senator Scott met with President Joe Biden and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell to receive a briefing on the response to Hurricane Milton and ongoing rescue and recovery missions and discuss communities\u2019 needs as they begin their recovery.\n\nAhead of Milton\u2019s landfall, Senator Scott has had daily calls with the NHC to receive the latest updates on Hurricane Milton and traveled along Florida\u2019s Gulf Coast to receive briefings from sheriffs, local law enforcement leaders and emergency management officials in Hillsborough County, Sarasota County and Lee County, urging families to stay safe and prepared. Senator Scott has also spoken and written to federal officials, including FEMA Region 4 Administrator Robert Samaan and U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to ensure Florida has much-needed access to federal resources.\n\nSenators Scott and Rubio have written letters to President Biden in support of the State of Florida\u2019s and the Seminole Tribe of Florida\u2019s requests for pre-landfall emergency declarations ahead of Hurricane Milton. Both requests were approved by President Biden following his receipt of Senators Scott and Rubio\u2019s letters. Senators Scott and Rubio also sent a letter to President Biden urging the direction of federal agencies to expedite plans to respond to potential obstructions at the Port of Tampa Bay, which receives more than 40 percent of Florida\u2019s petroleum products. In their letter, the senators emphasized that this action by the federal government is crucial to expedite all requested measures to protect Florida\u2019s economy and ensure a swift recovery.\n\nSenator Scott encourages all Floridians to visit his website at www.rickscott.senate.gov/contact/casework for information or help with federal agencies like FEMA and the SBA, following Hurricanes Milton and Helene. Find more on response efforts from the Florida Division of Emergency Management at floridadisaster.org or @FLSERT.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/sen-rick-scott-shares-hurricane-milton-resource-guide-for-floridians", "Sen. Rick Scott Shares Hurricane Milton Resource Guide for Floridians", "2024-10-16", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "Highlights Actions to Help Floridians Prepare, Respond and Recover from Major Hurricane\n\nWASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Today, Senator Rick Scott shared the below resources available to Floridians as they work to recover from Hurricane Milton. Senator Scott has been in constant contact with state leaders, mayors, sheriffs and police chiefs, emergency management officials and energy companies in communities throughout the state, and has visited St. Lucie, Volusia, Lake, Pinellas, Sarasota, Hillsborough, Lee, Charlotte and Manatee Counties to survey damage and receive briefings from local officials. On Sunday, Senator Scott met with President Joe Biden and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell in St. Pete Beach to receive a briefing on the response to Hurricane Milton and ongoing rescue and recovery missions and discuss communities\u2019 needs as they begin their recovery. Today, Senator Scott announced a bill with Senator Rubio to provide $20 billion for FEMA\u2019s Disaster Relief Fund to ensure the agency has what it needs to provide immediate aid to communities.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cMy job as Florida\u2019s U.S. Senator is to make sure that YOUR federal government shows up for YOU when you need it most. What\u2019s clear is that Floridians are still hurting from storms years ago and need the federal government to do its part as families work to recover. This storm, along with Hurricane Helene, has knocked so many communities down, but Floridians are resilient. Following Hurricane Helene, I told President Biden exactly what is needed to ensure Florida has every federal resource to fully recover from that storm and now Hurricane Milton, I reiterated that in our call last week and again when I met with him on Sunday. Here\u2019s what I stressed to the president: I\u2019m calling on Schumer to bring the Senate back ASAP when our communities have assessed their needs, which I told the president must be expedited, to pass needed disaster funding for FEMA, SBA and the USDA and approve common sense relief like my Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act. The president told me he agreed with me on this last week. I also reiterated that FEMA must open Disaster Recovery Centers close to the areas hit hardest, so those impacted have easy access to federal resources to recover. Finally, I again stressed to President Biden the importance of USDA immediately approving block grants for our farmers that have been struggling since Ian in 2022. I discussed the same things during my calls on Thursday with FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman. I\u2019m going to continue fighting like hell to make sure this happens and aid is delivered to families in need.\n\n\"I\u2019ve been visiting communities across the state as they continue lifesaving work and begin their recovery. Floridians are strong, we are resilient. We will recover and we will rebuild even stronger, and I will be working alongside you every step of the way. I have nine offices around the state, so please, if you need any help with a federal agency, go to www.rickscott.senate.gov.\u201d\n\nEl Senador Rick Scott dijo: \u201cMi trabajo como Senador de los Estados Unidos por Florida es asegurarme de que su gobierno federal est\u00e9 presente para usted cuando m\u00e1s lo necesita. Lo que est\u00e1 claro es que los floridanos todav\u00eda est\u00e1n sufriendo por las tormentas de hace a\u00f1os y necesitan que el gobierno federal haga su parte mientras las familias trabajan para recuperarse. Esta tormenta, junto con el hurac\u00e1n Helene, han derribado a tantas comunidades, pero los floridanos son resilientes. Despu\u00e9s del hurac\u00e1n Helene, le dije al Presidente Biden exactamente lo que se necesita para garantizar que Florida tenga todos los recursos federales para recuperarse completamente de esa tormenta y ahora del hurac\u00e1n Milton, reiter\u00e9 eso en nuestra llamada la semana pasada y nuevamente cuando me reun\u00ed con \u00e9l el domingo. Esto es lo que le enfatic\u00e9 al presidente: estoy pidiendo a Schumer que vuelva a convocar el Senado lo antes posible cuando nuestras comunidades hayan evaluado sus necesidades, lo que le dije al presidente que debe acelerarse, para aprobar los fondos necesarios para desastres para FEMA, SBA y el USDA y aprobar un alivio de sentido com\u00fan como mi proyecto de ley Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act. El presidente me dijo que estaba de acuerdo conmigo en esto la semana pasada. Tambi\u00e9n reiter\u00e9 que FEMA debe abrir Centros de Recuperaci\u00f3n de Desastres cerca de las \u00e1reas m\u00e1s afectadas, para que los afectados tengan f\u00e1cil acceso a los recursos federales para recuperarse. Por \u00faltimo, volv\u00ed a enfatizarle al Presidente Biden la importancia de que USDA apruebe de inmediato subvenciones en bloque para nuestros agricultores que han estado luchando desde el hurac\u00e1n Ian en 2022. Habl\u00e9 de las mismas cosas durante mis llamadas del jueves con la Administradora de FEMA, Deanne Criswell, y la Administradora de la SBA, Isabel Casillas Guzman. Voy a seguir luchando para asegurarme de que esto suceda y que se entregue la ayuda a las familias necesitadas.\n\n\"He estado visitando comunidades en todo el estado mientras contin\u00faan con su trabajo para salvar vidas y comienzan su recuperaci\u00f3n. Los floridanos somos fuertes, somos resilientes. Nos recuperaremos y reconstruiremos a\u00fan m\u00e1s fuertes, y trabajar\u00e9 junto a ustedes en cada paso del camino. Tengo nueve oficinas en todo el estado, as\u00ed que, por favor, si necesitan ayuda con una agencia federal, visiten www.rickscott.senate.gov\u201d.\n\n___\n\nSenator Scott Fights to Bring Federal Resources to Florida:\n\nSenator Scott has been fighting to ensure the State of Florida and communities across the nation impacted by Hurricanes Milton and Helene have the full support needed from the federal government as they recover. Senator Scott has been sounding the alarm on potential funding shortfalls within FEMA\u2019s Disaster Relief Fund for months. Now, as Florida and several states recover from Hurricanes Milton and Helene, he is calling on Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to immediately reconvene the Senate and vote on a clean Hurricane Helene supplemental aid package once FEMA, local and state officials determine the funding needs, as well as his Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act to bring relief to families.\n\nSenator Scott joined Senator Marco Rubio, Representative Vern Buchanan and all members of the Florida congressional delegation to send a bipartisan, bicameral letter to President Biden urging him to promptly approve the State of Florida\u2019s Expedited Major Disaster Declaration request following Hurricane Milton\u2019s catastrophic landfall and support Florida\u2019s response and recovery efforts. Following their letter, President Biden approved the request. Ahead of Milton\u2019s landfall, Senator Scott had daily calls with the NHC to receive the latest updates on Hurricane Milton and traveled along Florida\u2019s Gulf Coast to receive briefings from sheriffs, local law enforcement leaders and emergency management officials. Senator Scott has also spoken and written to federal officials, including FEMA Region 4 Administrator Robert Samaan and U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to ensure Florida has much-needed access to federal resources.\n\nSenators Scott and Rubio have written letters to President Biden in support of the State of Florida\u2019s and the Seminole Tribe of Florida\u2019s requests for pre-landfall emergency declarations ahead of Hurricane Milton. Both requests were approved by President Biden following his receipt of Senators Scott and Rubio\u2019s letters. Senators Scott and Rubio also sent a letter to President Biden urging the direction of federal agencies to expedite plans to respond to potential obstructions at the Port of Tampa Bay, which receives more than 40 percent of Florida\u2019s petroleum products. In their letter, the senators emphasized that this action by the federal government is crucial to expedite all requested measures to protect Florida\u2019s economy and ensure a swift recovery.\n\n__\n\nSenator Scott Travels the State as Communities Prepared for, Responded to and Began Recovery from Hurricane Milton:\n\nSen. Rick Scott Joins President Biden in St. Pete Beach for Hurricane Milton Recovery & Response Briefing, Surveys Damage\n\nSenator Rick Scott joined President Joe Biden, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell and Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm in St. Pete Beach to receive a briefing on the response to Hurricane Milton and ongoing rescue and recovery missions. Read more HERE. Lea m\u00e1s en espa\u00f1ol AQU\u00cd.\n\n\u2014\n\nSen. Rick Scott Receives Briefing on Tropical Storm Milton in Hillsborough County, Urges Floridians to Prepare for Major Hurricane\n\nSenator Rick Scott was joined by Attorney General Ashley Moody, Commissioner of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Wilton Simpson, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, Congresswoman Laurel Lee and Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna at the Hillsborough County Emergency Operations Center in Tampa to receive a briefing from local law enforcement leaders and emergency management officials regarding preparation efforts for Hurricane Milton. Read more HERE. Lea m\u00e1s en espa\u00f1ol AQU\u00cd.\n\n\u2014\n\nSen. Rick Scott Receives Briefing on Major Hurricane Milton in Sarasota County, Urges Floridians to Prepare\n\nSenator Rick Scott received a briefing in Sarasota County from Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt Hoffman, Sarasota Police Chief Rex Troche, local law enforcement leaders and emergency management officials regarding preparation efforts for Major Hurricane Milton and urged Floridians to prepare for landfall along Florida\u2019s Gulf Coast. Read more HERE. Lea m\u00e1s en espa\u00f1ol AQU\u00cd.\n\n\u2014\n\nSen. Rick Scott Receives Briefing on Major Hurricane Milton in Lee County, Urges Floridians to Prepare\n\nSenator Rick Scott was joined by Congressman Byron Donalds and State Representative Jenna Persons-Mulicka to receive a briefing in Lee County from Sheriff Carmine Marceno, Lee County Public Safety Director Ben Abes, local law enforcement leaders and emergency management officials regarding preparation efforts for Major Hurricane Milton and to urge Floridians to prepare for landfall along Florida\u2019s Gulf Coast. Read more HERE. Lea m\u00e1s en espa\u00f1ol AQU\u00cd.\n\n\u2014\n\nSen. Rick Scott Receives Briefing on Major Hurricane Milton Recovery & Response Efforts in Lee County, Surveys Damage\n\nSenator Rick Scott joined Sheriff Carmine Marceno and local emergency management officials in Fort Myers to survey damage from Hurricane Milton. He assured them that he's here to be their partner in getting folks every federal resource they need to recover. Read more HERE. Lea m\u00e1s en espa\u00f1ol AQU\u00cd.\n\n\u2014\n\nSen. Rick Scott Receives Briefing on Major Hurricane Milton Recovery & Response Efforts in Charlotte County, Surveys Damage\n\nSenator Rick Scott joined local officials in Punta Gorda to be briefed and survey the damage in the area. Like so many people, Senator Scott loved visiting and bringing his grandkids to Punta Gorda, and knows this the community will be back stronger than ever. He reassured the community he is going to do everything he can to make sure the federal government keeps showing up, and Floridians get the relief and resources needed to recover. Read more HERE. Lea m\u00e1s en espa\u00f1ol AQU\u00cd.\n\n\u2014\n\nSen. Rick Scott Receives Briefing on Major Hurricane Milton Recovery & Response Efforts in Hillsborough County, Surveys Damage\n\nSenator Rick Scott visited Lithia to receive a briefing from Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, County Administrator Bonnie Wise, Fire Chief Jason Dougherty, Hillsborough County officials and local emergency management leaders regarding response and recovery efforts. Read more HERE. Lea m\u00e1s en espa\u00f1ol AQU\u00cd.\n\n\u2014\n\nSen. Rick Scott Receives Briefing on Major Hurricane Milton Recovery & Response Efforts in Sarasota County, Surveys Damage\n\nSenator Rick Scott was joined by Congressman Greg Steube in Sarasota to receive a briefing from Chief of Police Rex Troche, Mayor Liz Alpert, Sarasota County Schools Superintendent Terrence Connor, Sarasota County officials and local emergency management leaders regarding response and recovery efforts. Read more HERE. Lea m\u00e1s en espa\u00f1ol AQU\u00cd.\n\n\u2014\n\nSen. Rick Scott Receives Briefing on Major Hurricane Milton Recovery & Response Efforts in Pinellas County, Surveys Damage\n\nSenator Rick Scott was in Pinellas County to receive a briefing from the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office on the response to Hurricane Milton and ongoing high-water rescue missions. Read more HERE. Lea m\u00e1s en espa\u00f1ol AQU\u00cd.\n\n\u2014\n\nSen. Rick Scott Receives Briefing on Major Hurricane Milton Recovery & Response Efforts in Volusia and Lake Counties, Surveys Damage\n\nSenator Rick Scott was joined by Congressman Michael Waltz in Volusia and Lake Counties to receive a briefing from both Volusia County Sheriff Michael Chitwood and Lake County Sheriff Peyton Grinnell on the response to Hurricane Milton and ongoing high-water rescue missions. Read more HERE. Lea m\u00e1s en espa\u00f1ol AQU\u00cd.\n\n\u2014\n\nSen. Rick Scott Receives Briefing on Major Hurricane Milton Recovery & Response Efforts in St. Lucie County, Surveys Damage\n\nSenator Rick Scott was joined by Congressman Brian Mast in St. Lucie County to receive a briefing from Sheriff Keith Pearson on the response to Hurricane Milton. Read more HERE. Lea m\u00e1s en espa\u00f1ol AQU\u00cd.\n\n\u2014\n\nSen. Rick Scott Visits Manatee County EOC for Hurricane Milton Recovery & Response Briefing\n\nSenator Rick Scott stopped by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office to thank Sheriff Rick Wells and the entire Sheriff\u2019s department for all they are doing to keep Florida families safe after Hurricane Milton. Read more HERE.\n\n\u2014\n\nSenator Scott Shares Resources to Help Floridians Impacted by Hurricane Milton:\n\nAs Florida begins to recover from Hurricane Milton, Senator Scott\u2019s office is committed to making sure Floridians have access to the tools and federal resources necessary to rebuild. Floridians in need of assistance with federal agencies, including FEMA and the SBA, can reach out to our office HERE or visit one of our Mobile Office Hours in the state over the coming days. See a list of resources below or county-specific resources HERE.\n\nFamilies working to recover from Hurricane Helene can also find resources HERE.\n\nReminder: FEMA requires Floridians to apply for each storm separately. Just because you applied for Helene or Debby assistance does not make you eligible for Milton, so take some time to apply again, and make sure you get every federal resource available to you after this storm, and if you have any questions at all, please out to our office HERE.\n\n__\n\nFederal Emergency Management Agency\n\nOn October 11, 2024, President Joseph R. Biden Jr., granted a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Florida triggering the release of Federal funds to help people and communities recover from Hurricane Milton that began October 5, 2024, and continuing.\n\nFor information on Hurricane Milton, click HERE. For information on Hurricane Helene, click HERE. For information on Hurricane Debby, click HERE.\n\nFEMA recommends homeowners and renters affected take the following actions:\n\nReport any damage to your local emergency management agency.\n\nMake sure to document any property damage with photos and contact your insurance company for assistance and next steps.\n\nKeep repair receipts.\n\nBe aware of safety concerns and separate debris for collection as instructed by local officials.\n\nFor the latest information about Florida\u2019s current disasters, visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster/current. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.\n\n\u2014\n\nOperation Blue Roof\n\nOperation Blue Roof is a priority mission managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for FEMA. The purpose of Operation Blue Roof is to provide homeowners and permanently occupied rental properties in disaster areas with fiber-reinforced sheeting to cover their damaged roofs until arrangements can be made for permanent repairs. This is a free service to homeowners. Operation Blue Roof protects property, reduces temporary housing costs, and allows residents to remain in their homes while recovering from the storm.\n\nThe U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has received a mission assignment for the Blue Roof Mission in the following counties:\n\nBrevard, Citrus, Charlotte, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Manatee, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Lucie, Sumter, Volusia\n\nEligible residents can apply now through Tuesday, Nov. 5. Sign Up form HERE Check status & cancellation HERE.\n\n\u2014\n\nHousing\n\nAny Floridian in need of assistance with housing, please register for BOTH State and FEMA housing assistance through the links below.\n\n1. To apply for State Housing Program: Hope Florida (hopeflorida.com)\n\nActivate Hope Disaster Assistance Form\n\nServing as the emergency response arm for the Hope Florida initiative, Activate Hope pulls together the private sector, nonprofits, and government resources to help Floridians get back on their feet following a natural disaster. Activate Hope helps connect Floridians with outside resources to provide food, household goods, home repairs, and more. Individuals in need of immediate housing assistance, including FDEM temporary housing trailers, can visit HERE or call 1-833-GET-HOPE.\n\n2. To apply for FEMA Housing Program\n\nFEMA Assistance: Including Housing Assistance\n\nPeople with damage to their homes or personal property who live in the designated Individual Assistance counties should apply for assistance, which may include upfront funds to help with essential items like food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies. Funds may also be available to repair storm-related damage to homes and personal property, as well as assistance to find a temporary place to stay.\n\nThere are three ways to apply for FEMA assistance:\n\nOnline by visiting disasterassistance.gov.\n\nCalling 1-800-621-3362.\n\nDownload and apply on the FEMA App.\n\n\u2014\n\nSmall Business Administration\n\nBusiness owners and residents in declared disaster areas can now apply for SBA assistance. To learn more about the disaster assistance available, click HERE.\n\nFind a list of SBA's currently active Recovery Centers HERE.\n\nNeed help with your application?\n\nCall: (800) 659-2955\n\nEmail: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov\n\n\u2014\n\nAmerican Red Cross\n\nIf you're searching for a family member affected by the storm, please complete the form at this link for the state where they live: https://rdcrss.org/3TSmO6K.\n\nTo locate shelters near you, text \"SHELTER\" & your zip to 43362. You can also visit http://redcross.org/shelters.\n\n\u2014\n\nInternal Revenue Services\n\nFind information on the most recent tax relief provisions for taxpayers affected by disaster situations in Florida HERE. See FAQs for disaster victims for information about the definition of an affected taxpayer.\n\nTo learn more about Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) updates, visit HERE.\n\n\u2014\n\nUnited States Department of Agriculture\n\nThe United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has provided available resources on how to prepare, recover and build long-term resilience during disasters. The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has issued flexibilities and waivers to multiple states in response to Hurricanes Milton and Helene, including Florida, which can be found HERE.\n\nAgricultural producers are encouraged to contact their local Farm Service Agency county office after they evaluate the impact on their operation. Click HERE for resources for farmers, ranchers and other growers who are reporting losses. A list of FSA county offices can be found HERE. To learn more about the USDA's response to Hurricane Milton, click HERE.\n\n\u2014\n\nFlorida Division of Emergency Management\n\nThe Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) has outlined all available resources for Floridians and will continue to update as resources become available.\n\nHaving a stocked disaster supply kit is vital during Hurricane Season, which runs until November 30th. If you're recovering from Hurricane Milton, please take advantage of the over 30+ Points of Distributions open in impacted counties! Check locations here: http://arcg.is/0ff050.\n\nVisit HERE for more information.\n\nCrisis Cleanup\n\nIf you need help with damages caused by Hurricane Helene or Hurricane Milton, call Crisis Cleanup: 844-965-1386.\n\nVolunteer Resources\n\nDisaster Legal Hotline is open to assist and refer callers. The number is 833-514-2940\n\nSamaritan's Purse hotline: 1-833-747-1234\n\nFree Assistance for homeowners affected by the disaster.\n\nVolunteers may be able to assist with removal of personal property and furniture, flood cleanup, sanitizing with shockwave treatment, chainsaw work & Debris Clean-up, temporary roof tarping.\n\n2-1-1 is open and ready to receive calls\n\nIndividuals can call for up-to-the-minute information including school closures and sandbag distributions.\n\nLocal Social Services Referral.\n\nRed Cross Hotline is open to assist survivors: 1-800-Red Cross\n\nFlorida Baptists Disaster Relief Public Assistance: 904-253-0502 or text Helene to 27123\n\nFree Assistance for homeowners affected by the disaster.\n\nVolunteers may be able to assist with Storm Debris Cleanup, Temporary Roof Tarping, Chainsaw work and Muck outs\n\nActivate Hope Disaster Assistance Form\n\nServing as the emergency response arm for the Hope Florida initiative, Activate Hope pulls together the private sector, nonprofits, and government resources to help Floridians get back on their feet following a natural disaster. Activate Hope helps connect Floridians with outside resources to provide food, household goods, home repairs, and more. Individuals in need of immediate housing assistance, including FDEM temporary housing trailers, can visit HERE or call 1-833-GET-HOPE.\n\n\u2014\n\nFlorida Commerce\n\nThe Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program provides short-term, zero-interest working capital loans that are intended to \u201cbridge the gap\u201d between the time a disaster impacts a business and when a business has secured longer term recovery funding such as federally or commercially available loans, insurance claims or other resources.\n\nLoans are available up to $50,000 per eligible applicant.\n\nLoans made under this program are short-term, personal loans using State of Florida funds \u2013 they are not grants and must be repaid. Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loans require repayment by the approved applicant. Owners may utilize funding from longer term financial resources, such as U.S. Small Business Administration economic injury disaster loans, to repay the Emergency Bridge Loan.\n\n\u2014\n\nFlorida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services\n\nThe Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) provides state resources for post-storm recovery.\n\nFDACS is accepting applications for Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton. If you are an agricultural or aquaculture producer who has experienced damage, you can apply for a Disaster Recovery Loan HERE. To check your eligibility or status of your application, click HERE.\n\n\u2014\n\nFlorida Department of Children and Families\n\nSupplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Recipients who lost food due to Hurricane Milton can apply for food replacement by completing the form HERE.\n\nTo apply, individuals must:\n\nBe a current SNAP Recipient\n\nComplete the form by October 19th, 2024.\n\nHouseholds are required to provide verification of having a power outage of 4 or more hours or damage that caused food loss to their MYACCESS Account, except for households located in Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, Desoto, Flagler, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, and Volusia.\n\nFor households in the following counties, complete the online replacement form and upload supporting verification of food loss to your MyACCESS Portal using \u201cOther\u201d as the document type.\n\nBrevard, Clay, Duval, Glades, Hendry, Indian River, Marion, Martin, Okeechobee, Orange, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, and Sumter.\n\nFor more information, click HERE.\n\n\u2014\n\nNeed Assistance?\n\nCall the Florida State Assistance Information Line for additional resources and updated information: 1-800-342-3557\n\nIn case of an emergency, please hang up and dial 911\n\nThere are English, Spanish and Creole speakers available to answer questions.\n\nFloridians in need of assistance with federal resources following the impacts of Hurricane Helene, Debby or Milton can contact Senator Scott\u2019s office at: www.rickscott.senate.gov/contact/casework\n\nIf you are suspicious of fraud, please report it immediately at: FraudFreeFlorida.com\n\nAttorney General's Price Gouging Hotline: 1-866-966-7226 or visit MyFloridaLegal.com\n\nFlorida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services: 1-800-435-7352\n\nReport Insurance Fraud: https://first.fldfs.com/\n\nVerify contractor licenses by visiting MyFloridaLicense.com or call (866) 532-1440.\n\n\u2014\n\nAfter a Storm\n\nIf you were advised to evacuate, do not return home until local emergency managers say it is safe to do so.\n\nBe mindful of debris and down power lines.\n\nDo not drive or walk around outside if you do not have to.\n\nUse extreme caution when operating heavy machinery, generators, or while removing debris. Never use generators indoors and keep them away from windows, doors and vents.\n\nStay off roads so that emergency workers are able to get through.\n\nDo not drive or walk through flood waters. Be aware of downed power lines, standing water and other hidden hazards.\n\n\u2014\n\nHurricane Preparedness Resources Websites\n\nFEMA: Visit FEMA for up-to-date information, support, services and to apply for disaster assistance following a storm.\n\nSBA: Visit SBA to learn about low-interest disaster loans to help businesses and homeowners recover from a major disaster.\n\nFloridaDisaster.org: Visit FloridaDisaster.org for resources and information on creating a personalized emergency plan for your family.\n\nNational Hurricane Center: Visit NHC for the latest updates on tropical weather threats.\n\n\u2014\n\nSenator Scott encourages all Floridians to visit his website at www.rickscott.senate.gov/contact/casework for information or help with federal agencies like FEMA and the SBA, following Hurricanes Milton and Helene. For more on response efforts from the Florida Division of Emergency Management, visit floridadisaster.org or @FLSERT.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/sens-rick-scott-marco-rubio-colleagues-announce-bill-to-replenish-disaster-relief-fund", "Sens. Rick Scott, Marco Rubio & Colleagues Announce Bill to Replenish Disaster Relief Fund", "2024-10-16", "2024", "2024-10", "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, following Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton causing catastrophic damage across multiple states, Senator Rick Scott, Senator Marco Rubio and their colleagues announced legislation to replenish the Federal Emergency Management Agency\u2019s (FEMA) Disaster Relief Fund (DRF). The FEMA DRF assists individuals, households, states, and non-federal government entities with recovery following natural disasters, yet is quickly dwindling. Specifically, this bill would appropriate $20 billion to the DRF to help states recover. Senator Bill Cassidy and John Cornyn are cosponsors of the legislation.\n\nIn preparation for and response to Hurricane Milton, Senator Scott has been in constant contact with state leaders, mayors, sheriffs and police chiefs, emergency management officials and energy companies in communities throughout the state, and has visited St. Lucie, Volusia, Lake, Pinellas, Sarasota, Hillsborough, Lee, Charlotte and Manatee counties to survey damage and receive briefings from local officials. On Sunday, Senator Scott met with President Joe Biden and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell on Sunday to receive a briefing on the response to Hurricane Milton and ongoing rescue and recovery missions and discuss communities\u2019 needs as they begin their recovery.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cI\u2019ve been on the ground in Florida surveying damage and talking to Floridians for weeks as our state prepared for and now responds to and recovers from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. What\u2019s clear is that Florida families and businesses need their federal government to show up where they are and help them get back on their feet. This bill, providing $20 billion for FEMA\u2019s Disaster Relief Fund, will ensure that the agency has what it needs to provide immediate aid to folks in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, the Carolinas and other states impacted by disasters while our local communities determine their needs from FEMA, SBA, USDA and other federal agencies. The federal government\u2019s response to hurricanes over the last two years has left too many Floridians, especially our farmers, hurting and with unmet needs. Unfortunately, I am already hearing from local officials and families in Florida that are frustrated by the fact that these disasters have stretched FEMA\u2019s current resources too thin. That is unacceptable. No state is immune from disasters and I hope that none of our colleagues in the Senate will object to the quick passage of this needed funding. Even with this bill, I continue to urge Majority Leader Schumer to bring back the Senate to fully fund other disaster relief functions at the SBA and USDA block grants, and I\u2019m glad that, in my conversations with President Biden, he has completely agreed with me on the need to get this done. While Floridians are incredibly resilient and will rebuild stronger than ever, it\u2019s going to be an all hands on deck effort at the local, state and federal level to come together and support these communities. I\u2019m going to keep fighting like hell to deliver the federal resources Floridians need to recover.\u201d\n\nSenator Marco Rubio said, \u201cUnfortunately, this is a hurricane season no one will soon forget. The Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) is the front line for states, and our constituents, to receive support in the aftermath of natural disasters. While assessments of the full extent of these storms are underway, the DRF cannot be allowed to be depleted. I am proud to announce my colleagues and I will be introducing a bill to provide additional funding to support communities affected by the recent hurricanes.\u201d\n\nSenator Bill Cassidy said, \u201cAmericans help Americans. FEMA needs resources to help those impacted by Hurricanes Milton, Helene, and Francine. Related to this, I will continue working to make flood insurance affordable again.\u201d\n\nSenator John Cornyn said, \u201cIt is alarming that FEMA has spent almost half of its disaster fund, and there are still weeks left in hurricane season. Congress must take action to ensure critical agencies have sufficient resources to help those impacted by natural disasters recover while also maintaining long-term rebuilding projects.\u201d\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/el-senador-rick-scott-se-re-ne-con-el-presidente-biden-en-st-pete-beach-para-una-sesi-n-informativa-sobre-la-recuperaci-n-y-respuesta-al-hurac-n-milton-y-la-evaluaci-n-de-los-da-os", "El Senador Rick Scott se re\u00fane con el Presidente Biden en St. Pete Beach para una sesi\u00f3n informativa sobre la recuperaci\u00f3n y respuesta al Hurac\u00e1n Milton y la evaluaci\u00f3n de los da\u00f1os", "2024-10-13", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "Visit\u00f3 el Centro de Operaciones de Emergencia del condado de Manatee con el Sheriff Rick Wells\n\nST. PETE BEACH, Fla. \u2013 El Senador Rick Scott se uni\u00f3 al Presidente Joe Biden, a la Administradora de la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA, por sus siglas en ingl\u00e9s), Deanne Criswell, y a la Secretaria de Energ\u00eda, Jennifer Granholm, en St. Pete Beach para recibir informaci\u00f3n sobre la respuesta al hurac\u00e1n Milton y las misiones de rescate y recuperaci\u00f3n. El Senador Scott ha estado en contacto constante con funcionarios federales, l\u00edderes locales, funcionarios de las fuerzas del orden y de manejo de emergencias en comunidades de todo el estado que se vieron afectadas por el hurac\u00e1n Milton para asegurarse de que tengan los recursos necesarios mientras responden a la tormenta y ayudan a los floridanos a recuperarse. Mientras las familias del estado luchan por encontrar gasolina, el Senador est\u00e1 listo para ayudar al estado a llevar gasolina a las comunidades afectadas.\n\nEl Senador Scott insta a quienes necesiten asistencia de una agencia federal, como la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias, la Administraci\u00f3n de Peque\u00f1as Empresas (SBA, por sus siglas en ingl\u00e9s) o cualquier otro asunto federal mientras se recuperan del hurac\u00e1n Milton, a que se comuniquen con su oficina AQU\u00cd. Hoy el Senador Rick Scott estuvo en el condado de Manatee para recibir una sesi\u00f3n informativa del Sheriff Rick Wells y agradecer a las fuerzas del orden en el Centro de Operaciones de Emergencia. Esta semana, el Senador Scott estuvo en los condados de St. Lucie, Volusia, Lake y Pinellas, Sarasota, Hillsborough, Lee y Charlotte para evaluar los da\u00f1os y recibir informaci\u00f3n de los funcionarios locales.\n\nEl Senador Rick Scott dijo: \u201cHoy, me un\u00ed al Presidente Joe Biden y a la Administradora de FEMA, Deanne Criswell, en St. Pete Beach, que fue completamente destruida por el hurac\u00e1n Milton. Como dije despu\u00e9s del hurac\u00e1n Helene, si bien agradezco que el presidente y la administradora de FEMA hayan venido a Florida para ver la devastaci\u00f3n de primera mano, los floridanos todav\u00eda est\u00e1n sufriendo por las tormentas de hace a\u00f1os y el gobierno federal debe estar presente no solo hoy, sino todos los d\u00edas. La marejada cicl\u00f3nica no solo caus\u00f3 problemas mayors en la costa, sino que los primeros auxilios siguen realizando misiones de rescate mientras los r\u00edos estan causando inundaciones y tornados destrozan comunidades enteras. Esta tormenta, junto con el hurac\u00e1n Helene, ha derribado a tantas comunidades, pero los floridanos son resilientes. Despu\u00e9s del hurac\u00e1n Helene, le dije al Presidente Biden exactamente lo que se necesita para garantizar que Florida tenga todos los recursos federales para recuperarse por completo de esa tormenta y ahora del hurac\u00e1n Milton, lo reiter\u00e9 en nuestra llamada de la semana pasada y nuevamente hoy. Esto es lo que le enfatic\u00e9 al presidente: Hago un llamado a Schumer para que el Senado vuelva lo antes posible cuando nuestras comunidades hayan evaluado sus necesidades, lo que le dije al presidente debe acelerarse, para aprobar los fondos necesarios para desastres para FEMA, SBA y el USDA y aprobar un alivio de sentido com\u00fan como m\u00ed Proyecto de ley Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act. El presidente me dijo que estaba de acuerdo conmigo en esto la semana pasada. Tambi\u00e9n debemos asegurarnos de que FEMA abra Centros de Recuperaci\u00f3n de Desastres cerca de las \u00e1reas m\u00e1s afectadas, para que los afectados tengan f\u00e1cil acceso a los recursos federales para recuperarse. Finalmente, volv\u00ed a enfatizar al Presidente Biden la importancia de que el USDA apruebe de inmediato subvenciones en bloque para nuestros agricultores que han estado luchando desde Ian en 2022. Habl\u00e9 de las mismas cosas durante mis llamadas del jueves con la Administradora de FEMA Deanne Criswell y la Administradora de SBA Isabel Casillas Guzman. Voy a seguir luchando para asegurarme de que esto suceda y se entregue ayuda a las familias necesitadas.\n\n\"He estado visitando comunidades en todo el estado que contin\u00faan su trabajo para salvar vidas, incluido el condado de Manatee esta ma\u00f1ana y el condado de Pinellas ayer, y quiero recordarles a los floridanos que todos deben mantenerse alerta y a salvo. La tormenta ha pasado, pero los peligros no han terminado, y no se puede recuperar uno si pierde la vida al tomar riesgos despu\u00e9s de esta tormenta. Los floridanos somos fuertes, somos resilientes. Nos recuperaremos y reconstruiremos a\u00fan m\u00e1s fuertes, y trabajar\u00e9 junto a ustedes en cada paso del camino. Tengo nueve oficinas en todo el estado, as\u00ed que, por favor, si necesitan ayuda con una agencia federal, vayan a www.rickscott.senate.gov\u201d.\n\nM\u00c1S\u2026\n\nEl Senador Scott se uni\u00f3 al Senador Marco Rubio, al Representante Vern Buchanan y a todos los miembros de la delegaci\u00f3n del Congreso de Florida para enviar una carta bipartidista y bicameral al Presidente Biden inst\u00e1ndolo a aprobar r\u00e1pidamente la solicitud de Declaraci\u00f3n de Desastre Mayor Acelerada del Estado de Florida tras el catastr\u00f3fico paso por tierra del hurac\u00e1n Milton y a apoyar los esfuerzos de respuesta y recuperaci\u00f3n de Florida. Tras la carta, el Presidente Biden aprob\u00f3 la solicitud. Las personas de los 34 condados designados son elegibles para solicitar a FEMA servicios financieros y directos, y pueden hacerlo a trav\u00e9s de DisasterAssistance.gov, la aplicaci\u00f3n de FEMA o llamando al 800-621-FEMA (800-621-3362).\n\nAntes de que Milton tocara tierra, el Senador Scott tuvo llamadas diarias con el NHC para recibir las \u00faltimas actualizaciones sobre el hurac\u00e1n Milton y viaj\u00f3 a lo largo de la costa del Golfo de Florida para recibir informes de los sheriffs, los l\u00edderes de las fuerzas del orden locales y los funcionarios de gesti\u00f3n de emergencias en los condados de Hillsborough, Sarasota y Lee, instando a las familias a mantenerse a salvo y preparadas. El Senador Scott ha estado en contacto constante con los l\u00edderes estatales, alcaldes, sheriffs y jefes de polic\u00eda, funcionarios de gesti\u00f3n de emergencias y empresas de energ\u00eda en las comunidades de todo el estado que esperaban los impactos del hurac\u00e1n Milton para asegurarse de que tenian los recursos necesarios para responder a la tormenta. El Senador Scott tambi\u00e9n ha hablado y escrito a los funcionarios federales, incluido el Administrador de la Regi\u00f3n 4 de FEMA, Robert Samaan, y el Secretario del Departamento de Transporte de EE. UU., Pete Buttigieg, para garantizar que Florida tenga el acceso necesario a los recursos federales.\n\nLos Senadores Scott y Rubio han escrito cartas al Presidente Biden en apoyo a las solicitudes del Estado de Florida y del Seminole Tribe de Florida para la declaraci\u00f3n de emergencia antes de que el hurac\u00e1n Milton tocara tierra. Ambas solicitudes fueron aprobadas por el Presidente Biden tras recibir las cartas de los Senadores Scott y Rubio. Los Senadores Scott y Rubio tambi\u00e9n enviaron una carta al Presidente Biden instando a las agencias federales a que aceleren los planes para responder a las posibles obstrucciones en el puerto de la bah\u00eda de Tampa, que recibe m\u00e1s del 40 por ciento de los productos derivados del petr\u00f3leo de Florida. En su carta, los senadores enfatizaron que esta acci\u00f3n del gobierno federal es crucial para acelerar todas las medidas solicitadas para proteger la econom\u00eda de Florida y garantizar una recuperaci\u00f3n r\u00e1pida.\n\nEl Senador Scott alienta a todos los floridanos a visitar su sitio web en www.rickscott.senate.gov/contact/casework para obtener informaci\u00f3n o ayuda con agencias federales como FEMA y SBA, luego de los huracanes Milton y Helene, para m\u00e1s sobre los esfuerzos de respuesta de la Divisi\u00f3n de Manejo de Emergencias de Florida en floridadisaster.org o @FLSERT.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/sen-rick-scott-joins-president-biden-in-st-pete-beach-for-hurricane-milton-recovery-response-briefing-surveys-damage", "Sen. Rick Scott Joins President Biden in St. Pete Beach for Hurricane Milton Recovery & Response Briefing, Surveys Damage", "2024-10-13", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "Visits Manatee County EOC with Sheriff Rick Wells\n\nST. PETE BEACH, Fla. \u2013 Today, Senator Rick Scott joined President Joe Biden, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell and Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm in St. Pete Beach to receive a briefing on the response to Hurricane Milton and ongoing rescue and recovery missions. Senator Scott has been in constant contact with federal officials, local leaders, law enforcement and emergency management officials in communities throughout the state that are impacted by Hurricane Milton to ensure they have the needed resources as they respond to the storm and help Floridians recover. As families in the state struggle to find gas, the Senator stands ready to assist the state with getting gas into affected communities.\n\nSenator Scott is urging those in need of assistance with a federal agency, like the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Small Business Administration (SBA), or any other federal issue while recovering from Hurricane Milton, to contact his office HERE. Earlier today, Senator Rick Scott was in Manatee County to receive a briefing from Sheriff Rick Wells and thank law enforcement at the Manatee County Emergency Operations Center. Earlier this week, Senator Scott was in St. Lucie, Volusia, Lake, Pinellas, Sarasota, Hillsborough, Lee and Charlotte counties to survey damage and receive briefings from local officials.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cToday, I joined President Joe Biden and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell on the ground in St. Pete Beach, which was completely destroyed by Hurricane Milton. Like I said following Hurricane Helene, while I appreciate the president and FEMA Administrator coming to Florida to see the devastation firsthand, Floridians are still hurting from storms years ago and the federal government needs to show up not just today, but every day. Not only did storm surge cause significant issues on the coast, but first responders are still conducting non-stop rescue missions as rising rivers cause inland flooding and tornadoes ripped apart entire communities. This storm, along with Hurricane Helene, have knocked so many communities down, but Floridians are resilient. Following Hurricane Helene, I told President Biden exactly what is needed to ensure Florida has every federal resource to fully recover from that storm and now Hurricane Milton, I reiterated that in our call last week and again today. Here\u2019s what I stressed to the president: I\u2019m calling on Schumer to bring the Senate back ASAP when our communities have assessed their needs, which I told the president must be expedited, to pass needed disaster funding for FEMA, SBA and the USDA and approve common sense relief like my Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act. The president told me he agreed with me on this last week. We must also ensure FEMA opens Disaster Recovery Centers close to the areas hit hardest, so those impacted have easy access to federal resources to recover. Finally, I again stressed to President Biden the importance of USDA immediately approving block grants for our farmers that have been struggling since Ian in 2022. I discussed the same things during my calls on Thursday with FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman. I\u2019m going to continue fighting like hell to make sure this happens and aid is delivered to families in need.\n\n\"I\u2019ve been visiting communities across the state as they continue lifesaving work, including Manatee County this morning and Pinellas County yesterday, and I want to remind Floridians that everyone must stay vigilant and stay safe. The storm has passed but the dangers are not over, and you can't recover if you lose your life by taking risks after this storm. Floridians are strong, we are resilient. We will recover and we will rebuild even stronger, and I will be working alongside you every step of the way. I have nine offices around the state, so please, if you need any help with a federal agency, go to www.rickscott.senate.gov.\u201d\n\nMORE\u2026\n\nEarlier this week, Senator Scott joined Senator Marco Rubio, Representative Vern Buchanan and all members of the Florida congressional delegation to send a bipartisan, bicameral letter to President Biden urging him to promptly approve the State of Florida\u2019s Expedited Major Disaster Declaration request following Hurricane Milton\u2019s catastrophic landfall and support Florida\u2019s response and recovery efforts. Following their letter, President Biden approved the request. Individuals and households in 34 designated counties are eligible to apply to FEMA for financial and direct services, and can apply via DisasterAssistance.gov, the FEMA App or calling 800-621-FEMA (800-621-3362).\n\nAhead of Milton\u2019s landfall, Senator Scott had daily calls with the NHC to receive the latest updates on Hurricane Milton and traveled along Florida\u2019s Gulf Coast to receive briefings from sheriffs, local law enforcement leaders and emergency management officials in Hillsborough County, Sarasota County and Lee County, urging families to stay safe and prepared. Senator Scott has been in constant contact with state leaders, mayors, sheriffs andpolice chiefs, emergency management officials and energy companies in communities throughout the state that were expecting impacts from Hurricane Milton to ensure they have the needed resources to respond to the storm. Senator Scott has also spoken and written to federal officials, including FEMA Region 4 Administrator Robert Samaan and U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to ensure Florida has much-needed access to federal resources.\n\nThis week, Senators Scott and Rubio have written letters to President Biden in support of the State of Florida\u2019s and the Seminole Tribe of Florida\u2019s requests for pre-landfall emergency declarations ahead of Hurricane Milton. Both requests were approved by President Biden following his receipt of Senators Scott and Rubio\u2019s letters. Senators Scott and Rubio also sent a letter to President Biden urging the direction of federal agencies to expedite plans to respond to potential obstructions at the Port of Tampa Bay, which receives more than 40 percent of Florida\u2019s petroleum products. In their letter, the senators emphasized that this action by the federal government is crucial to expedite all requested measures to protect Florida\u2019s economy and ensure a swift recovery.\n\nSenator Scott encourages all Floridians to visit his website at www.rickscott.senate.gov/contact/casework for information or help with federal agencies like FEMA and the SBA, following Hurricanes Milton and Helene. For more on response efforts from the Florida Division of Emergency Management at floridadisaster.org or @FLSERT.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/el-senador-rick-scott-recibe-informaci-n-sobre-los-esfuerzos-de-recuperaci-n-y-respuesta-al-hurac-n-milton-en-el-condado-de-pinellas-y-eval-a-los-da-os", "El Senador Rick Scott recibe informaci\u00f3n sobre los esfuerzos de recuperaci\u00f3n y respuesta al Hurac\u00e1n Milton en el condado de Pinellas y eval\u00faa los da\u00f1os", "2024-10-12", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "Vea las declaraciones del Senador Scott AQU\u00cd\n\nPALM HARBOR, Fla. \u2013 El Senador Rick Scott estuvo en el Condado de Pinellas para recibir una sesi\u00f3n informativa de la Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Pinellas sobre la respuesta al hurac\u00e1n Milton y las misiones de rescate en aguas altas. El Senador Scott ha estado en contacto constante con funcionarios federales, l\u00edderes locales, funcionarios de las fuerzas del orden y de gesti\u00f3n de emergencias en comunidades de todo el estado que se vieron afectadas por el hurac\u00e1n Milton para garantizar que tengan los recursos necesarios mientras responden a la tormenta y ayudan a los floridanos a recuperarse. El Senador Scott insta a quienes necesiten asistencia de una agencia federal, como la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA, por sus siglas en ingl\u00e9s), la Administraci\u00f3n de Peque\u00f1as Empresas (SBA, por sus siglas en ingl\u00e9s) o cualquier otro asunto federal mientras se recuperan del hurac\u00e1n Milton, a que se comuniquen con su oficina AQU\u00cd.\n\nEl jueves, el Senador Scott habl\u00f3 con el Presidente Joe Biden sobre la respuesta y la recuperaci\u00f3n al hurac\u00e1n Milton, y reiter\u00f3 que est\u00e1 enfocado en asegurarse de que FEMA, SBA, HUD y USDA est\u00e9n completamente financiados para la ayuda en caso de desastre. El Senador Scott tambi\u00e9n habl\u00f3 el jueves con la Administradora de la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA), Deanne Criswell, y la Administradora de la Administraci\u00f3n de Peque\u00f1as Empresas (SBA), Isabel Casillas Guzm\u00e1n. Esta semana, el Senador Scott ha visitado los condados de Sarasota, Hillsborough, Lee y Charlotte para evaluar los da\u00f1os y recibir informaci\u00f3n de los funcionarios locales.\n\nAyer, el Senador Scott se uni\u00f3 al Senador Marco Rubio, al Representante Vern Buchanan y a todos los miembros de la delegaci\u00f3n del Congreso de Florida para enviar una carta bipartidista y bicameral al Presidente Biden inst\u00e1ndolo a aprobar r\u00e1pidamente la solicitud de Declaraci\u00f3n de Desastre Mayor Acelerada del Estado de Florida tras el catastr\u00f3fico paso por tierra del hurac\u00e1n Milton y a apoyar los esfuerzos de respuesta y recuperaci\u00f3n de Florida. Lea la carta completa AQU\u00cd. Tras la carta, el Presidente Biden aprob\u00f3 la solicitud. Las personas de los 34 condados designados son elegibles para solicitar a FEMA servicios financieros y directos, y pueden hacerlo a trav\u00e9s de DisasterAssistance.gov, la aplicaci\u00f3n de FEMA o llamando al 800-621-FEMA (800-621-3362).\n\nEl Senador Rick Scott dijo: \u201cLos da\u00f1os aqu\u00ed en el condado de Pinellas son devastadores. La marejada cicl\u00f3nica no solo caus\u00f3 problemas mayores en la costa, sino que ahora los servicios de emergencia est\u00e1n llevando a cabo misiones de rescate sin parar mientras el aumento del nivel de los r\u00edos provoca inundaciones en el interior de comunidades como Palm Harbor. Si bien estas tormentas han impactado la Costa del Golfo, los floridanos aqu\u00ed son muy resistentes y trabajan juntos. El jueves habl\u00e9 con el Presidente Biden sobre la respuesta y la recuperaci\u00f3n y lo que se necesita para asegurarnos de que nuestros gobiernos locales y estatal tenga el apoyo que necesita. Le dije al Presidente Biden que estoy completamente concentrado en asegurarme de que FEMA, SBA, HUD y USDA est\u00e9n completamente financiados para la recuperaci\u00f3n del desastre y le ped\u00ed que agilice las evaluaciones de da\u00f1os para que podamos comenzar a trabajar en esto de inmediato. Destaqu\u00e9 lo mismo durante mis llamadas el jueves con la administradora de FEMA Criswell y al administradora de SBA Guzman. El gobierno federal necesita tener personal en el terreno hasta que Florida se recupere por completo. Adem\u00e1s, he exigido que el l\u00edder de la mayor\u00eda Chuck Schumer vuelva a convocar inmediatamente al Senado una vez que se realicen las evaluaciones de da\u00f1os para que podamos financiar completamente los esfuerzos de respuesta al desastre de estas agencias y otras que responden a este desastre con un proyecto de ley de asignaciones suplementarias para desastres y una legislaci\u00f3n de alivio de desastres de sentido com\u00fan como mi proyecto de ley Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act.\n\n\"Mientras contin\u00faa el trabajo de salvar vidas en el condado de Pinellas y en todo nuestro estado, lo primero que quiero reiterar hoy es que todos deben permanecer atentos y mantenerse a salvo. No se puede recuperar una vida si se corren riesgos despu\u00e9s de esta tormenta. Los floridanos somos fuertes, somos resilientes. Nos recuperaremos y reconstruiremos a\u00fan m\u00e1s fuertes. Tengo nueve oficinas en todo el estado, as\u00ed que, por favor, si necesita ayuda con una agencia federal, visite www.rickscott.senate.gov\u201d.\n\nM\u00c1S\u2026\n\nAntes de que Milton tocara tierra, el Senador Scott tuvo llamadas diarias con el NHC para recibir las \u00faltimas actualizaciones sobre el hurac\u00e1n Milton y viaj\u00f3 a lo largo de la costa del Golfo de Florida para recibir informes de los sheriffs, los l\u00edderes de las fuerzas del orden locales y los funcionarios de gesti\u00f3n de emergencias en los condados de Hillsborough, Sarasota y Lee, instando a las familias a mantenerse a salvo y preparadas. El Senador Scott ha estado en contacto constante con los l\u00edderes estatales, alcaldes, sheriffs y jefes de polic\u00eda, funcionarios de gesti\u00f3n de emergencias y empresas de energ\u00eda en las comunidades de todo el estado que esperaban los impactos del hurac\u00e1n Milton para asegurarse de que tenian los recursos necesarios para responder a la tormenta. El Senador Scott tambi\u00e9n ha hablado y escrito a los funcionarios federales, incluido el Administrador de la Regi\u00f3n 4 de FEMA, Robert Samaan, y el Secretario del Departamento de Transporte de EE. UU., Pete Buttigieg, para garantizar que Florida tenga el acceso necesario a los recursos federales.\n\nEsta semana, los Senadores Scott y Rubio han escrito cartas al Presidente Biden en apoyo a las solicitudes del Estado de Florida y del Seminole Tribe de Florida para la declaraci\u00f3n de emergencia antes de que el hurac\u00e1n Milton tocara tierra. Ambas solicitudes fueron aprobadas por el Presidente Biden tras recibir las cartas de los Senadores Scott y Rubio. Los Senadores Scott y Rubio tambi\u00e9n enviaron una carta al Presidente Biden instando a las agencias federales a que aceleren los planes para responder a las posibles obstrucciones en el puerto de la bah\u00eda de Tampa, que recibe m\u00e1s del 40 por ciento de los productos derivados del petr\u00f3leo de Florida. En su carta, los senadores enfatizaron que esta acci\u00f3n del gobierno federal es crucial para acelerar todas las medidas solicitadas para proteger la econom\u00eda de Florida y garantizar una recuperaci\u00f3n r\u00e1pida.\n\nEl Senador Scott alienta a todos los floridanos a visitar su sitio web en www.rickscott.senate.gov/contact/casework para obtener informaci\u00f3n o ayuda con agencias federales como FEMA y SBA, luego de los huracanes Milton y Helene, para m\u00e1s sobre los esfuerzos de respuesta de la Divisi\u00f3n de Manejo de Emergencias de Florida en floridadisaster.org o @FLSERT.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/el-senador-rick-scott-recibe-informaci-n-sobre-los-esfuerzos-de-recuperaci-n-y-respuesta-al-hurac-n-milton-en-el-condado-de-st-lucie-y-eval-a-los-da-os", "El Senador Rick Scott recibe informaci\u00f3n sobre los esfuerzos de recuperaci\u00f3n y respuesta al Hurac\u00e1n Milton en el condado de St. Lucie y eval\u00faa los da\u00f1os", "2024-10-12", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "Vea las declaraciones del Senador Scott AQU\u00cd\n\nFORT PIERCE, Fla. \u2013 El senador Rick Scott se reuni\u00f3 con el Congresista Brian Mast en el condado de St. Lucie para recibir una sesi\u00f3n informativa del Sheriff Keith Pearson sobre la respuesta al hurac\u00e1n Milton. El Senador Scott ha estado en contacto constante con funcionarios federales, l\u00edderes locales, funcionarios de las fuerzas del orden y de gesti\u00f3n de emergencias en comunidades de todo el estado que se vieron afectadas por el hurac\u00e1n Milton para garantizar que tengan los recursos necesarios mientras responden a la tormenta y ayudan a los floridanos a recuperarse. El Senador Scott insta a quienes necesiten asistencia de una agencia federal, como la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA, por sus siglas en ingl\u00e9s), la Administraci\u00f3n de Peque\u00f1as Empresas (SBA, por sus siglas en ingl\u00e9s) o cualquier otro asunto federal mientras se recuperan del hurac\u00e1n Milton, a que se comuniquen con su oficina AQU\u00cd.\n\nEl jueves, el Senador Scott habl\u00f3 con el Presidente Joe Biden sobre la respuesta y la recuperaci\u00f3n al hurac\u00e1n Milton, y reiter\u00f3 que est\u00e1 enfocado en asegurarse de que FEMA, SBA, HUD y USDA est\u00e9n completamente financiados para la ayuda en caso de desastre. El Senador Scott tambi\u00e9n habl\u00f3 el jueves con la Administradora de la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA), Deanne Criswell, y la Administradora de la Administraci\u00f3n de Peque\u00f1as Empresas (SBA), Isabel Casillas Guzm\u00e1n. Hoy, el Senador Scott estuvo en los condados de Volusia, Lake y Pinellas. Esta semana ha visitado los condados de Sarasota, Hillsborough, Lee y Charlotte para evaluar los da\u00f1os y recibir informaci\u00f3n de los funcionarios locales.\n\nAyer, el Senador Scott se uni\u00f3 al Senador Marco Rubio, al Representante Vern Buchanan y a todos los miembros de la delegaci\u00f3n del Congreso de Florida para enviar una carta bipartidista y bicameral al Presidente Biden inst\u00e1ndolo a aprobar r\u00e1pidamente la solicitud de Declaraci\u00f3n de Desastre Mayor Acelerada del Estado de Florida tras el catastr\u00f3fico paso por tierra del hurac\u00e1n Milton y a apoyar los esfuerzos de respuesta y recuperaci\u00f3n de Florida. Lea la carta completa AQU\u00cd. Tras la carta, el Presidente Biden aprob\u00f3 la solicitud. Las personas de los 34 condados designados son elegibles para solicitar a FEMA servicios financieros y directos, y pueden hacerlo a trav\u00e9s de DisasterAssistance.gov, la aplicaci\u00f3n de FEMA o llamando al 800-621-FEMA (800-621-3362).\n\nEl Senador Rick Scott dijo: \u201cAunque el hurac\u00e1n Milton toc\u00f3 tierra en la costa del Golfo de Florida, esta tormenta fue enorme y afect\u00f3 a casi todo el estado de Florida, especialmente aqu\u00ed en St. Lucie, donde el Congresista Mast, el Sheriff Pearson y yo vimos de primera mano el impacto devastador de los tornados de Milton. Los floridanos somos muy resilientes y trabajando junto con los gobiernos a nivel local, estatal y federal, as\u00ed como con nuestros compa\u00f1eros sin fines de lucro, nos recuperaremos m\u00e1s fuertes. El jueves habl\u00e9 con el Presidente Biden sobre la respuesta y la recuperaci\u00f3n y lo que se necesita para asegurarnos de que nuestros gobiernos locales y estatal tenga el apoyo que necesita. Le dije al Presidente Biden que estoy completamente concentrado en asegurarme de que FEMA, SBA, HUD y USDA est\u00e9n completamente financiados para la recuperaci\u00f3n del desastre y le ped\u00ed que agilice las evaluaciones de da\u00f1os para que podamos comenzar a trabajar en esto de inmediato. Destaqu\u00e9 lo mismo durante mis llamadas el jueves con la administradora de FEMA Criswell y al administradora de SBA Guzman. El gobierno federal necesita tener personal en el terreno hasta que Florida se recupere por completo. Adem\u00e1s, he exigido que el l\u00edder de la mayor\u00eda Chuck Schumer vuelva a convocar inmediatamente al Senado una vez que se realicen las evaluaciones de da\u00f1os para que podamos financiar completamente los esfuerzos de respuesta al desastre de estas agencias y otras que responden a este desastre con un proyecto de ley de asignaciones suplementarias para desastres y una legislaci\u00f3n de alivio de desastres de sentido com\u00fan como mi proyecto de ley Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act.\n\n\"Mientras contin\u00faa el trabajo de salvar vidas en el condado de Pinellas y en todo nuestro estado, lo primero que quiero reiterar hoy es que todos deben permanecer atentos y mantenerse a salvo. No se puede recuperar una vida si se corren riesgos despu\u00e9s de esta tormenta. Los floridanos somos fuertes, somos resilientes. Nos recuperaremos y reconstruiremos a\u00fan m\u00e1s fuertes. Tengo nueve oficinas en todo el estado, as\u00ed que, por favor, si necesita ayuda con una agencia federal, visite www.rickscott.senate.gov\u201d.\n\nM\u00c1S\u2026\n\nAntes de que Milton tocara tierra, el Senador Scott tuvo llamadas diarias con el NHC para recibir las \u00faltimas actualizaciones sobre el hurac\u00e1n Milton y viaj\u00f3 a lo largo de la costa del Golfo de Florida para recibir informes de los sheriffs, los l\u00edderes de las fuerzas del orden locales y los funcionarios de gesti\u00f3n de emergencias en los condados de Hillsborough, Sarasota y Lee, instando a las familias a mantenerse a salvo y preparadas. El Senador Scott ha estado en contacto constante con los l\u00edderes estatales, alcaldes, sheriffs y jefes de polic\u00eda, funcionarios de gesti\u00f3n de emergencias y empresas de energ\u00eda en las comunidades de todo el estado que esperaban los impactos del hurac\u00e1n Milton para asegurarse de que tenian los recursos necesarios para responder a la tormenta. El Senador Scott tambi\u00e9n ha hablado y escrito a los funcionarios federales, incluido el Administrador de la Regi\u00f3n 4 de FEMA, Robert Samaan, y el Secretario del Departamento de Transporte de EE. UU., Pete Buttigieg, para garantizar que Florida tenga el acceso necesario a los recursos federales.\n\nEsta semana, los Senadores Scott y Rubio han escrito cartas al Presidente Biden en apoyo a las solicitudes del Estado de Florida y del Seminole Tribe de Florida para la declaraci\u00f3n de emergencia antes de que el hurac\u00e1n Milton tocara tierra. Ambas solicitudes fueron aprobadas por el Presidente Biden tras recibir las cartas de los Senadores Scott y Rubio. Los Senadores Scott y Rubio tambi\u00e9n enviaron una carta al Presidente Biden instando a las agencias federales a que aceleren los planes para responder a las posibles obstrucciones en el puerto de la bah\u00eda de Tampa, que recibe m\u00e1s del 40 por ciento de los productos derivados del petr\u00f3leo de Florida. En su carta, los senadores enfatizaron que esta acci\u00f3n del gobierno federal es crucial para acelerar todas las medidas solicitadas para proteger la econom\u00eda de Florida y garantizar una recuperaci\u00f3n r\u00e1pida.\n\nEl Senador Scott alienta a todos los floridanos a visitar su sitio web en www.rickscott.senate.gov/contact/casework para obtener informaci\u00f3n o ayuda con agencias federales como FEMA y SBA, luego de los huracanes Milton y Helene, para m\u00e1s sobre los esfuerzos de respuesta de la Divisi\u00f3n de Manejo de Emergencias de Florida en floridadisaster.org o @FLSERT.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/el-senador-rick-scott-recibe-informaci-n-sobre-los-esfuerzos-de-recuperaci-n-y-respuesta-al-hurac-n-milton-en-los-condados-de-volusia-y-lake-eval-a-los-da-os", "El Senador Rick Scott recibe informaci\u00f3n sobre los esfuerzos de recuperaci\u00f3n y respuesta al Hurac\u00e1n Milton en los condados de Volusia y Lake, eval\u00faa los da\u00f1os", "2024-10-12", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "Vea las declaraciones del Senador Scott AQU\u00cd\n\nASTOR, Fla. \u2013 El Senador Rick Scott se reuni\u00f3 con el Congresista Michael Waltz en los condados de Volusia y Lake para recibir informaci\u00f3n de los Sheriffs del condado de Volusia, Michael Chitwood, y del condado de Lake, Peyton Grinnell, sobre la respuesta al hurac\u00e1n Milton y las actuales misiones de rescate en aguas altas. Durante la sesi\u00f3n informativa, el senador realiz\u00f3 un recorrido a\u00e9reo y en barco por ambos condados para evaluar los da\u00f1os. El Senador Scott ha estado en contacto constante con funcionarios federales, l\u00edderes locales, funcionarios de las fuerzas del orden y de gesti\u00f3n de emergencias en comunidades de todo el estado que se vieron afectadas por el hurac\u00e1n Milton para garantizar que tengan los recursos necesarios mientras responden a la tormenta y ayudan a los floridanos a recuperarse. El Senador Scott insta a quienes necesiten asistencia de una agencia federal, como la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA, por sus siglas en ingl\u00e9s), la Administraci\u00f3n de Peque\u00f1as Empresas (SBA, por sus siglas en ingl\u00e9s) o cualquier otro asunto federal mientras se recuperan del hurac\u00e1n Milton, a que se comuniquen con su oficina AQU\u00cd.\n\nEl jueves, el Senador Scott habl\u00f3 con el Presidente Joe Biden sobre la respuesta y la recuperaci\u00f3n al hurac\u00e1n Milton, y reiter\u00f3 que est\u00e1 enfocado en asegurarse de que FEMA, SBA, HUD y USDA est\u00e9n completamente financiados para la ayuda en caso de desastre. El Senador Scott tambi\u00e9n habl\u00f3 el jueves con la Administradora de la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA), Deanne Criswell, y la Administradora de la Administraci\u00f3n de Peque\u00f1as Empresas (SBA), Isabel Casillas Guzm\u00e1n. Hoy temprano, el Senador Scott estuvo en el condado de Pinellas y asta semana, el Senador Scott ha visitado los condados de Sarasota, Hillsborough, Lee y Charlotte para evaluar los da\u00f1os y recibir informaci\u00f3n de los funcionarios locales.\n\nAyer, el Senador Scott se uni\u00f3 al Senador Marco Rubio, al Representante Vern Buchanan y a todos los miembros de la delegaci\u00f3n del Congreso de Florida para enviar una carta bipartidista y bicameral al Presidente Biden inst\u00e1ndolo a aprobar r\u00e1pidamente la solicitud de Declaraci\u00f3n de Desastre Mayor Acelerada del Estado de Florida tras el catastr\u00f3fico paso por tierra del hurac\u00e1n Milton y a apoyar los esfuerzos de respuesta y recuperaci\u00f3n de Florida. Lea la carta completa AQU\u00cd. Tras la carta, el Presidente Biden aprob\u00f3 la solicitud. Las personas de los 34 condados designados son elegibles para solicitar a FEMA servicios financieros y directos, y pueden hacerlo a trav\u00e9s de DisasterAssistance.gov, la aplicaci\u00f3n de FEMA o llamando al 800-621-FEMA (800-621-3362).\n\nEl Senador Rick Scott dijo: \u201cAunque el hurac\u00e1n Milton toc\u00f3 tierra en la costa del Golfo de Florida, esta tormenta fue enorme y afect\u00f3 a casi todo el estado de Florida. El da\u00f1o causado por las inundaciones en los condados de Lake y Volusia es devastador, especialmente aqu\u00ed en Astor, donde el Congresista Waltz, los Sheriffs Chitwood y Grinnell y yo vimos de primera mano el impacto devastador de Milton. La marejada cicl\u00f3nica no solo caus\u00f3 problemas mayores en la costa, sino que ahora los servicios de emergencia est\u00e1n realizando misiones de rescate sin parar mientras los r\u00edos cresen causando inundaciones en comunidades como Astor. Los floridanos somos muy resilientes y trabajando junto con los gobiernos a nivel local, estatal y federal, as\u00ed como con nuestros compa\u00f1eros sin fines de lucro, nos recuperaremos m\u00e1s fuertes. El jueves habl\u00e9 con el Presidente Biden sobre la respuesta y la recuperaci\u00f3n y lo que se necesita para asegurarnos de que nuestros gobiernos locales y estatal tenga el apoyo que necesita. Le dije al Presidente Biden que estoy completamente concentrado en asegurarme de que FEMA, SBA, HUD y USDA est\u00e9n completamente financiados para la recuperaci\u00f3n del desastre y le ped\u00ed que agilice las evaluaciones de da\u00f1os para que podamos comenzar a trabajar en esto de inmediato. Destaqu\u00e9 lo mismo durante mis llamadas el jueves con la administradora de FEMA Criswell y al administradora de SBA Guzman. El gobierno federal necesita tener personal en el terreno hasta que Florida se recupere por completo. Adem\u00e1s, he exigido que el l\u00edder de la mayor\u00eda Chuck Schumer vuelva a convocar inmediatamente al Senado una vez que se realicen las evaluaciones de da\u00f1os para que podamos financiar completamente los esfuerzos de respuesta al desastre de estas agencias y otras que responden a este desastre con un proyecto de ley de asignaciones suplementarias para desastres y una legislaci\u00f3n de alivio de desastres de sentido com\u00fan como mi proyecto de ley Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act.\n\n\"Mientras contin\u00faa el trabajo de salvar vidas en el condado de Pinellas y en todo nuestro estado, lo primero que quiero reiterar hoy es que todos deben permanecer atentos y mantenerse a salvo. No se puede recuperar una vida si se corren riesgos despu\u00e9s de esta tormenta. Los floridanos somos fuertes, somos resilientes. Nos recuperaremos y reconstruiremos a\u00fan m\u00e1s fuertes. Tengo nueve oficinas en todo el estado, as\u00ed que, por favor, si necesita ayuda con una agencia federal, visite www.rickscott.senate.gov\u201d.\n\nM\u00c1S\u2026\n\nAntes de que Milton tocara tierra, el Senador Scott tuvo llamadas diarias con el NHC para recibir las \u00faltimas actualizaciones sobre el hurac\u00e1n Milton y viaj\u00f3 a lo largo de la costa del Golfo de Florida para recibir informes de los sheriffs, los l\u00edderes de las fuerzas del orden locales y los funcionarios de gesti\u00f3n de emergencias en los condados de Hillsborough, Sarasota y Lee, instando a las familias a mantenerse a salvo y preparadas. El Senador Scott ha estado en contacto constante con los l\u00edderes estatales, alcaldes, sheriffs y jefes de polic\u00eda, funcionarios de gesti\u00f3n de emergencias y empresas de energ\u00eda en las comunidades de todo el estado que esperaban los impactos del hurac\u00e1n Milton para asegurarse de que tenian los recursos necesarios para responder a la tormenta. El Senador Scott tambi\u00e9n ha hablado y escrito a los funcionarios federales, incluido el Administrador de la Regi\u00f3n 4 de FEMA, Robert Samaan, y el Secretario del Departamento de Transporte de EE. UU., Pete Buttigieg, para garantizar que Florida tenga el acceso necesario a los recursos federales.\n\nEsta semana, los Senadores Scott y Rubio han escrito cartas al Presidente Biden en apoyo a las solicitudes del Estado de Florida y del Seminole Tribe de Florida para la declaraci\u00f3n de emergencia antes de que el hurac\u00e1n Milton tocara tierra. Ambas solicitudes fueron aprobadas por el Presidente Biden tras recibir las cartas de los Senadores Scott y Rubio. Los Senadores Scott y Rubio tambi\u00e9n enviaron una carta al Presidente Biden instando a las agencias federales a que aceleren los planes para responder a las posibles obstrucciones en el puerto de la bah\u00eda de Tampa, que recibe m\u00e1s del 40 por ciento de los productos derivados del petr\u00f3leo de Florida. En su carta, los senadores enfatizaron que esta acci\u00f3n del gobierno federal es crucial para acelerar todas las medidas solicitadas para proteger la econom\u00eda de Florida y garantizar una recuperaci\u00f3n r\u00e1pida.\n\nEl Senador Scott alienta a todos los floridanos a visitar su sitio web en www.rickscott.senate.gov/contact/casework para obtener informaci\u00f3n o ayuda con agencias federales como FEMA y SBA, luego de los huracanes Milton y Helene, para m\u00e1s sobre los esfuerzos de respuesta de la Divisi\u00f3n de Manejo de Emergencias de Florida en floridadisaster.org o @FLSERT.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/sen-rick-scott-receives-briefing-on-major-hurricane-milton-recovery-response-efforts-in-pinellas-county-surveys-damage", "Sen. Rick Scott Receives Briefing on Major Hurricane Milton Recovery & Response Efforts in Pinellas County, Surveys Damage", "2024-10-12", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "Watch Senator Scott\u2019s Remarks HERE\n\nPALM HARBOR, Fla. \u2013 Today, Senator Rick Scott was in Pinellas County to receive a briefing from the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office on the response to Hurricane Milton and ongoing high-water rescue missions. Senator Scott has been in constant contact with federal officials, local leaders, law enforcement and emergency management officials in communities throughout the state that are impacted by Hurricane Milton to ensure they have the needed resources as they respond to the storm and help Floridians recover. Senator Scott is urging those in need of assistance with a federal agency, like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Small Business Administration (SBA), or any other federal issue while recovering from Hurricane Milton, to contact his office HERE.\n\nOn Thursday, Senator Scott spoke with President Joe Biden about the response to and recovery from Hurricane Milton, and reiterated that he is focused on making sure FEMA, SBA, HUD and USDA are fully funded for disaster relief. Senator Scott also spoke with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell and Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman on Thursday. This week, Senator Scott has visited Sarasota, Hillsborough, Lee and Charlotte counties to survey damage and receive briefings from local officials.\n\nYesterday, Senator Scott joined Senator Marco Rubio, Representative Vern Buchanan and all members of the Florida congressional delegation to send a bipartisan, bicameral letter to President Biden urging him to promptly approve the State of Florida\u2019s Expedited Major Disaster Declaration request following Hurricane Milton\u2019s catastrophic landfall and support Florida\u2019s response and recovery efforts. Read the full letter HERE. Following their letter, President Biden approved the request. Individuals and households in 34 designated counties are eligible to apply to FEMA for financial and direct services, and can apply via DisasterAssistance.gov, the FEMA App or calling 800-621-FEMA (800-621-3362)\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cThe damage here in Pinellas County is devastating. Not only did storm surge cause significant issues on the coast, but now first responders are conducting non-stop rescue missions as rising rivers cause inland flooding in communities like Palm Harbor. While these storms have knocked the Gulf Coast down, the Floridians here are so resilient and working together. I spoke to President Biden on Thursday about the response and recovery and what\u2019s needed to make sure our local and state government has the support they need. I told the president that I am completely focused on making sure that FEMA, SBA, HUD and USDA are fully funded for disaster recovery and asked him to expedite damage assessments so we can start working on this immediately. I stressed the same thing during my calls on Thursday with FEMA Administrator Criswell and SBA Administrator Guzman. The federal government needs to have boots on the ground until Florida is fully recovered. Also, I\u2019ve demanded that Majority Leader Chuck Schumer immediately reconvene the Senate once damage assessments are done so we can fully fund the disaster response efforts of these agencies and others responding to this disaster with a clean disaster supplemental appropriations bill and common sense disaster relief legislation like my Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act.\n\n\"As lifesaving work continues in Pinellas County and across our state, the number one thing I want to reiterate today is that everyone must stay vigilant and stay safe. You can't recover if you lose your life by taking risks after this storm. Floridians are strong, we are resilient. We will recover and we will rebuild even stronger. I have nine offices around the state, so please, if you need any help with a federal agency, go to www.rickscott.senate.gov.\u201d\n\nMORE\u2026\n\nAhead of Milton\u2019s landfall, Senator Scott has had daily calls with the NHC to receive the latest updates on Hurricane Milton and traveled along Florida\u2019s Gulf Coast to receive briefings from sheriffs, local law enforcement leaders and emergency management officials in Hillsborough County, Sarasota County and Lee County, urging families to stay safe and prepared. Senator Scott has been in constant contact with state leaders, mayors, sheriffs andpolice chiefs, emergency management officials and energy companies in communities throughout the state that were expecting impacts from Hurricane Milton to ensure they have the needed resources to respond to the storm. Senator Scott has also spoken and written to federal officials, including FEMA Region 4 Administrator Robert Samaan and U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to ensure Florida has much-needed access to federal resources.\n\nThis week, Senators Scott and Rubio have written letters to President Biden in support of the State of Florida\u2019s and the Seminole Tribe of Florida\u2019s requests for pre-landfall emergency declarations ahead of Hurricane Milton. Both requests were approved by President Biden following his receipt of Senators Scott and Rubio\u2019s letters. Senators Scott and Rubio also sent a letter to President Biden urging the direction of federal agencies to expedite plans to respond to potential obstructions at the Port of Tampa Bay, which receives more than 40 percent of Florida\u2019s petroleum products. In their letter, the senators emphasized that this action by the federal government is crucial to expedite all requested measures to protect Florida\u2019s economy and ensure a swift recovery.\n\nSenator Scott encourages all Floridians to visit his website at www.rickscott.senate.gov/contact/caseworkfor information or help with federal agencies like FEMA and the SBA, following Hurricanes Milton and Helene. For more on response efforts from the Florida Division of Emergency Management at floridadisaster.org or @FLSERT.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/sen-rick-scott-receives-briefing-on-major-hurricane-milton-recovery-response-efforts-in-st-lucie-county-surveys-damage", "Sen. Rick Scott Receives Briefing on Major Hurricane Milton Recovery & Response Efforts in St. Lucie County, Surveys Damage", "2024-10-12", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "Watch Senator Scott\u2019s Remarks HERE.\n\nFORT PIERCE, Fla. \u2013 Today, Senator Rick Scott was joined by Congressman Brian Mast in St. Lucie County to receive a briefing from Sheriff Keith Pearson on the response to Hurricane Milton. Senator Scott has been in constant contact with federal officials, local leaders, law enforcement and emergency management officials in communities throughout the state that are impacted by Hurricane Milton to ensure they have the needed resources as they respond to the storm and help Floridians recover. Senator Scott is urging those in need of assistance with a federal agency, like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Small Business Administration (SBA), or any other federal issue while recovering from Hurricane Milton, to contact his office HERE.\n\nOn Thursday, Senator Scott spoke with President Joe Biden about the response to and recovery from Hurricane Milton, and reiterated that he is focused on making sure FEMA, SBA, HUD and USDA are fully funded for disaster relief. Senator Scott also spoke with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell and Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman on Thursday. Earlier today, Senator Scott was in Volusia, Lake and Pinellas Counties and this week he has visited Sarasota, Hillsborough, Lee and Charlotte counties to survey damage and receive briefings from local officials.\n\nYesterday, Senator Scott joined Senator Marco Rubio, Representative Vern Buchanan and all members of the Florida congressional delegation to send a bipartisan, bicameral letter to President Biden urging him to promptly approve the State of Florida\u2019s Expedited Major Disaster Declaration request following Hurricane Milton\u2019s catastrophic landfall and support Florida\u2019s response and recovery efforts. Following their letter, President Biden approved the request. Individuals and households in 34 designated counties are eligible to apply to FEMA for financial and direct services, and can apply via DisasterAssistance.gov, the FEMA App or calling 800-621-FEMA (800-621-3362).\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cAlthough Hurricane Milton made landfall on the Gulf Coast of Florida, this storm was massive and impacted nearly the entire state of Florida\u2014especially here in St. Lucie where Congressman Mast, Sheriff Pearson and I saw firsthand the devastating and unprecedented impact of Milton's tornadoes. Floridians are so resilient, and working together with governments at the local, state and federal level, as well as our non-profit partners, we will recover stronger. I spoke to President Biden on Thursday about the response and recovery and what\u2019s needed to make sure our local and state government has the support they need. I told the president that I am completely focused on making sure that FEMA, SBA, HUD and USDA are fully funded for disaster recovery and asked him to expedite damage assessments so we can start working on this immediately. I stressed the same thing during my calls on Thursday with FEMA Administrator Criswell and SBA Administrator Guzman. The federal government needs to have boots on the ground until Florida is fully recovered. Also, I\u2019ve demanded that Majority Leader Chuck Schumer immediately reconvene the Senate once damage assessments are done so we can fully fund the disaster response efforts of these agencies and others responding to this disaster with a clean disaster supplemental appropriations bill and common sense disaster relief legislation like my Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act.\n\n\"As the work to respond to and recover from Hurricane Milton continues in St. Lucie County and across our state, the number one thing I want to reiterate today is that everyone must stay vigilant and stay safe. You can't recover if you lose your life by taking risks after this storm. Floridians are strong, we are resilient. We will recover and we will rebuild even stronger. I have nine offices around the state, so please, if you need any help with a federal agency, go to www.rickscott.senate.gov.\u201d\n\nMORE\u2026\n\nAhead of Milton\u2019s landfall, Senator Scott has had daily calls with the NHC to receive the latest updates on Hurricane Milton and traveled along Florida\u2019s Gulf Coast to receive briefings from sheriffs, local law enforcement leaders and emergency management officials in Hillsborough County, Sarasota County and Lee County, urging families to stay safe and prepared. Senator Scott has been in constant contact with state leaders, mayors, sheriffs andpolice chiefs, emergency management officials and energy companies in communities throughout the state that were expecting impacts from Hurricane Milton to ensure they have the needed resources to respond to the storm. Senator Scott has also spoken and written to federal officials, including FEMA Region 4 Administrator Robert Samaan and U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to ensure Florida has much-needed access to federal resources.\n\nThis week, Senators Scott and Rubio have written letters to President Biden in support of the State of Florida\u2019s and the Seminole Tribe of Florida\u2019s requests for pre-landfall emergency declarations ahead of Hurricane Milton. Both requests were approved by President Biden following his receipt of Senators Scott and Rubio\u2019s letters. Senators Scott and Rubio also sent a letter to President Biden urging the direction of federal agencies to expedite plans to respond to potential obstructions at the Port of Tampa Bay, which receives more than 40 percent of Florida\u2019s petroleum products. In their letter, the senators emphasized that this action by the federal government is crucial to expedite all requested measures to protect Florida\u2019s economy and ensure a swift recovery.\n\nSenator Scott encourages all Floridians to visit his website at www.rickscott.senate.gov/contact/casework for information or help with federal agencies like FEMA and the SBA, following Hurricanes Milton and Helene. For more on response efforts from the Florida Division of Emergency Management at floridadisaster.org or @FLSERT.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/sen-rick-scott-receives-briefing-on-major-hurricane-milton-recovery-response-efforts-in-volusia-and-lake-counties-surveys-damage", "Sen. Rick Scott Receives Briefing on Major Hurricane Milton Recovery & Response Efforts in Volusia and Lake Counties, Surveys Damage", "2024-10-12", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "Watch Senator Scott\u2019s Remarks HERE\n\nASTOR, Fla. \u2013 Today, Senator Rick Scott was joined by Congressman Michael Waltz in Volusia and Lake Counties to receive a briefing from both Volusia County Sheriff Michael Chitwood and Lake County Sheriff Peyton Grinnell on the response to Hurricane Milton and ongoing high-water rescue missions. During the briefing, the senator was given an aerial and boat tour throughout both counties to survey damage. Senator Scott has been in constant contact with federal officials, local leaders, law enforcement and emergency management officials in communities throughout the state that are impacted by Hurricane Milton to ensure they have the needed resources as they respond to the storm and help Floridians recover. Senator Scott is urging those in need of assistance with a federal agency, like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Small Business Administration (SBA), or any other federal issue while recovering from Hurricane Milton, to contact his office HERE.\n\nOn Thursday, Senator Scott spoke with President Joe Biden about the response to and recovery from Hurricane Milton, and reiterated that he is focused on making sure FEMA, SBA, HUD and USDA are fully funded for disaster relief. Senator Scott also spoke with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell and Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman on Thursday. Earlier today, Senator Scott was in Pinellas, and this week he has visited Sarasota, Hillsborough, Lee and Charlotte counties to survey damage and receive briefings from local officials.\n\nYesterday, Senator Scott joined Senator Marco Rubio, Representative Vern Buchanan and all members of the Florida congressional delegation to send a bipartisan, bicameral letter to President Biden urging him to promptly approve the State of Florida\u2019s Expedited Major Disaster Declaration request following Hurricane Milton\u2019s catastrophic landfall and support Florida\u2019s response and recovery efforts. Following their letter, President Biden approved the request. Individuals and households in 34 designated counties are eligible to apply to FEMA for financial and direct services, and can apply via DisasterAssistance.gov, the FEMA App or calling 800-621-FEMA (800-621-3362).\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cAlthough Hurricane Milton made landfall on the Gulf Coast of Florida, this storm was massive and impacted nearly the entire state of Florida. The damage from flooding throughout Lake and Volusia counties is devastating\u2014especially here in Astor where Congressman Waltz, Sheriffs Chitwood and Grinnell, and I saw firsthand the devastating and unprecedented impact of Milton. Not only did storm surge cause significant issues on the coast, but now first responders are conducting non-stop rescue missions as rising rivers cause inland flooding in communities like Astor. Floridians are so resilient, and working together with governments at the local, state and federal level, as well as our non-profit partners, we will recover stronger. I spoke to President Biden on Thursday about the response and recovery and what\u2019s needed to make sure our local and state government has the support they need. I told the president that I am completely focused on making sure that FEMA, SBA, HUD and USDA are fully funded for disaster recovery and asked him to expedite damage assessments so we can start working on this immediately. I stressed the same thing during my calls on Thursday with FEMA Administrator Criswell and SBA Administrator Guzman. The federal government needs to have boots on the ground until Florida is fully recovered. Also, I\u2019ve demanded that Majority Leader Chuck Schumer immediately reconvene the Senate once damage assessments are done so we can fully fund the disaster response efforts of these agencies and others responding to this disaster with a clean disaster supplemental appropriations bill and common sense disaster relief legislation like my Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act.\n\n\"As lifesaving work continues in Volusia and Lake counties and across our state, the number one thing I want to reiterate today is that everyone must stay vigilant and stay safe. You can't recover if you lose your life by taking risks after this storm. Floridians are strong, we are resilient. We will recover and we will rebuild even stronger. I have nine offices around the state, so please, if you need any help with a federal agency, go to www.rickscott.senate.gov.\u201d\n\nMORE\u2026\n\nAhead of Milton\u2019s landfall, Senator Scott has had daily calls with the NHC to receive the latest updates on Hurricane Milton and traveled along Florida\u2019s Gulf Coast to receive briefings from sheriffs, local law enforcement leaders and emergency management officials in Hillsborough County, Sarasota County and Lee County, urging families to stay safe and prepared. Senator Scott has been in constant contact with state leaders, mayors, sheriffs andpolice chiefs, emergency management officials and energy companies in communities throughout the state that were expecting impacts from Hurricane Milton to ensure they have the needed resources to respond to the storm. Senator Scott has also spoken and written to federal officials, including FEMA Region 4 Administrator Robert Samaan and U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to ensure Florida has much-needed access to federal resources.\n\nThis week, Senators Scott and Rubio have written letters to President Biden in support of the State of Florida\u2019s and the Seminole Tribe of Florida\u2019s requests for pre-landfall emergency declarations ahead of Hurricane Milton. Both requests were approved by President Biden following his receipt of Senators Scott and Rubio\u2019s letters. Senators Scott and Rubio also sent a letter to President Biden urging the direction of federal agencies to expedite plans to respond to potential obstructions at the Port of Tampa Bay, which receives more than 40 percent of Florida\u2019s petroleum products. In their letter, the senators emphasized that this action by the federal government is crucial to expedite all requested measures to protect Florida\u2019s economy and ensure a swift recovery.\n\nSenator Scott encourages all Floridians to visit his website at www.rickscott.senate.gov/contact/casework for information or help with federal agencies like FEMA and the SBA, following Hurricanes Milton and Helene. For more on response efforts from the Florida Division of Emergency Management at floridadisaster.org or @FLSERT.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/el-senador-rick-scott-recibe-informaci-n-sobre-los-esfuerzos-de-recuperaci-n-y-respuesta-al-hurac-n-milton-en-el-condado-de-hillsborough-y-eval-a-los-da-os", "El Senador Rick Scott recibe informaci\u00f3n sobre los esfuerzos de recuperaci\u00f3n y respuesta al hurac\u00e1n Milton en el condado de Hillsborough y eval\u00faa los da\u00f1os", "2024-10-11", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "Vea las declaraciones del Senador Scott AQU\u00cd\n\nLITHIA, Fla. \u2013 Hoy, el Senador Rick Scott visit\u00f3 Lithia para recibir informaci\u00f3n del Sheriff del Condado de Hillsborough Chad Chronister, la Administradora del Condado Bonnie Wise, el Jefe de Bomberos Jason Dougherty, funcionarios del Condado de Hillsborough y l\u00edderes locales de gesti\u00f3n de emergencias sobre los esfuerzos de respuesta y recuperaci\u00f3n. El Senador Scott ha estado en contacto constante con funcionarios federales, l\u00edderes locales, funcionarios de las fuerzas del orden y de gesti\u00f3n de emergencias en comunidades de todo el estado que se vieron afectadas por el hurac\u00e1n Milton para garantizar que tengan los recursos necesarios mientras responden a la tormenta y ayudan a los floridanos a recuperarse. El Senador Scott insta a quienes necesiten asistencia de una agencia federal, como la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA, por sus siglas en ingl\u00e9s), la Administraci\u00f3n de Peque\u00f1as Empresas (SBA, por sus siglas en ingl\u00e9s) o cualquier otro asunto federal mientras se recuperan del hurac\u00e1n Milton, a que se comuniquen con su oficina AQU\u00cd\n\nAyer, el Senador Scott estuvo en Punta Gorda, en el condado de Charlotte, y Fort Myers, en el condado de Lee, para evaluar los da\u00f1os y recibir informaci\u00f3n de las autoridades locales y de los funcionarios de gesti\u00f3n de emergencias. Vea m\u00e1s informaci\u00f3n AQU\u00cd y AQU\u00cd.\n\nEl Senador Rick Scott dijo: \u201cTampa y las comunidades circundantes, como Lithia, han sido absolutamente devastadas por las inundaciones a medida que el r\u00edo Alafia contin\u00faa creciendo y los rescates contin\u00faan gracias al trabajo heroico de la Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Hillsborough y los bomberos de Hillsborough. Ayer habl\u00e9 con el Presidente Biden sobre la respuesta y la recuperaci\u00f3n y lo que se necesita para asegurarnos de que nuestros gobiernos locales y estatal tenga el apoyo que necesita. Le dije al Presidente Biden que estoy completamente concentrado en asegurarme de que FEMA, SBA, HUD y USDA est\u00e9n completamente financiados para la recuperaci\u00f3n del desastre y le ped\u00ed que agilice las evaluaciones de da\u00f1os para que podamos comenzar a trabajar en esto de inmediato. Destaqu\u00e9 lo mismo durante mis llamadas de ayer con la administradora de FEMA Criswell y al administradora de SBA Guzman. El gobierno federal necesita tener personal en el terreno hasta que Florida se recupere por completo. Adem\u00e1s, he exigido que el l\u00edder de la mayor\u00eda Chuck Schumer vuelva a convocar inmediatamente al Senado una vez que se realicen las evaluaciones de da\u00f1os para que podamos financiar completamente los esfuerzos de respuesta al desastre de estas agencias y otras que responden a este desastre con un proyecto de ley de asignaciones suplementarias para desastres y una legislaci\u00f3n de alivio de desastres de sentido com\u00fan como mi proyecto de ley Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act.\n\n\"Mientras contin\u00faa el trabajo de salvar vidas en el condado de Hillsborough y en todo nuestro estado, lo primero que quiero reiterar hoy es que todos deben permanecer atentos y mantenerse a salvo. No se puede recuperar una vida si se corren riesgos despu\u00e9s de esta tormenta. Los floridanos somos fuertes, somos resilientes. Nos recuperaremos y reconstruiremos a\u00fan m\u00e1s fuertes. Tengo nueve oficinas en todo el estado, as\u00ed que, por favor, si necesita ayuda con una agencia federal, visite www.rickscott.senate.gov\u201d.\n\nM\u00c1S\u2026\n\nAntes de que Milton tocara tierra, el Senador Scott tuvo llamadas diarias con el NHC para recibir las \u00faltimas actualizaciones sobre el hurac\u00e1n Milton y viaj\u00f3 a lo largo de la costa del Golfo de Florida para recibir informes de los sheriffs, los l\u00edderes de las fuerzas del orden locales y los funcionarios de gesti\u00f3n de emergencias en los condados de Hillsborough, Sarasota y Lee, instando a las familias a mantenerse a salvo y preparadas. El Senador Scott ha estado en contacto constante con los l\u00edderes estatales, alcaldes, sheriffs y jefes de polic\u00eda, funcionarios de gesti\u00f3n de emergencias y empresas de energ\u00eda en las comunidades de todo el estado que esperaban los impactos del hurac\u00e1n Milton para asegurarse de que tenian los recursos necesarios para responder a la tormenta. El Senador Scott tambi\u00e9n ha hablado y escrito a los funcionarios federales, incluido el Administrador de la Regi\u00f3n 4 de FEMA, Robert Samaan, y el Secretario del Departamento de Transporte de EE. UU., Pete Buttigieg, para garantizar que Florida tenga el acceso necesario a los recursos federales.\n\nEsta semana, los Senadores Rick Scott y Marco Rubio han escrito cartas al Presidente Joe Biden en apoyo a las solicitudes del Estado de Florida y del Seminole Tribe de Florida para la declaraci\u00f3n de emergencia antes de que el hurac\u00e1n Milton tocara tierra. Ambas solicitudes fueron aprobadas por el Presidente Biden tras recibir las cartas de los Senadores Scott y Rubio. Los Senadores Scott y Rubio tambi\u00e9n enviaron una carta al Presidente Biden instando a las agencias federales a que aceleren los planes para responder a las posibles obstrucciones en el puerto de la bah\u00eda de Tampa, que recibe m\u00e1s del 40 por ciento de los productos derivados del petr\u00f3leo de Florida. En su carta, los senadores enfatizaron que esta acci\u00f3n del gobierno federal es crucial para acelerar todas las medidas solicitadas para proteger la econom\u00eda de Florida y garantizar una recuperaci\u00f3n r\u00e1pida.\n\nEl Senador Scott alienta a todos los floridanos a visitar su sitio web en www.rickscott.senate.gov/contact/casework para obtener informaci\u00f3n o ayuda con agencias federales como FEMA y SBA, luego de los huracanes Milton y Helene, o m\u00e1s sobre los esfuerzos de respuesta de la Divisi\u00f3n de Manejo de Emergencias de Florida en floridadisaster.org o @FLSERT.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/el-senador-rick-scott-recibe-informaci-n-sobre-los-esfuerzos-de-recuperaci-n-y-respuesta-al-hurac-n-milton-en-el-condado-de-sarasota-y-eval-a-los-da-os", "El Senador Rick Scott recibe informaci\u00f3n sobre los esfuerzos de recuperaci\u00f3n y respuesta al Hurac\u00e1n Milton en el condado de Sarasota y eval\u00faa los da\u00f1os", "2024-10-11", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "Vea las declaraciones del Senador Scott AQU\u00cd\n\nSARASOTA, Fla. \u2013 El Senador Rick Scott fue acompa\u00f1ado por el Congresista Greg Steube en Sarasota para recibir una sesi\u00f3n informativa del Jefe de Polic\u00eda Rex Troche, la Alcaldesa Liz Alpert, el Superintendente de Escuelas del Condado de Sarasota Terrence Connor, funcionarios del Condado de Sarasota y l\u00edderes locales de gesti\u00f3n de emergencias sobre los esfuerzos de respuesta y recuperaci\u00f3n. El Senador Scott ha estado en contacto constante con funcionarios federales, l\u00edderes locales, funcionarios de las fuerzas del orden y de gesti\u00f3n de emergencias en comunidades de todo el estado que se vieron afectadas por el hurac\u00e1n Milton para garantizar que tengan los recursos necesarios mientras responden a la tormenta y ayudan a los floridanos a recuperarse. El Senador Scott insta a quienes necesiten asistencia de una agencia federal, como la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA, por sus siglas en ingl\u00e9s), la Administraci\u00f3n de Peque\u00f1as Empresas (SBA, por sus siglas en ingl\u00e9s) o cualquier otro asunto federal mientras se recuperan del hurac\u00e1n Milton, a que se comuniquen con su oficina AQU\u00cd\n\nHoy, el Senador Scott estuvo en el condado de Hillsborough y ayer, el Senador Scott estuvo en el condado de Charlotte y el condado de Lee para evaluar los da\u00f1os y recibir informaci\u00f3n de las autoridades locales y los funcionarios de gesti\u00f3n de emergencias.\n\nEl Senador Rick Scott dijo: \u201cEl hurac\u00e1n Milton toc\u00f3 tierra en el condado de Sarasota y las comunidades de aqu\u00ed han quedado devastadas por la tormenta. Despu\u00e9s de ser impactadas por la marejada cicl\u00f3nica del hurac\u00e1n Helene, Milton tambi\u00e9n provoc\u00f3 una intensa marejada cicl\u00f3nica e inundaciones que han da\u00f1ado los hogares, los negocios y los medios de vida de las personas. Si bien estas tormentas han derribado a Sarasota, los floridanos aqu\u00ed son muy resistentes y trabajando juntos, recuperaremos Sarasota. Ayer habl\u00e9 con el Presidente Biden sobre la respuesta y la recuperaci\u00f3n y lo que se necesita para asegurarnos de que nuestros gobiernos locales y estatal tenga el apoyo que necesita. Le dije al Presidente Biden que estoy completamente concentrado en asegurarme de que FEMA, SBA, HUD y USDA est\u00e9n completamente financiados para la recuperaci\u00f3n del desastre y le ped\u00ed que agilice las evaluaciones de da\u00f1os para que podamos comenzar a trabajar en esto de inmediato. Destaqu\u00e9 lo mismo durante mis llamadas de ayer con la administradora de FEMA Criswell y al administradora de SBA Guzman. El gobierno federal necesita tener personal en el terreno hasta que Florida se recupere por completo. Adem\u00e1s, he exigido que el l\u00edder de la mayor\u00eda Chuck Schumer vuelva a convocar inmediatamente al Senado una vez que se realicen las evaluaciones de da\u00f1os para que podamos financiar completamente los esfuerzos de respuesta al desastre de estas agencias y otras que responden a este desastre con un proyecto de ley de asignaciones suplementarias para desastres y una legislaci\u00f3n de alivio de desastres de sentido com\u00fan como mi proyecto de ley Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act.\n\n\"Mientras contin\u00faa el trabajo de salvar vidas en el condado de Sarasota y en todo nuestro estado, lo primero que quiero reiterar hoy es que todos deben permanecer atentos y mantenerse a salvo. No se puede recuperar una vida si se corren riesgos despu\u00e9s de esta tormenta. Los floridanos somos fuertes, somos resilientes. Nos recuperaremos y reconstruiremos a\u00fan m\u00e1s fuertes. Tengo nueve oficinas en todo el estado, as\u00ed que, por favor, si necesita ayuda con una agencia federal, visite www.rickscott.senate.gov\u201d.\n\nM\u00c1S\u2026\n\nAntes de que Milton tocara tierra, el Senador Scott tuvo llamadas diarias con el NHC para recibir las \u00faltimas actualizaciones sobre el hurac\u00e1n Milton y viaj\u00f3 a lo largo de la costa del Golfo de Florida para recibir informes de los sheriffs, los l\u00edderes de las fuerzas del orden locales y los funcionarios de gesti\u00f3n de emergencias en los condados de Hillsborough, Sarasota y Lee, instando a las familias a mantenerse a salvo y preparadas. El Senador Scott ha estado en contacto constante con los l\u00edderes estatales, alcaldes, sheriffs y jefes de polic\u00eda, funcionarios de gesti\u00f3n de emergencias y empresas de energ\u00eda en las comunidades de todo el estado que esperaban los impactos del hurac\u00e1n Milton para asegurarse de que tenian los recursos necesarios para responder a la tormenta. El Senador Scott tambi\u00e9n ha hablado y escrito a los funcionarios federales, incluido el Administrador de la Regi\u00f3n 4 de FEMA, Robert Samaan, y el Secretario del Departamento de Transporte de EE. UU., Pete Buttigieg, para garantizar que Florida tenga el acceso necesario a los recursos federales.\n\nEsta semana, los Senadores Rick Scott y Marco Rubio han escrito cartas al Presidente Joe Biden en apoyo a las solicitudes del Estado de Florida y del Seminole Tribe de Florida para la declaraci\u00f3n de emergencia antes de que el hurac\u00e1n Milton tocara tierra. Ambas solicitudes fueron aprobadas por el Presidente Biden tras recibir las cartas de los Senadores Scott y Rubio. Los Senadores Scott y Rubio tambi\u00e9n enviaron una carta al Presidente Biden instando a las agencias federales a que aceleren los planes para responder a las posibles obstrucciones en el puerto de la bah\u00eda de Tampa, que recibe m\u00e1s del 40 por ciento de los productos derivados del petr\u00f3leo de Florida. En su carta, los senadores enfatizaron que esta acci\u00f3n del gobierno federal es crucial para acelerar todas las medidas solicitadas para proteger la econom\u00eda de Florida y garantizar una recuperaci\u00f3n r\u00e1pida.\n\nEl Senador Scott alienta a todos los floridanos a visitar su sitio web en www.rickscott.senate.gov/contact/casework para obtener informaci\u00f3n o ayuda con agencias federales como FEMA y SBA, luego de los huracanes Milton y Helene, para m\u00e1s sobre los esfuerzos de respuesta de la Divisi\u00f3n de Manejo de Emergencias de Florida en floridadisaster.org o @FLSERT.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/sen-rick-scott-receives-briefing-on-major-hurricane-milton-recovery-response-efforts-in-hillsborough-county-surveys-damage", "Sen. Rick Scott Receives Briefing on Major Hurricane Milton Recovery & Response Efforts in Hillsborough County, Surveys Damage", "2024-10-11", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "Watch Senator Scott\u2019s Remarks Courtesy of Live Now Fox HERE\n\nLITHIA, Fla. \u2013 Today, Senator Rick Scott visited Lithia to receive a briefing from Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, County Administrator Bonnie Wise, Fire Chief Jason Dougherty, Hillsborough County officials and local emergency management leaders regarding response and recovery efforts. Senator Scott has been in constant contact with federal officials, local leaders, law enforcement and emergency management officials in communities throughout the state that are impacted by Hurricane Milton to ensure they have the needed resources as they respond to the storm and help Floridians recover. Senator Scott is urging those in need of assistance with a federal agency, like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Small Business Administration (SBA), or any other federal issue while recovering from Hurricane Milton, to contact his office HERE.\n\nYesterday, Senator Scott was in Punta Gorda, in Charlotte County, and Fort Myers, in Lee County, to survey damage and receive briefings from local law enforcement and emergency management officials. See more HERE and HERE.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cTampa and surrounding communities, like Lithia, have been absolutely devastated by flooding as Alafia River continues to rise and rescues are ongoing thanks to the heroic work of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office and Hillsborough Fire Rescue. I spoke to President Biden yesterday about the response and recovery and what\u2019s needed to make sure our local and state government has the support they need. I told President Biden that I am completely focused on making sure that FEMA, SBA, HUD and USDA are fully funded for disaster recovery and asked him to expedite damage assessments so we can start working on this immediately. I stressed the same thing during my calls yesterday with FEMA Administrator Criswell and SBA Administrator Guzman. The federal government needs to have boots on the ground until Florida is fully recovered. Also, I\u2019ve demanded that Majority Leader Chuck Schumer immediately reconvene the Senate once damage assessments are done so we can fully fund the disaster response efforts of these agencies and others responding to this disaster with a clean disaster supplemental appropriations bill and common sense disaster relief legislation like my Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act.\n\n\"As lifesaving work continues in Hillsborough County and across our state, the number one thing I want to reiterate today is that everyone must stay vigilant and stay safe. You can't recover if you lose your life by taking risks after this storm. Floridians are strong, we are resilient. We will recover and we will rebuild even stronger. I have nine offices around the state, so please, if you need any help with a federal agency, go to www.rickscott.senate.gov.\u201d\n\nMORE\u2026\n\nAhead of Milton\u2019s landfall, Senator Scott has had daily calls with the NHC to receive the latest updates on Hurricane Milton and traveled along Florida\u2019s Gulf Coast to receive briefings from sheriffs, local law enforcement leaders and emergency management officials in Hillsborough County, Sarasota County and Lee County, urging families to stay safe and prepared. Senator Scott has been in constant contact with state leaders, mayors, sheriffs andpolice chiefs, emergency management officials and energy companies in communities throughout the state that were expecting impacts from Hurricane Milton to ensure they have the needed resources to respond to the storm. Senator Scott has also spoken and written to federal officials, including FEMA Region 4 Administrator Robert Samaan and U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to ensure Florida has much-needed access to federal resources.\n\nThis week, Senators Scott and Marco Rubio have written letters to President Joe Biden in support of the State of Florida\u2019s and the Seminole Tribe of Florida\u2019s requests for pre-landfall emergency declarations ahead of Hurricane Milton. Both requests were approved by President Biden following his receipt of Senators Scott and Rubio\u2019s letters. Senators Scott and Rubio also sent a letter to President Biden urging the direction of federal agencies to expedite plans to respond to potential obstructions at the Port of Tampa Bay, which receives more than 40 percent of Florida\u2019s petroleum products. In their letter, the senators emphasized that this action by the federal government is crucial to expedite all requested measures to protect Florida\u2019s economy and ensure a swift recovery.\n\nSenator Scott encourages all Floridians to visit his website at www.rickscott.senate.gov/contact/caseworkfor information or help with federal agencies like FEMA and the SBA, following Hurricanes Milton and Helene, or more on response efforts from the Florida Division of Emergency Management at floridadisaster.org or @FLSERT.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/sen-rick-scott-receives-briefing-on-major-hurricane-milton-recovery-response-efforts-in-sarasota-county-surveys-damage", "Sen. Rick Scott Receives Briefing on Major Hurricane Milton Recovery & Response Efforts in Sarasota County, Surveys Damage", "2024-10-11", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "Watch Senator Scott\u2019s Remarks HERE\n\nSARASOTA, Fla. \u2013 Today, Senator Rick Scott was joined by Congressman Greg Steube in Sarasota to receive a briefing from Chief of Police Rex Troche, Mayor Liz Alpert, Sarasota County Schools Superintendent Terrence Connor, Sarasota County officials and local emergency management leaders regarding response and recovery efforts. Senator Scott has been in constant contact with federal officials, local leaders, law enforcement and emergency management officials in communities throughout the state that are impacted by Hurricane Milton to ensure they have the needed resources as they respond to the storm and help Floridians recover. Senator Scott is urging those in need of assistance with a federal agency, like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Small Business Administration (SBA), or any other federal issue while recovering from Hurricane Milton, to contact his office HERE.\n\nEarlier today, Senator Scott was in Hillsborough County and yesterday, Senator Scott was in Charlotte County and Lee County to survey damage and receive briefings from local law enforcement and emergency management officials.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cHurricane Milton made landfall in Sarasota County and communities here have been absolutely devastated by the storm. After being crushed by Hurricane Helene's storm surge, Milton also brought intense storm surge and flooding that have wiped out people\u2019s homes, businesses and their livelihoods. While these storms have knocked Sarasota down, the Floridians here are so resilient and working together, we will bring Sarasota back. I spoke to President Biden yesterday about the response and recovery and what\u2019s needed to make sure our local and state government has the support they need. I told the president that I am completely focused on making sure that FEMA, SBA, HUD and USDA are fully funded for disaster recovery and asked him to expedite damage assessments so we can start working on this immediately. I stressed the same thing during my calls yesterday with FEMA Administrator Criswell and SBA Administrator Guzman. The federal government needs to have boots on the ground until Florida is fully recovered. Also, I\u2019ve demanded that Majority Leader Chuck Schumer immediately reconvene the Senate once damage assessments are done so we can fully fund the disaster response efforts of these agencies and others responding to this disaster with a clean disaster supplemental appropriations bill and common sense disaster relief legislation like my Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act.\n\n\"As lifesaving work continues in Sarasota County and across our state, the number one thing I want to reiterate today is that everyone must stay vigilant and stay safe. You can't recover if you lose your life by taking risks after this storm. Floridians are strong, we are resilient. We will recover and we will rebuild even stronger. I have nine offices around the state, so please, if you need any help with a federal agency, go to www.rickscott.senate.gov.\u201d\n\nMORE\u2026\n\nAhead of Milton\u2019s landfall, Senator Scott has had daily calls with the NHC to receive the latest updates on Hurricane Milton and traveled along Florida\u2019s Gulf Coast to receive briefings from sheriffs, local law enforcement leaders and emergency management officials in Hillsborough County, Sarasota County and Lee County, urging families to stay safe and prepared. Senator Scott has been in constant contact with state leaders, mayors, sheriffs andpolice chiefs, emergency management officials and energy companies in communities throughout the state that were expecting impacts from Hurricane Milton to ensure they have the needed resources to respond to the storm. Senator Scott has also spoken and written to federal officials, including FEMA Region 4 Administrator Robert Samaan and U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to ensure Florida has much-needed access to federal resources.\n\nThis week, Senators Scott and Marco Rubio have written letters to President Joe Biden in support of the State of Florida\u2019s and the Seminole Tribe of Florida\u2019s requests for pre-landfall emergency declarations ahead of Hurricane Milton. Both requests were approved by President Biden following his receipt of Senators Scott and Rubio\u2019s letters. Senators Scott and Rubio also sent a letter to President Biden urging the direction of federal agencies to expedite plans to respond to potential obstructions at the Port of Tampa Bay, which receives more than 40 percent of Florida\u2019s petroleum products. In their letter, the senators emphasized that this action by the federal government is crucial to expedite all requested measures to protect Florida\u2019s economy and ensure a swift recovery.\n\nSenator Scott encourages all Floridians to visit his website at www.rickscott.senate.gov/contact/casework for information or help with federal agencies like FEMA and the SBA, following Hurricanes Milton and Helene. For more on response efforts from the Florida Division of Emergency Management at floridadisaster.org or @FLSERT.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/sens-rick-scott-marco-rubio-florida-delegation-support-expedited-major-disaster-declaration-for-milton", "Sens. Rick Scott, Marco Rubio & Florida Delegation Support Expedited Major Disaster Declaration for Milton", "2024-10-11", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013 Senator Rick Scott joined Senator Marco Rubio, Representative Vern Buchanan and all members of the Florida delegation to send a bipartisan, bicameral letter to President Joe Biden urging him to promptly approve the State of Florida\u2019s Expedited Major Disaster Declaration request following Hurricane Milton\u2019s catastrophic landfall and support Florida\u2019s response and recovery efforts.\n\nAdditionally, Senator Scott has been traveling to impacted parts of Florida, including Sarasota, Hillsborough, Lee and Charlotte counties, to survey damage and receive briefings from local officials.\n\nThe members wrote, \u201cGiven the severity of the storm, as evidenced by the at least 16 reported deaths and still untold damages wrought by Hurricane Milton on peoples\u2019 homes, businesses and livelihoods, we urge your immediate consideration of a Major Disaster Declaration\u2026. The full support of the federal government is critical in helping save lives and getting our communities and constituents back on their feet.\u201d\n\nRead the full letter HERE or below.\n\nDear President Biden,\n\nWe write in support of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis\u2019 request for an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration for the state of Florida as a result of Hurricane Milton, which made landfall near Siesta Key on October 9th as a powerful Category 3 hurricane.\n\nAs you are undoubtedly aware, Florida has experienced three hurricanes in as many months \u2013 two of which have been major hurricanes \u2013 causing significant damage across much of the state. In fact, Hurricane Milton made landfall on parts of Florida\u2019s coastline that had already suffered from unprecedented storm surge from Hurricane Helene and claimed the lives of 25 Floridians just two weeks ago. Furthermore, dozens of tornadoes were reported on the east and west coasts of the state from the outer bands of Hurricane Milton, destroying an estimated 150 homes and leading to numerous fatalities.\n\nGiven the severity of the storm, as evidenced by the at least 16 reported deaths and still untold damages wrought by Hurricane Milton on peoples\u2019 homes, businesses and livelihoods, we urge your immediate consideration of a Major Disaster Declaration, which would provide essential federal resources to help our state respond and recover to the catastrophic damages caused by this devastating storm. The full support of the federal government is critical in helping save lives and getting our communities and constituents back on their feet.\n\nWe thank you for your consideration of Governor DeSantis\u2019 request and look forward to your expeditious response to this critically important issue.\n\nSincerely,\n\nMORE\u2026\n\nAhead of Milton\u2019s landfall, Senator Scott has had daily calls with the NHC to receive the latest updates on Hurricane Milton and traveled along Florida\u2019s Gulf Coast to receive briefings from sheriffs, local law enforcement leaders and emergency management officials in Hillsborough County, Sarasota County and Lee County, urging families to stay safe and prepared. Senator Scott has been in constant contact with state leaders, mayors, sheriffs andpolice chiefs, emergency management officials and energy companies in communities throughout the state that were expecting impacts from Hurricane Milton to ensure they have the needed resources to respond to the storm. Senator Scott has also spoken and written to federal officials, including FEMA Region 4 Administrator Robert Samaan and U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to ensure Florida has much-needed access to federal resources.\n\nThis week, Senators Scott and Marco Rubio have written letters to President Joe Biden in support of the State of Florida\u2019s and the Seminole Tribe of Florida\u2019s requests for pre-landfall emergency declarations ahead of Hurricane Milton. Both requests were approved by President Biden following his receipt of Senators Scott and Rubio\u2019s letters. Senators Scott and Rubio also sent a letter to President Biden urging the direction of federal agencies to expedite plans to respond to potential obstructions at the Port of Tampa Bay, which receives more than 40 percent of Florida\u2019s petroleum products. In their letter, the senators emphasized that this action by the federal government is crucial to expedite all requested measures to protect Florida\u2019s economy and ensure a swift recovery.\n\nSenator Scott encourages all Floridians to visit his website at www.rickscott.senate.gov/contact/caseworkfor information or help with federal agencies like FEMA and the SBA, following Hurricanes Milton and Helene. For more on response efforts from the Florida Division of Emergency Management at floridadisaster.org or @FLSERT.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/el-senador-rick-scott-recibe-informaci-n-sobre-los-esfuerzos-de-recuperaci-n-y-respuesta-al-hurac-n-milton-en-el-condado-de-lee-y-eval-a-los-da-os", "El Senador Rick Scott recibe informaci\u00f3n sobre los esfuerzos de recuperaci\u00f3n y respuesta al hurac\u00e1n Milton en el condado de Lee y eval\u00faa los da\u00f1os", "2024-10-10", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "Vea las declaraciones del Senador Scott AQU\u00cd\n\nFORT MYERS, Fla. \u2013 El Senador Rick Scott visit\u00f3 Fort Myers para realizar un recorrido a\u00e9reo de los da\u00f1os causados ??por el hurac\u00e1n Milton. Adem\u00e1s del recorrido a\u00e9reo, el Senador Scott recibi\u00f3 informaci\u00f3n del Sheriff del Condado de Lee, Carmine Marceno, funcionarios del Condado de Lee y l\u00edderes locales de gesti\u00f3n de emergencias sobre los esfuerzos de respuesta y recuperaci\u00f3n. El Senador Scott ha estado en contacto constante con funcionarios federales, l\u00edderes locales, agentes del orden p\u00fablico y funcionarios de gesti\u00f3n de emergencias en comunidades de todo el estado afectados por el hurac\u00e1n Milton para asegurarse de que tengan los recursos necesarios mientras responden a la tormenta y ayudan a los floridanos a recuperarse. El Senador Scott insta a quienes necesiten asistencia de una agencia federal, como la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA, por sus siglas en ingl\u00e9s), la Administraci\u00f3n de Peque\u00f1as Empresas (SBA, por sus siglas en ingl\u00e9s) o cualquier otro asunto federal mientras se recuperan del hurac\u00e1n Milton, a que se comuniquen con su oficina AQU\u00cd.\n\nEl Senador Rick Scott dijo: \u201cLo primero que quiero reiterar hoy es que todos deben permanecer atentos y mantenerse a salvo. La recuperaci\u00f3n comienza ahora mismo, pero no se puede recuperar si se pierde la vida al correr riesgos despu\u00e9s de esta tormenta. Habl\u00e9 con el Presidente Biden sobre la respuesta y la recuperaci\u00f3n y le dije que estoy completamente concentrado en asegurarme de que FEMA, SBA, HUD y USDA est\u00e9n completamente financiados. Necesitamos tener personal aqui hasta que Florida se recupere por completo. Adem\u00e1s, he exigido que el l\u00edder de la mayor\u00eda Chuck Schumer vuelva a convocar de inmediato al Senado una vez que FEMA y SBA finalicen las evaluaciones de da\u00f1os para que podamos financiar completamente a estas agencias y otras que responden a este desastre con un proyecto de ley de asignaciones suplementarias para desastres y una legislaci\u00f3n de alivio de desastres de sentido com\u00fan como mi Proyecto de ley Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act. Luchar\u00e9 para entregar ayuda para desastres a nuestro estado y garantizar una gu\u00eda de remoci\u00f3n de escombros para nuestras comunidades locales.\n\n\"Aunque la tormenta ya pas\u00f3, recuerde que hay muchos peligros que pueden representar un riesgo para usted y su hogar. Escuche a las autoridades, ellos le dir\u00e1n cu\u00e1ndo es seguro regresar. Hay muchos \u00e1rboles y cables el\u00e9ctricos ca\u00eddos y gente sin electricidad. No coloque un generador en el interior y nunca conduzca a trav\u00e9s del agua ni toque cables ca\u00eddos. los primeros auxilios y l\u00edderes de gesti\u00f3n de emergencias aqu\u00ed est\u00e1n 100 por ciento enfocados en la respuesta y la recuperaci\u00f3n, minimizando el da\u00f1o y asegurando que las personas reciban la ayuda que necesitan. Florida es fuerte, somos resilientes. Nos recuperaremos y reconstruiremos a\u00fan m\u00e1s fuertes. Tengo nueve oficinas en todo el estado, as\u00ed que, por favor, si necesita ayuda con una agencia federal, visite www.rickscott.senate.gov. \"\n\nM\u00c1S\u2026\n\nAntes de que Milton tocara tierra, el Senador Scott tuvo llamadas diarias con el NHC para recibir las \u00faltimas actualizaciones sobre el hurac\u00e1n Milton y viaj\u00f3 a lo largo de la costa del Golfo de Florida para recibir informes de los sheriffs, los l\u00edderes de las fuerzas del orden locales y los funcionarios de gesti\u00f3n de emergencias en los condados de Hillsborough, Sarasota y Lee, instando a las familias a mantenerse a salvo y preparadas. El Senador Scott ha estado en contacto constante con los l\u00edderes estatales, alcaldes, sheriffs y jefes de polic\u00eda, funcionarios de gesti\u00f3n de emergencias y empresas de energ\u00eda en las comunidades de todo el estado que esperaban los impactos del hurac\u00e1n Milton para asegurarse de que tenian los recursos necesarios para responder a la tormenta. El Senador Scott tambi\u00e9n ha hablado y escrito a los funcionarios federales, incluido el Administrador de la Regi\u00f3n 4 de FEMA, Robert Samaan, y el Secretario del Departamento de Transporte de EE. UU., Pete Buttigieg, para garantizar que Florida tenga el acceso necesario a los recursos federales.\n\nEsta semana, los Senadores Rick Scott y Marco Rubio han escrito cartas al Presidente Joe Biden en apoyo a las solicitudes del Estado de Florida y del Seminole Tribe de Florida para la declaraci\u00f3n de emergencia antes de que el hurac\u00e1n Milton tocara tierra. Ambas solicitudes fueron aprobadas por el Presidente Biden tras recibir las cartas de los Senadores Scott y Rubio. Los Senadores Scott y Rubio tambi\u00e9n enviaron una carta al Presidente Biden instando a las agencias federales a que aceleren los planes para responder a las posibles obstrucciones en el puerto de la bah\u00eda de Tampa, que recibe m\u00e1s del 40 por ciento de los productos derivados del petr\u00f3leo de Florida. En su carta, los senadores enfatizaron que esta acci\u00f3n del gobierno federal es crucial para acelerar todas las medidas solicitadas para proteger la econom\u00eda de Florida y garantizar una recuperaci\u00f3n r\u00e1pida.\n\nEl Senador Scott alienta a todos los floridanos a visitar su sitio web en www.rickscott.senate.gov/contact/casework para obtener informaci\u00f3n o ayuda con agencias federales como FEMA y SBA, luego de los huracanes Milton y Helene, o m\u00e1s sobre los esfuerzos de respuesta de la Divisi\u00f3n de Manejo de Emergencias de Florida en floridadisaster.org o @FLSERT.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/el-senador-rick-scott-recibe-informaci-n-sobre-los-esfuerzos-de-recuperaci-n-y-respuesta-al-hurac-n-milton-en-el-condado-de-lee-y-eval-a-los-da-os/de026aec-b3aa-4b35-b970-0fff33613328", "El Senador Rick Scott recibe informaci\u00f3n sobre los esfuerzos de recuperaci\u00f3n y respuesta al hurac\u00e1n Milton en el condado de Charlotte y eval\u00faa los da\u00f1os", "2024-10-10", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "PUNTA GORDA, Fla. \u2013 Despu\u00e9s de su visita a Fort Myers, el Senador Rick Scott visit\u00f3 Punta Gorda para recibir una sesi\u00f3n informativa de la Alcaldesa de Punta Gorda Lynne Matthews, la Jefa de Polic\u00eda de Punta Gorda Pam Smith, el Jefe de Bomberos Holden Gibbs y los l\u00edderes locales de gesti\u00f3n de emergencias sobre los esfuerzos de respuesta y recuperaci\u00f3n del hurac\u00e1n Milton. El Senador Scott ha estado en contacto constante con funcionarios federales, l\u00edderes locales, funcionarios de las fuerzas del orden y de gesti\u00f3n de emergencias en comunidades de todo el estado que se vieron afectadas por el hurac\u00e1n Milton para garantizar que tengan los recursos necesarios mientras responden a la tormenta y ayudan a los floridanos a recuperarse. El Senador Scott insta a quienes necesiten asistencia con una agencia federal, como la Agencia Federal para el Manejo de Emergencias (FEMA, por sus siglas en ingl\u00e9s), la Administraci\u00f3n de Peque\u00f1as Empresas (SBA, por sus siglas en ingl\u00e9s) o cualquier otro asunto federal mientras se recuperan del hurac\u00e1n Milton, a que se comuniquen con su oficina AQU\u00cd.\n\nEl Senador Rick Scott dijo: \u201cLo primero que quiero reiterar hoy para las familias de Punta Gorda y de todo el estado es que todos deben mantenerse alerta y a salvo. La recuperaci\u00f3n comienza ahora mismo, pero no se puede recuperar si se pierde la vida al correr riesgos despu\u00e9s de esta tormenta. Habl\u00e9 con el Presidente Biden sobre la respuesta y la recuperaci\u00f3n y le dije que estoy completamente concentrado en asegurarme de que FEMA, SBA, HUB y USDA est\u00e9n completamente financiados. Necesitamos tener personal aqui hasta que Florida se recupere por completo. Adem\u00e1s, he exigido que el l\u00edder de la mayor\u00eda Chuck Schumer vuelva a convocar de inmediato al Senado una vez que FEMA y SBA finalicen las evaluaciones de da\u00f1os para que podamos financiar completamente a estas agencias y otras que responden a este desastre con un proyecto de ley de asignaciones suplementarias para desastres y una legislaci\u00f3n de alivio de desastres de sentido com\u00fan como mi Proyecto de ley Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act. Luchar\u00e9 para entregar ayuda para desastres a nuestro estado y garantizar una gu\u00eda de remoci\u00f3n de escombros para nuestras comunidades locales.\n\n\"Aunque la tormenta ya pas\u00f3, recuerde que hay muchos peligros que pueden representar un riesgo para usted y su hogar. Escuche a las autoridades, ellos le dir\u00e1n cu\u00e1ndo es seguro regresar. Hay muchos \u00e1rboles y cables el\u00e9ctricos ca\u00eddos y gente sin electricidad. No coloque un generador en el interior y nunca conduzca a trav\u00e9s del agua ni toque cables ca\u00eddos. los primeros auxilios y l\u00edderes de gesti\u00f3n de emergencias aqu\u00ed est\u00e1n 100 por ciento enfocados en la respuesta y la recuperaci\u00f3n, minimizando el da\u00f1o y asegurando que las personas reciban la ayuda que necesitan. Los Floridanos son fuerte, somos resilientes. Nos recuperaremos y reconstruiremos a\u00fan m\u00e1s fuertes. Tengo nueve oficinas en todo el estado, as\u00ed que, por favor, si necesita ayuda con una agencia federal, visite www.rickscott.senate.gov.\"\n\nM\u00c1S\u2026\n\nAntes de que Milton tocara tierra, el Senador Scott tuvo llamadas diarias con el NHC para recibir las \u00faltimas actualizaciones sobre el hurac\u00e1n Milton y viaj\u00f3 a lo largo de la costa del Golfo de Florida para recibir informes de los sheriffs, los l\u00edderes de las fuerzas del orden locales y los funcionarios de gesti\u00f3n de emergencias en los condados de Hillsborough, Sarasota y Lee, instando a las familias a mantenerse a salvo y preparadas. El Senador Scott ha estado en contacto constante con los l\u00edderes estatales, alcaldes, sheriffs y jefes de polic\u00eda, funcionarios de gesti\u00f3n de emergencias y empresas de energ\u00eda en las comunidades de todo el estado que esperaban los impactos del hurac\u00e1n Milton para asegurarse de que tenian los recursos necesarios para responder a la tormenta. El Senador Scott tambi\u00e9n ha hablado y escrito a los funcionarios federales, incluido el Administrador de la Regi\u00f3n 4 de FEMA, Robert Samaan, y el Secretario del Departamento de Transporte de EE. UU., Pete Buttigieg, para garantizar que Florida tenga el acceso necesario a los recursos federales.\n\nEsta semana, los Senadores Rick Scott y Marco Rubio han escrito cartas al Presidente Joe Biden en apoyo a las solicitudes del Estado de Florida y del Seminole Tribe de Florida para la declaraci\u00f3n de emergencia antes de que el hurac\u00e1n Milton tocara tierra. Ambas solicitudes fueron aprobadas por el Presidente Biden tras recibir las cartas de los Senadores Scott y Rubio. Los Senadores Scott y Rubio tambi\u00e9n enviaron una carta al Presidente Biden instando a las agencias federales a que aceleren los planes para responder a las posibles obstrucciones en el puerto de la bah\u00eda de Tampa, que recibe m\u00e1s del 40 por ciento de los productos derivados del petr\u00f3leo de Florida. En su carta, los senadores enfatizaron que esta acci\u00f3n del gobierno federal es crucial para acelerar todas las medidas solicitadas para proteger la econom\u00eda de Florida y garantizar una recuperaci\u00f3n r\u00e1pida.\n\nEl Senador Scott alienta a todos los floridanos a visitar su sitio web en www.rickscott.senate.gov/contact/casework para obtener informaci\u00f3n o ayuda con agencias federales como FEMA y SBA, luego de los huracanes Milton y Helene, o m\u00e1s sobre los esfuerzos de respuesta de la Divisi\u00f3n de Manejo de Emergencias de Florida en floridadisaster.org o @FLSERT.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/sen-rick-scott-receives-briefing-on-major-hurricane-milton-recovery-response-efforts-in-charlotte-county-surveys-damage", "Sen. Rick Scott Receives Briefing on Major Hurricane Milton Recovery & Response Efforts in Charlotte County, Surveys Damage", "2024-10-10", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "Watch Senator Scott\u2019s remarks HERE\n\nPUNTA GORDA, Fla. \u2013 Today, following his visit to Fort Myers, Senator Rick Scott visited Punta Gorda to receive a briefing from Punta Gorda Mayor Lynne Matthews, Punta Gorda Police Chief Pam Smith, Fire Chief Holden Gibbs and local emergency management leaders regarding Hurricane Milton response and recovery efforts. Senator Scott has been in constant contact with federal officials, local leaders, law enforcement and emergency management officials in communities throughout the state that are impacted by Hurricane Milton to ensure they have the needed resources as they respond to the storm and help Floridians recover. Senator Scott is urging those in need of assistance with a federal agency, like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Small Business Administration (SBA), or any other federal issue while recovering from Hurricane Milton, to contact his office HERE.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cThe number one thing I want to reiterate today for families in Punta Gorda and across the state is that everyone must stay vigilant and stay safe. Recovery begins right now but you can't recover if you lose your life by taking risks after this storm. I just spoke to President Biden about the response and recovery and told him I am completely focused on making sure that FEMA, SBA, HUD and USDA are fully funded. We need to have boots on the ground until Florida is fully recovered. Also, I\u2019ve demanded that Majority Leader Chuck Schumer immediately reconvene the Senate once FEMA and the SBA finalize damage assessments so we can fully fund these agencies and others responding to this disaster with a clean disaster supplemental appropriations bill and common sense disaster relief legislation like my Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act. I\u2019ll be fighting like hell to deliver disaster aid to our state, and ensure seamless debris removal guidance for our local communities.\n\n\"Although the storm has passed, please remember that there are lots of hazards that can pose danger to you and your home. Listen to law enforcement\u2014they will tell you when it is safe to return. There are many downed trees, downed power lines, and folks without power. Don\u2019t put a generator inside and never drive through water or touch these downed lines. Your first responders and emergency management leaders here are 100 percent focused on response and recovery, minimizing the damage and ensuring folks are getting the help they need. Floridians are strong, we are resilient. We will recover and we will rebuild even stronger. I have nine offices around the state, so please if you need any help with a federal agency, go to www.rickscott.senate.gov.\u201d\n\nMORE\u2026\n\nAhead of Milton\u2019s landfall, Senator Scott has had daily calls with the NHC to receive the latest updates on Hurricane Milton and traveled along Florida\u2019s Gulf Coast to receive briefings from sheriffs, local law enforcement leaders and emergency management officials in Hillsborough County, Sarasota County and Lee County, urging families to stay safe and prepared. Senator Scott has been in constant contact with state leaders, mayors, sheriffs andpolice chiefs, emergency management officials and energy companies in communities throughout the state that were expecting impacts from Hurricane Milton to ensure they have the needed resources to respond to the storm. Senator Scott has also spoken and written to federal officials, including FEMA Region 4 Administrator Robert Samaan and U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to ensure Florida has much-needed access to federal resources.\n\nThis week, Senators Scott and Marco Rubio have written letters to President Joe Biden in support of the State of Florida\u2019s and the Seminole Tribe of Florida\u2019s requests for pre-landfall emergency declarations ahead of Hurricane Milton. Both requests were approved by President Biden following his receipt of Senators Scott and Rubio\u2019s letters. Senators Scott and Rubio also sent a letter to President Biden urging the direction of federal agencies to expedite plans to respond to potential obstructions at the Port of Tampa Bay, which receives more than 40 percent of Florida\u2019s petroleum products. In their letter, the senators emphasized that this action by the federal government is crucial to expedite all requested measures to protect Florida\u2019s economy and ensure a swift recovery.\n\nSenator Scott encourages all Floridians to visit his website at www.rickscott.senate.gov/contact/casework for information or help with federal agencies like FEMA and the SBA, following Hurricanes Milton and Helene, or more on response efforts from the Florida Division of Emergency Management at floridadisaster.org or @FLSERT.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/sen-rick-scott-receives-briefing-on-major-hurricane-milton-recovery-response-efforts-in-lee-county-surveys-damage", "Sen. Rick Scott Receives Briefing on Major Hurricane Milton Recovery & Response Efforts in Lee County, Surveys Damage", "2024-10-10", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "Watch Senator Scott\u2019s Remarks HERE\n\nFORT MYERS, Fla. \u2013 Today, Senator Rick Scott visited Fort Myers for an aerial tour of damage from Hurricane Milton. In addition to the aerial tour, Senator Scott received a briefing from Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno, Lee County officials and local emergency management leaders regarding response and recovery efforts. Senator Scott has been in constant contact with federal officials, local leaders, law enforcement and emergency management officials in communities throughout the state that are impacted by Hurricane Milton to ensure they have the needed resources as they respond to the storm and help Floridians recover. Senator Scott is urging those in need of assistance with a federal agency, like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Small Business Administration (SBA), or any other federal issue while recovering from Hurricane Milton, to contact his office HERE.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cThe number one thing I want to reiterate today is that everyone must stay vigilant and stay safe. Recovery begins right now, but you can't recover if you lose your life by taking risks after this storm. I just spoke to President Biden about the response and recovery and told him I am completely focused on making sure that FEMA, SBA, HUD and USDA are fully funded. We need to have boots on the ground until Florida is fully recovered. Also, I\u2019ve demanded that Majority Leader Chuck Schumer immediately reconvene the Senate once FEMA and the SBA finalize damage assessments so we can fully fund these agencies and others responding to this disaster with a clean disaster supplemental appropriations bill and common sense disaster relief legislation like my Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act. I\u2019ll be fighting like hell to deliver disaster aid to our state and ensure seamless debris removal guidance for our local communities.\n\n\"Although the storm has passed, please remember that there are lots of hazards that can pose danger to you and your home. Listen to law enforcement\u2014they will tell you when it is safe to return. There are many downed trees, downed power lines, and folks without power. Don\u2019t put a generator inside, and never drive through water or touch these downed lines. Your first responders and emergency management leaders here are 100 percent focused on response and recovery, minimizing the damage and ensuring folks are getting the help they need. Florida is strong, we are resilient. We will recover and we will rebuild even stronger. I have nine offices around the state, so please, if you need any help with a federal agency, go to www.rickscott.senate.gov.\u201d\n\nMORE\u2026\n\nAhead of Milton\u2019s landfall, Senator Scott has had daily calls with the NHC to receive the latest updates on Hurricane Milton and traveled along Florida\u2019s Gulf Coast to receive briefings from sheriffs, local law enforcement leaders and emergency management officials in Hillsborough County, Sarasota County and Lee County, urging families to stay safe and prepared. Senator Scott has been in constant contact with state leaders, mayors, sheriffs andpolice chiefs, emergency management officials and energy companies in communities throughout the state that were expecting impacts from Hurricane Milton to ensure they have the needed resources to respond to the storm. Senator Scott has also spoken and written to federal officials, including FEMA Region 4 Administrator Robert Samaan and U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to ensure Florida has much-needed access to federal resources.\n\nThis week, Senators Scott and Marco Rubio have written letters to President Joe Biden in support of the State of Florida\u2019s and the Seminole Tribe of Florida\u2019s requests for pre-landfall emergency declarations ahead of Hurricane Milton. Both requests were approved by President Biden following his receipt of Senators Scott and Rubio\u2019s letters. Senators Scott and Rubio also sent a letter to President Biden urging the direction of federal agencies to expedite plans to respond to potential obstructions at the Port of Tampa Bay, which receives more than 40 percent of Florida\u2019s petroleum products. In their letter, the senators emphasized that this action by the federal government is crucial to expedite all requested measures to protect Florida\u2019s economy and ensure a swift recovery.\n\nSenator Scott encourages all Floridians to visit his website at www.rickscott.senate.gov/contact/casework for information or help with federal agencies like FEMA and the SBA, following Hurricanes Milton and Helene, or more on response efforts from the Florida Division of Emergency Management at floridadisaster.org or @FLSERT.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/sen-rick-scott-make-final-preparations-for-major-hurricane-milton-now", "SEN. RICK SCOTT: MAKE FINAL PREPARATIONS FOR MAJOR HURRICANE MILTON NOW", "2024-10-09", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "NAPLES, Fla. \u2013 Today, Senator Rick Scott received a briefing from National Hurricane Center (NHC) Director Dr. Michael Brennan on major Hurricane Milton, which is expected to make landfall along Florida\u2019s Gulf Coast tonight. Ahead of Milton\u2019s landfall, Senator Scott has had daily calls with the NHC to receive the latest updates on Hurricane Milton and traveled along Florida\u2019s Gulf Coast to receive briefings from sheriffs, local law enforcement leaders and emergency management officials in Hillsborough County, Sarasota County and Lee County, urging families to make a plan ahead of the storm, evacuate if asked to do so, and stay safe.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cHurricane Milton will make landfall along Florida\u2019s Gulf Coast tonight as a major and incredibly dangerous and deadly storm. NOW IS THE TIME TO MAKE FINAL PREPARATIONS, HUNKER DOWN AND KEEP YOUR FAMILY SAFE. I spoke with NHC Director Dr. Michael Brennan this morning and the outlook for this storm is expected to be nothing short of catastrophic. Communities along our Gulf Coast, especially those in the Tampa Bay area from Hillsborough County down through, Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee and Collier Counties will see devastating and unsurvivable storm surge up to 15 feet. Hurricane Milton is expected to retain hurricane strength as it moves across our state, bringing intense flooding, torrential rain, and widespread power outages to not only these coastal counties but across Central Florida and along much of Florida\u2019s east coast. My wife, Ann, and I have evacuated inland because our home is in a mandatory evacuation zone and I pray that all Floridians under these orders have done the same. No one should die in this storm, but staying alive requires you to make smart decisions. Emergency responders cannot come save you once the winds start and conditions begin to deteriorate. If you did not evacuate and are having second thoughts you only have an hour or two to get to a shelter so GET OUT NOW. As I always say: we can rebuild a house, but we cannot rebuild a life. Do not let Hurricane Milton kill you by venturing out during the storm, operating a generator inside your home, touching downed power lines, or driving through standing water.\n\n\u201cAfter this storm passes, Florida will rebuild, recover and emerge stronger than ever before. I will continue to stay in constant contact with local, state and federal officials to make sure Florida has every resource we need to respond and recover, and that those resources and assistance are deployed immediately after the storm. Please stay safe and pray for our state. Floridians are resilient and we will get through this together.\u201d\n\nMORE\u2026\n\nSenator Scott has been in constant contact with state leaders, mayors, sheriffs andpolice chiefs, emergency management officials and energy companies in communities throughout the state that are expecting impacts from Hurricane Milton to ensure they have the needed resources as they prepare for and respond to the storm. Senator Scott has also spoken and written to federal officials, including FEMA Region 4 Administrator Robert Samaan and U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to ensure Florida has much-needed access to federal resources.\n\nThis week, Senators Scott and Marco Rubio have written letters to President Joe Biden in support of the State of Florida\u2019s and the Seminole Tribe of Florida\u2019s requests for pre-landfall emergency declarations ahead of Hurricane Milton. Both requests were approved by President Biden following his receipt of Senators Scott and Rubio\u2019s letters.\n\nYesterday, Senators Scott and Rubio also sent a letter to President Biden urging the direction of federal agencies to expedite plans to respond to potential obstructions at the Port of Tampa Bay, which receives more than 40 percent of Florida\u2019s petroleum products. In their letter, the senators emphasized that this action by the federal government is crucial to expedite all requested measures to protect Florida\u2019s economy and ensure a swift recovery.\n\nSenator Scott encourages all Floridians to visit his website at www.rickscott.senate.gov/hurricane-preparedness to get prepared today. See the latest on Hurricane Milton from the National Hurricane Center at nhc.noaa.gov or @NHC_Atlantic on X, formerly known as Twitter, and from the Florida Division of Emergency Management at floridadisaster.org or @FLSERT. Additionally, Senator Scott encourages those recovering from Hurricane Helene and are in need of assistance with a federal agency, including FEMA and the SBA, or any other federal issue to contact his office at www.rickscott.senate.gov/contact/casework.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/senador-rick-scott-hagan-ya-los-preparativos-finales-para-el-hurac-n-mayor-milton", "SENADOR RICK SCOTT: HAGAN YA LOS PREPARATIVOS FINALES PARA EL HURAC\u00c1N MAYOR MILTON", "2024-10-09", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "NAPLES, Fla. \u2013 El Senador Rick Scott recibi\u00f3 una sesi\u00f3n informativa del director del Centro Nacional de Huracanes (NHC, por sus siglas en ingl\u00e9s), el Dr. Michael Brennan, sobre el hurac\u00e1n mayor Milton, que se espera que toque tierra en la costa del Golfo de Florida esta noche. Antes de que Milton toque tierra, el Senador Scott ha tenido llamadas diarias con el NHC para recibir las \u00faltimas actualizaciones sobre el hurac\u00e1n Milton y viaj\u00f3 a lo largo de la costa del Golfo de Florida para recibir informes de los sheriffs, los l\u00edderes de las fuerzas del orden locales y los funcionarios de gesti\u00f3n de emergencias en los condados de Hillsborough, Sarasota y Lee, instando a las familias a hacer un plan antes de la tormenta, evacuar si se les pide que lo hagan y mantenerse a salvo.\n\nEl Senador Rick Scott dijo: \u201cEl hurac\u00e1n Milton tocar\u00e1 tierra a lo largo de la costa del Golfo de Florida esta noche como una tormenta mayor, incre\u00edblemente peligrosa y mortal. AHORA ES EL MOMENTO DE HACER LOS PREPARATIVOS FINALES, PERMANECER EN UN LUGAR SEGURO Y MANTENER A SU FAMILIA A SALVO. Habl\u00e9 con el director del NHC, Dr. Michael Brennan, esta ma\u00f1ana y se espera que las perspectivas para esta tormenta sean nada menos que catastr\u00f3ficas. Las comunidades a lo largo de nuestra Costa del Golfo, especialmente aquellas en el \u00e1rea de la Bah\u00eda de Tampa desde el condado de Hillsborough hasta los condados de Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee y Collier, ver\u00e1n marejadas cicl\u00f3nicas devastadoras e insuperables de hasta 15 pies. Se espera que el hurac\u00e1n Milton mantenga la fuerza de un hurac\u00e1n a medida que avanza por nuestro estado, trayendo intensas inundaciones, lluvias torrenciales y cortes de electricidad no solo a estos condados costeros, sino a todo el centro de Florida y a lo largo de gran parte de la costa este de Florida. Mi esposa, Ann, y yo hemos evacuado hacia el interior des estado porque nuestra casa est\u00e1 en una zona de evacuaci\u00f3n obligatoria y espero que todos los floridanos bajo estas \u00f3rdenes hayan hecho lo mismo. Nadie deber\u00eda morir en esta tormenta, pero para mantenerse con vida es necesario tomar decisiones inteligentes. Los servicios de emergencia no pueden venir a salvarlo una vez que comienzan los vientos y las condiciones comienzan a deteriorarse. Si no evacu\u00f3 y est\u00e1 dudando, solo tiene una o dos horas para llegar a un refugio, as\u00ed que SALGA AHORA. Como siempre digo: podemos reconstruir una casa, pero no podemos reconstruir una vida. No permita que el hurac\u00e1n Milton lo mate por aventurarse a salir durante la tormenta, prender un generador dentro de su casa, tocar cables el\u00e9ctricos ca\u00eddos o conducir a trav\u00e9s de agua estancada.\n\n\u201cDespu\u00e9s de que pase esta tormenta, Florida se reconstruir\u00e1, se recuperar\u00e1 y emerger\u00e1 m\u00e1s fuerte que nunca. Seguir\u00e9 en contacto constante con los funcionarios locales, estatales y federales para asegurarme de que Florida tenga todos los recursos que necesitamos para responder y recuperarnos, y que esos recursos y asistencia se desplieguen inmediatamente despu\u00e9s de la tormenta. Mant\u00e9nganse a salvo y oren por nuestro estado. Los floridanos son resilientes y juntos superaremos esto\u201d.\n\nM\u00c1S\u2026\n\nEl senador Scott ha estado en contacto constante con l\u00edderes estatales, alcaldes, sheriffs y jefes de polic\u00eda, funcionarios de gesti\u00f3n de emergencias y compa\u00f1\u00edas de energ\u00eda en comunidades de todo el estado que esperan impactos del hurac\u00e1n Milton para garantizar que tengan los recursos necesarios mientras se preparan y responden a la tormenta. El Senador Scott tambi\u00e9n ha hablado y escrito a funcionarios federales, incluido el Administrador de la Regi\u00f3n 4 de FEMA, Robert Samaan, y el secretario del Departamento de Transporte de los EE. UU., Pete Buttigieg, para garantizar que Florida tenga el acceso tan necesario a los recursos federales.\n\nEsta semana, los Senadores Rick Scott y Marco Rubio escribieron cartas al Presidente Joe Biden en apoyo a las solicitudes del Estado de Florida y del Seminole Tribe de Florida para que se declare una emergencia antes de que el hurac\u00e1n Milton toque tierra. Ambas solicitudes fueron aprobadas por el Presidente Biden tras recibir las cartas de los Senadores Scott y Rubio.\n\nAyer, los Senadores Scott y Rubio tambi\u00e9n enviaron una carta al Presidente Biden instando a las agencias federales a que aceleren los planes para responder a las posibles obstrucciones en el puerto de la bah\u00eda de Tampa, que recibe m\u00e1s del 40 por ciento de los productos derivados del petr\u00f3leo de Florida. En su carta, los senadores enfatizaron que esta acci\u00f3n del gobierno federal es crucial para acelerar todas las medidas solicitadas para proteger la econom\u00eda de Florida y garantizar una recuperaci\u00f3n r\u00e1pida.\n\nEl Senador Scott alienta a todos los floridanos a visitar su sitio web en www.rickscott.senate.gov/hurricane-preparedness para prepararse hoy. Vea las \u00faltimas noticias sobre el hurac\u00e1n Milton del Centro Nacional de Huracanes en nhc.noaa.gov o @NHC_Atlantic en X, anteriormente conocido como Twitter, y de la Divisi\u00f3n de Gesti\u00f3n de Emergencias de Florida en floridadisaster.org o @FLSERT. Adem\u00e1s, el Senador Scott alienta a quienes se est\u00e1n recuperando del hurac\u00e1n Helene y necesitan asistencia de una agencia federal, incluidas FEMA y la SBA, o cualquier otro asunto federal, a que se comuniquen con su oficina en www.rickscott.senate.gov/contact/casework.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/el-senador-rick-scott-recibe-informaci-n-sobre-el-hurac-n-milton-en-el-condado-de-lee-e-insta-a-los-floridanos-a-prepararse", "El Senador Rick Scott recibe informaci\u00f3n sobre el hurac\u00e1n Milton en el condado de Lee e insta a los floridanos a prepararse", "2024-10-08", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "Vea los comentarios del Senador Scott AQU\u00cd\n\nFORT MYERS, Fla. \u2013 El Senador Rick Scott fue acompa\u00f1ado por el Congresista Byron Donalds y la Representante Estatal Jenna Persons-Mulicka para recibir una sesi\u00f3n informativa en el Condado de Lee por parte del Sheriff Carmine Marceno, el Director de Seguridad P\u00fablica del Condado de Lee Ben Abes, l\u00edderes policiales locales y funcionarios de gesti\u00f3n de emergencias sobre los esfuerzos de preparaci\u00f3n para el hurac\u00e1n Milton y para instar a los floridanos a prepararse para la llegada a tierra ma\u00f1ana a lo largo de la Costa del Golfo de Florida.\n\nEl Senador Rick Scott dijo: \u201cTengo el mismo mensaje para las familias del condado de Lee que le he dado a la gente de toda nuestra Costa del Golfo: si los funcionarios locales les piden que evacuen, SALGAN INMEDIATAMENTE. Tienen que actuar esta noche. Se espera que el hurac\u00e1n Milton toque tierra en el \u00e1rea de la Bah\u00eda de Tampa como una tormenta MAYOR y MORTAL que traer\u00e1 una marejada cicl\u00f3nica intensa y catastr\u00f3fica al condado de Lee. Me acaban de informar sobre la tormenta y hoy temprano habl\u00e9 con el director del NHC, el Dr. Michael Brennan. Esta \u00e1rea ver\u00e1 inundaciones intensas, lluvias torrenciales y cortes de electricidad en grandes partes del estado. El NHC espera que la marejada cicl\u00f3nica alcance hasta 10 pies en el condado de Lee y 15 pies o m\u00e1s en Tampa y Sarasota, as\u00ed que evac\u00faen HOY si se les dice que lo hagan. Si se est\u00e1n refugiando, prep\u00e1rense para no tener energ\u00eda y obtengan siete d\u00edas de alimentos, agua, medicamentos y otros elementos esenciales HOY. Ma\u00f1ana es demasiado tarde. Todos a lo largo de la Costa del Golfo de Florida deben estar listos. Ahora es el momento de prepararse. Como siempre digo: podemos reconstruir una casa, pero no podemos reconstruir una vida. T\u00f3mate esta tormenta en serio, haz un plan y prep\u00e1rate hoy mismo\u201d.\n\nM\u00c1S\u2026\n\nHoy, el Senador Rick Scott se uni\u00f3 al Senador Marco Rubio para enviar una carta al Presidente Joe Biden inst\u00e1ndolo a aprobar de inmediato la solicitud de la Tribu Seminole de Florida de una declaraci\u00f3n de emergencia antes de tocar tierra. Se espera que el hurac\u00e1n Milton toque tierra en Florida, provocando marejadas cicl\u00f3nicas, vientos e inundaciones. Los senadores instan al Presidente Biden a brindar a la Tribu Seminole de Florida acceso a los recursos federales necesarios para la respuesta de emergencia y los preparativos de recuperaci\u00f3n en tierras tribales.\n\nAnte el paso del hurac\u00e1n Milton, que se prev\u00e9 que podr\u00eda obstaculizar u obstruir las operaciones en el puerto de la bah\u00eda de Tampa, los Senadores Rick Scott y Marco Rubio enviaron una carta al Presidente Joe Biden instando a las agencias federales a que aceleren los planes para responder a una posible obstrucci\u00f3n. El puerto de la bah\u00eda de Tampa recibe m\u00e1s del 40 por ciento de los productos derivados del petr\u00f3leo de Florida y es crucial que el gobierno federal acelere todas las medidas solicitadas para proteger la econom\u00eda de Florida y garantizar una recuperaci\u00f3n r\u00e1pida.\n\nAyer, a instancias de los Senadores Rick Scott y Marco Rubio, El Presidente Joe Biden aprob\u00f3 la solicitud del estado de Florida de una declaraci\u00f3n de emergencia previa a la llegada del hurac\u00e1n Milton. El domingo, el Senador Scott estuvo acompa\u00f1ado por la Fiscal General Ashley Moody, el Comisionado del Departamento de Agricultura y Servicios al Consumidor de Florida Wilton Simpson, el Director Financiero Jimmy Patronis, el Sheriff del condado de Hillsborough Chad Chronister, la Alcaldesa de Tampa Jane Castor, la Congresista Laurel Lee y la Congresista Anna Paulina Luna en el Centro de Operaciones de Emergencia del Condado de Hillsborough en Tampa para recibir una sesi\u00f3n informativa de los l\u00edderes policiales locales y los funcionarios de gesti\u00f3n de emergencias sobre los esfuerzos de preparaci\u00f3n para el hurac\u00e1n Milton. Adem\u00e1s, el Senador Scott ha recibido informes del director del Centro Nacional de Huracanes, el Dr. Michael Brennan.\n\nEl Senador Scott alienta a todos los floridanos a visitar su sitio web en www.rickscott.senate.gov/hurricane-preparedness para prepararse hoy. Vea las \u00faltimas noticias sobre el hurac\u00e1n Milton del Centro Nacional de Huracanes en nhc.noaa.gov o @NHC_Atlantic en X, anteriormente conocido como Twitter, y de la Divisi\u00f3n de Gesti\u00f3n de Emergencias de Florida en floridadisaster.org o @FLSERT. Adem\u00e1s, el Senador Scott alienta a quienes se est\u00e1n recuperando del hurac\u00e1n Helene y necesitan asistencia de una agencia federal, incluidas FEMA y la SBA, o cualquier otro asunto federal, a que se comuniquen con su oficina en www.rickscott.senate.gov/contact/casework.\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"], ["https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2024/10/sen-rick-scott-receives-briefing-on-major-hurricane-milton-in-lee-county-urges-floridians-to-prepare", "Sen. Rick Scott Receives Briefing on Major Hurricane Milton in Lee County, Urges Floridians to Prepare", "2024-10-08", "2024", "2024-10", "Republican", "Senate", "FL", "Rick Scott", "S001217", "www.rickscott.senate.gov", "rickscott", "https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/", "page_html", "Watch Senator Scott\u2019s remarks HERE\n\nFORT MYERS, Fla. \u2013 Today, Senator Rick Scott was joined by Congressman Byron Donalds and State Representative Jenna Persons-Mulicka to receive a briefing in Lee County from Sheriff Carmine Marceno, Lee County Public Safety Director Ben Abes, local law enforcement leaders and emergency management officials regarding preparation efforts for Major Hurricane Milton and to urge Floridians to prepare for landfall tomorrow along Florida\u2019s Gulf Coast.\n\nSenator Rick Scott said, \u201cI have the same message for families in Lee County that I have given folks all along our Gulf Coast: if local officials ask you to evacuate, GET OUT IMMEDIATELY. You have to act tonight. Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall in the Tampa Bay area as a MAJOR and DEADLY storm which will bring intense and catastrophic storm surge down to Lee County. I was just briefed on the storm and spoke to NHC Director Dr. Michael Brennan earlier today. This area will see intense flooding, torrential rain, and widespread power outages are likely across huge portions of the state. The NHC is expecting storm surge to reach up to 10 feet in Lee County and 15 feet or more in Tampa and Sarasota\u2014so evacuate TODAY if you are told to do so. If you are sheltering in place prepare to have no power and get seven days of food, water, medicine and other essentials TODAY. Tomorrow is too late. Everyone along Florida\u2019s Gulf Coast needs to be ready. Now is the time to get prepared. As I always say: we can rebuild a house, but we cannot rebuild a life. Take this storm seriously, make a plan and get ready today.\u201d\n\nMORE\u2026\n\nToday, Senator Rick Scott joined Senator Marco Rubio in sending a letter to President Joe Biden urging his immediate approval of the Seminole Tribe of Florida\u2019s request for a pre-landfall emergency declaration. Major Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall in Florida, bringing devastating storm surge, winds, and inland flooding. The senators are urging President Biden to provide The Seminole Tribe of Florida access to the federal resources required for emergency response and recovery preparations on tribal lands.\n\nAhead of Major Hurricane Milton, which is forecast to potentially hinder or obstruct operations at the Port of Tampa Bay, Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio sent a letter to President Joe Biden urging the direction of federal agencies to expedite plans to respond to potential obstruction. The Port of Tampa Bay receives more than 40 percent of Florida\u2019s petroleum products and it is crucial for the federal government to expedite all requested measures to protect Florida\u2019s economy and ensure a swift recovery.\n\nYesterday, at the urging of Senators Scott and Marco Rubio, President Joe Biden approved the State of Florida\u2019s request for a pre-landfall emergency declaration ahead of Hurricane Milton\u2019s landfall. Sunday, Senator Scott was joined by Attorney General Ashley Moody, Commissioner of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Wilton Simpson, Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, Congresswoman Laurel Lee and Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna at the Hillsborough County Emergency Operations Center in Tampa to receive a briefing from local law enforcement leaders and emergency management officials regarding preparation efforts for Hurricane Milton. Additionally, Senator Scott has received regular briefings from National Hurricane Center (NHC) Director Dr. Michael Brennan.\n\nSenator Scott encourages all Floridians to visit his website at www.rickscott.senate.gov/hurricane-preparedness to get prepared today. See the latest on Hurricane Milton from the National Hurricane Center at nhc.noaa.gov or @NHC_Atlantic on X, formerly known as Twitter, and from the Florida Division of Emergency Management at floridadisaster.org or @FLSERT. Additionally, Senator Scott encourages those recovering from Hurricane Helene and are in need of assistance with a federal agency, including FEMA and the SBA, or any other federal issue to contact his office at www.rickscott.senate.gov/contact/casework.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-03-30T11:08:25Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 92, "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 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Senate", "p1": "FL", "p2": "2024"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=FL&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 92, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=FL&year=2024&party=Republican", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=FL&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "Senate", "label": "Senate", "count": 92, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=FL&year=2024", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=FL&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "FL", "label": "FL", "count": 92, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&year=2024", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=FL&year=2024", "results": [{"value": "2024", "label": "2024", "count": 92, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=Senate&state=FL", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": null, "next_url": null, "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 459.11396387964487, "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"}