url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/12/sen-rick-scott-introduces-bill-to-designate-anti-communism-week-and-honor-victims-of-communist-regimes,Sen. Rick Scott Introduces Bill to Designate Anti-Communism Week and Honor Victims of Communist Regimes,2025-12-30,2025,2025-12,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 announced the introduction of legislation to designate the first week of every November as Anti-Communism Week and request an annual presidential proclamation recognizing the victims of communist regimes worldwide. This bill builds on President Trump’s 2025 Anti-Communism Week proclamation and reinforces America’s commitment to freedom, liberty, and dignity across the globe. Senator Marsha Blackburn is a cosponsor in the Senate. Companion legislation is being led in the House of Representatives by Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar. Senator Rick Scott said, “Communism is one of the most destructive and deadly ideologies in human history, responsible for the suffering and deaths of millions while crushing freedom wherever it takes hold. As a nation founded on liberty and individual freedoms, we must never forget these horrors or allow dangerous ideals to be repackaged, idealized, or sold to future generations. Designating Anti-Communism Week serves as a reminder of this evil ideology and reaffirms America’s unwavering commitment to freedom and opportunity for all.” Senator Marsha Blackburn said, “Communism has claimed over 100 million lives by suppressing freedom, erasing faith, and destroying the prosperity that comes from hard work. The Anti-Communism Week Act would designate November 2 through 8 as a time to honor those victims, stand firm for liberty, and ensure this destructive ideology ends up on the ash heap of history.” Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar said, “Communism has left a trail of death, suffering, and shattered nations across the globe, from Cuba to China, from Venezuela to North Korea. Too many Americans, especially in our schools, are now dangerously unaware of the real history and real horrors behind these failed systems. That’s why I’m proud to lead the Anti-Communism Week bill, which formally designates a week when we will reaffirm America’s commitment to freedom, educate our youth about the deadly consequences of communist ideology, and honor the memory of the tens of millions who have died under it. If we lose sight of history, we risk repeating it. This week isn’t just symbolic, it’s a necessary stand for liberty and truth.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/12/sen-rick-scott-applauds-trump-administration-actions-to-protect-america-s-roadways-crack-down-on-cdls-issued-to-illegal-aliens,Sen. Rick Scott Applauds Trump Administration Actions to Protect America’s Roadways & Crack Down on CDLs Issued to Illegal Aliens,2025-12-23,2025,2025-12,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 sent a letter to Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem praising their leadership and the Trump administration’s actions to improve roadway safety by cracking down on the reckless issuance of commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) to illegal aliens after the deadly crash in Florida caused by an illegal alien who was issued a CDL license in California. The administration’s life-saving actions to keep our roadways safe and ensure only qualified drivers operate commercial vehicles on America’s roadways as federal audits and enforcement operations uncovered widespread safety failures by states issuing CDLs to illegal and unqualified drivers. Read the letter HERE or below: Dear Secretary Duffy and Secretary Noem: Thank you for the leadership you, your agencies, and President Trump have shown in advancing policies to make American roadways safe again. I appreciate your efforts to restore safety to our roads following the dangerous Obama-era policy that allowed drivers lacking English proficiency to operate commercial motor vehicles without the ability to comprehend basic traffic signs or speak our language. Earlier this year, three innocent people in my state of Florida were killed by an illegal alien who was granted a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in the state of California. This gut-wrenching tragedy should never have happened, and I appreciate you both taking swift action to ensure this can never happen again. One vital action in preventing the recurrence of this tragedy was the Department of Transportation’s emergency action this September, restricting eligibility for nondomiciled learner’s permits and CDLs in response to the ongoing nationwide audit by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. This much-needed audit has already uncovered blatant disregard for public safety by certain states – especially California, which improperly issued more than 25% of its non-domiciled CDLs. I was also grateful to see the Department of Homeland Security partner with state and local law enforcement to actively address the threat posed by these illegal and unqualified drivers. During September’s joint operation between Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, not only were 91 illegal aliens found to be operating a commercial vehicle with a CDL, but one illegal alien possessed a Real ID-compliant CDL issued by the state of New York to “No Name Given.” The New York Department of Motor Vehicles confirmed that this license was authentic. The reckless issuance of these CDLs during the previous administrations is clearly a widespread problem. This licensing failure was further highlighted by Operation Midway Blitz, a joint ICE-Indiana State Police operation. As of October 30, this operation resulted in the arrest of 223 illegal aliens on Indiana highways, 40 of whom possessed CDLs. Thankfully, your agencies and the current administration are working hard to address these very real safety issues and protect American drivers by getting unsafe and unqualified drivers off our roadways. However, it is deeply concerning that the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) reportedly uses the very same drivers that your agencies have worked to keep off our country’s roads in order to protect American lives. These reports indicate the USPS has become dependent on a CDL workforce made up of illegal aliens, and, as a result, it is now rescinding its temporary ban on these same employees after only a few short days, despite guidance from the administration. Your agencies have shown a commitment to addressing this threat, and I look forward to hearing how you plan to hold USPS and other agencies accountable for this negligence. I am also proud to support your efforts to protect citizens on our roadways by joining my colleague, Senator Ashley Moody, in advancing the Safer Truckers Act, which protects drivers by establishing lawful U.S. residency requirements for CDLs and requiring states to report their adherence to English proficiency standards. I am also proud to have joined Senator Tom Cotton in advancing the Secure Commercial Driver Licensing Act, which requires all testing relating to the issuance of driver’s licenses to be conducted in English only. These bills are critical steps to build on your action to prevent further tragedies and prioritize the safety of Americans. Thank you both again for your leadership on this critical public safety issue. Please do not hesitate to contact my office if there are additional ways Congress can support your efforts to make America's roadways safe again. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/12/in-case-you-missed-it-sen-rick-scott-in-the-miami-herald-time-to-fix-our-broken-health-care-system-empower-patients-and-drive-down-costs,"IN CASE YOU MISSED IT… Sen. Rick Scott in the Miami Herald: Time to Fix Our Broken Health Care System, Empower Patients and Drive Down Costs",2025-12-22,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,FL,Rick Scott,S001217,www.rickscott.senate.gov,rickscott,https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, Senator Rick Scott wrote a letter to the editor of the Miami Herald responding to a recent piece demanding solutions to the health care crisis Obamacare created for our nation, which continues to fail Floridians and Americans. In his response, Senator Scott highlights his push to deliver those solutions with his More Affordable Care Act that will put families — not insurance companies or Washington bureaucrats — back in control of their health care by empowering patients with their decisions, increasing transparency in health care, and driving down costs. In the letter, Senator Scott wrote, “It’s heartbreaking to see Floridians struggle to afford health care…Growing up, my family was poor. My mother drove hours to the nearest charity hospital so my brother, who had a hip disease, could receive care. It shouldn’t be this hard for Americans to get health care that’s affordable and works for them. I want to fix that. … “Democrats created Obamacare, but Republicans must fix it. If we don’t, we’re just rubber-stamping what we all acknowledge is a broken system full of broken promises. That’s why I’m working to pass my More Affordable Care Act… … “My bill would drive down costs by allowing Americans to make decisions and empowering them with the information they need to make the best health care choices for their families. … “We can pass this bill today to bring change that will drive down costs for families.” Read the full letter to the editor in the Miami Herald HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/12/sens-rick-scott-john-fetterman-introduce-disclosing-investment-in-foreign-adversaries-act-to-protect-american-investors-from-adversarial-countries,"Sens. Rick Scott, John Fetterman Introduce Disclosing Investment in Foreign Adversaries Act to Protect American Investors from Adversarial Countries",2025-12-22,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,FL,Rick Scott,S001217,www.rickscott.senate.gov,rickscott,https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senators Rick Scott and John Fetterman announced the introduction of the Disclosing Investment in Foreign Adversaries Act to provide transparency for Americans into investments made by American private equity firms into countries of concern, such as Russia or Communist China, so Americans are not unknowingly investing their hard-earned savings and retirement funds into U.S. adversaries. The legislation addresses this problem by requiring private equity, mutual funds, and ETFs to annually disclose the percentage of any assets invested in countries like China to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC); requiring the SEC to publicly release a report of firms investing assets in countries of concern and the percentage of those invested assets; and requiring entities selling stock in the private markets to disclose the recipient of the investment, the intended location of the investment, and the investment’s intended purpose. Senator Rick Scott said, “Our adversaries, like Communist China and Russia, benefit from the current status quo that grants them a complete lack of transparency, and currently, our financial markets enable and often help fund their bad behavior. These foreign adversaries lie, cheat, steal, and abuse their own people using the power of American investment dollars, and without public disclosure and accountability, they can get away with it. I am proud to lead this bill to provide Americans transparency on how their savings are being invested, and which companies and regimes they may be supporting. We have to stop sending Americans’ hard-earned dollars to fuel our enemies’ hate against us.” Senator John Fetterman said, “You work hard for your money, and you should absolutely know how it’s being invested, especially if it boosts the economies of our adversaries. This bill protects the interests of hardworking Americans and our great country, while making sure firms publicly disclose what they are doing. When I think of ‘America first,’ this bill is a good example.” The Disclosing Investment in Foreign Adversaries Act, which Senator Scott introduced last Congress, is the latest of Senator Scott’s bills to hold Communist China accountable for working to destroy America’s financial systems, including a five-bill package aimed at protecting American investors from China’s financial exploitation and legislation cracking down on Chinese influence in American markets. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/12/sen-rick-scott-urges-dow-sec-hegseth-to-add-alibaba-and-other-chinese-communist-party-linked-companies-to-1260h-list,Sen. Rick Scott Urges DoW Sec. Hegseth to Add Alibaba and Other Chinese Communist Party-Linked Companies to 1260H List,2025-12-19,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,FL,Rick Scott,S001217,www.rickscott.senate.gov,rickscott,https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to Department of War (DoW) Secretary Pete Hegseth thanking him for his work with President Trump to put a stop to Communist China’s continuous attempts to undermine critical U.S. national security infrastructure and collect the personal data of American citizens. In his letter, Senator Scott asked that the secretary continue these great efforts with the immediate addition of Communist China-based Alibaba Group Holding Limited and seven other Chinese companies with clear ties to the Chinese government and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army to the DoW’s 1260H list to make clear the United States will not support adversarial regimes. Read the letter HERE or below: Dear Secretary Hegseth: I am writing to thank you and President Trump for your unparalleled commitment to the safety and security of the American people, especially regarding recent reports that Alibaba Group Holding Limited (BABA), Baidu Inc, BYD Co, and five other Chinese-based companies deserve inclusion on the Department of War (DoW)’s 1260H list of Chinese military companies. I support the Department of War’s conclusion. As Salt Typhoon and the recent F5 hack have shown us, Communist China will stop at nothing and leave no tool untouched to undermine our critical infrastructure. In 2017, officials from China’s top internet regulator broadcast their goal to enhance the “global influence of internet companies like Alibaba, Tencent, Baidu [and] Huawei’ and ‘to push China’s proposition of internet governance toward becoming an international consensus’.” Beyond this, there is ample public evidence that these companies collude with and are connected to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), both directly and through China’s civil-military fusion programs, and require immediate inclusion on the 1260H list. Just last month, the Financial Times reported that a White House national security memo included intelligence on how Alibaba provides the PLA with capabilities that weaken our national security. Specifically, the memo referenced that Alibaba provided Xi and his military with sensitive customer data, including IP addresses, Wi-Fi information and payment records, AI-related services, and so-called “zero-day” software vulnerabilities. These descriptions alone appear to meet the statutory definition of a Chinese Military Company required for list inclusion, particularly as an entity engaged in “providing commercial services, manufacturing, producing, or exporting.” Additionally, Communist China’s civil-military fusion program requires companies to share technology with the PLA, and Alibaba’s alleged affiliation with the PLA highlights the extent of China’s military-civil fusion project – including its use of e-commerce companies to gather personal data of American citizens. Baidu’s ties to Xi, the CCP, and the PLA are similarly alarming. In 2017, Baidu instituted internal Communist Party committees as part of broader corporate governance and “party-building.” Earlier this year, members of Congress sent a letter to Securities and Exchange Chairman Paul Atkins warning that “Baidu Maps is embedded into the Integrated Joint Operations Platform used to surveil Uyghurs in Xinjiang…[Baidu has also] procured high-performance computing systems from Sugon, a Chinese military company sanctioned by the United States for aiding China’s nuclear weapons program. Baidu was also selected to lead China’s AI national laboratory eight years ago, and has a quantum research center with military-linked institutions. This PLA connection is especially concerning, given Baidu’s artificial intelligence and advanced technology products with dual-use capabilities. The DoW’s assessment of BYD Co. as a Chinese military company is also well-founded. The 2024 National Defense Authorization Act already prevents the DoW from purchasing batteries from BYD beginning October 1, 2027 because of this connection. A 2019 report also indicates that BYD plays a significant role in China’s military-civil fusion strategy and helps send advanced foreign technology back to Communist China, citing its cooperation with a PLA-linked weapons base, its research activities in military-civil fusion zones, national recognition for military-related collaboration, and close technological ties with Huawei. Similar claims have been made in Congressional hearings as well. In May, the House Homeland Security Committee sent a letter to BYD North America and its U.S. brand, RIDE Mobility, asking for additional information on its corporate structure and whether BYD had ever been asked to comply with Communist China’s National Intelligence Law, Data Security Law, or Cybersecurity Law, which would require the company to share sensitive personal data of millions of Americans with the CCP and PLA. Given the wide-ranging implications these laws could have on Americans’ data and our national security, the DoW is absolutely correct to investigate and affirmatively conclude that BYD’s inclusion on the 1260H list is warranted. There is extensive, publicly available evidence that raises serious concerns regarding Alibaba, Baidu, BYD, and the five other reported PRC-based companies and their affiliations with the Chinese military. It is essential to our nation’s security and the safety of American families that you add these companies to the Section 1260H list during your latest annual update, and that we keep these companies from encroaching on the lives and exploiting the data of American citizens. I urge you to work with the White House and other federal agencies to include these companies on the DoW blacklist in the coming weeks. I thank you again for your steadfast leadership of the Department of War and your commitment to protecting Americans and our national security. I look forward to your timely response. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/12/in-case-you-missed-it-sen-rick-scott-joins-fox-news-faulker-focus-to-discuss-pres-trump-s-2025-wins-his-more-affordable-care-act-to-drive-down-health-care-costs,IN CASE YOU MISSED IT… Sen. Rick Scott Joins Fox News’ Faulker Focus to Discuss Pres. Trump’s 2025 Wins & His More Affordable Care Act to Drive Down Health Care Costs,2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,FL,Rick Scott,S001217,www.rickscott.senate.gov,rickscott,https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, Senator Rick Scott joined the Faulkner Focus on Fox News to discuss President Trump’s big wins for the American people in his first year as he works to deliver on his promises of putting Americans first, securing the border, cutting taxes, and reversing Biden’s disastrous, inflation-fueling policies. Senator Scott also discussed his work to pass his More Affordable Care Act to fix the health care crisis Obamacare has created. This bill, led by RSC Chairman August Pfluger in the House, will drive down health care costs and empower Americans to take charge of their health care, increase transparency and competition in the system, and allow families to shop across state lines. The senator’s More Affordable Care Act also acts on President Trump’s call to send any federal support directly to families, rather than insurance companies, through new HSA-style Trump Health Freedom Accounts that allow families to shop for the plan that best fits their needs. See more from Senator Scott during his interview with Fox News HERE or below: Senator Scott outlines his More Affordable Care Act in Fox News HERE and with Chairman Pfluger in the Washington Examiner HERE. The More Affordable Care Act: Establishes Trump Health Freedom Accounts, HSA-style accounts that ensure federal dollars to support families are delivered to them directly, not funneled to insurance companies; These funds can be applied to premiums and will be Hyde-compliant by restricting use on abortion health plans or abortion services; Offers more options for plans that will create market-driven incentives to drive down costs; Allows Americans to shop across state lines with the creation of a state waiver program within the Affordable Care Act, further expanding competition within the health insurance market and the availability of health insurance plans within existing ACA exchanges. Any health insurance plan that is approved by a waiver state’s insurance commissioner shall be sold on an easily accessible exchange, whether that’s the federal exchange of healthcare.gov, a state’s exchange, or a state-managed, commercially run exchange. Enhances President Trump’s Executive Order to increase transparency in health care and provide patients with the price and quality of a good or service in advance. Families will have up-front pricing on what things will cost them – a health care menu – so they can make informed decisions and plan for their needs. Maintains protections for pre-existing conditions; and Enhances the Small Business Tax Credit to encourage employer-sponsored coverage and increase accessibility. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/12/sen-rick-scott-introduces-bill-to-revoke-communist-china-s-trade-privileges-and-prioritize-american-jobs,Sen. Rick Scott Introduces Bill to Revoke Communist China’s Trade Privileges and Prioritize American Jobs,2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,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 announced the introduction of his No Trade Preferences for Communist China Act. This bill will revoke the permanent trade relations status of Communist China, an adversary to the United States. This legislation aligns with President Trump’s efforts hold Communist China accountable and ensure the United States is not taken advantage of by ensuring China is treated as an adversary, not a partner. Communist China has failed to uphold its end of any deal with the United States since being granted permanent normal trade relations status – instead, using this to undermine the United States’ economy, steal Americans’ intellectual property, and harm our families, businesses, and national security. Senator Rick Scott said, “Communist China has long taken advantage of our open markets, stealing our technology, undermining American workers and businesses, and harming American families. It’s clear China is an adversary, not a trusted partner to the United States, and they have proven that time and time again. President Trump is doing an incredible job putting America first and cracking down on Communist China’s abuses, and as he works to hold Communist China accountable to its word, he must have every ounce of leverage available. My bill, the No Trade Preferences for Communist China Act, revokes Communist China’s preferred trade status to send a clear message that the United States will not give privileges to nations that continuously prove they aren’t worthy of them.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/12/sen-rick-scott-introduces-no-tax-exemptions-for-terror-act-to-strip-tax-exempt-status-from-cair,Sen. Rick Scott Introduces No Tax-Exemptions for Terror Act to Strip Tax-Exempt Status From CAIR,2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,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 announced his No Tax-Exemptions for Terror Act to eliminate the special tax-exempt status for the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), an organization found to have ties to terrorism. Senator Marsha Blackburn is a cosponsor of the legislation. Senator Rick Scott said, “Groups like CAIR, which identify as charities yet have been identified by the FBI as having ties to terrorist activity, don’t deserve special tax treatment or get breaks designed for charitable organizations. Period. My bill makes that clear by revoking their tax-exempt status. America fights terrorists, we do not fund them.” Senator Marsha Blackburn said, “It goes without saying that organizations tied to terrorism should not receive tax benefits. The No Tax Exemptions for Terror Act would ensure radical groups like the Council on American-Islamic Relations are not rewarded for doing the bidding of terrorists.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/12/in-case-you-missed-it-sen-rick-scott-on-cnn-i-m-fighting-to-fix-obamacare-and-drive-the-cost-of-health-care-down-with-my-more-affordable-care-act,IN CASE YOU MISSED IT… Sen. Rick Scott on CNN: I’m Fighting to Fix Obamacare and Drive the Cost of Health Care Down with My More Affordable Care Act,2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,FL,Rick Scott,S001217,www.rickscott.senate.gov,rickscott,https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, Senator Rick Scott joined CNN’s The Source with Kaitlan Collins last night to discuss his health care bill, The More Affordable Care Act, which empowers patients to take control of their health care and shop for plans that best fit their families’ needs. Americans – and even Democrats – know Obamacare has failed, and Senator Scott’s More Affordable Care Act offers a real solution to problems created under Obamacare by delivering commonsense reforms that lower costs, increase transparency, and expand families’ access to personalized coverage for their specific needs. By directing federal support to families rather than insurance companies through HSA-style Trump Health Freedom Accounts that allow funds to be applied to premiums, the More Affordable Care Act will create real competition and consumer choice in the health care market for every American. Chairman August Pfluger is leading this legislation in the House of Representatives. See more on Senator Scott’s plan from his CNN interview HERE or below: Senator Scott outlines his More Affordable Care Act in Fox News HERE and with Chairman Pfluger in the Washington Examiner HERE. The More Affordable Care Act: Establishes Trump Health Freedom Accounts, HSA-style accounts that ensure federal dollars to support families are delivered to them directly, not funneled to insurance companies; These funds can be applied to premiums and will be Hyde-compliant by restricting use on abortion health plans or abortion services; Offers more options for plans that will create market-driven incentives to drive down costs; Allows Americans to shop across state lines with the creation of a state waiver program within the Affordable Care Act, further expanding competition within the health insurance market and the availability of health insurance plans within existing ACA exchanges. Any health insurance plan that is approved by a waiver state’s insurance commissioner shall be sold on an easily accessible exchange, whether that’s the federal exchange of healthcare.gov, a state’s exchange, or a state-managed, commercially run exchange. Enhances President Trump’s Executive Order to increase transparency in health care and provide patients with the price and quality of a good or service in advance. Families will have up-front pricing on what things will cost them – a health care menu – so they can make informed decisions and plan for their needs. Maintains protections for pre-existing conditions; and Enhances the Small Business Tax Credit to encourage employer-sponsored coverage and increase accessibility. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/12/sen-rick-scott-announces-big-wins-for-florida-pres-trump-s-agenda-following-fy2026-ndaa-passage,"Sen. Rick Scott Announces Big Wins for Florida, Pres. Trump’s Agenda Following FY2026 NDAA Passage",2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,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, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and chairman of the SASC Subcommittee on Seapower, announced big wins for Florida, our warfighters, and President Trump’s agenda following the final passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in the House and Senate. Senator Scott has fought hard to secure provisions in the NDAA to support Florida’s military men and women, veterans, and their families. This year’s NDAA delivers and builds on his work to hold Communist China accountable and invest in Florida’s military installations and service members, including improvement projects at Eglin Air Force Base, Homestead Air Reserve Base, and Florida’s Space Coast. The final package included Senator Scott’s Chinese List Entity Alignment and Review (CLEAR) Act, which requires a full review by the Department of War (DoW) of any Chinese entity listed under any other U.S. government restrictions to determine whether it should also appear on the 1260H list of Chinese companies benefitting their military. Senator Rick Scott said, “Our military men and women put their lives on the line every day to keep our country and our communities safe. As Florida’s U.S. Senator, it is my honor to fight for these heroes and their families in Congress by working with President Trump to deliver the support and resources necessary to complete their mission of keeping our country safe, while also showing up for their loved ones. “This year’s NDAA includes big wins for the Sunshine State, our military community, and our national security, with key investments to support Florida’s military installations, give our service members a well-deserved raise, keep Homestead Air Reserve fully ready for a renewed flying mission, and ensure this administration has the resources they need to stand up to our adversaries and enact peace through strength around the world. “As our nation faces enemies and growing threats from around the globe, I am especially proud to have secured key provisions that protect our national security by getting Communist China out of our supply chains, holding North Korea and Iran accountable, and standing with allies like Israel that work with us to fight evil. I will always fight to deliver for our warfighters, their families, and our great state and to advance our national security.” Senator Scott successfully fought to include several amendments and measures in the FY 2026 NDAA, including: A force-wide pay raise of 3.8% for military members; Securing over $950 million for military construction projects throughout Florida, including the land acquisition and building of a Child Development Center at Eglin Air Force Base to increase access to childcare for military families in the Panhandle; Extending the joint use prohibition at Homestead Air Reserve Base to 2034 to protect the military mission as threats to U.S. national security rise in Latin America; Providing support for United States’ ally, Israel, and a total of $80 million for counter-tunneling cooperation; and Allowing five Service Academy student-athletes to play professional sports and continue to serve our country; Enact a ban on purchase of Communist Chinese computers and printers by the Department of War (DoW); Ban purchase of Communist Chinese solar panels and inverters from Foreign Entities of Concern; Ensure the Secretary of War can add Communist Chinese Companies to the 1260H list if those companies are added to other lists of concern; Require the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to produce a report on the wealth of the Chinese Communist Party's leadership; Requiring the Secretary of Defense to gather information about utilizing civilian large cargo aircraft to continue the rapid growth and development of Florida’s space coast ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/12/in-case-you-missed-it-sen-rick-scott-chair-august-pfluger-discuss-their-more-affordable-care-act-on-republican-study-committee-podcast,"IN CASE YOU MISSED IT… Sen. Rick Scott, Chair August Pfluger Discuss their More Affordable Care Act on Republican Study Committee Podcast",2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,FL,Rick Scott,S001217,www.rickscott.senate.gov,rickscott,https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/,page_html,"Stop Giving Money to Insurance Companies - Give it to the Person! WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, Senator Rick Scott joined Republican Study Committee Chairman August Pfluger on the ‘Right to the Point’ podcast to discuss their bill to fix Obamacare – the More Affordable Care Act. During the episode, Senator Scott and Chairman Pfluger outlined how their plan would address the failures of Obamacare that have driven up costs and limited choices for American families. The More Affordable Care Act delivers commonsense reforms to lower premiums, increase transparency, and expand access to plans that fit families’ individual needs by empowering Americans to be consumers in their own health care by directing federal support to each family, not insurance companies, through HSA-style Trump Health Freedom Accounts to create real competition and consumer choice in the health care market. Read Senator Scott’s and Chairman Pfluger’s efforts in their recent Washington Examiner op-ed HERE or watch them in the full podcast episode below. Senators Mike Lee and Cynthia Lummis are cosponsors in the Senate. Congressmen Aaron Bean, Julie Fedorchak, Jim Baird, Andrew Clyde, and Craig Goldman are cosponsors in the House of Representatives. Read what industry leaders are saying about the More Affordable Care Act HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/12/in-case-you-missed-it-sen-rick-scott-chair-august-pfluger-pen-op-ed-on-more-affordable-care-act-america-s-health-care-crisis-has-a-cure-will-congress-prescribe-it,"IN CASE YOU MISSED IT… Sen. Rick Scott, Chair August Pfluger Pen Op-Ed on More Affordable Care Act: ‘America’s Health Care Crisis has a Cure. Will Congress Prescribe it?’",2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,FL,Rick Scott,S001217,www.rickscott.senate.gov,rickscott,https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, Senator Rick Scott and Republican Study Committee Chairman August Pfluger wrote an op-ed for the Washington Examiner exposing what millions of families already know firsthand: Obamacare has failed. After a decade of soaring premiums, shrinking networks, and broken promise after broken promise, Senator Scott and Chairman Pfluger are calling on Congress to stop patching a collapsing system and implement commonsense fixes to help American families. Their More Affordable Care Act delivers real reform Americans deserve by lowering costs, offering choices in their health care plans, and finally putting patients ahead of insurance companies and Washington bureaucracy. In the op-ed, Senator Scott and Chairman Pfluger write, “Fifteen years ago, President Barack Obama stood before the people and made a promise: The Affordable Care Act would lower premiums and expand choice, and if you liked your plan and your doctor, you could keep them. Families believed him. They trusted that Washington would finally make healthcare more accessible and affordable. Today, those same families know a different reality. … The promise was cheap. The reality is expensive. This crisis requires more than rhetoric; it requires action. We introduced the More Affordable Care Act to address the fundamental problems plaguing our healthcare system while preserving the protections upon which Americans depend. … Our approach is straightforward: stop treating families like statistics and start treating them like the capable decision-makers they are. Instead of funneling billions of taxpayer dollars through layers of bureaucracy to large insurance companies, redirect those resources into Trump Health Freedom Accounts, where individuals have control over their healthcare dollars. Families can use these funds to pay premiums or other healthcare expenses, while also having the flexibility to shop for insurance across state lines to compare multiple plans and choose coverage that truly meets their needs. … Rather than being forced to accept whatever narrow physician and hospital network Washington or an insurance company offers, families will have real, affordable options. … Our proposal provides the people with solutions to the core complaints Americans have about their healthcare: costs, choice, and transparency. It is a proposal that maintains the exchanges, protects coverage for preexisting conditions, and supports working people. At the same time, it radically transfers power away from Washington and into the hands of patients by allowing you to keep the money you earn, shop for the care that fits your needs, and know the true cost of the treatments you’re considering. This isn’t ideological warfare; it’s common sense.” Read the full op-ed in the Washington Examiner HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/12/sen-rick-scott-introduces-no-bounties-on-badges-act-to-combat-threats-against-law-enforcement,Sen. Rick Scott Introduces No Bounties on Badges Act to Combat Threats Against Law Enforcement,2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,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 announced his No Bounties on Badges Act to authorize federal rewards for information leading to the arrest, conviction, or prevention of individuals who offer bounties to harm or kill law enforcement officers. This bill expands existing federal reward authority to explicitly cover attempts to intimidate or target police through paid incentives. Senators Tedd Budd, Mike Lee, Pete Ricketts, John Kennedy, and Lindsey Graham are cosponsors. Senator Rick Scott said, “Our men and women in law enforcement already face enormous risks, and anyone who puts a price on harming them should be held fully accountable. My No Bounties on Badges Act makes clear that the federal government will aggressively pursue anyone who offers bounties or financial incentives to target the men and women who protect our communities. By expanding reward authority, we’re giving investigators another tool to stop these violent acts before they happen. I will continue working to ensure our officers have the support, protection, and respect they deserve for putting their lives on the line protecting us all.” Senator Ted Budd said, “Every day, our law enforcement officers answer the call to keep our communities safe. Any bounty placed on their heads is intolerable and will be confronted with the full force of the law. I am proud to stand with Senator Scott to empower the Attorney General to find these criminals and hold them accountable for threats to our police.” Senator John Kennedy said, “Narco-terrorists and violent lunatics are offering cash rewards for the physical harm of American law enforcement officers. That’s despicable and cannot stand. The No Bounties on Badges Act would strengthen the good guys’ ability to identify, stop and prosecute sick monsters who put officers’ lives at risk.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/12/sen-rick-scott-backs-bill-for-balanced-budget-constitutional-amendment,Sen. Rick Scott Backs Bill for Balanced Budget Constitutional Amendment,2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,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 announced his sponsorship of Senator Jon Husted’s Principles-Based Balanced Budget Amendment, which would amend the Constitution to require the federal government to balance its budget, just like every American family and business has to do. Once implemented, the amendment would require a supermajority in Congress to authorize any emergency spending that exceeds the nation’s revenues. As Governor of Florida, Senator Scott implemented policies and made the hard choices that turned Florida’s debt and large budget deficit into a balanced budget, while also cutting taxes, paying off one-third of the state’s debt, and making record investments in education, transportation, and the environment. Senator Rick Scott said, “In the past five years alone, our nation has added $11 TRILLION to our now $38 TRILLION national debt and fueled inflation for the American people because Washington just can’t stop spending outside of its means. Democrats spent our nation into oblivion for years, making $2 trillion deficits and spending like drunken sailors the norm in Washington, all with zero consideration for the American people left footing the bill. A balanced budget is only a foreign concept in Washington. Families across our nation don’t have the luxury of spending money they don’t have; neither do businesses, and neither should our government. I’ve worked for years to rein in this wasteful spending and do what we did in Florida: go through the budget line-by-line and make sure every single dollar spent makes sense for the American people. But, clearly, we have to do more to bring fiscal sanity and change Washington’s dysfunction. Our constitutional amendment will force accountability on Washington politicians, making sure Congress is using your dollars in your best interests and spending within our means.” This legislation builds on Senator Rick Scott’s Make Washington Work plan to end the tired, dysfunctional status quo in Washington and ensure the U.S. government works in the best interests of American families. This includes: The No Budget, No Pay Act prohibits Members of Congress from being paid in a fiscal year until both chambers approve the budget resolution and pass all regular appropriations bills for that fiscal year. Funding the government is a basic job of Congress, and this bill holds members accountable for meeting appropriations deadlines or forgo their taxpayer-funded salaries until the job is done. Constitutional Amendments to provide the President line-item veto power, establish term limits for Members of Congress, and require a supermajority to raise taxes or fees on the American people. This joint resolution proposes constitutional amendments that bring much-needed reform to the federal government, prioritizing return on investment for American tax dollars and ensuring Washington is working in the best interests of American families. Repealing automatic pay raises for Members of Congress; and His Let’s Get to Work Act encourages every individual who can work to do so, which will help our nation’s economy thrive. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/12/sen-rick-scott-joins-sens-ashley-moody-marsha-blackburn-with-halo-act-to-establish-penalties-for-obstructing-immigration-enforcement-officers,"Sen. Rick Scott Joins. Sens. Ashley Moody, Marsha Blackburn with Halo Act to Establish Penalties for Obstructing Immigration Enforcement Officers",2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,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 Senators Ashley Moody and Marsha Blackburn to introduce the Halo Act to establish criminal penalties for anyone who obstructs, threatens, or harasses federal immigration enforcement officers carrying out their jobs. The Halo Act enhances officer safety and strengthens the enforcement of federal immigration law to protect American citizens. Senator Rick Scott said, “No member of our law enforcement should fear harassment or intimidation while doing their job of upholding the law. Our Halo Act ensures they can do their jobs without interference or threats, especially at a time when these dangers are rapidly increasing. I’m proud to join Senator Moody on this commonsense measure to protect those who selflessly protect our nation. We owe these men and women not only our gratitude, but also every possible safeguard as they put themselves in harm’s way to keep our communities and our borders secure.” Senator Ashley Moody said, “As Florida’s Attorney General, I helped make Florida the most pro-law enforcement state in the nation—I’m now taking that fight to D.C. The recent incidents of federal officers being harassed or targeted while simply carrying out their responsibilities are alarming and cannot be tolerated. No one serving this nation should be intimidated or obstructed from doing their job. That’s why I’m so glad my Halo Act is gaining support, with more of my colleagues signing as cosponsors and saying ‘No more.’ Protecting our officers from threats is not optional—it is essential to the rule of law.” Senator Marsha Blackburn said, “Assaults and violence against ICE officers have surged by more than 1,150% compared to last year, and left-wing activists across the country will do anything to keep these men and women from enforcing the rule of law. The Halo Act would make it illegal to physically harass and intimidate a federal immigration officer and prevent radical activists from interfering with law enforcement’s work to keep our communities safe.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/12/what-they-are-saying-sen-rick-scott-s-more-affordable-care-act-praised-for-putting-patients-first-driving-down-costs,WHAT THEY ARE SAYING… Sen. Rick Scott’s More Affordable Care Act Praised for Putting Patients First & Driving Down Costs,2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,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 highlighted the increasingly broad support for his and Chairman August Pfluger’s More Affordable Care Act, to fix Obamacare and drive down health care costs for American families. The More Affordable Care Act makes common sense fixes to help families get care that fits their needs, ensures any support goes directly to Americans, and not insurance companies, through HSA-style Trump Health Freedom Accounts that put health care decisions back in the hands of patients and allows them to apply funds directly to premiums, encourages competition, and instills transparency to empower families to make their own decisions. Read more on Senator Scott’s More Affordable Care Act HERE or from industry leaders below: Economic Policy Innovation Center’s Executive Vice President Brittany Madni said, “Senator Rick Scott and Chairman August Pfluger’s More Affordable Care Act is exactly the sort of pro-freedom healthcare leadership that is needed to drive down costs for both patients and taxpayers. This fiscally responsible legislation stops Obamacare from doing more damage and handing over billions from the Treasury directly to Big Insurance through the subsidy scheme. It opens up competition in the market, gives patients options, and institutes commonsense reforms to safeguard taxpayer dollars. Ultimately, through the creation of the Trump Health Freedom Accounts and transparency measures, the More Affordable Care Act improves access to quality healthcare.” The Foundation for Government Accountability’s President and Chief Executive Officer Tarren Bragdon said, “Obamacare has failed American families…for years, conservatives have talked about expanding choice, increasing transparency, and supporting the needs of individuals instead of insurers. This bill accomplishes those goals…Senator Scott’s bill offers a free-market alternative that will finally put patients first and start to drive down the cost of coverage for Americans struggling with the rising cost of health care.” Dr. Monique Yohanan, senior fellow for health policy at Independent Women wrote in an op-ed for The Hill, “The proposal expands portability so that insurance becomes something people own rather than something assigned to them…Portability restores the American expectation that opportunity requires the freedom to move. It treats insurance the way we treat every other essential product: something individuals choose, not something contingent on employment or geography…Transparency exposes prices and portability gives consumers the ability to act…Portability expands choices and transparency ensures those choices are informed…Information without choice is powerless. Choice without information is meaningless.” President Joel White of The Council for Affordable Health Coverage (CAHC) endorsed the legislation saying, “ACA premiums have more than doubled – rising 129 percent – since the law took effect, far outpacing employer-sponsored coverage, and the general rate of inflation…small businesses now face some of the highest premiums and the fewest insurance options in the entire system…The combination of remarkably high deductibles and highly restrictive networks means many ACA enrollees lack access to care they need to get or stay healthy. The problem is not simply that families pay too much – it is that they are paying more for less. CAHC shares your commitment to drive down costs, expand coverage options and transparency, and empower customers and small businesses with control over their health care dollars…We welcome the opportunity to work with you to help ensure this legislation advances through Congress.” Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform celebrated the legislation saying, “Healthcare costs are rising because Obamacare continues to fail. Under Obama and Biden’s system, Americans have seen their premiums skyrocket, a loathsome decline in their health care options, and shameless handouts to big insurance providers. Democrats now want to bail out Obamacare by extending the enhanced premium tax subsidies they swore were temporary policy to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Thankfully, Senator Rick Scott and Representative August Pfluger introduced the More Affordable Care Act, a bill that would establish Trump Health Freedom Accounts, offer Americans more plan options, allow Americans to shop across state lines for coverage, increase transparency in the ACA Marketplace, and enhance the Small Business Tax Credit to encourage employer-sponsored coverage. Sen. Scott and Rep. Pfluger's bill contains conservative reforms that actually reduce the costs of healthcare. No Republican should support extending the enhanced premium tax subsidies. I urge Congress to pass the More Affordable Care Act.” Americans for Prosperity’s Senior Health Policy Fellow Dean Clancy stated, “Instead of funding big insurance, this bill funds patients. Instead of empowering bureaucrats, it empowers you and the doctors you trust. Our activists will be working hard to advance this legislation because it advances a personal option: reliable, hassle/free health care you can afford.” Health Care expert and Chief Executive Officer of Direct Care Alliance David Balat recently commented, “This puts the power back into the back into the hands of patients. Where they are now shopping for insurance plans. It will drive up competition. What happens when competition increases? Prices go down.” Read more on Senator Scott’s More Affordable Care Act HERE or in his Fox News op-ed HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/12/sen-rick-scott-s-more-affordable-care-act-to-fix-obamacare-gains-additional-senate-support-with-sens-mike-lee-cynthia-lummis,"Sen. Rick Scott’s More Affordable Care Act to Fix Obamacare Gains Additional Senate Support with Sens. Mike Lee, Cynthia Lummis",2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,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 announced the support of Senators Mike Lee and Cynthia Lummis on his More Affordable Care Act, to fix the failures of Obamacare and drive down costs for American families. Congressman August Pfluger, chairman of the Republican Study Committee, is leading this bill in the House of Representatives. The common sense More Affordable Care Act allows American families to choose the health care coverage that best fits their individual needs by increasing transparency in the health care system, offering families the choice to shop across state lines, and sending any federal subsidies directly to Americans instead of insurance companies using HSA-style Trump Health Freedom Accounts that allow these funds to be applied to premiums and put health care decisions in the hands of Americans. Senator Scott also outlined his proposal in his recent Fox News op-ed, “I Grew Up in Public Housing and I Know How to Fix Obamacare.” Senator Rick Scott said, “American families see clearly that Obamacare has failed to deliver on its promises – instead, it created a broken system that screwed over the American people with higher costs and fewer options. Families are left paying higher premiums and higher deductibles for health care plans that don’t even fit their needs. We can fix that: we just have to let Americans be the consumer so they can get care that truly fits their needs and drive competition to lower costs. I’m proud to have the support of Senators Mike Lee and Cynthia Lummis, as well as Chairman August Pfluger in the House on my More Affordable Care Act that makes commonsense changes that empower American patients, not the government, to make their own decisions. We can make Obamacare actually work for families by giving them options, allowing them to shop across state lines, increasing transparency in health care, and giving any financial support to them directly through HSA-style Trump Health Freedom Accounts so families can choose the care that fits their needs. With more competition, clearer pricing, and allowing Americans, not government, to be the consumer, we can transform Obamacare into a system that gives Americans the freedom to get the care they need.” Senator Mike Lee said, “Obamacare has scammed American families from the start. The More Affordable Care Act will let the free market run its course to deliver lower pricing and improved transparency so Americans can make informed and affordable decisions. Trump Health Freedom accounts will ensure Americans get the aid they’ve been allocated, instead of handing it out to insurance companies. States will be able to opt out of Obamacare provisions and allow residents to shop across state lines for better health plans. These changes will advance President Trump’s health care transparency agenda and start to relieve Americans from the lies sold by Obamacare.” Senator Cynthia Lummis said, “I'm pleased to be working with Senator Rick Scott and other Republicans who are coming up with sensible solutions to try and fix the mess that is the Affordable Care Act. American taxpayers should not be subsidizing insurance companies; instead, we need to be empowering patients. The More Affordable Care Act includes pre-existing condition protections, lower costs for families, and forces competition into the healthcare marketplace.” Chairman August Pfluger said, “I'm proud to fight alongside Chairman Rick Scott in introducing the More Affordable Care Act to fix the Democrats' Obamacare disaster that left families with skyrocketing costs and broken promises. By establishing Health Freedom Accounts, we’re putting health care decisions back where they belong: in the hands of American families, not Washington bureaucrats. The American people deserve better than throwing more money at a failed system, and we're delivering the commonsense solutions they expect.” Senator Scott’s legislation: Establishes Trump Health Freedom Accounts, HSA-style accounts that ensure federal dollars to support families are delivered to them directly, not funneled to insurance companies; These funds can be applied to premiums and will be Hyde-compliant by restricting use on abortion health plans or abortion services; Offers more options for plans that will create market-driven incentives to drive down costs; Allows Americans to shop across state lines with the creation of a state waiver program within the Affordable Care Act, further expanding competition within the health insurance market and the availability of health insurance plans within existing ACA exchanges. Any health insurance plan that is approved by a waiver state’s insurance commissioner shall be sold on an easily accessible exchange, whether that’s the federal exchange of healthcare.gov, a state’s exchange, or a state-managed, commercially run exchange. Enhances President Trump’s Executive Order to increase transparency in health care and provide patients with the price and quality of a good or service in advance. Families will have up-front pricing on what things will cost them – a health care menu – so they can make informed decisions and plan for their needs. Maintains protections for pre-existing conditions; and Enhances the Small Business Tax Credit to encourage employer-sponsored coverage and increase accessibility. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/12/sen-rick-scott-calls-for-passage-of-resolution-denouncing-socialism-it-s-the-antithesis-of-the-american-dream,Sen. Rick Scott Calls for Passage of Resolution Denouncing Socialism: It’s the Antithesis of the American Dream,2025-12-09,2025,2025-12,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 spoke on the Senate floor calling for the unanimous passage of his resolution condemning socialism as a failed ideology and the antithesis of the American Dream. Senator Scott’s resolution serves as a clear warning that socialism has only ever led to tyranny and less opportunity for all – and Americans will always reject it. Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar led the passage of the companion resolution in the House of Representatives. Watch Senator Scott’s remarks in the video above or read his opening remarks as prepared for delivery below: “Mr. President, When I talk to families in Florida and around the nation, I hear often how they’re struggling to make ends meet. The cost of health care is up, owning a home has become nearly unattainable. The former administration pushed the American dream further and further out of reach for so many families. I grew up in public housing, and my family didn’t have much. And I look across the country, and I see families, just like mine growing up, that are doing everything they can to make ends meet. But I knew I had the opportunity to do anything because the American dream was alive. As Governor and Senator, my goal has been to keep the American Dream alive so every family can have the same opportunities I did. That dream and those opportunities don’t exist under socialism. When crazy radicals in New York City and across this country villainize capitalism and push socialism, they forget that they’ve benefited from the very system they criticize. Socialism has never worked. It’s just an old, barbaric discredited idea that’s failed every time it’s been tried. Just look at Cuba and Venezuela and the many families who fled those brutal regimes to live in my state of Florida. It kills opportunity. We need to drive down costs. The answer isn’t more government – it’s less. We need to do what we did in Florida: cut taxes, reduce government regulations, and grow jobs. The United States was built on individual freedoms and opportunities, and the right of every individual to pursue the American Dream despite coming from nothing, just like I did. That’s what America stands for. This resolution is a stark reminder for the far-left: socialism is a failure, and Americans will always reject it.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/12/in-case-you-missed-it-sen-rick-scott-s-more-affordable-care-act-to-fix-obamacare-garners-support-with-house-lead-rsc-chairman-august-pfluger,IN CASE YOU MISSED IT… Sen. Rick Scott’s More Affordable Care Act to Fix Obamacare Garners Support with House Lead RSC Chairman August Pfluger,2025-12-08,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,FL,Rick Scott,S001217,www.rickscott.senate.gov,rickscott,https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging Chairman Rick Scott’s More Affordable Care Act will be led in the House of Representatives by Congressman August Pfluger, chairman of the Republican Study Committee (RSC). Chairman Scott and Chairman Pfluger’s plan will give American families the flexibility they need to choose the coverage that truly fits their individual needs by increasing transparency in the system, offering them the choice to shop across state lines, and sending any federal subsidies directly to Americans, not to insurance companies, using HSA-style Trump Health Freedom Accounts to put health care decisions in the hands of each and every American. Chairman Scott also outlined his proposal in his recent Fox News op-ed, “I Grew Up in Public Housing and I Know How to Fix Obamacare.” Chairman Rick Scott said, “American families see clearly that Obamacare has failed to deliver on its promises – instead, it created a broken system that screwed over the American people. It’s time to fix it by allowing Americans to be the consumer so they can get care that truly fits their needs and makes health care more affordable. I’m proud to partner with Chairman Pfluger on my More Affordable Care Act that makes commonsense changes that empowers American patients, not the government, to make their own decisions. We don’t have to replace Obamacare, we keep exchanges, we keep protections for preexisting conditions – but we can add options for families, allowing them to shop across state lines, increasing transparency in health care, and giving any financial support to them directly through HSA-style Trump Health Freedom Accounts so families can choose the care that fits their needs. With more competition, clearer pricing, and allowing Americans, not government, to be the consumer, we can transform Obamacare into a system that gives Americans the freedom to get the care they need.” Chairman August Pfluger said, “I'm proud to fight alongside Chairman Rick Scott in introducing the More Affordable Care Act to fix the Democrats' Obamacare disaster that left families with skyrocketing costs and broken promises. By establishing Health Freedom Accounts, we’re putting health care decisions back where they belong: in the hands of American families, not Washington bureaucrats. The American people deserve better than throwing more money at a failed system, and we're delivering the commonsense solutions they expect.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/12/sen-rick-scott-encourages-usda-sec-to-support-florida-s-specialty-crops-in-any-potential-aid-package,Sen. Rick Scott Encourages USDA Sec. to Support Florida’s Specialty Crops in Any Potential Aid Package,2025-12-05,2025,2025-12,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 announced a letter to Brooke Rollins, secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, encouraging the full consideration and inclusion of specialty crop growers in any potential relief package to support growers affected by unfair trade practices and market distortions, which these growers have faced from Communist China, Latin America, and other foreign markets for years. Senator Scott additionally urged Secretary Rollins to prohibit the use of any aid dollars to purchase goods made in Communist China, ensuring relief flows exclusively to American producers to strengthen America’s domestic supply chains under President Trump’s America First agenda. Read the full letter HERE or below: Dear Secretary Rollins: First, thank you for your commitment to helping our growers and producers succeed. In Florida and across the country, our farmers are vital to our nation’s food supply and our rural communities, yet they have faced longstanding challenges that demand focused attention and support. As the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) considers agricultural aid and support, I ask that you ensure that specialty crop growers are fully included in any package. For years, Florida’s specialty crop producers have battled unfair trade practices and market distortions caused by Communist China, Latin America, and other foreign markets while also facing challenges such as citrus greening and hurricanes. Many of their foreign competitors enjoy government subsidies and operate under far weaker labor and environmental standards – even for imports into the United States – while Florida’s growers are held to some of the highest production standards in the world, leaving them to compete on an uneven playing field. The decades-long dispute between Florida’s specialty crop growers and Mexican producers offers a clear example of these inequities. Despite multiple antidumping investigations and suspension agreements by the Department of Commerce, Mexican producers continue to engage in pricing practices that undermine U.S. markets and depress prices for American farmers. While I am thrilled to see the administration act to address this on the global stage going forward, Florida growers have suffered as imported produce floods the market during our growing seasons, driving down prices and threatening family farms across our state. As the USDA prepares an agricultural aid package for industries harmed by Communist China and other foreign markets, such as the soybean industry, it is critical that specialty crop producers are explicitly included and receive equitable treatment. For too long, these hardworking farmers have been left behind while other commodity producers have received significant federal relief. I also recognize the USDA will fund such support with tariff revenues, which is a meaningful way to drive these investments back into the United States’ economy. To ensure these funds go directly to American growers and businesses, I ask that any aid prohibit the use of dollars to purchase agricultural commodities, equipment, or materials made in Communist China. It would be unacceptable for taxpayer-funded relief meant to support American farmers to flow, even indirectly, to the Chinese Communist Party or its state-backed industries. To that end, I respectfully request that the USDA immediately cease any current or future procurement or funding of agricultural goods or equipment from Communist China, and ensure that every dollar of this aid program works toward President Trump’s America First agenda by supporting American producers, American workers, and American supply chains. Florida’s specialty crop growers have proven their resilience time and again, but they cannot compete indefinitely against subsidized foreign products and unfair trade manipulation. By ensuring these producers are fully included in this upcoming aid package, funded responsibly through existing tariff revenues, and by keeping every federal dollar in the hands of American farmers—not Communist China—we can uphold our commitment to fairness, accountability, and national security. Thank you for your attention to this critical issue. I look forward to continuing to work with you to protect Florida’s farmers and ensure our federal agricultural policy always puts American interests first. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/12/sen-rick-scott-honors-anniversary-of-nas-pensacola-terrorist-attack,Sen. Rick Scott Honors 6th Anniversary of NAS Pensacola Terrorist Attack,2025-12-05,2025,2025-12,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 announced the introduction of his resolution ahead of the sixth anniversary of the horrific 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 Ashley Moody, Tommy Tuberville, Raphael Warnock, Jon Ossoff, and Katie Britt co-sponsored the resolution. In 2020, Senator Rick Scott fought to include the Secure U.S. Bases Act in the National Defense Authorization Act to reform foreign military student training programs following this attack at Naval Air Station Pensacola. This critical 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 significantly improves the security of our military installations, service members, their families, and communities. Senator Rick Scott said, “Ahead of the sixth anniversary of the devastating shooting at NAS Pensacola that took the lives of three brave Americans, Joshua Kaleb Watson, Mohammed Haitham, and Cameron Walters, we pause to honor their service and the lives they devoted to defending our nation. Their absence is felt every day by their families, friends, the NAS Pensacola community, and everyone who knew them. This tragic act of terror should never have occurred, and it’s why I fought for meaningful reform through my Secure U.S. Bases Act, which I am proud became law. I will never stop working to make sure our bases are safe and this never happens again. My commitment remains as strong today as ever. Every year, this resolution serves as a sign of solidarity to honor the lives and legacies of those we lost.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/12/sen-rick-scott-introduces-keep-china-out-of-solar-energy-act-to-stop-federal-funding-of-forced-labor,Sen. Rick Scott Introduces Keep China Out of Solar Energy Act to Stop Federal Funding of Forced Labor,2025-12-04,2025,2025-12,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 announced the reintroduction of his Keep China Out of Solar Energy Act to prohibit the federal government from buying solar panels manufactured or assembled in Communist China. This comes as reports show several solar companies maintain links to Communist China while having access to U.S. tax dollars. Senator Josh Hawley has cosponsored the legislation in the Senate. Congressman Carlos Giménez is leading companion legislation in the House of Representatives. Senator Rick Scott said, “Americans’ taxpayer dollars should always prioritize American jobs and American manufacturing – not support Communist China and its use of forced or slave labor while threatening our national security. Communist China has exploited every single loophole possible to gain footholds in our nation’s industries and undermine us. We must take action. My Keep China Out of Solar Energy Act, which prohibits federal dollars from buying solar panels made or assembled in Communist China, sends a clear message that the United States will not allow tax dollars to support an adversary at the expense of Americans.” Congressman Carlos Giménez said, “Communist China is at America’s 20-yard line, and we must stay on the cutting-edge of confronting the CCP’s reach across all industries. The Keep China Out of Solar Energy Act will prohibit federal agencies from purchasing solar panels manufactured or assembled in Communist China and move us toward true American independence from the murderous regime in Beijing.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/12/sen-rick-scott-leads-bipartisan-florida-delegation-letter-to-president-trump-keep-oil-drilling-off-florida-s-coasts,Sen. Rick Scott Leads Bipartisan Florida Delegation Letter to President Trump: Keep Oil Drilling Off Florida’s Coasts,2025-12-04,2025,2025-12,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 led Florida’s entire congressional delegation in sending a letter to President Trump encouraging him to reject any potential plans from the Department of Interior that would violate his moratorium banning oil drilling off Florida's coasts. The members note that Florida's coasts are an iconic and pristine part of the state's environment, serve as a critical national security point for military training with the Gulf Test Range, and help generate jobs and over $127 billion in annual tourism spending. Senator Scott has worked with President Trump for years, both as governor and senator, to keep oil drilling off Florida’s pristine coasts and is sponsoring the American Shores Protection Act to codify the president's moratorium banning oil drilling off Florida's coasts through 2032. Read the full letter HERE or below: Dear President Trump: We write as members of Florida’s congressional delegation to express our strong opposition to any attempts to expand offshore oil and gas drilling off Florida’s coasts. In 2020, you made the right decision to use executive action to extend the moratorium on oil and gas leasing off Florida’s gulf and east coasts through 2032, recognizing the incredible value Florida’s pristine coasts have to our state’s economy, environment, and military community. This move received overwhelming and bipartisan support. The recent announcement from the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) on their proposed five-year offshore leasing plan, announced November 20, 2025, includes a “new” planning area called the South-Central Gulf of America. If this plan were to move forward, the area would clearly fall within the area protected under your moratorium in a clear violation of your 2020 Executive Order. This area also falls within the Gulf Test Range, a critical military training area used by several military forces along Florida’s Panhandle for advanced military testing, training, and evaluation of air and weapons systems. The Gulf Test Range, remains an integral part of Department of War training to ensure mission readiness and is supported by multiple military bases in Florida’s Panhandle. Collectively, these bases employ tens of thousands of military and civilian personnel and are of critical importance to national security. Eglin Air Force Base alone supports 20,000 personnel, provides the country with $11 billion in economic impact every year, and currently boasts 123,000 square miles of water range, which would all have to be reduced in an instance of an encroachment of the Gulf Test Range. The Gulf Test Range is the largest multi-domain military training and testing complex in the country, and its unique geographic characteristics enable critical preparation for real-world contingencies. Protecting this range from encroachment, including oil exploration, is essential. Over 50,000 jobs in the Panhandle depend directly on operations at these military facilities connected to the Gulf Test Range. Florida’s economy relies on that same beautiful coastline, vibrant tourism industry, and sustainable fisheries. In fact, Florida’s beaches alone generate more than $127.7 billion per year in tourism spending and support over 2.1 million tourism-related jobs. Unfortunately, all these resources suffered devastating harm during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill of 2010. That disaster wiped billions of dollars from Florida’s industries and caused irreparable damage to our environment and coastal communities. The risks posed by new offshore drilling far outweigh any short-term gains. For these reasons, we urge you to uphold your existing moratorium and keep Florida’s coasts off the table for oil and gas leasing. Florida’s economy, environment, and military readiness depend on this commitment. Thank you for your consideration and leadership in preserving Florida’s coast and security. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/12/as-sen-rick-scott-leads-congressional-investigation-into-california-s-response-to-palisades-wildfire-and-use-of-tax-dollars-gov-newsom-visits-dc-asking-for-more,"As Sen. Rick Scott Leads Congressional Investigation into California’s Response to Palisades Wildfire and Use of Tax Dollars, Gov. Newsom Visits DC Asking for More",2025-12-03,2025,2025-12,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 released the below statement on California Governor Gavin Newsom’s upcoming visit to Washington, D.C. Newsom is reportedly visiting D.C. to request additional federal tax dollars, while questions remain about the billions in federal funding that California has already received over the past decade, with the intention of supporting wildfire preparedness, suppression, and recovery. Residents of the Palisades allege that these funds have been wasted. Senator Rick Scott said, “As Governor Newsom makes his pitch in D.C. for more federal tax dollars, I encourage him to publicly share exactly how the state has used the billions in tax dollars it has already received over the past decade that were intended for wildfire preparedness and recovery, and that witnesses on the ground allege were wasted. Chairman Johnson and I have spent time in Governor Newsom’s state over the last few months as part of our official congressional investigation into the causes and failures that led to the Palisades Fire. We’ve heard from survivors of the devastation who lost their homes and livelihoods, and from the families of those who lost their lives. We’ve also heard about the roadblocks and bureaucracy that are still preventing victims from rebuilding their lives nearly a year later. According to these victims’ testimonies, California has not spent these federal dollars wisely or effectively. They deserve answers before California receives more of Americans’ hard-earned tax money. We’ll keep working to get those answers in our congressional investigation.” Senator Rick Scott and Senator Ron Johnson, chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee’s Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, continue to lead an ongoing congressional investigation into the January 2025 wildfires and recently held a field hearing in California, “Forgotten After the Flames: Stories from the Palisades Fire,” to hear from survivors, local leaders, and advocates. Witnesses shared how both they and older residents struggled to prepare, evacuate, and recover – and how many are still facing obstacles to rebuild. As part of their investigation, Senators Scott and Johnson have sent multiple letters to federal, state, and local officials seeking answers on California’s preparedness, mitigation, and response failures — including prevention efforts, prescribed burns, arson investigations, and overall disaster response and recovery. See more from the field hearing HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/12/in-case-you-missed-it-sen-rick-scott-on-fox-business-obamacare-isn-t-making-health-care-more-affordable-my-plan-fixes-it,IN CASE YOU MISSED IT… Sen. Rick Scott on Fox Business: Obamacare isn’t Making Health Care More Affordable – My Plan Fixes it,2025-12-03,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,FL,Rick Scott,S001217,www.rickscott.senate.gov,rickscott,https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, Senator Rick Scott appeared on Fox Businesses’ Kudlow yesterday to discuss his newly introduced legislation, the More Affordable Care Act, to fix the failures and rising costs of Obamacare that American families continue to face. Senator Scott’s plan works to give families more flexibility to choose coverage that truly fits their needs by increasing transparency in the system, allowing them to shop across state lines, and sending any federal subsidies directly to Americans, not to insurance companies, using HSA-style Trump Health Freedom Accounts to put health care decisions in Americans’ hands. Senator Scott also outlined his proposal in his recent Fox news op-ed, I Grew Up in Public Housing and I Know How to Fix Obamacare. Watch the full interview on Fox Business HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/12/sen-rick-scott-chair-john-moolenaar-to-sec-chair-crack-down-on-ccp-linked-firms-to-protect-americans-and-u-s-markets,"Sen. Rick Scott, Chair John Moolenaar to SEC Chair: Crack down on CCP-Linked Firms to Protect Americans and U.S. Markets",2025-12-03,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,FL,Rick Scott,S001217,www.rickscott.senate.gov,rickscott,https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Senator Rick Scott and Chairman John Moolenaar of the Select Committee on the CCP sent a letter to U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Paul Atkins urging decisive action to aggressively enforce existing laws, request information on any legislative action needed to protect American investors from foreign malign influence, and remove Chinese companies from our exchanges. This continues Senator Scott and Chairman Moolenaar’s push for the SEC to delist Chinese companies that pose serious national security and investor protection risks. Senator Scott helped lead the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act, which is now law, to protect America’s national security interests. In this letter, Senator Scott warns that, without immediate and forceful action, foreign adversaries will continue to undermine the stability and credibility of the U.S. financial system. Read the full letter HERE or below: Dear Chairman Atkins: In September, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced the formation of a cross-border task force to identify and combat cross-border fraud harming U.S. investors. This is an important initiative, and we strongly support this first step in protecting America’s financial exchanges from foreign malign influence. It is no secret that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) poses a significant threat to U.S. financial exchanges. Xi Jinping and the CCP have taken steps to harm the American economy and our way of life. For years, the U.S. Government has demonstrated concern with Chinese companies listed on U.S. Exchanges. These companies consistently fail to meet the requirements of our markets – misleading American investors and putting their investments, U.S. national security, and our economic security at risk. Despite these warnings, the Biden administration and SEC Chair Gensler consistently failed to delist foreign companies as required by the 2020 Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act (HFCAA). This law mandates that the SEC and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) delist foreign companies when the PCAOB is unable to inspect or investigate completely because of a position taken by an authority in the foreign jurisdiction. Despite the HFCAA being the law, the previous administration failed to step up and protect the American markets and investors from this threat. As you work to delist the deceptive Chinese companies left untouched by the former administration, I am writing to express my support for any further congressional action necessary to fully delist and deregister Chinese companies on our exchanges. We must continue to address the threat of CCP-controlled companies on U.S. financial markets through deceptive practices, including small-cap “pump-and-dump” schemes and the use of the Variable Interest Entity (VIE) structure to evade U.S. securities laws and proper oversight. The VIE structure allows Chinese companies to list on U.S. exchanges without providing investors with genuine equity ownership or enforceable shareholder rights. These arrangements mislead investors into thinking they receive equity, when in fact what they receive varies widely. Such practices are fundamentally dishonest and incompatible with our principles of transparency and investor protection. Many foreign issuers are backed by or tied to the CCP, and they repeatedly lie to American investors by obscuring their ownership and manipulating valuations. This structure enabled by the CCP operates at the expense of American retail and institutional investors alike. Too often, when the fraud is exposed, U.S. shareholders are left with worthless securities while the CCP-backed perpetrators face no meaningful consequences. This situation undermines trust in our exchanges and puts our national security and the security of Americans’ investments at risk. This must be stopped. A threat of this magnitude requires an all-hands-on-deck response to preserve the sanctity and trust of our markets and American investors. With these concerns in mind, I request a written response to the following: What additional authority does your agency need from Congress in order to hold these fraudulent companies accountable and combat foreign malign influence on our financial exchanges? Please provide a list of specific statutes or SEC regulatory authorities that need to be strengthened and/or replaced in order to sufficiently sanction, suspend, or delist foreign entities engaged in fraudulent practices. Does the SEC need stronger authorities under the HFCAA to ensure that bad-faith companies are properly identified, suspended from trading, and delisted? We must ensure that no foreign company - especially those tied to our adversaries, like the CCP - can exploit our markets and tarnish the reputation of our financial system. We look forward to working together to secure U.S. financial exchanges by closing these gaps, strengthening enforcement, and ensuring that every company listed on a U.S. exchange is safe for investment. Thank you for your efforts to secure the American marketplace. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/12/in-case-you-missed-it-sen-rick-scott-in-fox-news-i-grew-up-in-public-housing-and-i-know-how-to-fix-obamacare,IN CASE YOU MISSED IT… Sen. Rick Scott in Fox News: I Grew Up in Public Housing and I Know How to Fix Obamacare,2025-12-01,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,FL,Rick Scott,S001217,www.rickscott.senate.gov,rickscott,https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, Senator Rick Scott wrote an op-ed for Fox News highlighting his new bill, the More Affordable Care Act, to fix Obamacare and drive down health care costs for American families. Senator Scott discusses how his bill makes simple fixes that will help families get the health care that fits their needs, drive down costs, instill transparency in the system, and ensure that support for Americans is sent to them directly – not to insurance companies – with HSA-style Trump Health Freedom Accounts to put health care decisions in the hands of Americans. In the op-ed, Senator Rick Scott writes, “It’s time for all of us to admit what the American people already know: Obamacare has failed. … ‘When I hear stories of families struggling to afford their premiums, putting off treatment because it’s too expensive, or splitting their pills in half to make them last longer, I see my mother and my brother and the struggle my family went through. And I see a system that has continued to fail families like mine while ruining the market for everyone else. … ‘I know we can fix Obamacare. I have been working with President Donald Trump and my colleagues on a bill that makes simple fixes to Obamacare that will help families get healthcare that fits their needs, all while driving down costs. Under my plan, we don’t replace Obamacare — it doesn’t go anywhere. We keep healthcare.gov and state exchanges, we maintain protections for individuals with preexisting conditions, and nobody will lose healthcare. … ‘We simply add options and let Americans be consumers, making the choice that works best for them and their families. That means we stop funneling tax dollars to insurance companies, allow people to shop across state lines and make healthcare more transparent so families can make informed decisions. … ‘By letting the states opt in to a system that allows sales across state lines, we are opening up the health insurance market across the country, which encourages innovation and competition to drive down prices and create better choices for families. When we stop funneling tax dollars for subsidies to insurance companies and instead provide families safety-net support through a Trump Health Freedom Account — an HSA-style account — we put the power of decision-making into the hands of families to choose a plan that best fits their needs. Americans will always make a better choice for their families than the government will. … ‘And then we add transparency to healthcare… Families will have upfront pricing on what things will cost them — a healthcare menu — so they can make informed decisions and plan for their needs. ‘We have the opportunity to make simple changes that make a world of difference to American families… We have to get rid of the old ways Obamacare was failing and transform it into a new, open program that gives Americans the ability to act like consumers, just like we do with every other thing we buy. … ‘Everyone knows Obamacare is a disaster. It’s time to fix it.” Read the full op-ed in Fox News HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/12/sen-rick-scott-introduces-destruction-of-hazardous-imports-act-to-block-entry-of-dangerous-fda-rejected-products-into-the-u-s,Sen. Rick Scott Introduces Destruction of Hazardous Imports Act to Block Entry of Dangerous FDA-Rejected Products into the U.S.,2025-12-01,2025,2025-12,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 announced the introduction of the Destruction of Hazardous Imports Act to crack down on the re-importation of products previously rejected by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as harmful. This bill will expand the authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services to destroy any FDA-regulated product that presents a significant public health risk and will close loopholes that allow importers to “port shop” or attempt re-entry of dangerous goods, including contaminated foods, illegal vapes, and unsafe medical products. Senator Scott’s legislation will also streamline the destruction process to strengthen safeguards to keep hazardous products out of American communities. Congressman Clay Higgins is leading this legislation in the House of Representatives. Senator Rick Scott said, “Americans should never be put at risk because bad actors, especially from companies in Communist China or other adversarial nations, continuously attempt to sneak dangerous and contaminated food and other products back into our country after being rejected. My bill makes clear that if the FDA says a product is too hazardous for American families, it will not be allowed back into our markets under any circumstances. This gives federal authorities the tools they need to destroy these shipments quickly and keep our supply chain and families safe. I’m proud to lead this effort with my colleagues in the House to protect public health and hold dangerous importers accountable.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/11/sen-rick-scott-rep-jimmy-patronis-lead-letter-to-dept-of-war-and-air-force-urging-reconsideration-of-biden-era-decision-on-hurlburt-field-special-ops,"Sen. Rick Scott, Rep. Jimmy Patronis Lead Letter to Dept. of War and Air Force Urging Reconsideration of Biden-Era Decision on Hurlburt Field Special Ops",2025-11-24,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,FL,Rick Scott,S001217,www.rickscott.senate.gov,rickscott,https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, Senator Rick Scott joined Congressman Jimmy Patronis and Senator Ashley Moody in a letter to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Secretary of the Air Force Dr. Troy Meink urging they reconsider the Biden-era decision to move some members of the Air Force Special Operations Command from Hurlburt Field in Florida, and request more information the prior administration failed to provide. In their letter, the members note that the Air Force’s decision under the prior administration warrants new consideration as President Trump’s administration pursues peace through strength and refocuses the military’s mission on being the most lethal military force in the world. Following the Biden administration’s announcement in 2023, Senator Scott fought against the potential move and asked for transparency and information on the decision as Florida continues to be the best place in the nation for members of the Air Force Special Operations Command, noting the potential significant consequences for Florida and America’s national security. Read the full letter here or below: Dear Secretary Hegseth and Secretary Meink: We write to inquire regarding the 492nd Special Operations Wing (SOW) final basing decision as it has potential, negative implications for Florida and the United States’ overall safety and security. We are proud to represent Duke Field as well as Hurlburt Field, which serves as Air Force Special Operation Command’s (AFSOC’s) headquarters. Given the Trump Administration’s increasing focus on Venezuela and the Caribbean, approximately doubling the response time for these Special Operations Forces (SOF) assets and geographically isolating them from U.S. Special Operations Command, Joint Special Operations Command, and the other East Coast-based, SOF units seem contradictory to national security. Guided by the Biden Administration’s 2022 National Defense Strategy, which required the military to “build resilience in the face of destabilizing and potentially catastrophic transboundary challenges such as climate change” and the USAF’s Power Projection Wing concept, the Air Force announced Davis Monthan AFB, Arizona as its preferred location in August 2023. Considering the operational efficiencies, Northwest Florida’s proximity to Venezuela as well as the Caribbean, and the unique nature of the Eglin Gulf Test and Training Range, we question the basis for this decision, especially when the Air Force has not provided a list of what other bases were considered as part of its strategic basing action. The Air Force’s existing, publicly available Strategic Basing Instruction (DAFI 10-503) requires the survey upon which this decision is based to address the “impact of climate change on the proposed action”. While modifications were made in the final basing action announced in September 2025, without access to the documents requested below, we are unable to assess to what extent climate change influenced the Air Force’s final basing action. It is our job to represent our constituents, and we will always question decisions removing servicemen and women from Florida, the country’s most military friendly state. Each of us, along with our constituents, has been left without a clear rationale on how this decision was made or how it would serve the military’s mission. To this end, we respectfully request that the Department of the Air Force provide a written response to the following questions within 30 calendar days. In particular, Why was the determination made to continue the decision-making process that began during the Biden Administration that appears to have expressly considered climate change and the Power Projection Wing concept the Air Force intends to abandon? Wouldn’t it be more prudent to make a decision informed by the Trump Administration’s vision for the Air Force, especially in the context of the need to combat narco-terrorism, instead of one where climate change appears to have been an express factor? It is our understanding that this determination was not delegated below the Air Force Secretary level. What alternatives were presented to the Air Force Secretary by the Strategic Basing Board as required by DAFI 10-503? Specifically, what other bases did the Air Force consider for this mission? Why did the Air Force Secretary choose to remove these units from Hurlburt and Duke Fields? How much will the decision cost in total, including new infrastructure requirements, moving expenses, and other costs? While the initial plan was to construct nine new facilities encompassing 408,000 square feet, renovate 28 facilities (585,000 square feet), and demolish two facilities (14,000 square feet), as recently as July 2025, the Senate Committee on Appropriations stated the Air Force had not identified military construction requirements to support the standup of this new Power Projection Wing. With the Trump Administration’s focus on efficiency, should a final decision be postponed until the Air Force has communicated these costs to Congress? What is the military rationale for moving units from a base under Air Force Special Operation’s control to one where the units will be mere tenants? What studies, if any, did the Air Force conduct to justify their decision? Are you concerned about coordination issues undermining lethality following the move? Additionally, we respectfully request the following documents concerning this basing action: (1) the Air Force Form 813, Request for Environmental Impact Analysis and the accompanying Description of Proposed Action and Alternatives; (2) the Basing Action Request as well as the name of the approving official; (3) site survey(s) as required by DAFI 10-503 §5.5; (4) all documents provided to the House and Senate Armed Services Committees; (5) any briefing notes associated with the stoplight charts that lacked any context; and (6) the documents provided to the Secretary of the Air Force upon which the final decision was made. We hope that you will address these concerns with the seriousness they deserve. We look forward to your prompt response and stand ready to work collaboratively to ensure that the best interests of our Armed Forces and our national security are served. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/11/sens-rick-scott-mike-lee-ron-johnson-lead-resolution-slamming-wasteful-earmark-spending,"Sens. Rick Scott, Mike Lee, Ron Johnson Lead Resolution Slamming Wasteful Earmark Spending",2025-11-21,2025,2025-11,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 led Senators Mike Lee and Ron Johnson in a resolution opposing the wasteful practice of earmarks in Congress, which have been abused by Democrats for years to include billions of taxpayer dollars in federal spending on thousands of liberal pet projects and special interest priorities. As the federal debt tops $38 trillion, Senator Scott has been fighting for fiscal sanity and a balanced budget, which means ensuring every single dollar the federal government spends provides a return for American taxpayers. Senator Scott has long opposed earmarks and has previously led a resolution to condemn wasteful spending and restore fiscal sanity to Washington. Senator Rick Scott said, “Our nation is over $38 trillion in debt and running around $2 trillion annual deficits after years of Democrats’ wasteful spending and reckless, inflation-fueling policies – we cannot continue down their same path of spending America into oblivion. There’s good reason why earmarks were banned in government funding bills for years – they should be. Funneling money into pet projects and special interests, wasting millions of tax dollars on bridges to nowhere makes our debt out of control. It is our job as members of Congress to look at how every single dollar taxpayers send to the federal government and make sure it’s spent in THEIR best interests. They would be OUTRAGED to learn that billions are constantly spent on projects that provide zero return for them. We have to bring fiscal sanity to our nation, which means we have to stop politicians from using earmarks to put their own interests over the interest of Americans.” Senator Mike Lee said, “Earmarks undermine transparency, accountability, and fiscal discipline. In light of the massive national debt, Congress should reject parochial projects and commit to a process that respects taxpayers by putting an end to reckless spending on earmarks.” Senator Ron Johnson said, “As Senator Tom Coburn used to say, earmarks are the gateway drug to continued massive deficit spending and the mortgaging of our children’s future. Our nation is $38 trillion in debt — America cannot afford irresponsible spending habits. The root cause of so many of our problems is the size, scope, and cost of the federal government. Eliminating earmarks is a step in the right direction.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/11/sen-rick-scott-introduces-bill-to-fix-obamacare-and-drive-down-health-care-costs,Sen. Rick Scott Introduces Bill to Fix Obamacare and Drive Down Health Care Costs,2025-11-20,2025,2025-11,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 announced his new bill, the More Affordable Care Act, to fix Obamacare and drive down costs for the American people with simple fixes that will help families get the health care that fits their needs, instill transparency in the system, and ensure support to Americans is sent to them directly, not to insurance companies. This bill would use HSA-style Trump Health Freedom Accounts to put health care decisions in the hands of Americans. Under Senator Scott’s proposal, Obamacare will continue, healthcare.gov and state exchanges will continue, protections for pre-existing conditions remain in place, and families who need a safety net have one that works for them. Senator Rick Scott said, “Obamacare has failed to deliver on its promises: families didn’t get to keep their insurance plans, couldn’t keep their doctors, and didn’t save money - and neither did the federal government. Instead, Obamacare created a system that left American families with fewer choices, higher costs, and health care that doesn’t meet their needs. That’s obvious, and it’s why President Trump and the American people are demanding solutions to fix this broken system. My new bill makes simple fixes to Obamacare that will make a world of difference to American families by making Americans the consumer, not the government, while giving them options and transparency. Healthcare.gov and state exchanges continue, protections for pre-existing conditions remain in place, and families who need a safety net have one that works for them. “Here's how it works: first, President Trump is right that we have to stop giving tax dollars to big insurance companies and instead send them to families through a Trump Health Freedom Account – an HSA-style account that allows families to use these dollars for any plan they want. Second, let them shop across state lines and purchase the health care plan that best fits their needs. Third, bring transparency to health care so Americans – the consumers and patients – know what things cost so they can make informed decisions. This new system will create market forces to drive competition and reduce costs for families. Americans will always make a better choice for their families than the government will; we should give them that opportunity and take a huge step forward in fixing Obamacare.” Senator Scott’s legislation: Establishes Trump Health Freedom Accounts, HSA-style accounts that ensure federal dollars to support families are delivered to them directly, not funneled to insurance companies; These funds can be applied to premiums and will be Hyde-compliant by restricting use on abortion health plans or abortion services; Offers more options for plans that will create market-driven incentives to drive down costs; Allows Americans to shop across state lines with the creation of a state waiver program within the Affordable Care Act, further expanding competition within the health insurance market and the availability of health insurance plans within existing ACA exchanges. Any health insurance plan that is approved by a waiver state’s insurance commissioner shall be sold on an easily accessible exchange, whether that’s the federal exchange of healthcare.gov, a state’s exchange, or a state-managed, commercially run exchange. Enhances President Trump’s Executive Order to increase transparency in health care and provide patients with the price and quality of a good or service in advance. Families will have up-front pricing on what things will cost them – a health care menu – so they can make informed decisions and plan for their needs. Maintains protections for pre-existing conditions; and Enhances the Small Business Tax Credit to encourage employer-sponsored coverage and increase accessibility. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/11/sens-rick-scott-elizabeth-warren-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-end-monopoly-export-licenses-boost-transparency-in-tech-exports,"Sens. Rick Scott, Elizabeth Warren Introduce Bipartisan Bill to End Monopoly Export Licenses, Boost Transparency in Tech Exports",2025-11-19,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,FL,Rick Scott,S001217,www.rickscott.senate.gov,rickscott,https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senators Rick Scott and Elizabeth Warren introduced the License Monopoly Prevention Act to increase transparency and strengthen the export licensing process by requiring the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) to conduct a competitive market analysis on license applications to export, reexport, or in-country transfer sensitive, key technologies to an entity on Commerce’s Entity List. BIS’s licensing system is designed to control who can export certain goods, especially those with potential military or dual-use applications. However, in several instances in past years, so-called “monopoly” licenses have been inadvertently issued to companies. These cases granted an exclusive right for a single company to sell a specific product to an entity on Commerce’s Entity List without consideration of the market-distorting impacts of these monopolies. Senator Rick Scott said, “Export controls should protect American manufacturing and national security, not allow the government to choose winners and losers in the market place and funnel billions to a few big companies. The United States has adversaries like Communist China that are constantly working to undermine our markets, steal our technology, and dominate emerging industries like artificial intelligence. For the United States to be a leading force, we must support American businesses, entrepreneurs, and encourage competition on every level. Our bipartisan bill, the License Monopoly Prevention Act, adds transparency to the export licensing process and calls for a competitive market analysis, so our government can make decisions that protect our national security without crippling companies and our markets.” Senator Elizabeth Warren said, “Far too often, the Commerce Department issues export control licenses that give a small number of big businesses an unfair advantage over their competitors. This bill would help ensure that export control licensing is even-handed and protects our national security instead of distorting our markets and creating monopolies that hurt consumers.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/11/sen-rick-scott-introduces-legislation-to-close-loopholes-exploited-by-communist-chinese-linked-companies-in-the-u-s,Sen. Rick Scott Introduces Legislation to Close Loopholes Exploited by Communist Chinese Linked Companies in the U.S.,2025-11-18,2025,2025-11,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 announced the introduction of the Chinese List Entity Alignment and Review (CLEAR) Act and the National Defense Supply Chain Integrity Act to strengthen the U.S.’s scrutiny of Chinese companies operating in the United States. The CLEAR Act would require the Department of War (DoW) to review any Chinese entity listed under any other U.S. government restrictions and determine whether it should also appear on the 1260H list of Chinese companies benefitting their military, and the National Defense Supply Chain Integrity Act would limit these companies’ ability to contest their placement on the 1260H list. This would close any gaps that have allowed Communist Chinese military-linked companies to avoid inclusion on the 1260H list. These bills continue Senator Scott’s efforts to protect America’s national security and counter Communist China’s influence by prohibiting the DoW from purchasing any Chinese-made telecommunications equipment, pressing for greater scrutiny of Chinese entities across federal sanctions lists, requiring disclosures of pharmaceutical ingredient origins to reduce reliance on Chinese drug manufacturing, strengthening the 1260H list process, and advancing multiple provisions in the Senate-passed NDAA to eliminate Communist China from U.S. supply chains. Senator Scott has also previously introduced the No Safe Harbor for the Enemy Act to stop the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) exploitation of the U.S. judicial system. Senator Rick Scott said, “For decades, inefficiencies by the United States government have allowed dangerous Communist Chinese companies to continue operating and selling products to our military and American families while benefitting our adversary. If a foreign company is identified as a threat to one aspect of our nation, it should be treated as a threat everywhere. My two bills, the CLEAR Act and National Defense Supply Chain Integrity Act, would streamline the ban of dangerous companies that are included on the Department of War’s 1260H list, the FCC’s Covered List, and any government blacklist to ensure our nation is protected on all fronts and that these companies stay on as long as they are connected to the CCP. These bills will be a great step to closing loopholes in our supply chain that China has exploited for years while providing more tools for President Trump and his administration to safeguard our national security.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/11/in-case-you-missed-it-sen-rick-scott-on-fox-news-sunday-obamacare-is-a-disaster-we-have-to-fix-this,IN CASE YOU MISSED IT… Sen. Rick Scott on Fox News Sunday: ‘Obamacare is a Disaster; We Have to Fix This’,2025-11-17,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,FL,Rick Scott,S001217,www.rickscott.senate.gov,rickscott,https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, Senator Rick Scott appeared on Fox News Sunday to discuss his plans to fix the failures of Obamacare to lower costs and better serve Americans. While Democrats continue their push to cover up Obamacare’s failures by sending billions of tax dollars directly to insurance companies, Senator Scott’s ideas work to make health care more affordable and accessible by allowing families to choose what best fits their needs and ensure any support to Americans in need goes to them, not insurance companies. Watch the full interview on Fox HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/11/in-case-you-missed-it-sen-rick-scott-to-fox-news-obamacare-is-broken-let-s-fix-it-to-actually-lower-costs-for-americans,IN CASE YOU MISSED IT… Sen. Rick Scott to Fox News: Obamacare is Broken; Let’s Fix it to Actually Lower Costs for Americans,2025-11-14,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,FL,Rick Scott,S001217,www.rickscott.senate.gov,rickscott,https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, Senator Rick Scott spoke to Fox News about his ideas to fix Obamacare and allow Americans to choose affordable health care that fits their needs as Democrats keep fighting to spend billions of tax dollars to mask the costs of the broken system that is failing Americans. Senator Scott highlights real solutions to drive down costs and address the issues of Obamacare, like stopping taxpayer money from going to insurance companies and instead give it directly to Americans in HSA-style accounts and let them buy the health care they want by shopping across state lines. See excerpts from the Fox News article, “Rick Scott calls Democrats 'heartless' as he pitches new Obamacare fix” below: “Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., said he doesn’t want to blow up Obamacare, but he does want to give Americans another option. … ‘Scott and other Republicans contend that simply extending the current subsidies would see billions in taxpayer money funneled to insurance companies, without a dime actually finding its way to the pockets of Americans looking for insurance options. ‘His plan would ‘let the person be a consumer,’ he told Fox News Digital from an interview in his office. ‘I just think we ought to fix Obamacare,’ Scott said. ‘So the way I think about it is, look, if you want to buy off the exchange, you know, an Obamacare product, do it. If that's what you want. I mean, leave that there.’ ‘But I know what a consumer is going to do,’ he continued. ‘Consumers are going to be way more creative of how they take care of themselves.’ ‘Scott said his idea, in a sea of burgeoning possibilities on what to do next when it comes to answering the healthcare issue raised by congressional Democrats, would directly send any kind of Obamacare subsidy money directly to a Health Savings Account (HSA). … ‘His plan, which he’s been working on in the background for some time, was given extra credence when President Donald Trump on Saturday recommended to Senate Republicans that ‘the Hundreds of Billions of Dollars currently being sent to money sucking Insurance Companies in order to save the bad Healthcare provided by ObamaCare, BE SENT DIRECTLY TO THE PEOPLE SO THAT THEY CAN PURCHASE THEIR OWN, MUCH BETTER, HEALTHCARE, and have money left over.’ … ‘It’s also an idea that Scott said he had spoken to the president about before. … ‘Let the consumer be the buyer of healthcare,’ he said. ‘Any dollars we're going to give to spend on it goes to the consumer and let them buy what they want to buy.’” Read the full article in Fox News HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/11/in-case-you-missed-it-sens-rick-scott-ron-johnson-tour-pacific-palisades-wildfire-damage-and-speak-to-victims,"IN CASE YOU MISSED IT… Sens. Rick Scott, Ron Johnson Tour Pacific Palisades Wildfire Damage and Speak to Victims",2025-11-14,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,FL,Rick Scott,S001217,www.rickscott.senate.gov,rickscott,https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, Senator Rick Scott, as chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, held a field hearing in Pacific Palisades, California with Senator Ron Johnson, chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee’s Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. The hearing, “Forgotten After the Flames: Stories from the Palisades Fire,” highlighted how seniors were especially impacted by the January 2025 Pacific Palisades wildfire. Survivors, local leaders, and advocates shared how both they and older residents struggled to prepare, evacuate, and recover – and how many are still facing obstacles to rebuild ten months later. Senators Scott and Johnson underscored the need to get relief and answers for these victims on exactly what went wrong, who is being held accountable, and how it can be prevented from happening again. The hearing comes as the senators continue their ongoing congressional investigation into the January 2025 wildfires, As part of their investigation, Senators Scott and Johnson have sent multiple letters to federal, state, and local officials seeking answers on California’s preparedness, mitigation, and response failures — including prevention efforts, prescribed burns, arson investigations, and overall disaster response and recovery. See the latest HERE. See the full hearing HERE or more from Senator Scott in remarks following the hearing below. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/11/in-case-you-missed-it-sen-rick-scott-in-the-ny-post-democrats-getting-paid-during-shutdown-is-pure-hypocrisy,IN CASE YOU MISSED IT… Sen. Rick Scott in the NY Post: Democrats Getting Paid During Shutdown is ‘Pure Hypocrisy’,2025-11-12,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,FL,Rick Scott,S001217,www.rickscott.senate.gov,rickscott,https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, Senator Rick Scott continues to fight for the passage of his No Budget, No Pay Act that makes it clear if Democrats in Congress fail to do their job of funding the government and cause another shutdown – therefore preventing our troops, federal law enforcement, and FAA from getting paid – then members of Congress shouldn’t get paid either. Last week, Senator Scott pushed to pass this bill on the Senate floor during the shutdown, but the Senate Democrats blocked its passage, another example of their blatant hypocrisy. Since becoming a U.S. senator in 2019, Senator Scott has worked tirelessly to pass his No Budget, No Pay Act to hold members accountable for passing a budget, or forgo their pay, as part of his plan to make Washington work better for families in Florida and across the nation. See more from Senator Scott in his recent speech HERE or excerpts from the New York Post article, GOP senators fume that lawmakers got paid throughout record-breaking shutdown: ‘Pure hypocrisy,’ below: “…The record-long shutdown forced thousands of government workers — including military personnel, federal law enforcement officers and air traffic controllers — to work without pay, while lawmakers continued to receive their six-figure salaries. ‘Democrats just caused the longest shutdown in our nation’s history and proved they’re willing to deprive millions of hardworking Americans of their paychecks — members of our military, federal law enforcement, FAA, Capitol Police — all while cashing their own paychecks,’ Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) told The Post. ‘And Dems have already said they’re willing to do it again,’ he added. The bill has been referred to committee. ‘It’s pure hypocrisy,’ Scott seethed of lawmakers cashing paychecks amid the shutdown. ‘Our military and federal employees shouldn’t be punished because Congress can’t do its job!’ ‘It’s time to pass my No Budget, No Pay Act that says if we can’t fund the government, members shouldn’t get paid. Period.’” Read the full article in the New York Post HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/11/sen-rick-scott-chair-ron-johnson-pen-letter-to-california-parks-and-rec-director-ahead-of-field-hearing-on-pacific-palisades-wildfires,"Sen. Rick Scott, Chair Ron Johnson Pen Letter to California Parks and Rec Director Ahead of Field Hearing on Pacific Palisades Wildfires",2025-11-12,2025,2025-11,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 and Senator Ron Johnson, chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, sent a letter to California Department of Parks and Recreation Director Armando Quintero requesting records related to the department’s wildfire preparedness, mitigation, and response efforts, including the Palisades and Lachman fires in Los Angeles County. Senator Scott and Chairman Johnson are seeking information on the department’s handling of wildfire prevention, prescribed burns, and arson investigations in Topanga State Park, where the Lachman fire is alleged to have originated. This request is part of the senators ongoing congressional investigation into the causes, response, and recovery efforts surrounding the January 2025 wildfires that devastated Los Angeles communities and claimed countless lives. This letter comes as the senators are holding a field hearing in the Pacific Palisades on November 13. Additionally, Senator Scott and Chairman Johnson, as part of their investigation, have sent previous letters including to the president of the Los Angeles City Council, the mayor of Los Angeles Karen Bass, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Chief Executive Officer Janisse Quiñones, and the Los Angeles Fire Department's former Chief Crowley requesting information related to their responses and efforts during and after these wildfires. Senator Scott has also sent letters to the USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, DOI Secretary Doug Burgum, Attorney General Pam Bondi, DOT Secretary Sean Duffy, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Read the letter to Director Quintero HERE or below: Dear Mr. Quintero: In January 2025, several wildfires, including the Palisades fire, devastated Los Angeles County, California. These fires caused billions of dollars in damage to homes and businesses and tragically resulted in loss of life. Public reports have raised questions about Los Angeles’s wildfire preparations and the response to the January 2025 wildfires, including the Palisades fire. The Palisades fire is alleged to have been a re-ignition of the earlier Lachman fire that originated as an act of arson in Topanga State Park. Topanga State Park is under the authority of the Department of Parks and Recreation (“DPR”). Pursuant to Senate Resolution 94 (119th Cong.), the United States Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (the “Subcommittee”) is conducting a review of Los Angeles’s wildfire mitigation and suppression efforts, including the response to the Palisades fire. In order to assist the Subcommittee in its review, please provide the following information and records. Unless otherwise stated, the period of time covered by this request is from February 1, 2022, to present. All records referring or relating to wildfire preparation, suppression, and response (including alerts and evacuations) between December 28, 2024, and the present, including but not limited to the response to the Palisades and Lachman fires. All records referring or relating to the Palisades and Lachman fires, including but not limited to: Any after action or other assessment of the cause of the Palisades and Lachman fires, including all communications related to suspected non-natural or man-made causes; All records referring or relating to the burn scar from the Lachman fire or whether the Lachman fire was fully extinguished; All records referring or relating to acts of arson, suspected acts of arson, or illegal fires committed in or causing damage to Topanga State Park; All communications referring or relating to Jonathan Rinderknecht; and All communications with residents of the Pacific Palisades. All records referring or relating to prescribed burns in Los Angeles County, including in Topanga State Park, including but not limited to: Communications related to delaying prescribed burns for environmental or health and air quality concerns; The potential effects on endangered or protected species; or Any assessments or communications related to the potential effects of forgoing or delaying a prescribed burn on future wildfire severity. All records referring or relating to response, suppression, and recovery procedures after a fire is ignited on land within the jurisdiction of DPR or State Responsibility Areas, including but not limited to: Training manuals and documents; Operations manuals and documents; Interagency agreements, memoranda of understanding, or letters of agreement with federal, state, or local entities; Agreements with Mountain Recreation & Conservation Authority, Santa Monica Mountain Conservancy, or mutual-aid or auto-aid response arrangements with other entities; Agreements involving State Responsibility Areas, Mutual Threat Zones, and Aerial Firefighting Contracts; and Any draft—current, completed, or active—of an after-action report. All communications referring or relating to wildfire prevention, mitigation, or suppression, including but not limited to the Palisades and Lachman fires, between your agency or departments and any employee or official with the following entities: Los Angeles Department of Water and Power; Los Angeles Mayor’s Office; Los Angeles City Council; Office of the Governor of California; Los Angeles Fire Department; Los Angeles County Fire Department; and Any federal agency or department. Please produce this information as soon as possible, but no later than 5:00 p.m. EST on November 26, 2025. If you have any questions about this request, please contact Subcommittee staff at (202) 224-3721 and (202) 224-0909. Thank you in advance for your prompt attention to this matter. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/11/sen-rick-scott-and-colleagues-request-ag-bondi-unseal-grand-jury-documents-from-biden-doj-s-unlawful-arctic-frost-probe,Sen. Rick Scott and Colleagues Request AG Bondi Unseal Grand Jury Documents from Biden DOJ’s Unlawful Arctic Frost Probe,2025-11-10,2025,2025-11,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 Marsha Blackburn and several of their colleagues in a letter to Attorney General (AG) Pam Bondi requesting that she unseal any relevant grand jury materials from the Biden Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Arctic Frost witch hunt probe into Republican members of Congress and President Trump. The senators also asked AG Bondi to use every tool at her disposal to uncover how this egregious weaponization of government was allowed to occur. This letter comes after recent news that Senator Scott was among several Republicans targeted by the Biden DOJ’s Arctic Frost witch hunt investigation. Senator Scott has also sent a letter to AG Bondi calling for a DOJ investigation into this witch hunt, and a letter to Verizon demanding answers as to why they complied with the Biden administration’s unlawful and secretive surveillance of members of Congress. Read the full letter to Attorney General Bondi HERE or below: Dear Attorney General Bondi: We write today to urge you to use every tool at your disposal to uncover a key component of the weaponized, Biden-era Arctic Frost investigation that targeted ten United States Senators. As you know, the Biden Department of Justice (DOJ) sought and ultimately obtained cell phone “tolling data” from at least eleven members of Congress. While we have learned more about the corrupt nature of this investigation in the weeks that have followed this disturbing revelation, there is still much that we do not know. In May 2023, the Biden DOJ—at the direction of Special Counsel Jack Smith—issued grand jury subpoenas to several telecommunications companies regarding our cell phone records, gaining access to the time, recipient, duration, and location of calls placed on our devices from January 4, 2021, to January 7, 2021. As we have recently learned, attached to that subpoena was a nondisclosure order, signed by Chief Judge James Boasberg. Under the Stored Communications Act, the government may seek a court order “for such a period as the court deems appropriate, not to notify any other person of the existence” of the grand jury subpoena at issue. Further, a federal judge may only enter such a non-disclosure order if there is “reason to believe” that notifying an individual of the subpoena would result in “(1) endangering the life or physical safety of an individual; (2) flight from prosecution; (3) destruction of or tampering with evidence; (4) intimidation of potential witnesses; or (5) otherwise seriously jeopardizing an investigation or unduly delaying a trial.” Astoundingly, Judge Boasberg found “reasonable grounds” to conclude that, if we were notified of these unlawful subpoenas, “such disclosure will result in destruction of or tampering with evidence, intimidation of potential witnesses, and serious jeopardy to the [Arctic Frost] investigation.” In short, without citing any factual basis to support these supposed “reasonable grounds,” Judge Boasberg determined that multiple United States Senators would destroy evidence and intimidate witnesses—a conclusion that defies both logic and the facts. Plain and simple: we did nothing wrong, and there is zero evidence to conclude that we would have destroyed evidence or intimidated witnesses. We write because the American people deserve to know more about the “reasonable grounds” that Judge Boasberg found to avoid informing us of these unlawful subpoenas. The Stored Communications Act makes clear that the government—when seeking a non-disclosure order under § 2705(b)—must submit an application that sets forth the factual background showing reasonable grounds for the gag order. It is our understanding that this application is currently under seal in the Arctic Frost grand jury materials. We urge you to immediately move to unseal and provide this application that accompanied the gag order. Judge Boasberg’s order was a blatant abuse of power, and we must get to the bottom of how he arrived at the baseless conclusion that duly elected members of Congress would destroy evidence or intimidate witnesses. Jack Smith and the Biden DOJ spied on their political opponents, violated the Constitution, and weaponized the justice system to target members of Congress—all in an effort to go after President Trump. The American people deserve transparency about this egregious investigation and the full extent of the corruption of Jack Smith’s witch hunt. Unsealing this document is a critical step forward in our efforts to hold accountable Jack Smith, Judge Boasberg, and all individuals who participated in this miscarriage of justice. Thank you for your continued work to root out the two-tiered system of justice that existed for far too long under President Biden’s watch. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/11/in-case-you-missed-it-sen-rick-scott-on-fox-news-if-dems-want-to-shut-down-government-why-should-they-get-a-paycheck,"IN CASE YOU MISSED IT… Sen. Rick Scott on Fox News: If Dems Want to Shut Down Government, Why Should They Get a Paycheck?",2025-11-07,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,FL,Rick Scott,S001217,www.rickscott.senate.gov,rickscott,https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, Senator Rick Scott joined Fox & Friends as Democrats continue to hold Americans hostage by refusing to open up government. During the interview, Senator Scott blasted Democrats for dragging out the Schumer Shutdown, now the longest in recorded history, out of their pure hatred for President Trump and total disregard toward the 42 million Americans who rely on SNAP benefits, as well as the military, TSA, FAA, and every other federal worker who has continued to miss paycheck after paycheck. Senator Scott also called out the Democrats’ blatant hypocrisy for blocking his No Budget, No Pay Act, which would finally hold Congress accountable by cutting off members’ pay if they fail to fund the government. Watch Senator Scott’s interview on Fox & Friends HERE or below:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/11/sen-rick-scott-fights-for-passage-of-no-budget-no-pay-act-on-senate-floor-congress-shouldn-t-get-paid-while-dems-deprive-troops-federal-employees-of-their-paychecks-it-s-wrong,"Sen. Rick Scott Fights for Passage of No Budget, No Pay Act on Senate Floor: Congress Shouldn’t Get Paid While Dems Deprive Troops & Federal Employees of their Paychecks – It’s Wrong!",2025-11-06,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,FL,Rick Scott,S001217,www.rickscott.senate.gov,rickscott,https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, as Democrats continued to deprive federal employees and our military of paychecks with their reckless government shutdown, Senator Rick Scott spoke on the Senate floor calling for the immediate passage of his No Budget, No Pay Act to prevent members of Congress from receiving their paychecks if they fail to do their most basic job of funding the federal government. Senate Democrats blocked the passage of this bill, which simply puts the paychecks of Democrats and all members at risk if they choose to put the paychecks of millions of our military members and federal employees at risk during a government shutdown. Since becoming a U.S. senator in 2019, Senator Scott has been fighting to pass his No Budget, No Pay Act to hold members accountable for passing a budget, or forgo their pay, as part of his plan to make Washington work better for families in Florida and across the nation. Watch Senator Scott’s full remarks HERE or as prepared for delivery below: “Mr. President, I rise today with my bipartisan and common sense No Budget, No Pay Act – a simple proposal that says if members of Congress can’t complete one of our basic jobs of funding the government, we don’t get paid. This shouldn’t even be necessary. We should just do our jobs, but as we sit here over a month into the Democrat Shutdown, it’s clear we need something to hold Congress accountable. Every year, we are tasked with putting together a budget with the expectation that it is on time and fits the needs of the American people. The American people elected us to come together, look at what we’re collecting in revenues and put together and pass 12 appropriations bills that use those dollars effectively. The last time Congress passed all 12 appropriations bills on time was nearly three decades ago. Congress has failed, time and time again, to do one of its basic duties. I came to the Senate to fix this. I ran on a plan to Make Washington Work better for families, which included my No Budget, No Pay Act, and I’ve been fighting to get this passed since I got here in 2019 and have been met with resistance from many of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. But Democrats have thrived in the dysfunction and have fought endlessly to keep the status quo. They’ve passed massive spending bill after massive spending bill. Raising taxes and expanding government. Putting us $38 trillion in debt and running $2 trillion deficits. Now Democrats are using this same dysfunction to shut down the government. They’re prioritizing their own liberal wish list over the needs of the American people. And they’re more than happy to deprive federal workers, TSA, FAA and law enforcement of their paychecks while members of Congress still get their own paychecks. Democrats are happy to stop 40 million Americans from getting SNAP benefits they depend on to put food on the table. Because guess what? These Democrats voting to shut down the government time and time again are still getting paid. This the problem with Washington - any working American will tell you that if you don’t do your job, you don’t get paid. But in Washington? Members of Congress consistently fail one of our basic duties of funding the government on time and still get a paycheck, even when others don’t. Think about that – Senate Democrats have now voted against funding the government 14 times in the last five weeks. They’ve voted time and time again to continue the longest shutdown in our nation’s history and stop people from getting paid. But they’re still cashing their paychecks. Democrats shouldn’t be shutting down the government and risking others paychecks without being willing to put their paycheck on the line too. I ask every one of my colleagues to support passage of my No Budget, No Pay Act to tell every member: do your job and fund the government or forgo your taxpayer-funded salary.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/11/sen-rick-scott-introduces-safe-kids-act-to-stop-foreign-adversaries-from-exploiting-u-s-surrogacy-laws,Sen. Rick Scott Introduces SAFE KIDS Act to Stop Foreign Adversaries from Exploiting U.S. Surrogacy Laws,2025-11-05,2025,2025-11,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 announced the introduction of the Stopping Adversarial Foreign Exploitation of Kids in Domestic Surrogacy (SAFE KIDS) Act to prevent adversarial nations, including Communist China, from using American surrogates to obtain U.S. citizenship for their children and traffic infants abroad. The bill is the first of its kind in curbing this practice and establishing accountability for third parties who facilitate commercial surrogacy contracts with foreign adversaries. This legislation follows terrifying reporting on the abuse of newborns, as well as U.S. surrogate mothers who were deceived into giving birth to children for foreign nationals. Senator Rick Scott said, “America’s surrogacy system is meant to help individuals build families – it should never be the avenue to allow abuse, neglect, or deceit of innocent women and babies. And it’s terrifying that this might be at the hands of foreign adversaries with the sole intent of having a child that is a U.S. citizen. We’ve already seen troubling cases of human trafficking and abuse linked to international surrogacy schemes, as our foreign adversaries prove willing to exploit every loophole they can to destroy us. We must take action. My SAFE KIDS Act puts a stop to Communist China and other foreign adversaries’ efforts to harm children, women, and our national security.” International commercial surrogacy raises serious national-security and human-trafficking concerns, but there are no U.S. laws on the books to address these concerns. The SAFE KIDS Act addresses gaps in U.S. surrogacy law by: Invalidating any commercial surrogacy agreement that is entered into with a citizen of a foreign adversarial nation; and Creating a misdemeanor for brokers—not surrogates—who knowingly or recklessly facilitate a prohibited commercial surrogacy agreement with citizens from a foreign adversarial nation. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/11/sen-rick-scott-demands-answers-from-verizon-on-release-of-cell-phone-data-in-arctic-frost-witch-hunt,Sen. Rick Scott Demands Answers from Verizon on Release of Cell Phone Data in Arctic Frost Witch Hunt,2025-11-04,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,FL,Rick Scott,S001217,www.rickscott.senate.gov,rickscott,https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, following news that he was among several Republicans targeted by Biden’s Department of Justice Arctic Frost witch hunt investigation, Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to the chief executive officer of Verizon, Daniel Schulman, demanding answers on Verizon’s decision to release the cell phone data of the senator and his Republican colleagues in the unlawful investigation. Senator Scott has also called for an investigation by the Department of Justice and held a press conference earlier today with Senator Ron Johnson and Congressman Byron Donalds on the unlawful Arctic Frost probe – watch it HERE or below. Read his full letter to Verizon HERE or below: Dear Mr. Schulman: As you are already aware, the Biden administration spied on Republican members of Congress by subpoenaing their cell phones records during its “Arctic Frost” investigation. The Biden administration’s secretive surveillance of Congress not only represented a desecration of our constitutional separation of powers, but it also appears to have violated federal law. 2 U.S.C. § 6628(c) states, in clear and unambiguous terms, that “any provider for a Senate office . . . shall not be barred, through operation of any court order or any statutory provision, from notifying the Senate office of any legal process seeking disclosure of Senate data of the Senate office.” When Biden-appointed Special Counsel Jack Smith subpoenaed Republican senators’ phone records, Obama-appointed Judge James Boasberg ordered the phone carriers “not to notify any other person”—including the targeted senators and Senate office staff—“of the existence of [the] subpoena.” In doing so, Judge Boasberg made findings that they might destroy “evidence” or even intimidate witnesses. Of course, the mere suggestion of impropriety is insulting and offensive. But more importantly, this gag order appears to have violated Section 6628(c). Furthermore, Section 6628(d) states that if either a “Senate office or provider” files a motion to quash a subpoena that “require[s] the disclosure of Senate data,” the court “shall quash” the subpoena or “modify” it so as not to disclose the data. Understanding that the gag order and subpoena were unlawful, your competitor, AT&T, appears to have rightfully refused to comply. Verizon, however, appears to have rolled over and complied with the unlawful subpoena and cover-up. Verizon claims that, because “a court ordered Verizon not to tell anyone,” it “had no choice but to comply with the court order.” Yet if AT&T refused to comply and Section 6628 clearly states otherwise, then presumably Verizon did have a choice. It just failed to make the right one. I am a Verizon customer, and I recently discovered that my Verizon data was targeted by the subpoena and unlawful gag order. Rather than notifying my office that my Senate data was being compromised, as provided for in Section 6628(c), Verizon concealed this information from me. Verizon also failed to file a motion to quash as provided for in Section 6628(d). I am deeply disappointed in Verizon’s failure to notify me or my office that my Senate data was exposed, as well as its failure to make any effort to protect my data. While I understand this decision was made before your appointment as chief executive officer, I request a full explanation from Verizon no later than November 17, 2025, including: Why did Verizon fail to file a motion to quash and so readily relinquish my data? What measures has Verizon taken to ensure this does not happen again, including changes to service agreements and training protocols? What disciplinary measures were taken against those within the company who so readily rolled over and complied with the Jack Smith farce? I ask these questions not only for myself, but also on behalf of the millions of Americans who believe their data is safe with Verizon. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/11/sen-rick-scott-introduces-american-shores-protection-act-to-keep-drilling-off-florida-s-coasts,Sen. Rick Scott Introduces American Shores Protection Act to Keep Drilling Off Florida’s Coasts,2025-11-03,2025,2025-11,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 announced the reintroduction of the American Shores Protection Act to codify President Trump’s moratorium on drilling off Florida’s Gulf of America and Atlantic Coasts. Senator Scott has worked with President Trump for years, both as governor and senator, to keep oil drilling off Florida’s pristine coasts which contribute to the state’s economy and serve as a critical military training space with the Gulf Test and Training Range. Senator Rick Scott said, “As Floridians, we know how vital our beautiful beaches and coastal waters are to our state’s economy, environment, and way of life. It’s why I have fought for years to keep drilling off Florida’s coasts and worked closely with President Trump during his first term to ensure they remain protected with the president’s moratorium, which bans oil drilling through 2032. I am proud to put these efforts into law with the American Shores Protection Act. I will always work to keep Florida’s shores pristine and protect our natural treasures for generations to come.” Senator Ashley Moody said, “As a fifth-generation Floridian, preserving our state’s natural beauty is deeply important to me and the millions of those who call the Sunshine State home—as well as those who come to visit and vacation. It is my mission to protect our state’s coastline for the next generation. Florida has made significant efforts to conserve its incredible natural resources, and I will continue this fight at the federal level. I appreciate my colleagues’ support as we work together to ensure oil drilling stays off our beaches and pass the American Shores Protection Act.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/10/sen-rick-scott-urges-doj-investigation-into-biden-s-unlawful-arctic-frost-witch-hunt-targeting-sen-scott-republican-colleagues,Sen. Rick Scott Urges DOJ Investigation into Biden’s Unlawful Arctic Frost Witch Hunt Targeting Sen. Scott & Republican Colleagues,2025-10-31,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,FL,Rick Scott,S001217,www.rickscott.senate.gov,rickscott,https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, following news that he was among several Republicans targeted by Biden’s Department of Justice (DOJ) Arctic Frost witch hunt investigation, Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi asking for a full investigation into this gross abuse of power by the Biden DOJ’s unlawful spying on Republican lawmakers and weaponization. Read the full letter HERE or below: Dear Attorney General Bondi: As you are already aware, recent disclosures have revealed that the Biden administration spied on Republican members of Congress during its “Arctic Frost” investigation by, among other things, subpoenaing their phone records. Yesterday, I learned that my own cell phone records were subpoenaed, and that Jack Smith and Judge James Boasberg prohibited my phone carrier from notifying me. The Biden administration’s secretive surveillance of Congress not only represents a violent assault on our constitutional separation of powers, but it also appears to be in clear violation of federal law. 2 U.S.C. § 6628 states that “any provider for a Senate office . . . shall not be barred, through operation of any court order or any statutory provision, from notifying the Senate office of any legal process seeking disclosure of Senate data.” And “Senate office” is defined broadly in the statute to “includ[e] a Senator” and even one of his interns. On November 18, 2022, just three days after Donald Trump announced his 2024 campaign against then-President Biden, Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed Jack Smith to investigate Biden’s chief political rival. As part of this blatant political prosecution, Smith asked Judge Boasberg, an Obama appointee, to issue subpoenas to telecommunication companies for the cell phone records of Republican members of Congress, including me. This was part of a series of hundreds of subpoenas that targeted over 400 Republicans and, to this day, no legal predicate has been offered for this astonishing abuse of power. This invasion of privacy directly assaulted Congress’s core Article I functions protected by the Speech and Debate Clause. Additionally, it represented prosecutorial and judicial misconduct. Indeed, when granting these subpoena requests, Judge Boasberg ordered the telecom companies to conceal the subpoenas from the targeted senators. In doing so, Smith and Judge Boasberg appear to have violated Section 6628. They should be held accountable. I am therefore joining my Republican colleagues in urging you to thoroughly investigate this matter, and to promptly refer the findings to the appropriate state bar associations to begin disbarment proceedings against Jack Smith. I also ask that you provide your findings to Congress so that we can assess whether to begin impeachment proceedings against Judge Boasberg. I am no stranger to political weaponization of the government. Biden’s IRS wrongfully released my tax records, and President Bill Clinton’s DOJ targeted me for going against Hillarycare. This type of corruption will not stop unless those responsible have been held fully accountable. Thank you in advance for your attention to this troubling matter. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/10/sen-rick-scott-backs-bill-to-pay-capitol-police-amid-schumer-shutdown,Sen. Rick Scott Backs Bill to Pay Capitol Police Amid Schumer Shutdown,2025-10-30,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,FL,Rick Scott,S001217,www.rickscott.senate.gov,rickscott,https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, as Senate Democrats continue to vote against funding the government and paying essential workers including federal law enforcement, Senator Rick Scott joined Senator Tim Scott to introduce the Pay Our Capitol Police Act to ensure the brave men and women protecting the nation’s Capitol receive their hard-earned paychecks. Cosponsors of the Pay Our Capitol Police Act include Republican Senators Bill Cassidy, Kevin Cramer, Lindsey Graham, Cindy Hyde-Smith, James Lankford, Jerry Moran, Markwayne Mullin, Lisa Murkowski, and Dan Sullivan. Since becoming a U.S. Senator in 2019, Senator Scott has been fighting to pass his No Budget, No Pay Act to prevent Members of Congress from receiving their own paycheck if they cannot do their jobs of funding the government. Senator Rick Scott said, “It is despicable that Democrats continue to drag the Schumer Shutdown on, gladly accepting their own paychecks while refusing to open the government or pay our hardworking federal law enforcement, including our Capitol Police. I am proud to join my colleagues to ensure these law enforcement officers, who put their lives on the line every day to keep the Capitol, visitors, and members safe, aren’t harmed by Democrats’ political games.” Senator Tim Scott said, “The United States Capitol Police performs an essential service to our nation, protecting our nation’s Capitol and all who serve within it. The Pay Our Capitol Police Act guarantees they receive the pay and support they have earned. These officers protect the American people and an institution of our democracy, and they should not have to miss paychecks because of political games in Washington.” Senator Markwayne Mullin said, “The brave men and women of the U.S. Capitol Police work tirelessly every day to protect us and those that visit the Capitol complex. While the Democrats continue to play politics with paychecks, the Pay Our Capitol Police Act will ensure our officers are supported.” Senator Kevin Cramer said, “Even during the Schumer Shutdown, Capitol Police officers have tirelessly shown up to protect Congress and the public. The Pay Our Capitol Police Act is the least we can do to ensure our officers will get paid for their service without any more delay or disruption.” Senator Lindsey Graham said, “It’s foolish not to pay the police officers who protect the U.S. Capitol because of the Schumer Shutdown. They deserve better.” Senator Jerry Moran said, “The men and women of the U.S. Capitol Police risk their lives defending our Capitol, and I am thankful for their service. This legislation would make certain Capitol Police officers, who protect those who work in the Capitol and the thousands of people who visit it every day, receive paychecks during the ongoing shutdown.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/10/sen-rick-scott-on-being-targeted-in-artic-frost-investigation-this-is-a-corrupt-unconstitutional-abuse-of-power-by-biden-doj,"Sen. Rick Scott on Being Targeted in Artic Frost Investigation: This is a Corrupt, Unconstitutional Abuse of Power by Biden DOJ",2025-10-30,2025,2025-10,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 released the below statement on X following news he was among several Republicans targeted by Biden’s Department of Justice Arctic Frost witch hunt investigation. Read more below or HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/10/sen-rick-scott-calls-on-fed-chair-powell-to-continue-paying-down-balance-sheet-do-not-add-to-your-growing-list-of-failures,Sen. Rick Scott Calls on Fed Chair Powell to Continue Paying Down Balance Sheet: ‘Do Not Add to Your Growing List of Failures’,2025-10-29,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,FL,Rick Scott,S001217,www.rickscott.senate.gov,rickscott,https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, ahead of the Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee meeting, Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to Federal Reserve Chair Jay Powell urging him not to halt the Fed’s ongoing balance sheet reduction. Senator Scott highlighted that under Powell’s leadership, the balance sheet has ballooned in size and that the Fed has failed to meet any of its reduction targets. Senator Scott continues to call for transparency and accountability from the Federal Reserve and for the next chair to commit to fixing the Fed, urging Powell not to add to his enormous list of failures that continue to harm American families. Read the full letter HERE or below: Dear Chairman Powell: Earlier this month, on October 14, you indicated that the Federal Reserve (Fed) may stop the reduction of its balance sheet, known as quantitative tightening (QT) soon. This is deeply concerning, and I urge you to reconsider. When we first met over six years ago in 2019, the Fed’s balance sheet was $3.8 trillion. Under your tenure as chair, the Fed’s balance sheet ballooned to nearly $9 trillion, fueled by 4.7 trillion in security purchases you oversaw between March 2020 and March 2022. It now sits at a whopping $6.6 trillion after you have failed to reach any single self-established benchmark to pay it down. The Federal Reserve’s reckless and unprecedented securities buying spree, coupled with the Fed’s slow and insufficient pace of balance sheet run-off, has resulted in the highest inflation in four decades, making it harder for American families to put roofs over their heads and food on their tables. If the Federal Reserve ends quantitative tightening efforts now, the American people will continue to suffer from your failures. As senator, I have worked to implement accountability at the Federal Reserve and expressed concerns about your complete mismanagement of the Fed’s balance sheet and monetary policy. The Fed can fulfill its mission of providing stability for the American people and reducing its balance sheet, but that requires changing the status quo. For example, the Fed is currently operating with over $243 billion in losses, with taxpayers on the hook, but this could be significantly reduced by ending the Fed’s Interest on Reserve Balances program, which pays interest to banks on reserves and wasted $186 billion in 2024 alone. As your tenure as Fed chair ends, I simply ask that you do not add to your growing list of failures by ending efforts to pay down the balance sheet. This will prolong the American people’s suffering and make it harder for your successor as chair to fix the Federal Reserve and restore Americans’ trust in the central bank. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/10/sen-rick-scott-introduces-bill-to-protect-americans-from-dangerous-ccp-produced-products,Sen. Rick Scott Introduces Bill to Protect Americans from Dangerous CCP-Produced Products,2025-10-29,2025,2025-10,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 announced the introduction of his Protecting Americans from Harmful CCP Products Act to protect Americans from unsafe and dangerous products originating from Communist China. This would amend the Consumer Product Safety Act to give the Consumer Product Safety Commission expanded authority to issue mandatory recalls of hazardous products manufactured or sold by Chinese companies, including those operating through online platforms. Senator Scott’s bill addresses reports of baby products and toy pieces manufactured in Communist China that are hazardous or deadly, yet continue to be shipped into the United States. Senator Rick Scott said, “The Chinese Communist Party has shown time and time again that it has no regard for the safety or wellbeing of American consumers. Every day, families unknowingly purchase products made in Communist China that can be toxic, defective, or outright dangerous, while Communist China finds new loopholes to exploit to keep them coming into our nation. My bill puts Americans first by giving the United States government immediate authority to stop Chinese companies from selling products with known product safety issues to American families, whether on our shelves or online. We cannot allow Communist China to deceive our families and put them at risk.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/10/sen-rick-scott-leads-colleagues-in-no-alipay-act-to-safeguard-u-s-national-security-stop-ccp-data-collection,"Sen. Rick Scott Leads Colleagues in No AliPay Act to Safeguard U.S. National Security, Stop CCP Data Collection",2025-10-28,2025,2025-10,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 announced the introduction of the No Alipay Act to stop the use of Alipay in the United States, a Chinese digital payment platform, to safeguard America’s national security and protect the personal data of American citizens from exploitation by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Alipay collects sensitive personal and financial data from more than a billion users worldwide, making its links to the Communist Chinese Party a serious risk to U.S. consumers, businesses, and infrastructure. Senators Tuberville and Justice are cosponsors in the Senate. Congressman Andy Ogles is leading the legislation in the House of Representatives. Senator Rick Scott said, “The Chinese Communist Party has made it clear that it will use every tool available to spy on Americans and steal our data, and apps like Alipay are no exception. Americans don’t want their personal and financial information being funneled straight into the hands of the Communist Chinese regime to use against us – it’s a threat to their lives and national security. My No Alipay Act will close another door that could allow a CCP-controlled entity to access our financial systems and spy on U.S. citizens. I’m proud to lead this effort with my colleagues in the Senate, Senators Tuberville and Justice, and Congressman Ogles in the House to keep Americans and their data safe from Communist China.” Senator Tommy Tuberville said, “Two years ago, Joe Biden sat on his hands while China sent a spy balloon over our entire country. Thankfully, those days are over. President Trump and his administration are working every day to hold China accountable and protect American citizens. We know China’s playbook—they want to spy on every single American and steal as much information as they can. There’s no reason why we should be using CCP-backed banking services in the United States. I’m proud to join my colleagues in making sure China doesn’t have a foothold in our banking.” Congressman Andy Ogles said, “Alipay is Chinese spyware and presents a huge risk to national security. It should not be in our stores, and it is unacceptable that American payment kiosks are facilitating the totalitarian surveillance of tourists from China. Since Joe Biden overturned Trump’s 2021 action banning the payment service, I am proud to step up and restore the President’s intent to protect our national security.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/10/video-release-sen-rick-scott-on-senate-floor-time-to-lock-the-clock-with-my-sunshine-protection-act,VIDEO RELEASE Sen. Rick Scott on Senate Floor: Time to ‘Lock the Clock’ with My Sunshine Protection Act,2025-10-28,2025,2025-10,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, on the Senate floor, called for the passage of his bipartisan, bicameral Sunshine Protection Act to finally ‘lock the clock’ by making Daylight Saving Time permanent year-round. As Governor of Florida, Senator Scott signed legislation that would allow the state to remain on Daylight Saving Time year-round, pending federal approval, and has pushed the Sunshine Protection Act to make Daylight Saving Time the nationwide standard while giving states the right to opt-out. Senator Scott’s bill is sponsored by 18 of his Senate colleagues. Watch Senator Scott’s full remarks HERE or as prepared for delivery below: ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/10/el-senador-rick-scott-lidera-a-sus-colegas-en-una-resoluci-n-bipartidista-en-honor-a-la-ganadora-del-premio-nobel-de-la-paz-mar-a-corina-machado,El Senador Rick Scott lidera a sus colegas en una resolución bipartidista en honor a la ganadora del Premio Nobel de la Paz María Corina Machado,2025-10-27,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,FL,Rick Scott,S001217,www.rickscott.senate.gov,rickscott,https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – El Senador Rick Scott lideró a sus colegas en una resolución bipartidista en honor a la valiente líder democrática venezolana María Corina Machado luego de su reconocimiento con el Premio Nobel de la Paz. El Senador Scott también se unió ayer al programa 60 Minutes de CBS para discutir cómo el apoyo de Estados Unidos a una Venezuela libre y democrática es fundamental para la seguridad de nuestro hemisferio. El Senador Rick Scott dijo: ""María Corina es una heroína para su pueblo y una verdadera defensora de la libertad y la democracia en Venezuela. Su liderazgo pacífico y su coraje inquebrantable se han convertido en un faro de esperanza para millones de venezolanos que se oponen a la brutal dictadura de Nicolás Maduro y exigen un cambio. María continúa inspirando al mundo con su determinación de lograr una transición justa y pacífica de la dictadura a la democracia. Estoy orgulloso de estar con ella y con el valiente pueblo de Venezuela en su lucha por la libertad, y continuaré trabajando junto a María y el ganador del próximo año, el Presidente Trump, para responsabilizar al régimen ilegítimo de Maduro. Su Premio Nobel de la Paz es bien merecido y un poderoso reconocimiento de la resiliencia del pueblo venezolano"". El Senador Dick Durbin dijo: ""La Sra. Machado es una digna receptora del Premio Nobel de la Paz de este año por su lucha firme y valiente por la democracia en una nación que alguna vez estuvo orgullosa de eso y que ha caído en el caos y la dictadura. Después de una farsa electoral el año pasado en la que Nicolás Maduro volvió a declarar la victoria, continuó luchando por una transición democrática pacífica que reflejara la elección abrumadora y clara de los votantes venezolanos. Ese coraje inquebrantable frente a tal crueldad es increíble y digno del Nobel. Está tan decidida como siempre a ver un futuro mejor para el pueblo venezolano. Ella tiene mi gran admiración y apoyo continuos en ese esfuerzo, y es por eso que estamos presentando una fuerte resolución bipartidista en su honor hoy"". El Senador Ted Cruz dijo: ""María Corina Machado ha demostrado un coraje notable en la lucha contra la tiranía del régimen de Maduro, que continúa tomando represalias contra ella y amenazando su vida. Ella merece un gran elogio por sus esfuerzos incansables, su liderazgo firme y su lucha inquebrantable por una Venezuela libre y democrática. Es amiga y aliada de Estados Unidos, y humildemente dedicó su Premio Nobel de la Paz al Presidente Trump por ser una feroz crítica del régimen narcoterrorista de Maduro"". La Senadora Jeanne Shaheen dijo: ""La selección de María Corina Machado como ganadora del Premio Nobel de la Paz de este año es un testimonio de su intrépida dedicación al cambio pacífico y democrático en Venezuela y un recordatorio de que la democracia solo se puede ganar y mantener si hay personas como ella que son lo suficientemente valientes como para defender la libertad. Sin embargo, más que eso, el premio es un reconocimiento de la comunidad internacional a las luchas que ha enfrentado el pueblo venezolano y la importancia de continuar apoyando sus aspiraciones democráticas"". El Senador Michael Bennet dijo: ""Estados Unidos debe continuar apoyando los esfuerzos del pueblo venezolano para restaurar el estado de derecho y la democracia frente al gobierno fraudulento del dictador Nicolás Maduro. La extraordinaria valentía de María Corina Machado en la lucha por una Venezuela libre y democrática da esperanza a los pueblos de todo el mundo que resisten la violencia autoritaria y la opresión. Elogio su reconocimiento como ganadora del Premio Nobel de la Paz de este año y su inquebrantable oposición a la tiranía de Maduro"". ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/10/in-case-you-missed-it-sen-rick-scott-on-60-minutes-maduro-s-days-are-numbered,IN CASE YOU MISSED IT… Sen. Rick Scott on 60 Minutes: Maduro’s Days Are Numbered,2025-10-27,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,FL,Rick Scott,S001217,www.rickscott.senate.gov,rickscott,https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, Senator Rick Scott joined CBS’ 60 Minutes to discuss his support of President Trump’s bold action to stop the brutal regime of narco-terrorist Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela from sending deadly drugs into our nation, and how the United States’ support of a free, democratic Venezuela is critical to the safety of our hemisphere. Watch Senator Scott’s interview on 60 Minutes HERE or below:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/10/sen-rick-scott-leads-colleagues-in-bipartisan-resolution-honoring-nobel-peace-prize-recipient-mar-a-corina-machado,Sen. Rick Scott Leads Colleagues in Bipartisan Resolution Honoring Nobel Peace Prize Recipient María Corina Machado,2025-10-27,2025,2025-10,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 led his colleagues in a bipartisan resolution honoring courageous Venezuelan democracy leader María Corina Machado following her recognition with the Nobel Peace Prize. Senator Scott also joined CBS’ 60 Minutes yesterday to discuss how the United States’ support of a free, democratic Venezuela is critical to the safety of our hemisphere. Senator Rick Scott said, “María Corina is a hero to her people and a true champion for freedom and democracy in Venezuela. Her peaceful leadership and unwavering courage have become a beacon of hope for millions of Venezuelans who are standing up against Nicolás Maduro’s brutal dictatorship and demanding change. María continues to inspire the world with her determination to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy. I’m proud to stand with her and the brave people of Venezuela in their fight for freedom, and I will continue working alongside María and next year’s winner, President Trump, to hold the illegitimate Maduro regime accountable. Her Nobel Peace Prize is well deserved, and a powerful recognition of the resilience of the Venezuelan people.” Senator Dick Durbin said, “Ms. Machado is a worthy recipient of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize for her steadfast and courageous fight for democracy in a once proud nation that has descended into chaos and dictatorship. Following a sham election last year where Nicolas Maduro again declared victory, she continued to fight for a peaceful democratic transition that reflected the Venezuelan voters’ overwhelming and clear choice. That steadfast courage in the face of such cruelty is incredible and worthy of the Nobel. She is as determined as ever to see a better future for the Venezuelan people. She has my continued great admiration and support on that effort -- and that’s why we’re introducing a strong bipartisan resolution in her honor today.” Senator Ted Cruz said, “María Corina Machado has demonstrated remarkable courage in battling the tyranny of the Maduro regime, which continues to retaliate against her and threaten her life. She richly deserves commendation for her tireless efforts, steadfast leadership, and unwavering fight for a free and democratic Venezuela. She is a friend and an ally to the United States, and she humbly dedicated her Nobel Peace Prize to President Trump for being a fierce critic of Maduro’s narcoterrorist regime.” Senator Jeanne Shaheen said, “Maria Corina Machado's selection as this year's Nobel Peace Prize recipient is a testament to her fearless dedication to peaceful, democratic change in Venezuela and a reminder that democracy can only be won and kept if there are people like her that are courageous enough to stand up for freedom. More than that, though, the award is a recognition by the international community of the struggles the Venezuelan people have faced and the importance of continuing to support their democratic aspirations.” Senator Michael Bennet said, “The United States must continue to support the Venezuelan people’s efforts to restore the rule of law and democracy in the face of dictator Nicolás Maduro’s fraudulent rule. María Corina Machado's extraordinary bravery in fighting for a free and democratic Venezuela gives hope to people around the world resisting authoritarian violence and oppression. I commend her recognition as this year’s Nobel Peace Prize winner and her unwavering opposition to Maduro’s tyranny.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/10/in-case-you-missed-it-sen-rick-scott-on-fox-business-dems-are-cashing-their-paychecks-while-blocking-military-essential-worker-paychecks-it-s-wrong,"IN CASE YOU MISSED IT… Sen. Rick Scott on Fox Business: Dems Are Cashing Their Paychecks While Blocking Military, Essential Worker Paychecks – It’s WRONG!",2025-10-24,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,FL,Rick Scott,S001217,www.rickscott.senate.gov,rickscott,https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, Senator Rick Scott joined Fox Business’ Mornings with Maria to discuss the ongoing Schumer shutdown as Democrats continue to block Republicans’ efforts to fund the government and pay our nation’s military and essential workers this week. Senator Scott calls out Democrats’ complete hypocrisy for depriving hardworking Americans and military families of their own paychecks, leaving them struggling to make ends meet, while still collecting their own checks – which Senator Scott has been working to fix with his No Budget, No Pay Act to hold members accountable for funding the government, or forgo their own pay. Senator Scott, who serves as chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, also discussed his new investigative report exposing the severe national security and public health risks of America’s overreliance on foreign-manufactured generic drugs, particularly those made in Communist China and India. Watch Senator Scott’s interview on Fox Business HERE or below: ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/10/sens-rick-scott-elizabeth-warren-and-cynthia-lummis-press-fed-chair-powell-for-answers-after-fed-ig-advocated-against-bill-supported-by-bipartisan-majority-of-senators-to-establish-independent-inspector-general,"Sens. Rick Scott, Elizabeth Warren, and Cynthia Lummis Press Fed Chair Powell for Answers After Fed IG Advocated Against Bill Supported by Bipartisan Majority of Senators to Establish Independent Inspector General",2025-10-24,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,FL,Rick Scott,S001217,www.rickscott.senate.gov,rickscott,https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senators Rick Scott, Elizabeth Warren, and Cynthia Lummis sent a letter to the chairman of the Federal Reserve Jay Powell demanding answers after Powell’s hand-picked inspector general Michael Horowitz personally advocated against Senate offices, including their own, to oppose the senators’ legislation that received votes from a bipartisan majority of senators to establish a truly independent Senate-confirmed inspector general at the central bank. In the letter, the senators note their major concerns that the Fed’s current inspector general, who is meant to serve as an ethics watchdog at the agency on behalf of the American people, would advocate against this legislation, which aims to fix the existing reporting structure that currently incentivizes him to overlook violations, do the bidding of Powell and the Federal Reserve Board, and shield bad actors. Read the full letter HERE or below: Dear Chairman Powell: Earlier this month, a bipartisan majority of senators voted to support our legislation to create a truly independent inspector general (IG) at the Federal Reserve (Fed). As you may know, the inspector general of the Federal Reserve (Fed), Michael Horowitz, has recently visited offices on Capitol Hill to advocate against our bipartisan bill to establish an independent inspector general at the Fed. Mr. Horowitz also reached out to us personally to share his concerns about our legislation. These actions continue a troubling pattern set by your previous inspector general, who wrote an open letter expressing disapproval of our bill. In light of these visits, we write to request an answer, in writing and to be made public, as to whether you or any other Federal Reserve staff in any way directed or suggested that Mr. Horowitz come to Congress to advocate against the creation of a truly independent inspector general at the Federal Reserve. It is concerning and perplexing that some of your employees of the Federal Reserve would devote significant time and energy advocating against legislation that would implement healthy oversight and ensure the Fed and its employees are held accountable. It is also concerning that the Fed’s inspector general, who is meant to serve as an ethics watchdog at the agency on behalf of the American people, would advocate against this legislation, which aims to fix the existing reporting structure that currently incentivizes him to overlook violations, do the bidding of you and the Federal Reserve Board, and shield bad actors. Our goal with this bill is to strengthen trust in the Fed and hold Fed employees accountable for the many reported accounts of misconduct, mismanagement, and conflicts of interest – a goal that any independent inspector general should support. However, instead of supporting legislation that creates true independence for the Fed IG and allows this accountability, the current inspector general is working to maintain the status quo–making it easier for the Fed and its IG to shield bad actors and those at the Fed who may abuse their power and insider knowledge at the expense of the American people. Allowing the Fed’s inspector general to be appointed by the Federal Reserve Board, report to the Federal Reserve Board, and be paid by the Federal Reserve Board is a clear conflict of interest. With that in mind, and to help us fulfill our legislative responsibilities in ensuring appropriate oversight of the Federal Reserve, we are requesting that you, as chairman of the Federal Reserve, provide an explanation in writing and to be made public, as to why you and some of your employees are so opposed to the presence of a truly independent inspector general at the Federal Reserve and other such efforts to bring accountability to the central bank, and whether you or your staff had any conversations with Mr. Horowitz or his staff that encouraged or directed Horowitz to speak out against these efforts. The American people deserve a Federal Reserve that is committed to proper oversight, accountability, and transparency. That goal should be shared by the Federal Reserve’s employees. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/10/in-case-you-missed-it-sen-rick-scott-leads-investigate-report-on-dangerous-overreliance-on-foreign-made-generic-drugs-this-report-is-just-the-beginning,IN CASE YOU MISSED IT… Sen. Rick Scott Leads Investigate Report on Dangerous Overreliance on Foreign-Made Generic Drugs: ‘This Report is Just the Beginning’,2025-10-22,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,FL,Rick Scott,S001217,www.rickscott.senate.gov,rickscott,https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, Senator Rick Scott as chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, released an investigative report titled “Protecting Seniors’ Access to Essential Medications: Securing the Foreign Generic Pharmaceutical Supply Chain.” The report is aimed at America’s severely dangerous overreliance on foreign-made generic drugs, which are vastly imported from Communist China and India. This comes after Senator Scott held a hearing exposing the direct national security and public health threats caused by this horrific overdependence on foreign-made generic drugs and their ingredients. In a second hearing, the Aging Committee again heard from expert witnesses who discussed recommendations to secure America’s pharmaceutical supply chains and ensure access to high-quality, life-saving generic drugs that millions of Americans – including those in our aging community – rely on. More recently, the senator also wrote an op-ed for The Hill, discussing the threat in detail. Senator Rick Scott said, “The United States’ overreliance on foreign-made generic drugs, especially those made in adversarial nations, is a very real threat to all Americans, but especially our aging population. Not only have we had many recorded cases of these imported, generic drugs being contaminated and causing death and injury, if Communist China, our adversary, or India shut off the flow of these essential drugs, the U.S. would only have months of prescription drug supply, forcing us to begin rationing drugs and turning away all but the most in need within a matter of weeks! Our seniors deserve better, and this report is just the beginning as we expose this national security and public health crisis and how to fix it by increasing Food and Drug Administration oversight and bringing generic drug production back to America. Congress has to work with the Trump administration and act now to make sure that Americans have safe and high-quality drugs and to secure the prescription drug supply chain.” Highlights of the report include: The U.S. manufactured 37% of its consumed pharmaceuticals in 2024, a stark decline from 2002 when that figure was at 83%. China accounts for 95% of U.S. imports of ibuprofen, 70% of U.S. imports of acetaminophen, and upwards of 45% of U.S. imports of penicillin. Approximately 90% of the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) for global antibiotics are of Chinese origin, and 83% of the top 100 generic drugs consumed by U.S. citizens have no U.S.-based source of APIs. While India supplies approximately 50% of all generic drugs used in the U.S., Indian manufacturers rely heavily on China for approximately 80% of the API that they use. According to a 2025 study, the occurrence of serious adverse events for generic drugs manufactured in India was 54% higher than for equivalent drugs that were manufactured in the United States. Adverse events were hospitalization, disability, and death. The report also recommends the following solutions: Establish a federal buyer’s market for essential medicines, prioritizing American made products first, and prioritizing near- and friend-shoring if American made products are not available; Map our generic drug supply chains; Require companies to disclose country of origin for finished pharmaceuticals; Utilize trade levers like the administration’s 232 investigation authority; Pass clarifying language to close loopholes that allow foreign-made products to be categorized as ‘Made in America;’ and Support U.S. biotechnology Read the full report HERE or by clicking the image below. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/10/sen-rick-scott-asks-president-trump-to-crack-down-on-chinese-student-visas-as-communist-china-s-trade-aggression-escalates,Sen. Rick Scott Asks President Trump to Crack Down on Chinese Student Visas as Communist China’s Trade Aggression Escalates,2025-10-22,2025,2025-10,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 sent a letter to President Donald Trump commending his work to hold United States adversary, Communist China, and its dangerous regime accountable, and asked that the president build on these efforts by cracking down on Chinese nationals at American universities and immediately suspend new visa approvals for students from China. Senator Scott notes Communist China’s continued aggressive trade behavior, track record of stealing American intellectual property and research at universities, and the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) authority to compel espionage from any of its citizens as direct and dangerous threats to our nation’s national security. This builds on Senator Scott’s previously introduced legislation aimed at countering threats from the CCP and other authoritarian regimes that use strict national intelligence laws to require their citizens to engage in espionage abroad. A second bill, the DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act, would remove Chinese Communist Party-linked spies from U.S. universities by preventing all Department of Homeland Security grants from being awarded to American universities that have affiliations tied to the CCP and known for its espionage and theft of American research and IP. Read the letter HERE or below: Dear President Trump: I am writing to commend your decisive response to China's unprecedented trade aggression and to recommend taking matching action for the approximately 300,000 Chinese national students currently enrolled in American universities. Your announcement regarding China's ""extraordinarily aggressive position on trade"" further demonstrates China’s intention to engage in bad faith negotiations. In the years since the United States removed Communist China’s annual review of its most favored nation (MFN) status, Beijing has committed to an ongoing campaign of economic warfare against the United States, and patriotic American workers and manufacturers have paid the price. Xi Jinping and his thugs are now doubling down against the United States by imposing wide-reaching export controls on rare earth minerals. Your response of imposing an additional 100% tariff on China and export controls on sensitive technology was both appropriate and necessary. However, the impact of this economic countermeasure can be more pronounced by pairing it with action against a key priority for Communist China—the 300,000 Chinese nationals embedded in our university system. Chinese law requires any Chinese national to report back to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) when compelled. This means that every Chinese national in America, including every student, is legally obligated to spy for Xi and his thugs in the CCP. There are no exceptions, and refusal can result in criminal prosecution, threats against family members in China, property confiscation, and even revocation of citizenship. In some cases, the relationships Chinese students form with their American counterparts have also been exploited, as we’ve seen in the CCP’s Thousand Talents Program, where Chinese students secretly recruit American academics to steal our technologies and use them to advance their own military and economic goals. These students also study artificial intelligence, quantum computing, biotechnology, aerospace, and other technologies that are subject to your new export controls. What we deny China through trade policy, the CCP will attempt to acquire through their student population’s access to our sensitive technology. You have rightly imposed the strongest trade measures in modern history against Communist China. Those measures should be further strengthened by countering China’s ability to maintain broad access to our most sensitive research institutions and technologies. We cannot fight an economic war while hosting the enemy. This is why I recommend taking the following actions in coordination with your trade measures: Suspend new student visas for Chinese nationals; Implement phased removal of current Chinese students, prioritizing: All students in programs related to technologies under export control; Students in federally funded research programs; and Students in STEM fields related to national security; Completely ban Chinese nationals in the U.S. from conducting any research involving dual-use technologies, defense applications, and critical infrastructure. China’s trade aggression proves they are not operating in good faith. We must therefore take decisive action to protect American innovation, technology, and national security. Thank you for always putting America first, and I’m confident you will continue to do so. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/10/sen-rick-scott-urges-fcc-to-crack-down-on-communist-chinese-drone-companies-evading-u-s-scrutiny,Sen. Rick Scott Urges FCC to Crack Down on Communist Chinese Drone Companies Evading U.S. Scrutiny,2025-10-21,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,FL,Rick Scott,S001217,www.rickscott.senate.gov,rickscott,https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Brendan Carr applauding his recent announcement of an upcoming FCC vote that could prohibit the sale or operation of technological equipment from adversarial nations like Communist China. Senator Scott has been working for years to get drones manufactured in Communist China out of our nation, military, and government due to the risks they pose to our national security, and fought successfully to include an amendment in the FY 2025 NDAA that works to phase out licenses for new drone technology from companies like DJI and Autel Robotics, the former of which continuously evades oversight by reincorporating with new shell companies. In the letter, Senator Scott urges the commission to take swift and decisive action to implement this provision and take action against Chinese drone manufacturers that continue to pose a threat to America’s national security. Read the letter to Chairman Brendan Carr HERE or below: Dear Chairman Carr: First and foremost, I wish to commend you for your October 6 announcement regarding the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)’s forthcoming vote on a new order to prohibit the import or sale of previously authorized equipment on the FCC’s Covered List. This initiative represents an important step toward strengthening our nation’s supply chain security and closing regulatory gaps that could otherwise permit the continued entry of high-risk adversarial technology into U.S. markets. As part of the FY 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, I fought to include a provision (Section 1709) to require a congressional-mandated investigation into Chinese drone manufacturers such as DJI and Autel Robotics (including their subsidiaries, affiliates, and partners) and create a statutory framework for more aggressive scrutiny of foreign-controlled equipment that could threaten U.S. national security. I have been working to get this dangerous technology out of our military and government for years, and the FCC’s forthcoming order could help operationalize my efforts in Section 1709 by providing a regulatory path to revoke authorizations for equipment posing unacceptable security risks. We have seen a consistent pattern from DJI and other Chinese-manufactured businesses of evading U.S. laws and regulations by continuously reestablishing under different shell companies or subsidiaries to avoid detection. Recent stories highlighting the latest of DJI’s efforts to establish shell companies further underscore the necessity for the impending FCC order. In one purported case, DJI logos were found in FCC documentation for a days-old company named Lyno Dynamics, LLC. Such tactics clearly undermine both the intent and effectiveness of U.S. law. Accordingly, I respectfully urge the commission to: Exercise any available authority under the new order to rescind, at a bare minimum, all existing equipment authorizations for DJI and Autel Robotics devices issued since the enactment of the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, including any approved under proxy entities; Deny any licenses to devices that utilize components3, software, or subsystems sourced from DJI, Autel, or its subsidiaries; and Strengthen corporate disclosure requirements, as possible, in FCC filings to prevent shell companies from concealing ultimate ownership or control. Lastly, I wish to thank you for your outstanding leadership in protecting our nation’s capacity to build up a robust domestic drone industry. For years, I have worked to reduce the United States’ dependence on foreign suppliers, especially Communist China, for critical drone technologies. Our work to address this will not only strengthen national security but also bolster American industry, create high-quality jobs, and ensure that future generations of drones are designed and built according to trusted standards. We can reclaim our leadership in the global drone market, and this new proposed order can be an integral part of that effort. Thank you for your consideration of my requests and your continued leadership in protecting America’s communications networks and advancing our economic and national security interests. I am here to support your efforts and would appreciate a response by COB October 27, 2025. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/10/sen-rick-scott-chair-ron-johnson-send-letter-to-la-city-council-president-requesting-records-into-pacific-palisades-wildfire-city-s-efforts-to-redevelop-affected-areas,"Sen. Rick Scott, Chair Ron Johnson Send Letter to LA City Council President Requesting Records into Pacific Palisades Wildfire, City’s Efforts to Redevelop Affected Areas",2025-10-20,2025,2025-10,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 and Senator Ron Johnson, chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), sent a letter to Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson as part of their ongoing congressional investigation into the deadly Palisades fire, which devastated Los Angeles communities, caused billions in property damage, and resulted in the tragic loss of life. In their letter, the senators request records related to the city’s wildfire preparedness, emergency response efforts, water infrastructure issues, and redevelopment plans in the fire-affected areas. This letter follows numerous other letters from Senator Scott and Chairman Johnson as part of their investigation, including to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Chief Executive Officer Janisse Quiñones and the Los Angeles Fire Department's former Chief Crowley. Senator Scott has also sent letters to the USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, DOI Secretary Doug Burgum, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and recently, a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent asking for the secretary to review reports suggesting that Communist China has been taking advantage of these devasting wildfires by purchasing the destroyed land. Read the letter to Councilman Harris-Dawson HERE or below: Dear Mr. Harris–Dawson: In January 2025, a number of wildfires, including the Palisades fire, devastated Los Angeles County, California. These fires caused billions of dollars in damage to homes and businesses, and tragically resulted in loss of life. Public reports have raised questions about Los Angeles’s wildfire preparations and the response to the January 2025 wildfires, including the Palisades fire. For example, even though a suspect was recently charged with starting the Lachman fire, the Palisades fire appears to have been caused by a reignition of the Lachman fire, even though Los Angeles officials stated that the fire was “fully contained.” Additionally, a July 2025 preliminary report issued by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (“LADWP”) identified issues with critical water systems necessary for fire suppression, including loss of pressure to fire hydrants. There have also been other allegations that the mismanagement of reservoirs led to a lack of water on the day that residents in Los Angeles County needed it most. Pursuant to Senate Resolution 94 (119th Cong.), the United States Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (the “Subcommittee”) is conducting a review of Los Angeles’s wildfire mitigation and suppression efforts, including the response to the Palisades fire. To assist the Subcommittee in its review, please provide the following information and records. Unless otherwise stated, the period of time covered by this request is from February 1, 2022, to present. All records referring or relating to wildfire preparation, suppression, and response (including alerts, notifications, and evacuation plans) between December 28, 2024 and the present, including but not limited to the response to the Palisades and Lachman fires. All records referring or relating to proposed budget cuts and workforce reductions at the Los Angeles Fire Department (“LAFD”) or LADWP. All records referring or relating to the Palisades and Eaton fires, including but not limited to: All communications between and among members of and employees at the City Council’s Office; Any after action or other assessment of the cause of the Palisades and Eaton fires, including all communications related to the suspected non-natural or man-made causes; All communications referring or related to Jonathan Rinderknecht;6 and All communications with residents of the Pacific Palisades. All records referring or relating to any reports or investigations of arson, burglary, theft, or looting in fire-affected areas, including but not limited to communications with law enforcement or emergency management agencies. All records referring or relating to the Santa Ynez Reservoir and the Chautauqua Reservoir (also known as the “Palisades Reservoir”), including but not limited to all communications with the LADWP regarding the closure of the Santa Ynez Reservoir. All records referring or relating to the February 21, 2025, removal of Kristin M. Crowley from her role as Fire Chief of the LAFD. All records referring or relating to the creation or oversight of diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”) hiring policies for the LAFD and the LADWP from April 1, 2020, to present, including the budgetary impact of DEI programs or initiatives and how the City Council’s “efforts to dismantle systemic racism” applied to these departments. All records referring or relating to redevelopment in fire-affected areas, including but not limited to: Building or land-use permits, applications, or approvals; Proposed or enacted changes to regulations; Proposed or enacted zoning modifications or variances; Proposals for or approvals of low-income housing developments; Proposals for or approvals of multifamily housing developments; and The construction of public transportation stations. All communications referring or relating to wildfire prevention, mitigation, or suppression, including but not limited to the Palisades fire, between members of and employees of the City Council and any employee or official with the following entities: LADWP; Los Angeles Mayor’s Office; Office of the Governor of California; LAFD; Los Angeles County Fire Department; and Any federal agency or department. Please produce this information as soon as possible, but no later than 5:00 p.m. EST on November 3, 2025. If you have any questions about this request, please contact Subcommittee staff at (202) 224-3721 and (202) 224-0909. Thank you in advance for your prompt attention to this matter. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/10/in-case-you-missed-it-sen-rick-scott-in-the-wall-street-journal-america-needs-to-make-its-own-generics-again,IN CASE YOU MISSED IT… Sen. Rick Scott in the Wall Street Journal: America Needs to Make Its Own Generics Again,2025-10-17,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,FL,Rick Scott,S001217,www.rickscott.senate.gov,rickscott,https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, Senator Rick Scott wrote a letter to the editor of the Wall Street Journal in response to Jamie Dimon’s “Our Investments for National Security.” In his letter, Senator Scott highlights the need for Congress to address the United States’ dangerous overreliance on generic drugs from Communist China and India, including antibiotics and life-saving medicine millions of Americans rely on, which can put Americans’ health at jeopardy. Senator Scott, who serves as Chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, has led two hearings examining the threat of America’s dependence on foreign-made generic drugs to Americans’ health and our national security. In the letter to the editor, Senator Rick Scott writes, “The U.S. depends on overseas manufacturers for approximately 75% of its essential drug supply. … It wouldn’t take much for Xi Jinping to cause massive and deadly disruptions to everyday American life. … Congress, among other things, needs to strengthen Food and Drug Administration oversight, secure greater transparency on generic drug sourcing, and use the federal government’s buying power to create sustainable supply chains and boost domestic manufacturing of lifesaving and sustaining medications.” Read the full letter to the editor in the Wall Street Journal HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/10/in-case-you-missed-it-sen-rick-scott-in-the-hill-reliance-on-dangerous-foreign-generic-drugs-is-killing-americans,IN CASE YOU MISSED IT… Sen. Rick Scott in The Hill: Reliance on dangerous foreign generic drugs is killing Americans,2025-10-16,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,FL,Rick Scott,S001217,www.rickscott.senate.gov,rickscott,https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, Senator Rick Scott, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, wrote an op-ed for The Hill on America’s overreliance on foreign-made generic prescription drugs and how a lack of oversight in nations like Communist China is threatening the health of our citizens and jeopardizing our national security. This op-ed follows two Aging Committee hearings led by Senator Scott to address this dangerous overdependence and vulnerabilities in the nation’s pharmaceutical supply chain that leave Americans — especially U.S. seniors and our service members and their families — at risk. In the op-ed, Senator Rick Scott writes, “In December of 2007, LeRoy Hubley endured the most devastating experience of his life. His wife of 48 years and his son died within weeks of each other. The culprit? Contaminated doses of Chinese-made generic drug Heparin that there were taking to treat a genetic kidney disease. … Unfortunately, the Hubleys are not the only victims of our country’s over-reliance on foreign-made generic drugs and a broken system that allows overseas manufacturers to duck quality controls. … The U.S. currently relies on overseas manufacturers for approximately 75 percent of its essential drug supply, with Communist China and India as two of the largest contributors. Of the top 100 generic medicines consumed in the U.S., 83 percent of them contain no American-sourced Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). That means if you look in your medicine cabinet now, there’s a good chance you’ll find a foreign-made generic drug that includes Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients from overseas. … These quality-control issues pose an immediate threat to all Americans, but that is only half of a terrifying problem. America’s over-reliance on foreign-made generic drugs presents massive vulnerabilities in the generic drug supply chain, which creates a significant threat to U.S. national security. … Think about it: if Communist China, a self-described enemy of the United States, or India, wants to stop the supply of prescription drugs to the United States, it can do so at any moment. … If that happens, the U.S. has no plan to keep these generic life-saving drugs needed by millions of Americans available. We will quickly run out, and people will die. Americans on Medicare, Medicaid and our servicemen and women who rely on drugs supplied through the Department of War account for the lion’s share of the United States’ purchase of foreign-made generic drugs and are especially vulnerable to a supply chain disruption of this kind. Not only are we risking lives, we are siphoning U.S. tax dollars through these programs to help fund an enemy nation committed to destroying our very way of life. … If we can’t solve this problem, it is only a matter of time before more American lives are unnecessarily lost. We’ve failed to act to protect access to safe and quality-controlled life-saving drugs that we, our children, and our parents rely on. That must stop now. I won’t stop fighting to expose this problem and fix it to protect our seniors and all Americans who rely on generic prescription drugs. The Aging Committee just held our second hearing and will be releasing a report to propose solutions that protect Americans, secure sustainable supply chains for generic drugs, and end the current threat posed by Communist China and India’s stranglehold on this market.” Read the full op-ed in The Hill HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/10/sen-rick-scott-asks-treasury-sec-bessent-to-review-china-s-land-grab-in-fire-ravaged-california,Sen. Rick Scott Asks Treasury Sec. Bessent to Review China’s Land Grab in Fire-Ravaged California,2025-10-16,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,FL,Rick Scott,S001217,www.rickscott.senate.gov,rickscott,https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent thanking him for his work with President Trump to stand up for the American people by confronting and mitigating the threats posed by Communist China. As part of these efforts, Senator Scott asks Secretary Bessent to use the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to review reports that Communist China is taking advantage of the devastating California wildfires this past January, as Chinese-affiliated companies buy ravaged land to infiltrate our nation at the expense of wildfire victims and our national security. These reports of Communist China’s land-grab scheme were discovered as part of Senator Scott and Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations Chairman Ron Johnson’s ongoing congressional investigation into the deadly Palisades fire, which devastated Los Angeles communities, caused billions in property damage, and resulted in the tragic loss of life. Read the letter to Secretary Scott Bessent HERE or below: Dear Secretary Bessent, I first wish to thank you for your steadfast and courageous leadership as you work with President Trump to build another Golden Age for the American people. I know you agree that an integral part of this objective is confronting and mitigating the threats posed by Communist China to the American Dream and the American way of life. Following the horrific fires in the Pacific Palisades in January, I, along with Chairman Ron Johnson of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee’s Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, have launched an investigation into the contributing causes and failures in response that led to the complete devastation and loss of life and property in the area. The victims of these fires lost nearly everything and have spent months searching for answers, filing insurance claims and building permits as they hope to rebuild their lives and homes. I was alarmed by recent reports that Communist China-based investors and businesses, have taken advantage of this devastation by buying fire-ravaged land on valuable real estate in Southern California. This includes the founders of Hong Kong-based Zuru, a company previously focused on making toys, but is now planning on building their pre-fabricated homes in China and shipping them to these lots in the United States. While this is concerning on its own, they have also articulated their intent to use this to test out new “smart homes” using internet-connected smart appliances that will not only be connected to our electricity grid, but could be fully capable of sending data on American citizens back to Xi and his thugs in China. The last thing our nation needs is more Communist Chinese access to our electric grid and to our lives. It’s one of many reasons why we must focus on limiting China’s influence over any land transactions in the United States. Given the ongoing public debate surrounding Chinese Communist Party (CCP)- affiliated ownership of U.S. land, I encourage you to try to extend the reach of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) within the confines of existing law to review such cases. U.S. law currently allows for the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) review of real estate transactions if the real estate is in proximity to sensitive U.S. government sites, including specified named military sites. If at all pertinent for your consideration, there are military installations covered by the CFIUS regulations in the Southern California area, including Naval Base Ventura County facilities. Whether or not recent transactions are ultimately eligible for review, future ones may be, and the many consequences of Communist China connected affiliates, like Zuru, buying up land in America requires a whole-of-government response. Communist China and Xi Jinping are enemies of the American people and have shown time and time again that they want access to American data, American markets, and American land in an effort to destroy our very way of life. President Trump and his administration have made countering Communist Chinese land grabs a priority – and for good reason. These calculated land purchases are the latest examples of the CCP’s attempts to destroy us. I know you, President Trump, and his whole administration is aware of this threat and share my goal of security from China. Please let me know if there is anything I can do legislatively to help promote our nation’s America First agenda. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/10/sen-rick-scott-leads-resolution-condemning-attacks-against-federal-law-enforcement-in-illinois,Sen. Rick Scott Leads Resolution Condemning Attacks Against Federal Law Enforcement in Illinois,2025-10-16,2025,2025-10,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 and Marsha Blackburn introduced a resolution condemning the despicable, violent attacks against federal law enforcement in Chicago and the state of Illinois. Senator Rick Scott said, “It’s disgusting to see violence against our federal law enforcement officers in Chicago, enabled by a soft-on-crime mayor and governor. Every elected official should be condemning this violence, not cheering it on. President Trump made the right call to use federal help on the ground to keep Americans safe, while local leadership refuses to do so. These hardworking officers are just doing their jobs to keep others safe — they don’t deserve the hateful rhetoric and violence against them.” Senator Marsha Blackburn said, “Radical left officials in Illinois and Chicago have chosen to protect illegal aliens and violent criminals instead of law-abiding Americans and law enforcement officers. Their refusal to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement has opened agents up to attacks, endangered local communities, and empowered criminals. These federal agents are doing heroic work, and it’s time for local officials to restore law and order.” Read the full resolution HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/10/sen-rick-scott-secures-big-wins-for-florida-pres-trump-s-agenda-with-senate-passage-of-ndaa,"Sen. Rick Scott Secures Big Wins for Florida, Pres. Trump’s Agenda with Senate Passage of NDAA",2025-10-14,2025,2025-10,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, member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services (SASC) and Chairman of the SASC Subcommittee on Seapower, released the following statement highlighting big wins for Florida, our warfighters, and President Trump’s Peace through Strength agenda in the Senate-passed Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This includes Senator Scott’s work to protect the United States from Communist China by prohibiting the Department of War (DoW) from purchasing Chinese computers and printers, which threaten our national security and allow Communist China a backdoor into our nation’s secure networks and information. Senator Rick Scott said, “Our military men and women represent the best of what it means to be an American and a Floridian. They wake up every day, often in dangerous places and away from their loved ones, to fight for the freedoms that make our country great. As Florida’s United States Senator, I am proud to work with President Trump, a true champion of our warfighters and veterans, to support our service members and their families. We were able to secure big wins for Florida and our military in this year’s Senate-passed NDAA, including pay raises for our troops and projects that make life better for military families in Florida with critical military construction projects throughout the state. We will also make great investments in our national security by getting Communist China out of our supply chains, drug manufacturing, and technology, keep Homestead Air Reserve Base ready for a renewed flying mission, and ensure readiness across all domains. These efforts are critical to support our troops and keep future generations of Floridians and Americans safe. “I would like to thank Chairman Wicker, Ranking Member Reed, and all of my Senate colleagues for their work to get this bill passed in the Senate, and I look forward to it passing the House and being signed into law.” In its current Senate-passed form, Senator Scott fought for and secured several measures, including: Securing over $950 million for military construction projects throughout Florida, including the land acquisition and building of a Child Development Center at Eglin Air Force Base to increase access to childcare for military families in the Panhandle; Extending the joint use prohibition at Homestead Air Reserve Base to 2034 to protect the military mission as threats to U.S. national security rise in Latin America; Requiring the Secretary of War to gather information about utilizing civilian large cargo aircraft to continue the rapid growth and development of Florida’s space coast; A force-wide pay raise of 3.8% for military members; A requirement for generic drug manufacturers to disclose the country of origin for pharmaceutical ingredients, identifying the vulnerabilities presented by the U.S. government’s reliance on Communist Chinese drugs and throughout the supply chain; A study requiring the Department of Health and Human Services to create a comprehensive map of drug and biological product supply chain for medicines critical to our national security and at high risk for shortage; Banning the DoW from purchasing computers and printers made by companies based in Communist China, a U.S. adversary; Strongly encouraging the Secretary of Defense to invite Taiwan to the Rim of the Pacific Exercise, and if an invite is not extended to Taiwan, the Secretary of War must report to Congress within 30 days why an invite was not extended to Taiwan; Prohibiting the DoW from purchasing solar panels (photovoltaic modules) or inverters from Communist China; Requiring the Secretary of War to evaluate TP-Link telecommunications equipment to determine if it should be designated as “covered telecommunications equipment or services” - a classification that restricts use in the government due to national security concerns; Requiring the Secretary of War to annually review and consider adding Communist Chinese entities to the official list of Chinese military companies (the ""1260H List"") if those entities are already on other U.S. government sanctions lists; Providing support for United States’ ally, Israel, and a total of $80 million for counter-tunneling cooperation; Allowing more than three Service Academy student-athletes to play professional sports and continue to serve our country; and Requiring a briefing to SASC on the feasibility and advisability of establishing a price index for certain strategic and critical materials. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/10/sen-rick-scott-chair-ron-johnson-request-records-from-mayor-of-la-for-congressional-investigation-into-pacific-palisades-wildfire,"Sen. Rick Scott, Chair Ron Johnson Request Records from Mayor of LA for Congressional Investigation into Pacific Palisades Wildfire",2025-10-10,2025,2025-10,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 and Senator Ron Johnson, chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), sent a letter to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass requesting records and all information related to the city’s wildfire preparedness and response to the January 2025 Pacific Palisades fire. Following the Department of Justice’s announcement of charges against a suspect believed to be responsible for starting the Lachman fire this week, growing concerns have been raised in public reports about the management and oversight of city officials. This includes concerns that the Palisades fire appears to have been caused by a reignition of the Lachman fire, even though Los Angeles officials stated that the fire was “fully contained.” The senators’ letter is part of their ongoing congressional investigation into the deadly Palisades fire, which devastated Los Angeles communities, caused billions in property damage, and resulted in the tragic loss of life. This follows previous requests for information from including letters to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, the Los Angeles Fire Department. Read the letter to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass HERE or below: Dear Mayor Bass: In January 2025, a number of wildfires, including the Palisades fire, devastated Los Angeles County, California. These fires caused billions of dollars in damage to homes and businesses, and tragically resulted in loss of life. Public reports have raised questions about Los Angeles’s wildfire preparations and the response to the January 2025 wildfires, including the Palisades fire. For example, even though a suspect was charged this week with starting the Lachman fire, the Palisades fire appears to have been caused by a reignition of the Lachman fire, even though Los Angeles officials stated that the fire was “fully contained.” Additionally, a July 2025 preliminary report issued by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (“LADWP”) identified issues with critical water systems necessary for fire suppression, including loss of pressure to fire hydrants. And there have also been other allegations that the mismanagement of reservoirs led to a lack of water on the day that residents in Los Angeles County needed it most. Pursuant to Senate Resolution 94 (119th Cong.), the United States Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (the “Subcommittee”) is conducting a review of Los Angeles’s wildfire mitigation and suppression efforts, including the response to the Palisades fire. In order to assist the Subcommittee in its review, please provide the following information and records. Unless otherwise stated, the period of time covered by this request is from February 1, 2022, to present. All records referring or relating to wildfire preparation, suppression, and response between December 28, 2024, and the present, including but not limited to the response to the Palisades and Lachman fires. All records referring or relating to proposed budget cuts and workforce reductions at the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD). All records referring or relating to the Palisades and Eaton fires, including but not limited to: Communications between and among employees at the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office; Any after action or other assessment of the cause of the Palisades and Eaton fires, including all communications related to the suspected non-natural or man-made causes; All communications referring or related to Jonathan Rinderknecht; and Communications with residents of the Pacific Palisades. All records referring or relating to any reports or investigations of arson, burglary, theft, or looting in fire-affected areas, including but not limited to communications with law enforcement or emergency management agencies. All records referring or relating to the Santa Ynez Reservoir and the Chautauqua Reservoir (also known as the “Palisades Reservoir”), including but not limited to all communications with the LADWP regarding the closure of the Santa Ynez Reservoir. All records referring or relating to the February 21, 2025, removal of Kristin M. Crowley from her role as Fire Chief of the LAFD. All records referring or relating to the creation or oversight of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) hiring policies for the Mayor’s Office, LAFD, and the LADWP from May 1, 2020, to present, including Mayor Eric Garcetti’s Executive Directive No. 27 and the budgetary impact of DEI programs or initiatives. All records referring or relating to your travel to the Republic of Ghana from January 4 to January 8, 2025, including but not limited to: All risk assessments, staff recommendations, or warnings regarding potential emergency response conflicts; All records referring or relating to identifying which city official(s) were designated to exercise mayoral or emergency management authority during the period of the Ghana trip; All communications discussing the fire response and plan in the context of your absence from Los Angeles; All communications between the Mayor’s Office and external entities, including the White House, referring or relating to the trip’s purpose, agenda, or scheduling; All communications relating to the U.S. military transportation back to Los Angeles; and All briefing materials, talking points, or post-trip summaries referring or relating to the Ghana travel, including any references to the trip’s timing, cost, or public perception following the January 2025 wildfires. All records referring or relating to redevelopment in fire-affected areas, including but not limited to: building or land-use permits, applications, or approvals; proposed or enacted changes to regulations; proposed or enacted zoning modifications or variances; proposals for or approvals of low-income housing developments; proposals for or approvals of multifamily housing developments; and the construction of public transportation stations. All records referring or relating to the records retention, storage, and deletion policies and practices of the Mayor’s Office, including but not limited to all records relating to the alleged deletion, alteration, or destruction of any official records or communications. All records referring or relating to Steve Soboroff’s appointment and resignation as chief recovery officer. All communications referring or relating to wildfire prevention, mitigation, or suppression, including but not limited to the Palisades fire, between the Mayor’s Office and any employee or official with the following entities: LADWP; Los Angeles City Council; Office of the Governor of California; LAFD; Los Angeles County Fire Department; and Any federal agency or department. Please produce this information as soon as possible, but no later than 5:00 p.m. EST on October 23, 2025. If you have any questions about this request, please contact Subcommittee staff at (202) 224-3721 and (202) 224-0909. Thank you in advance for your prompt attention to this matter. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/10/sen-rick-scott-introduces-bill-to-designate-charlie-kirk-patriot-way-in-d-c-to-honor-legacy-of-charlie-kirk,Sen. Rick Scott Introduces Bill to Designate Charlie Kirk Patriot Way in D.C. to Honor Legacy of Charlie Kirk,2025-10-10,2025,2025-10,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 led Senators Mike Lee, Marsha Blackburn, Bernie Moreno, and Josh Hawley in introducing the Charlie Kirk Patriot Way Act to honor the legacy of Charlie Kirk by designating a street in our nation’s capital Charlie Kirk Patriot Way. This designation will pay tribute to Charlie, an American patriot who spent his young life promoting the founding ideals our great nation, free speech, discussion of ideas, and religious liberty, and inspired countless young Americans to stand up for their beliefs with courage and conviction. Senator Scott also recently led the introduction and passage of a resolution designating Charlie’s birthday, October 14, 2025, as National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk. Senator Rick Scott said, “Charlie loved our nation and its ideals, and dedicated his entire life to discussing how to make our nation better and encourage others to share and discuss their ideas to do the same. Like our Founders, he engaged in debate not with anger, but with conviction, respect, and a deep love for this country, inspiring so many Americans to get involved and help shape the future of the nation. I’m proud to lead this effort to dedicate a street in our nation’s capital as Charlie Kirk Patriot Way – a place where every American can come to pay tribute to Charlie’s life, and a reminder to us all to continue his legacy by standing strong in what you believe: peacefully, purposefully, and proudly.” Senator Marsha Blackburn said, “Charlie Kirk was a patriot whose unwavering dedication to promoting American values and free speech will not be forgotten. Establishing the ‘Charlie Kirk Patriot Way’ would honor his tireless efforts to inspire patriotism and uphold the values that make our nation the greatest place to live in the world.” Senator Bernie Moreno said, “Over a decade ago, Charlie shared with me his vision to inspire our young people to get involved in politics. What started as an idea, turned into a movement that would change the course of our country. His assassination ignited a movement, and I am proud to join my colleagues to ensure that his impact will be felt for generations to come.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/10/in-case-you-missed-it-sen-rick-scott-in-the-wall-street-journal-democrats-keep-shoveling-money-at-obamacare,IN CASE YOU MISSED IT… Sen. Rick Scott in the Wall Street Journal: Democrats Keep Shoveling Money at ObamaCare,2025-10-09,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,FL,Rick Scott,S001217,www.rickscott.senate.gov,rickscott,https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/,page_html,"It wasn’t supposed to cost hundreds of billions of tax dollars a year to make healthcare ‘affordable.’ WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, Senator Rick Scott wrote an op-ed for the Wall Street Journal on how Democrats’ government shutdown demands of massive taxpayer-funded checks to insurance companies shows just how far they’re willing to go to mask the true costs of Obamacare, which has completely failed, ruining the nation’s health insurance system and leaving Americans paying more with less choice. Senator Scott notes it’s time to fix this broken system – lowering costs, stopping fraud, and giving Americans more choice – to actually help Americans get accessible, affordable health care. In the op-ed, Senator Rick Scott writes, “Congressional Democrats have said the quiet part out loud: They want the federal government to keep cutting massive checks to insurance companies forever, using your tax dollars to shore up the sinking ship of ObamaCare. They’ve even shut down the government to demand it. ‘ObamaCare didn’t deliver on its promise of healthcare affordability and stability. President Obama’s promise that “if you like your healthcare plan, you can keep it” was proved to be a lie by 2013. His promise to bring down healthcare costs—with savings of $2,500 a year for every American family and $200 billion for the federal government—was no more truthful. ‘To keep ObamaCare afloat, the federal government has propped it up with hundreds of billions of dollars in handouts directly to the insurance industry while failing to lower costs. These handouts lacked any accountability or eligibility requirements, opening them up to fraud, waste and mass confusion that lined the pockets of insurance companies and brokers, and failing Americans who need help. The whole system is misconceived—but Washington has done its best to hide that from the American people.…” Read the full op-ed in the Wall Street Journal HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/10/in-case-you-missed-it-sen-rick-scott-leads-aging-hearing-on-deadly-risk-of-america-s-overreliance-on-foreign-manufactured-generic-drugs,IN CASE YOU MISSED IT… Sen. Rick Scott Leads Aging Hearing on Deadly Risk of America’s Overreliance on Foreign-Manufactured Generic Drugs,2025-10-09,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,FL,Rick Scott,S001217,www.rickscott.senate.gov,rickscott,https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, Senator Rick Scott led a hearing yesterday as the chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging: “Bad Medicine: Closing Loopholes that Kill American Patients.” This hearing is the latest of Senator Scott’s ongoing efforts to examine America’s severely dangerous overdependence on foreign-manufactured generic drugs that are putting Americans at risk, and to find solutions to secure the pharmaceutical supply chain, increase transparency for patients and close loopholes that allow unsafe medications into the U.S. market. Senator Scott led an aging hearing last month sounding the alarm on the growing threats to the safety and reliability of foreign-manufactured generic drugs. He also recently sent a letter to FDA Commissioner Martin Makary raising concerns about the agency’s oversight and the safety of generic drugs manufactured overseas and imported into the U.S. As a result, Senator Scott is urging Commerce Secretary Lutnick and Trade Representative Ambassador Greer to consider Section 232 action on foreign-made generic drugs. See excerpts of Senator Scott’s introductory remarks from yesterday’s hearing below; watch in full HERE or below: “The terrifying reality we face is that our nation is completely beholden to Communist China and India for the vast majority of our generic drugs and their ingredients. … ‘In 2024, the U.S. manufactured 37% of its consumed drugs. This number is down from 2002, when it was 83%. In just over 20 years, we have ceded control of our medical supply chain to Communist China and India. … ‘This is a national security and a public health issue for seniors and all Americans. … ‘I am not exaggerating when I say that people are dying in America today because of bad medicine from unregulated markets in India and Communist China. … ‘When I asked Peter Baker, a former FDA inspector, if he would allow himself or his family to take generic drugs made in India or Communist China, he said no, and told us that he believed that Americans were being killed every day from foreign made generic drugs. … ‘In 2007 and 2008, Heparin that sourced contaminated ingredients from Communist China killed up to 100 people in the United States. … ‘The federal government is the largest purchaser of drugs in the United States… The buying power of the federal government can move the needle and bring manufacturing for essential drugs back to the United States. … ‘Even if we started by prioritizing certain drugs or types of drugs, like antibiotics, which Communist China supplies 90% of the ingredients for globally, we would be making our medical supply chains much safer… … ‘Other steps like the Department of Commerce’s Section 232 investigation could level the playing field for American manufacturers. Section 232 tariffs are for goods that impact our national security, and I can’t think of anything more critical to the health of our seniors than generic drugs. On Friday, I sent a letter to Secretary Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Greer encouraging them to immediately place Section 232 tariffs on generic drugs. … ‘This is a national security and a public health issue for seniors and all Americans. I look forward to this discussion with our witnesses on how we can make sure Americans never have to worry about missing a dose of their medication or the quality of drugs in their medicine cabinet.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/10/sen-rick-scott-introduces-resolution-calling-out-communist-china-dictator-xi-jinping-as-u-s-adversary,Sen. Rick Scott Introduces Resolution Calling Out Communist China & Dictator Xi Jinping as U.S. Adversary,2025-10-09,2025,2025-10,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 introduced a resolution condemning Communist Chinese Dictator Xi Jinping and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) as an adversary to the United States that seeks to undermine and destroy the American way of life to become the dominant world power. Senator Rick Scott said, “Communist China, led by ruthless dictator Xi Jinping, has chosen to be an adversary to the United States by spying on our citizens, funneling deadly fentanyl into our nation to kill us, building up its military to defeat us, infiltrating our supply chains to use against us, and destroying the American economy. This is a regime built on genocide, slave labor, and lies – the antithesis of American values – that is willing to do anything it takes to overtake the United States. President Trump is doing an incredible job putting America first, holding Communist China accountable, and making sure dangerous regimes around the world know we will not be taken advantage of. This resolution shows plainly how Communist China and its regime made a clear choice to be our enemy and cannot be trusted by the United States or by any nation that values freedom and sovereignty.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/10/in-case-you-missed-it-sen-rick-scott-rips-democrats-denial-on-fox-news-time-to-admit-obamacare-failed-fix-it,IN CASE YOU MISSED IT… Sen. Rick Scott Rips Democrats’ Denial on Fox News: Time to Admit Obamacare Failed & Fix It,2025-10-08,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,FL,Rick Scott,S001217,www.rickscott.senate.gov,rickscott,https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, Senator Rick Scott joined Fox News’ The Sunday Briefing to slam Democrats’ continued government shutdown for two clear reasons: 1) Democrats’ vendetta against President Trump, and 2) Democrats’ demands to using American tax dollars for handouts to illegal aliens and massive, unaccountable checks to insurance companies to mask the failures of Obamacare, which is the root cause of rising health care costs in the nation. Watch Senator Scott’s interview on Fox News HERE or below: ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/10/sen-rick-scott-issues-statement-on-second-anniversary-of-the-october-7th-terrorist-attack,Sen. Rick Scott Issues Statement on Second Anniversary of the October 7th Terrorist Attack,2025-10-07,2025,2025-10,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 issued the below statement on the second anniversary of the October 7th terrorist attack on Israel. Senator Rick Scott said, “Two years ago today, the world watched in horror as one of the most brutal terrorist attacks in modern history unfolded. The October 7th massacre wasn’t just an assault on Israel -- it was an assault on our democratic ally and the Jewish people. Families were torn apart, communities were decimated, and innocent lives, including babies and children, were lost in the most brutal ways imaginable. The evil that showed its face that day was pure, unfiltered hatred, and it’s a chilling reminder of the threats we continue to face. I’ve had the opportunity to visit Israel many times, both as governor of Florida and as a U.S. senator. After the attack, I saw firsthand the devastation, the heartbreak, and the resilience of the Israeli people. What I witnessed only deepened my commitment to ensuring the United States always stands shoulder to shoulder with our ally, Israel, and Jewish people around the globe. ‘The world has forever changed since October 7, 2023 -- and so has our country. Today, under the leadership of President Trump, we are once again seeing what peace through strength looks like. We are showing the world what leadership looks like as the president cements his legacy as the most pro-Israel, pro-peace president in our nation’s history. America is standing tall again. Our enemies are watching -- we are reaffirming our commitment to our allies, we are restoring moral clarity on the world stage, and we are making it undeniably clear: good will prevail over evil. The United States will always stand with Israel and the Jewish people, and against evil. We will never forget the atrocities of October 7th, 2023. We will never stop fighting until every hostage is returned and justice is served for those responsible for these heinous acts.” See more from Senator Scott in the video HERE or below:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/10/sen-rick-scott-introduces-bill-to-prevent-nyc-s-mamdani-from-arresting-pm-netanyahu-on-u-s-soil,Sen. Rick Scott Introduces Bill to Prevent NYC’s Mamdani from Arresting PM Netanyahu on U.S. Soil,2025-10-06,2025,2025-10,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 announced the introduction of the Sovereign Enforcement Integrity Act to reinforce U.S. sovereignty by limiting the authority of state and local law enforcement agencies to act on behalf of the International Criminal Court (ICC). This bill would prohibit state and local authorities, such as NYC Mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, from arresting or detaining foreign nationals like Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, based solely on ICC warrants, indictments, and/or requests, unless authorized by federal law or presidential memorandum as it pertains to America’s national security. This legislation is led by Congresswoman Elise Stefanik in the House of Representatives. Senator Rick Scott said, “NYC Mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani’s threats to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are dangerous, absurd, and go against the values of the United States. The U.S. stands with our allies and abides by our own rule of law, not the will of the shameful International Criminal Court or socialists with an anti-Israel agenda. Our Sovereign Enforcement Integrity Act ensures that no rogue local or state leaders take it upon themselves to have law enforcement arrest leaders of the United States’ allies on American soil.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/10/sen-rick-scott-asks-trump-admin-to-secure-u-s-supply-chain-and-address-america-s-overreliance-on-foreign-generic-drug-imports-in-232-investigation,Sen. Rick Scott Asks Trump Admin to Secure U.S. Supply Chain and Address America’s Overreliance on Foreign Generic Drug Imports in 232 Investigation,2025-10-03,2025,2025-10,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 sent a letter to Department of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer thanking them for their tireless efforts working to fulfill President Trump’s America First agenda and protect Americans, and urging them to build on these efforts by taking decisive action with a Section 232 investigation into U.S. dependence on imported pharmaceuticals. In his letter, Senator Scott notes the vulnerabilities and national security concerns of America’s overreliance on adversaries like Communist China, which supplies upwards of 80% of active pharmaceutical ingredients in generics, and emphasizes the need for domestic production to ensure Americans’ access to safe, reliable medicines. Senator Scott has been sounding the alarm on America’s dangerous overreliance on foreign-manufactured generic drugs and how it jeopardizes both our national security and public health with a recent hearing of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging and letter to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Martin Makary on the FDA’s oversight of foreign drug manufacturing and importation. Read the full letter HERE or below: Dear Secretary Lutnick and Ambassador Greer: Thank you both for your leadership in advancing President Trump’s America First agenda and protecting Americans from foreign adversarial threats. I am proud to work with you and the entire administration to advance these shared goals. In pursuit of this goal, I urge you to take decisive action in the Section 232 investigation into U.S. dependence on imported pharmaceuticals. For years, I expressed concerns about the vulnerability of the United States’ pharmaceutical supply chains and its overreliance on adversaries, like Communist China, and I have been examining this overreliance on foreign-manufactured generic drugs and the risks it poses to our national security in my role as chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging. Generics make up 90% of prescriptions filled in the United States, yet 70–80% of these generics use active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) from Communist China and India. Considering the U.S. depends on overseas manufacturers for about 75% of its essential drug supply and that approximately 83% of the top 100 generic drugs consumed by U.S. citizens have no U.S.-based source of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, it is clear our supply chain is dangerously exposed. Cancer drug shortages, heparin supply disruptions, and instability in antibiotics and injectables demonstrate the risks this overreliance poses to the American people. A recent study analyzing more than 2,400 generic drugs sold in the U.S. found that foreign generics “were associated with a 54% greater risk of serious adverse events – including hospitalization, disability, and death – compared with equivalent domestically made medicines.” We have the capability, demand, and a clear market for domestically produced generics – with 85% of hospital pharmacists willing to pay more for domestic, generic drugs. We’ve also seen China place export restrictions on rare earth elements over trade negotiations before, and there’s no reason they can’t do the same for pharmaceuticals. The integrity of our supply chain requires reducing exposure to strategic vulnerabilities, and generic medicines from China and India present a clear vulnerability for any American who steps foot into a pharmacy. To address this ongoing threat, I respectfully request the immediate application of Section 232 tariffs on foreign generic medicines (including active pharmaceutical ingredients and key starting materials), or at a minimum, a public commitment to a phased-in tariff regime that places generics on the same tariff footing as other imported pharmaceuticals within 12 months. I sincerely appreciate your outstanding leadership and stand ready to work with you and my colleagues in support of a secure national medicine supply. To protect Americans’ health and safety, it is critical that we take action to ensure they can buy quality, generic drugs. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/10/sen-rick-scott-chair-ron-johnson-request-records-from-ladwp-for-congressional-investigation-into-pacific-palisades-wildfire,"Sen. Rick Scott, Chair Ron Johnson Request Records from LADWP for Congressional Investigation into Pacific Palisades Wildfire",2025-10-03,2025,2025-10,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 and Senator Ron Johnson, chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), sent a letter to Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) Chief Executive Officer and Chief Engineer Janisse Quiñones and Board of Water and Power Commissioners President Richard Katz requesting records and information related to LADWP’s preparedness and response to the Pacific Palisades wildfire in January 2025. This comes as public reports have raised questions about critical water systems necessary for fire suppression and the potential mismanagement of reservoirs, which led to a lack of water on the day when residents in Los Angeles County needed it most. The senators’ letter is the latest in their ongoing congressional investigation into the deadly Palisades fire that devastated the Pacific Palisades community in Los Angeles, resulting in billions of dollars in property damage and the tragic loss of life. This follows a letter sent last month to Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Fire Chief Kristin Crowley and interim Fire Chief Ronnie Villanueva, requesting information on the LAFD’s response to the Palisades fire. Read the letter to Chief Executive Officer and Chief Engineer Quiñones and Board of Water and Power Commissioners President Katz below or HERE. Dear Ms. Quiñones and Mr. Katz: In January 2025, Los Angeles County, California, was devastated by a number of wildfires, including the Palisades fire, which caused billions of dollars in damage to homes and businesses and resulted in loss of life.[1] Public reports have raised questions about Los Angeles’s wildfire preparations and the response to the January 2025 wildfires, including the Palisades fire. For example, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power’s (“LADWP”[2]) July 2025 preliminary report identified issues with critical water systems necessary for fire suppression, including loss of pressure to fire hydrants.[3] There have also been other allegations that the mismanagement of reservoirs led to a lack of water on the day that residents in Los Angeles County needed it most.[4] Pursuant to Senate Resolution 94 (119th Cong.), the United States Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (the “Subcommittee”) is conducting a review of Los Angeles’s wildfire mitigation and suppression efforts, including the response to the Palisades fire. In order to assist the Subcommittee in its review, please provide the following information and records. Unless otherwise stated, the period of time for this request shall be February 1, 2022, to present. All records[5] referring or relating to wildfire response between December 28, 2024, and the present, including but not limited to the response to the Palisades and Lachman fires, as well as all communications to or from LADWP Regulatory Affairs Manager John Kemmerer. All records referring or relating to maintenance, inspection, or repairs of infrastructure, including but not limited to communications referring or relating to any decision to forgo any maintenance or repairs. All records referring or relating to wildfire prevention, mitigation, and response measures, including but not limited to: Funding and budget requests; Training; Critical technology replacement; Staffing increases; Improvements, inspections, or maintenance of facilities and infrastructure; Standard operating procedures for communications during a wildfire; After-action reports from the 2025 Palisades fire; and Water tenders. All records referring or relating to water supply and delivery between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2025, including but not limited to: Sufficiency of water supply to the Palisades; The Westgate Trunk Line along Sunset Boulevard; Fire hydrant systems, including pressure assessments; Pumping stations, including communications on pumping stations assessments and performance during wildfire response events; Decisions about whether to shut off water to adjacent neighborhoods to increase water pressure to the Palisades; Storage capacity or water level assessments of water storage systems, including tanks or reservoirs; Risks or dangers of wildfires occurring while reservoirs were drained or out of service; and Any contingency or backup plans to address loss of pressure or water systems during a wildfire response. All records referring or relating to the press release on January 23, 2025, entitled: “Correcting Misinformation about LADWP’s Water System.” All records referring or relating to the Santa Ynez Reservoir, including but not limited to: All records referring or relating to maintenance, inspection, or repair of the reservoir’s floating cover; Records related to the initial decision to utilize floating covers, including memoranda or contracts; All communications referring or relating to the draining of the reservoir; All communications referring or relating to contingency or alternative water storage plans in the event the reservoir was drained; All communications referring or relating to the use of the Chautauqua Reservoir in lieu of the Santa Ynez Reservoir; and All communications referring or relating to Layfield USA Corporation or any other contractor, vendor, or bidder regarding any proposal to repair or replace the Santa Ynez Reservoir’s floating cover, including but not limited to discussions of LADWP’s “Supplier Diversity” policies or the DEI policies of Layfield or other contractors, vendors, or bidders.[6] All records referring or relating to the maintenance of the power lines, including but not limited to whether it contributed to the spread of the Palisades fire. All communications referring or relating to wildfire prevention, mitigation, or suppression, including but not limited to the Palisades fire, between LADWP and any employee or official with the following entities: Los Angeles Mayor’s Office; Los Angeles City Council; Office of the Governor of California; Los Angeles Fire Department; Los Angeles County Fire Department; and Any federal agency or department. Please produce this information as soon as possible, but no later than 5:00 p.m. EST on October 17, 2025. If you have any questions about this request, please contact Subcommittee staff at (202) 224-3721 and (202) 224-0909. Thank you in advance for your prompt attention to this matter. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/10/in-case-you-missed-it-sen-rick-scott-slams-democrats-government-shutdown-on-fox-news-if-congress-can-t-fund-government-congress-shouldn-t-get-paid,"IN CASE YOU MISSED IT… Sen. Rick Scott Slams Democrats’ Government Shutdown on Fox News: If Congress Can’t Fund Government, Congress Shouldn’t Get Paid",2025-10-01,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,FL,Rick Scott,S001217,www.rickscott.senate.gov,rickscott,https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, Senator Rick Scott joined Fox and Friends this morning to call out Democrats for shutting down the government over their liberal trillion dollar wish-list, while Republicans push for a clean proposal to fund the government and support the American people. Senator Scott also highlighted his No Budget, No Pay Act to hold members of Congress accountable for passing a budget and meeting appropriations deadlines, or forgo their pay, and his work with Senator Johnson to take Democrats’ threat of shutdowns off the table completely with the Eliminate Shutdowns Act. Senator Scott has been fighting to pass the No Budget, No Pay Act in the Senate since 2019 as a key part of his Make Washington Work Plan. See more on Fox News HERE or below.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/9/sen-rick-scott-leads-stop-antifa-act-to-designate-antifa-a-terrorist-organization,Sen. Rick Scott Leads Stop ANTIFA Act to Designate Antifa a Terrorist Organization,2025-09-30,2025,2025-09,Republican,Senate,FL,Rick Scott,S001217,www.rickscott.senate.gov,rickscott,https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Senator Rick Scott introduced the Stop ANTIFA Act to codify President Trump’s executive order and national security presidential memorandum designating Antifa a domestic terrorist group and countering domestic terrorism and organized political violence. The bill would direct the National Joint Terrorism Task Force to investigate and treat Antifa as the domestic terrorists they are, and stop their violent suppression of political speech, destruction of the rule of law, and the terror and intimidation they infuse into the communities they target. Senator Rick Scott said, “Antifa has gotten away with its evils and terrorized cities across our country for far too long. Violence against our brave law enforcement officers and ICE agents will not be tolerated—especially when it’s domestic terrorists like Antifa wreaking havoc on our communities. These people actively work to destroy the American way of life and call for the overthrow of American government and society. President Trump was right to fearlessly call them out as the domestic terrorists they are and to take action to stop their evils around the nation and uncover the funding behind it. I am proud to codify the president’s actions and stand with the American people with the Stop ANTIFA Act.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/9/sen-rick-scott-joins-sen-ron-johnson-on-eliminate-shutdowns-act-to-end-chaos-of-government-shutdowns,Sen. Rick Scott Joins Sen. Ron Johnson on Eliminate Shutdowns Act to End Chaos of Government Shutdowns,2025-09-29,2025,2025-09,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 Ron Johnson on the Eliminate Shutdowns Act to take government shutdowns off the table and stop Democrats from using the threat of a shutdown to demand a liberal wish list that undermines the President’s agenda. Senator Scott is also leading his No Budget, No Pay Act that requires lawmakers to pass annual budget resolutions and appropriations bills on time, or forgo their taxpayer-funded salaries. Senator Rick Scott said, “The American people are sick of the constant looming threat of a government shutdown due to Leader Schumer and Democrats’ ridiculous demands. This most recent threatened Schumer Shutdown is just the latest in a string of temper tantrums the Democrats have thrown to try and stop President Trump delivering for the American people. Democrats’ demands are a wasteful, liberal wish-list while President Trump and Republicans are working to fund the government and work for the American people. Families shouldn’t suffer because of Democrats’ dysfunction. I’m proud to join Senator Johnson on his effort to take shutdowns off the table to end this chaos and get to work on passing real appropriations bills and hold Congress accountable for doing so with my No Budget, No Pay Act.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/9/in-case-you-missed-it-sens-rick-scott-and-ted-cruz-in-washington-examiner-trump-can-fix-the-federal-reserve-with-our-fair-act,IN CASE YOU MISSED IT… Sens. Rick Scott and Ted Cruz in Washington Examiner: Trump Can Fix the Federal Reserve with Our FAIR Act,2025-09-26,2025,2025-09,Republican,Senate,FL,Rick Scott,S001217,www.rickscott.senate.gov,rickscott,https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, Senators Rick Scott and Ted Cruz wrote an op-ed in the Washington Examiner calling for the full passage of their FAIR Act to support President Trump’s efforts to fix the Federal Reserve. The FAIR Act stops the Federal Reserve from wasting $1 trillion over the next decade on bank reserves. Instead, these dollars could be used to actually benefit American families. In the op-ed, Senators Rick Scott and Ted Cruz write, “…the president has another opportunity to make the nation’s central bank work for, not against, the American people. He can support our bill, the Fiscal Accountability for Interest on Reserves Act, to end a pricey Fed policy that sends billions of dollars each year to big banks and squeezes working-class Americans with higher interest rates. For nearly a century, the Fed paid zero interest on reserves that banks were required to keep. But when the financial crisis hit in 2008, Congress gave it immediate authority to pay interest on these cash balances that banks kept on deposit at the Fed overnight. … When reckless Biden administration-era spending caused soaring inflation, the Fed responded by raising interest rates. This meant banks, including foreign banks, could earn much heftier returns with zero risk by depositing even more cash at the central bank. … Throughout former President Joe Biden’s term, the total amount of interest paid by the Fed to banks rose by more than 3,000% and amounted to almost half a trillion dollars. … The Fed is expected to send another $1 trillion to banks in the next decade... Those payments ultimately come at taxpayers’ expense. … …the Fed’s interest payments hurt every American. These dollars belong to taxpayers to invest in what matters to them and support their ambitions and success. Instead, they are going to support big banks, both here and abroad. These payments inhibit our country’s economic growth and stifle business. Every dollar banks park at the Fed is a dollar they aren’t investing in local businesses, job creators, and communities. … Our bill would end this farce. The FAIR Act repeals the Fed’s permission to make these interest payments — period. … If the FAIR Act were enacted, [t]hat would give Trump the de facto interest rate cut he rightly seeks. And…Congress would have made life more affordable for families buying homes, cars, and other big purchases. … This reform is urgently needed and long overdue. The FAIR Act would end the Fed’s operating losses, lead to more federal revenue over the next decade, give job creators better access to capital, and bring down interest rates for everyday Americans…and allow…people to seize their American dream.” Read the full op-ed in the Washington Examiner HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/9/sen-rick-scott-in-letter-to-dot-we-must-review-ca-disaster-funding-after-state-and-local-botched-response-to-wildfires,Sen. Rick Scott in Letter to DOT: We Must Review CA Disaster Funding After State and Local Botched Response to Wildfires,2025-09-26,2025,2025-09,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 sent a letter to Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Sean Duffy thanking him for his tireless efforts fulfilling President Trump’s agenda and requesting information about DOT’s response to California wildfires. In the letter, Senator Scott requests the DOT provide information on federal funding that has been given to California over the past decade, observing that California’s state and local governments appear to have mismanaged resources designed to support wildfire preparedness, suppression, and recovery. Senator Scott also requests information regarding reports of fire response resources that were allegedly grounded during a visit to the area by former president Joe Biden in January. This letter comes as Senator Rick Scott and Senator Ron Johnson, chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), conduct a congressional investigation into the deadly Palisades Fire that devastated the Pacific Palisades community. Last week, they requested documentation from the Los Angeles Fire Department and former-Chief Crowley. Senator Scott has also requested additional information in letters to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, DOI Secretary Doug Burgum and Attorney General Pam Bondi. Read the full letter HERE or below: Dear Secretary Duffy: I first want to commend you for the excellent work you have done with the United States Department of Transportation (DOT). From planning and coordinating federal transportation projects to emergency response, the DOT’s mandate is broad. Under your and President Trump’s leadership, the DOT has excelled in every respect by streamlining the agency and fixing problems through strategic resource deployment. Since you took over DOT, not only has your agency responded to catastrophic natural disasters in North Carolina, Texas, California, and New Mexico, but it has done so in a way that cuts through red tape and streamlines relief to better support recovery efforts. You have swiftly deployed agency employees to areas impacted by wildfires, rapidly responding to complex logistical challenges affecting all modes of transportation. While relief is often quickly dispatched to states and affected areas as needed, state and local governments often vary in how they manage and request these resources. After visiting the Palisades recently with media personality Mr. Spencer Pratt, a wildfire victim himself who lost his family’s home and has since been displaced, I witnessed the destruction that the January 2025 wildfires left in their path. I was heartbroken by the wreckage, and I became concerned as people within the Palisades community shared their perspective on how much Los Angeles and California have mismanaged funds that were supposed to be directed to preventing and responding to these wildfires. It has been reported that California, in general, and Los Angeles, in particular, have received seemingly endless flows of federal funds from the DOT and other federal agencies for wildfire management, repression, and response. Yet these funds do not appear to have been used wisely. This has led many to conclude that California’s trouble with wildfire mitigation is not due to a lack of funding, but rather years of the state’s foot-dragging and red tape. Natural disasters happen, regardless of state or political party. And we should all rally around those who experience calamity through no fault of their own. But those in government also have a duty to responsibly manage funds that have been allocated to prevent and respond to these disasters. That does not appear to have been the case in California. Accordingly, I have been conducting oversight of the contributing causes of the Palisades fire and the adequacy of the response efforts. To advance that oversight, although I acknowledge your incredibly effective response to the Palisades fire, I am writing to request an update on the funding that has been allocated to California in the past ten years, starting on September 1, 2015. In particular, how much money has the DOT given to California for wildfire response, prevention, and recovery? How many DOT personnel have been employed or deployed to respond to wildland fires on California state property? Are there any federal or California laws, rules, or regulations that hinder the DOT’s ability to adequately respond to wildfires or recover from wildfires? Additionally, how much money did California receive from the DOT in response to the Palisades wildfires and other California wildfires that occurred in 2025? I have heard concerns about the potential grounding of resources due to former President Biden’s visit to the Palisades in January of this year. I would like to request any information that pertains to the grounding of resources that would have been used to put out the Palisades Fire or any other effects based on his visit. I know you share my concern that all taxpayer dollars are spent wisely, transparently, and in the public interest. To assist you in your ongoing efforts, I hope that we can shed light on California’s waste, mismanagement, and inefficiency in order to foster a more responsive and transparent use of funds by the states. The people of California deserve it, and the American people demand it. I would be grateful if you could provide an answer to me by October 17, 2025. I look forward to your response. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/9/sen-rick-scott-leads-lifting-local-communities-act-to-ensure-faith-based-organizations-have-access-to-federal-funds,Sen. Rick Scott Leads Lifting Local Communities Act to Ensure Faith-Based Organizations Have Access to Federal Funds,2025-09-26,2025,2025-09,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 led Senators James Lankford and Tim Scott in announcing the Lifting Local Communities Act to ensure religious organizations are treated equally under federal law and can receive federal funding for social service programs on the same basis as private, nonreligious organizations. This will ensure federal support reaches communities that rely heavily on faith-based organizations that play a vital role in protecting and providing for families in need. Senator Rick Scott said, “Across the nation, religious organizations play a vital role in serving our communities for a helping hand, comfort, and guidance when families need it most. My Lifting Local Communities Act will ensure religious organizations that provide social services for families aren’t discriminated against in receiving federal funding, and allow them access to the same federal dollars as non-religious nonprofits. This bill makes a simple change that allows federal dollars intended to support families in need are directed exactly where it is needed – whether that’s a nonreligious nonprofit or faith-based organization.” Senator Tim Scott said, “Faith-based organizations play a vital role in serving vulnerable families and communities in South Carolina and across our nation. These organizations helping Americans in need should not face unnecessary barriers or discrimination because of their beliefs. The Lifting Local Communities Act provides clarity and fairness, ensuring faith-based organizations can continue meeting critical needs and strengthening communities without compromising their mission.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/9/sen-rick-scott-joins-sen-ted-cruz-to-introduce-sever-act-prohibiting-iranian-officials-from-entering-the-u-s,Sen. Rick Scott Joins Sen. Ted Cruz to Introduce SEVER Act; Prohibiting Iranian Officials from Entering the U.S.,2025-09-25,2025,2025-09,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 Ted Cruz and six of their Senate colleagues in announcing the Strengthening Entry Visa Enforcement and Restrictions (SEVER) Act to restrict any Iranian officials from entering the United States as representatives to the United Nations (UN) if they have been sanctioned for supporting the Iranian regime. Cosponsors of the legislation include Senators Tom Cotton, Joni Ernst, Ashley Moody, and John Barrasso, Lindsey Graham, and Bill Hagerty. Companion legislation is being led in the House of Representatives by Congresswoman Claudia Tenney. Senator Rick Scott said, “As President Trump and his administration have taken decisive action to secure our border and protect the American people, the SEVER Act is another critical step in closing dangerous loopholes in our visa and border security system. The United States must never become a safe haven for terrorists or those enabling the Iranian regime’s violent and destabilizing agenda. Anyone sanctioned for supporting Iran’s threats against America or our allies should be automatically denied entry – we must put our national security first.” Senator Ted Cruz said, “The Iranian regime and the corrupt officials who run it are responsible for the murder, injury, and kidnapping of thousands of Americans. The Ayatollah means it when he chants ‘Death to America,’ and the United States has developed and imposed sanctions to counter the threats posed by him and those directly around him. If you are a crony of the Ayatollah who has been sanctioned by the U.S., it means that you pose a threat to the safety and security of Americans, and you should not be allowed on American soil – let alone to engage in diplomacy at the United Nations General Assembly. I strongly urge my colleagues to advance this legislation and swiftly pass it through both chambers so it can be signed into law.” Senator Tom Cotton said, “Iran’s terrorist regime chants “death to America” and has the blood of thousands of Americans on its hands. The leaders of this evil regime have no business setting foot on U.S. soil.” Senator Joni Ernst said, “Iran is the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism and, not only chants ‘death to America,’ but has taken American lives. After Biden emboldened and enriched Iran, we cannot allow the regime a foothold in our homeland as they pursue a nuclear weapon. I am working with Senator Cruz to deny Iranian officials visas. The world does not need more of their bad-faith negotiations at the UN General Assembly.” Senator Ashley Moody said, “The SEVER Act is straight forward and commonsense legislation. Those associated with the Supreme Leader of Iran, the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism who spreads violence and supports Hamas financially, should not be allowed to enter the United States of America. These individuals represent a regime that is openly oppressive to their own people and pose threats to our national security. I urge my colleagues to take up this legislation immediately.” Congresswoman Claudia Tenney said, “For decades, the Iranian regime has oppressed its own people, sponsored terrorism worldwide, and threatened the safety of Americans and our allies. President Masoud Pezeshkian, like his predecessors, is part of a regime that funds terrorism, destabilizes the Middle East, brutalizes the Iranian people, and has actively targeted Americans. No government official that is part of this despotic regime should ever be permitted to set foot on American soil to spread propaganda or legitimize tyranny. The SEVER Act will give President Trump the authority to ensure the United States is never a platform for terrorists and tyrants that threaten American citizens. This is about protecting our citizens and reaffirming the America First policies advanced by President Trump.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/9/sen-rick-scott-joins-colleagues-on-chloe-cole-act-to-protect-innocent-children-from-gender-ideology,Sen. Rick Scott Joins Colleagues on Chloe Cole Act to Protect Innocent Children from Gender Ideology,2025-09-24,2025,2025-09,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 Marsha Blackburn and their colleagues in announcing the Chloe Cole Act to officially prohibit the mutilation of children under the disguise of gender ideology and offer detransitioners, like Chloe Cole, with opportunities for legal action against those medical professionals. The legislation is supported by the U.S. Department of justice and will codify President Trump’s recent executive order protecting children from chemical and surgical mutilation. Senator Rick Scott said, “It is sickening that any child would be subjected to dangerous, life-altering procedures that they are too young to understand or fully consent to. This legislation will support the victims of this disgusting practice and ensures these children and their families have the right to hold accountable medical professionals for violating their trust and causing long-term harm to their lives.” Senator Marsha Blackburn said, “No child should be pushed into irreversible chemical and surgical mutilation under the guise of so-called ‘gender-affirming care. The Chloe Cole Act would put a stop to this barbaric abuse of children and give those who have suffered the consequences of these harmful procedures the chance to fight back.” Senator Eric Schmitt said, “Radical gender ideology is a sickness that has sadly infected and confused far too many children, and after being convinced to mutilate healthy body parts they’re often burdened with lifelong medical complications and even sterilization. Genital mutilation is far from medical care, and we must stop doctors from performing these horrific surgeries and providing harmful drugs to our children. American families and children have been lied to for too long, it’s time for accountability.” Senator Tim Sheehy said, “Boys are boys, girls are girls, and we must protect our kids from the tragic outcomes and irreversible harm caused by child mutilation procedures – that’s common sense. I’m proud to be working to deliver on the mandate the American people gave us to protect children, stand up for families, and restore common sense in America.” Attorney General Pam Bondi said, “The Department of Justice has heard from far too many families who have been devastated by mutilative medical procedures that fly in the face of basic biology. While we continue our ongoing legal battle to protect children, we appreciate Senator Marsha Blackburn and Congressman Bob Onder who are working diligently alongside us to end these abusive procedures once and for all.” Congressman Bob Onder said, “As a member of Congress, a doctor, a parent, and an American, I am committed to protecting our nation’s children. That’s why I am proud to introduce the Chloe Cole Act, a landmark bill that will put a permanent stop to one of the most dangerous and barbaric medical procedures in modern history.” Terry Schilling, president of American Principles Project said, “American Principles Project strongly supports Senator Marsha Blackburn’s Chloe Cole Act. Children should never be subjected to dangerous, irreversible procedures that destroy healthy body parts and undermine their natural development. For years, radical activists and complicit medical institutions have pushed an agenda that sacrifices vulnerable kids on the altar of ideology. This legislation will finally hold those responsible accountable by ensuring that victims and their families have the ability to seek justice. The message is clear: America will protect children from experimental and harmful practices, and we will not allow so-called ‘gender medicine’ to continue preying on kids. APP thanks Attorney General Pam Bondi and the Department of Justice for their work prioritizing this legislative proposal. We are proud to stand with Senator Blackburn and Congressman Onder in this fight to defend truth, protect families, and safeguard the innocence of America’s children.” Carrie Lukas, president of Independent Women said, “Children cannot consent to mutilating their bodies, compromising their mental health, and putting their fertility and sexual health in permanent jeopardy. At Independent Women, we've worked with countless young women and men, who were pushed down this path and now are dealing with the lasting fallout, physical scars, and chronic medical conditions in the aftermath of harmful hormone disruptions. Most of them started on this abusive medical path as minors, some even pre-pubescent. The medical community did worse than let them down—they lied to them, actively harmed them, and neglected to provide the care they really needed. Society needs to stand up for the rights of children to be children and close the door on mutilating medical treatments on minors.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/9/sen-rick-scott-joins-colleagues-on-bill-supporting-america-s-small-businesses,Sen. Rick Scott Joins Colleagues on Bill Supporting America’s Small Businesses,2025-09-23,2025,2025-09,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 Mike Rounds and their colleagues to introduce the Merchant Banking Modernization Act to expand access to capital opportunities for small businesses in rural areas by changing the holding period for merchant banking investments from 10 to 15 years. Cosponsors of the legislation include Senators Tim Scott, Thom Tillis, Bill Hagerty, Kevin Cramer, Steve Daines, Markwayne Mullin, Ted Cruz, and John Cornyn. Senator Rick Scott said, “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and as a former business owner, I understand firsthand how businesses are critical to the success of our economy, to creating jobs, and to sustaining everyday life. This legislation makes a common-sense change to help give investors the confidence and flexibility to support entrepreneurs who need more time to grow and stabilize -- especially in rural and underserved communities – to support job growth and long-term economic prosperity.” Senator Mike Rounds said, “Access to capital remains a barrier for entrepreneurs to start up and grow their business, especially in rural states like South Dakota. Small businesses, a central pillar of our state economy, make up 99 percent of the businesses in South Dakota and employ 58 percent of our workforce. The Merchant Banking Modernization Act seeks to bridge the financial gap between small, often rurally-based, businesses that are not privy to the type of investments larger, more established, companies are able to access.” Senator Tim Scott said, “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, both in my home state of South Carolina and across the United States, but they need access to capital to grow and support their employees. This bill will support investment in local businesses and help ensure more Americans have a shot at the American Dream.” Senator Thom Tillis said, “Small businesses drive job creation and economic growth in North Carolina, but too often they struggle to secure the long-term capital needed to expand. By extending the merchant banking investment window, this legislation will help attract investment in businesses that are vital to our state. I’m proud to support this effort to strengthen North Carolina’s economy and expand opportunities for entrepreneurs.” Senator Steve Daines said, “Small businesses are the cornerstone of Montana’s economy and represent 99 percent of all businesses in our state. As the son of a contractor, I’ve seen firsthand how difficult it can be to keep a company flourishing, and we need to do everything we can to help small businesses grow and remove unnecessary barriers to accessing capital. I’m proud to join my colleagues to introduce this bill, which will support investment in small and rural businesses and unleash our economy.” Senator Markwayne Mullin said, ""With over twenty-five years of firsthand experience as a business owner, I know just how necessary access to capital is to grow your operation. By expanding the holding period, the Merchant Banking Modernization Act will boost small businesses in Oklahoma and across the country.” Senator John Cornyn said, “By extending the holding period for merchant banking investments, this legislation would help Texas small businesses access the capital needed to grow and thrive, and I’m proud to support it.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/9/sen-rick-scott-rep-elise-stefanik-lead-bicameral-letter-to-global-leaders-warning-recognition-of-a-palestinian-state-is-reckless-and-dangerous,"Sen. Rick Scott, Rep. Elise Stefanik Lead Bicameral Letter to Global Leaders Warning Recognition of a Palestinian State is Reckless and Dangerous",2025-09-22,2025,2025-09,Republican,Senate,FL,Rick Scott,S001217,www.rickscott.senate.gov,rickscott,https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, Senator Rick Scott and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik led 23 of their colleagues in a bicameral letter urging the leaders of Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and France to reverse course on their anticipated efforts to unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state at the upcoming 80th United Nations General Assembly. In their letter, the members write that legitimizing a Palestinian state would put their nations at odds with long-standing U.S. policy and interests, and would be a reckless and dangerous move that would reward Hamas’s terrorism and undermine the prospects for peace and safety for Jews, not only in the Middle East, but around the world, and further destabilize the region. Read the letter here or below: Dear Prime Minister Albanese, Prime Minister Carney, President Macron, and Prime Minister Starmer, We are writing with respect to your efforts to unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state at the upcoming 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. This is a reckless policy that undermines prospects for peace. It sets the dangerous precedent that violence, not diplomacy, is the most expedient means for terrorist groups like Hamas to achieve their political aims. Accordingly, we respectfully request that you reconsider your decision, especially as Hamas continues to hold Israeli citizens hostage while still refusing to agree to a ceasefire. Unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state undermines the principles of direct negotiations and imperils Israel's security by removing incentives for Palestinian groups to repudiate terrorism, recognize Israel's right to exist, and address final-status issues. Recognition is especially troubling considering Hamas' October 7, 2023, massacre. We remind you that France, the United Kingdom, and Canada, along with countless other countries, all lost citizens on this tragic day. Hamas continues to hold Israeli, and other foreign nationals, hostage, using them as bargaining chips in a barbaric quest to preserve its authoritarian grip on power. Those hostages still alive are being held in deplorable conditions. Hamas' war crimes are clear, and its rejection of diplomacy should lead your countries to impose more pressure. Instead, you offer greater rewards. Granting statehood under these conditions only reinforces the effectiveness of Hamas' violence and rogue behavior. Until the Palestinians are willing to take responsibility for their people, renounce terrorism, and come to the negotiating table in good faith, there can be no steppingstone toward statehood. Rewarding entities that refuse to renounce violence or engage in meaningful negotiations only serves to further entrench divisions and instability. This misguided effort to reward terrorism also imperils the security of your own countries. Proposed recognition is coinciding with sharp increases in antisemitic activity in each of your countries. Jews are facing unprecedented harassment and attacks against them are becoming a common occurrence. You have the responsibility to stand against this scourge, denounce violence, and protect Jewish communities. Sadly, your actions to legitimize a Palestinian terror state will only provide greater motivation to the violent antisemitic mobs. Proceeding with recognition will put your country at odds with long-standing U.S. policy and interests and may invite punitive measures in response. The United States is committed to Israel's security and to fostering a just and lasting peace in the Middle East through direct negotiations. Unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state jeopardizes this process. It risks perpetuating tensions and rewarding terrorist entities that seek Israel’s destruction. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter and we look forward to your response. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/9/in-case-you-missed-it-sen-rick-scott-rep-byron-donalds-in-fox-news-trump-and-bessent-s-irs-reform-let-s-end-job-killing-policies,"IN CASE YOU MISSED IT… Sen. Rick Scott, Rep. Byron Donalds in Fox News: Trump and Bessent's IRS reform: Let’s end job-killing policies",2025-09-19,2025,2025-09,Republican,Senate,FL,Rick Scott,S001217,www.rickscott.senate.gov,rickscott,https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, Senator Rick Scott and Congressman Byron Donalds published a joint op-ed for Fox News discussing their shared mission with President Trump to fight for Florida families, economic freedom, and opportunity that lets every American live their dreams. To accomplish that mission, Senator Scott and Congressman Donalds note the need to address the bloated, unaccountable IRS Joe Biden created and turned into a political weapon against working Americans and businesses. They also highlight how, working together with President Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Congress can end Biden’s job-killing policies and give families, retirees, and business owners the certainty they need to build and grow. In the op-ed, Senator Rick Scott and Congressman Byron Donalds wrote, “We came to Washington with a similar mission: fight for Florida families, for freedom and for the kind of economic opportunity that lets every American chase their dream. President Donald Trump came here for the same reason. But, a threat to this mission continues to exist in the IRS, a bloated, unaccountable agency that, under Joe Biden, turned into a weapon That’s changing now. … President Trump made a smart move by putting Scott Bessent in charge at the IRS. He’s a businessman, not a bureaucrat. He knows how to get things done and understands what matters: getting results, protecting taxpayers and getting the IRS out of the business of harassing Americans. Here’s what we need next: end the job-killing tax policies the Biden administration forced onto Florida families and small businesses that are still occurring today. … We hear from Floridians across the state, from businesses small and large, that Biden’s IRS made it harder to hire, invest and grow. Biden approved $70 billion for 87,000 new IRS agents to make sure they squeeze every penny possible out of American families. Because of that, Floridians don’t trust that their government has their back. They’re doing the right thing, and still, they’re looking over their shoulders, waiting for the IRS to come knocking. That fear kills jobs. It limits opportunity. And it hits Florida harder than most, because we’re a state built on entrepreneurship, where anything is possible. Secretary Bessent gets it. He’s pledged to bring the IRS back to basics: collect revenue, protect privacy and serve the taxpayer. No politics, no games, no harassment. … In Florida, we don’t want handouts, we want freedom. The freedom to work hard, create jobs and live out the American Dream without the IRS breathing down our necks. President Trump and Scott Bessent are delivering real results. Now Congress needs to back them up and make these reforms permanent. The IRS should work for the people, not against them.” Read the full op-ed in Fox News HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/9/sen-rick-scott-introduces-frame-act-to-enact-congressional-oversight-of-the-federal-reserve-s-reckless-expenditures,Sen. Rick Scott Introduces FRAME Act to Enact Congressional Oversight of the Federal Reserve’s Reckless Expenditures,2025-09-18,2025,2025-09,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 continued his work to fix the Federal Reserve (Fed) with new legislation, the Federal Reserve Accountability for Major Expenditures (FRAME) Act, to rein in unchecked spending by the Federal Reserve, such as the Fed’s recent $3 billion dollar building renovations. The bill would allow Congress the ability to review and deny any Fed capital expenditures exceeding $100 million, ensuring federal dollars are not wasted or mismanaged by the Federal Reserve. Senator Rick Scott said, “In recent years, Jay Powell has overseen a Federal Reserve with zero accountability to the American people – completely wasting their dollars, mismanaging policies that harm them, misallocating capital, overlooking failures and unethical conduct, and spending BILLIONS the Fed doesn’t even have on new luxury office building renovations. The era of a free-for-all at the Federal Reserve is over. I’ve been working on several pieces of legislation to rein in the Federal Reserve and refocus its priorities on the American people. My new bill, the FRAME Act, will give Congress the ability to review and deny any major capital expenditure exceeding $100 million at the Fed. If the Federal Reserve wants to spend federal dollars on fancy projects when those dollars could be better serving the American people, it should have to answer to Congress first. This bill is a great step in restoring transparency, enforcing accountability, and rebuilding the trust Americans have lost in our central bank.” Senator Scott has consistently led efforts to hold the Federal Reserve accountable through a series of legislative initiatives. His legislative package includes the Regular Order For Investments (ROI) of the Federal Reserve Act, Right Size the Federal Reserve Act, and Rein in the Federal Reserve Act. He has also pushed for greater accountability in a letter to Chairman Jay Powell, raising concerns over ethics violations, allegations of insider trading, and recent bank failures. Earlier this year, Senator Scott authored a Fox News op-ed highlighting Chairman Powell’s leadership failures and their impact on American families. He also introduced the Fiscal Accountability for Interest on Reserves (FAIR) Act, which would end the Fed’s practice of paying interest to banks on their reserve balances, a policy that cost taxpayers $186 billion in 2024 and is projected to exceed $1 trillion over the next decade. Additionally, Senator Scott has sent a letter to President Trump recommending certain criteria for the next chairman of the Federal Reserve, and has championed legislation to establish a presidentially appointed, Senate-confirmed Inspector General at the Federal Reserve to ensure meaningful oversight and accountability. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/9/sen-rick-scott-leads-unanimous-passage-of-resolution-designating-october-14th-national-day-of-remembrance-for-charlie-kirk,Sen. Rick Scott Leads Unanimous Passage of Resolution Designating October 14th National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk,2025-09-18,2025,2025-09,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 on the Senate floor called for the passage of his resolution honoring the legacy of Charlie Kirk by designating October 14, 2025 as a National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk, which passed by unanimous consent. The resolution is cosponsored by Senators Tommy Tuberville, Jim Risch, Bill Cassidy, Mike Crapo, Dan Sullivan, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Bernie Moreno, Pete Ricketts, Rand Paul, Josh Hawley, Lindsey Graham, Mike Lee, John Kennedy, Marsha Blackburn, Tim Sheehy, Ted Cruz, James Lankford, Steve Daines, Ashley Moody, Markwayne Mullin, and Deb Fischer. Congressman Jimmy Patronis is leading the companion resolution in the House of Representatives. Watch Senator Scott’s full remarks HERE or as prepared for delivery below: “Mr. President, like most Americans, my wife Ann and I are completely heartbroken by the tragic loss of our friend and fellow patriot, Charlie Kirk, in a despicable, targeted assassination. This is a devastating loss for his wife, Erika, and their two precious kids, and the millions, including myself, who felt the impact of Charlie’s work and were inspired by his devotion to God and his beliefs. Charlie was a good man – a devout husband, father, and friend. His life was shaped by his faith and the idea that in America, debate and discussion are crucial to the betterment of our country. He believed in God, the American dream, the value of family, and the principles of our great nation. I would talk to Charlie nearly every week. Charlie dedicated his life to the idea that the power of our ideas can not only win the day, but start a movement. That’s exactly what he did. As the founder and executive director of the nonprofit Turning Point USA, he and his team worked to build thousands of chapters across the nation dedicated to educating students about the principles of freedom, free markets, and limited government. Charlie inspired millions of young Americans to be involved in the future of their country and make their voices heard. He’d travel to college campuses around the nation to share ideas and talk about them. And Charlie was never afraid to have a discussion. He didn’t care if you agreed or disagreed with his ideas. He welcomed the opportunity to respectfully and peacefully debate ideas in the court of public opinion. Charlie was taken from us in a disgusting act of political violence on September 10, 2025, but his legacy lives on. Charlie will long be remembered for his love of God, his family, and this great nation, and the impact he had on each of us. We have the opportunity to carry on his memory by believing in the power of our ideas, discussion, and the values of our nation. As we mourn this massive loss, let us gather together in our communities and pray for his family and our nation. And let us honor Charlie by believing in the power of our ideas to win the day and leave the nation a better place. I am proud to have the support of more than 20 of my colleagues to honor Charlie by dedicating his birthday - October 14, 2025 - as “National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk”. I ask that every one of my Senate colleagues stand with us and support the passage of this resolution. Thank you.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/9/sen-rick-scott-chair-ron-johnson-request-records-from-lafd-for-congressional-investigation-into-pacific-palisades-wildfire,"Sen. Rick Scott, Chair Ron Johnson Request Records from LAFD for Congressional Investigation into Pacific Palisades Wildfire",2025-09-17,2025,2025-09,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 and Senator Ron Johnson, chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), sent letters to former Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Fire Chief Kristin Crowley and interim Fire Chief Ronnie Villanueva requesting records and information related to LAFD’s preparedness and response to the Pacific Palisades wildfires in January 2025. This comes as part of a congressional investigation launched by the senators last week into the deadly Palisades Fire that devastated the Pacific Palisades community in Los Angeles, resulting in billions of dollars in property damage and the tragic loss of life. Read the letter to former Chief Crowley below or both letters HERE. Dear Ms. Crowley: In January 2025, Los Angeles County, California was devastated by a number of wildfires, including the Palisades fire, which caused billions of dollars in damage to homes and businesses and resulted in loss of life. Public reports have since raised questions about Los Angeles County wildfire preparations and the response to the January 2025 wildfires, including the Palisades fire. For example, reports have alleged that, despite repeated pleas for additional resources and personnel, Los Angeles slashed the Los Angeles Fire Department's (LAFD) operational budget for Fiscal Year 2024–2025 by nearly $18 million and 61 positions. Further, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power's July 2025 preliminary report found issues with critical water systems necessary for fire suppression, such as fire hydrants losing pressure. Pursuant to Senate Resolution 94 (119th Cong.), the United States Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (the ""Subcommittee"") is conducting a review of the Los Angeles County wildfire mitigation and suppression efforts, including the response to the Palisades fire. In order to assist the Subcommittee in its review please provide the following information and records. Unless otherwise stated, the period of time for this request shall be February 1, 2022, to present. All records referring or relating to the Palisades fire and response between December 28, 2024, and present. All records referring or relating to wildfire prevention, mitigation, and response measures, including but not limited to: funding and budget requests; training; fire prevention support; critical technology replacement; staffing increases; improvements to facilities and infrastructure; the stocking of field resources; standard operating procedures for communications during a wildfire; and after-action reports from the Palisades fire. All records referring or relating to the pre-deployment of assets and personnel for the Palisades fire, including but not limited to the staffing of LAFD’s front-line fire engines, fire trucks, and paramedic ambulances, as well as the hiring and detailing of additional firefighters in anticipation of the weather event. All records referring or relating to the City of Los Angeles’ Prioritized Critical Hiring (hiring freeze), the existence of critical civilian vacancies, and the reduction of Overtime Variable Staffing Hours (V-Hours). All records referring or relating to the International Association of Fire Fighters’ study and recommendations regarding the LAFD, including report drafts. All records referring or relating to the pre-deployment of resources responding to an active weather event during your entire tenure as Fire Chief. All communications referring or relating to wildfire prevention, mitigation, or suppression between you and any employee or official with the following entities: Los Angeles Mayor’s Office; Office of the Governor of California; LAFD; Los Angeles Department of Water and Power; and Any federal agency or department. All records referring or relating to an after-action report for the Palisades fire. Please include documents and communications regarding how the Tyler Izen investigation and the Fire Research Safety Institute investigation influenced the contents of the after-action report. All records referring or relating to adverse employment actions you sustained in connection with the Palisades fire, including but not limited to your removal as Fire Chief on February 21, 2025. Please produce this information as soon as possible, but no later than 5:00 p.m. EDT on October 1, 2025. In addition, please preserve all records referring or relating to wildfire suppression, mitigation, or response. If you have any questions about this request, please contact Subcommittee staff at (202) 224-3721 and 202-224-0909. Thank you in advance for your prompt attention to this matter. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/9/sen-rick-scott-leads-50-senate-colleagues-in-bipartisan-letter-encouraging-u-k-prime-minister-starmer-to-work-with-president-trump-to-free-jimmy-lai,Sen. Rick Scott Leads 50 Senate Colleagues in Bipartisan Letter Encouraging U.K. Prime Minister Starmer to Work with President Trump to Free Jimmy Lai,2025-09-17,2025,2025-09,Republican,Senate,FL,Rick Scott,S001217,www.rickscott.senate.gov,rickscott,https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, as President Trump kicks off his second state visit to the United Kingdom (U.K.), Senator Rick Scott led 50 bipartisan colleagues in a letter to United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer asking that he work closely with President Trump and the U.S. government to free pro-democracy leader and U.K. citizen Jimmy Lai, who is unjustly imprisoned by the Communist Chinese regime. The Senators ask that the U.K. explore all possible avenues and use every tool at its disposal to help secure Mr. Lai's freedom as he experiences deteriorating health conditions after five years of imprisonment. Cosigners of Senator Scott’s letter include: Senators John Thune, John Barrasso, Shelley Moore Capito, Jim Risch, Jeanne Shaheen, Jim Banks, Marsha Blackburn, John Boozman, Katie Britt, Ted Budd, Bill Cassidy, Susan Collins, Tom Cotton, Kevin Cramer, Mike Crapo, Ted Cruz, John Curtis, Steve Daines, Joni Ernst, Deb Fischer, Lindsey Graham, Chuck Grassley, Bill Hagerty, Josh Hawley, John Hoeven, Jon Husted, Ron Johnson, John Kennedy, James Lankford, Roger Marshall, Mitch McConnell, Jeff Merkley, Ashley Moody, Bernie Moreno, Jerry Moran, Markwayne Mullin, Lisa Murkowski, Rand Paul, Gary Peters, Jack Reed, Pete Ricketts, Eric Schmitt, Tim Sheehy, Dan Sullivan, Tim Scott, Thom Tillis, Peter Welch, Roger Wicker, and Todd Young. Read the letter HERE or below: Dear Prime Minister, We are a group of sitting U.S. senators who support President Trump’s commitment to saving the life of the unjustly imprisoned Jimmy Lai and securing his release. As Mr. Lai is a U.K. citizen, we ask that you support this most urgent mission by discussing Mr. Lai's plight with the president during his state visit to the U.K. Like our president, we share Mr. Lai’s values and admire his struggle for freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. We are encouraged by the U.S. and U.K. Governments' determination to free Mr. Lai. We know it will be difficult and that the U.K. will need to explore all possible avenues and use every tool at its disposal to secure Mr. Lai's freedom. This mission is urgent. Mr. Lai is 77, diabetic, and has recently been put on a heart monitor. He has been wrongly imprisoned for five years, and every day he spends in prison increases his risk of an untimely death. We cannot let that happen. Time is running out for Mr. Lai. It is vital that the U.S. and the U.K. stand together in doing what is right. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/9/sen-rick-scott-announces-resolution-designating-october-14th-as-national-day-of-remembrance-for-charlie-kirk,Sen. Rick Scott Announces Resolution Designating October 14th as National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk,2025-09-16,2025,2025-09,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 announced a resolution honoring the legacy of Charlie Kirk by designating October 14, 2025 as a National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk. Congressman Jimmy Patronis is leading the companion resolution in the House of Representatives. Senator Rick Scott said, “Charlie was a magnetic leader, a loving father and husband, and a friend and inspiration to so many. His loss is devastating, and I’ll always cherish the friendship I had with him. Charlie loved our nation and its founding principles and believed deeply in his faith, in his family, and in beauty of ideas and discussion. He lived with purpose and conviction, never shying away from hard truths and hard conversations, and always believing that the strength of our ideas and our faith could bring people together. Charlie worked to make our nation a better place in his 31 years before he was lost in an evil act of political violence, and will leave a lasting legacy on our nation. We know what Charlie would want us to do: he’d want us to stand strong by the ideas we believe in, have discussions, carry on with hope, strength and courage, and look to God for guidance. I am proud to lead a resolution honoring Charlie’s legacy as an American patriot by designating October 14th, what would have been his 32nd birthday, as National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk – a day to come together, pray, and celebrate Charlie’s impact on the nation.” Congressman Jimmy Patronis said, “Charlie Kirk’s influence reached far beyond politics. He was a fearless defender of faith, freedom, and the principles that make America great, inspiring young people to lead with courage and conviction. On campuses nationwide, he showed that tough conversations could be met with respect and charisma. A National Day of Remembrance will carry his legacy forward, inspiring future generations to speak boldly for freedom. A National Day of Remembrance in Charlie’s name will ensure his legacy will continue to inspire future generations to speak bravely and boldly. I am grateful to Senator Scott for introducing this resolution in the U.S. Senate, and I am honored to join him in this effort to preserve Charlie’s memory and mission.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/9/sen-rick-scott-s-federal-disaster-tax-relief-act-to-support-victims-of-natural-disasters-gains-bipartisan-support,Sen. Rick Scott’s Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act to Support Victims of Natural Disasters Gains Bipartisan Support,2025-09-15,2025,2025-09,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 announced new bipartisan, bicameral support for his Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2025 with Senator Adam Schiff co-leading in the Senate. This effort is led by Congressman Greg Steube in the House of Representatives, co-led by Congressman Mike Thompson. The bill would allow for tax relief for victims of federally declared disasters through the end of 2026, including hurricanes and wildfires. The bill also extends victims’ ability to make tax deductible payments from wildfire settlements, which often happen many years after a disaster, through the end of 2030. Last Congress, Senator Scott and Congressman Steube successfully worked to pass their Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023 to provide meaningful and long-overdue tax relief for victims of hurricanes and other natural disasters. This new legislation ensures victims of natural disasters have immediate access to tax relief for years to come. Senator Rick Scott said, “It is great to have bipartisan support on our common-sense legislation to provide tax relief to victims of natural disasters – this effort sends an important message to families that their federal government is here to support them after disaster strikes. We have seen the absolute heartbreak families experience after any natural disaster – whether that’s hurricanes, wildfires, or massive flooding – as they’ve lost everything and are working hard to get back on their feet. Our bill extends this relief through the end of 2026 to ensure relief is available for any victims, and expands support for the victims of wildfires like the California fires in January that took innocent lives and caused massive damage that families are still working to recover from. This legislation is an important step to ensure that when disaster strikes, Washington stands with survivors, not against them.” Senator Adam Schiff said, “Surviving a natural disaster can place an enormous financial burden on families. That’s why it’s critical we find ways to support victims of devastating disasters like the wildfires in California. I’m proud to join this bipartisan effort with Senator Rick Scott to ensure that those hit the hardest when disaster strikes receive the support and the tax relief they need to recover.” Congressman Greg Steube said, “Allowing taxpayers to write off damages from natural disasters is a no-brainer. Millions of Floridians have already benefited from my Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act as they rebuild from the last several hurricane seasons. This law provides a much-needed lifeline to families as they navigate the most difficult of times. I am grateful to partner with Senator Rick Scott to extend this critical part of the federal government's emergency response.” Congressman Mike Thompson said, “After disaster strikes, survivors face not only the loss of their loved ones, homes, and livelihoods, but they also face the uncertainty of how to begin again. In those moments, the last thing a survivor should fear is whether they qualify for tax relief. I am proud to work with my colleagues to expand on our disaster tax relief work and ensure survivors have the certainty and support they deserve.” Congressman Doug LaMalfa said, “Families who lose their homes and livelihoods in a wildfire shouldn’t be hit with the possibility of a tax bill on their equity affecting the very payments meant to help them recover. This bill ensures disaster relief is treated fairly and victims aren’t left fighting with the IRS on top of other challenges they may face. I'm pleased to join Congressman Steube in leading it.” Congressman Jimmy Panetta said, “Families and communities recovering from natural disasters shouldn’t face the added burden of arbitrary deadlines that cut off their access to critical tax relief. Our bipartisan bill extends those deadlines and ensures that wildfire relief payments and hurricane losses continue to qualify for fair tax treatment. By providing this certainty, we can give disaster-impacted Americans the time and tools they need to rebuild and move forward.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/9/sens-rick-scott-blackburn-and-moreno-write-to-treasury-sec-calling-for-immediate-delisting-of-communist-china-s-hesai,"Sens. Rick Scott, Blackburn, and Moreno Write to Treasury & SEC Calling for Immediate Delisting of Communist China’s Hesai",2025-09-15,2025,2025-09,Republican,Senate,FL,Rick Scott,S001217,www.rickscott.senate.gov,rickscott,https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, Senators Rick Scott, Marsha Blackburn, and Bernie Moreno sent a letter to Securities and Exchange Committee (SEC) Chairman Paul Atkins and Treasury Department Secretary Scott Bessent urging them to take immediate action to delist Hesai from the NASDAQ stock exchange as the company has been determined to support the Chinese military (1260H list), which poses a national security threat. By taking steps to delist Hesai, Chairman Atkins and Secretary Bessent would be helping President Trump deliver on his promises to the American people by protecting American investors, ensuring American national security, and helping put America First. The letter builds on several significant pieces of legislation introduced by Senator Scott aimed at protecting American investors and the American way of life from Communist China. In April, Senator Scott introduced a package of bills intended to hold Communist China accountable and combat its exploitation of American families and their hard-earned money. That month, in his role as chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, he also hosted a hearing looking at how American retirees and investors were put at risk by allowing companies like Hesai to be traded on American markets. Read the letter HERE or below: Dear Chairman Atkins and Secretary Bessent: We write to express our profound concern regarding the continued listing of Hesai Group (“Hesai”) on the U.S. NASDAQ exchange. As detailed in previous correspondence, Hesai’s designation as a Chinese military company by the Department of Defense presents serious national security concerns that warrant immediate delisting action to protect investors and prevent their hard-earned dollars from funding an adversarial military. As such, we call on you to take immediate steps to delist Hesai from the NASDAQ to maintain the quality of and public confidence in the exchange. Hesai’s operations are fundamentally incompatible with U.S. national security interests and investment standards. In January 2024, the Department of Defense (DoD) initially designated Hesai under Section 1260H of the National Defense Authorization Act. The Pentagon then relisted Hesai in October 2024 based on additional evidence of the company’s military ties. On July 7, 2025, this decision was finalized after the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia issued a decision denying Hesai’s lawsuit against the DoD seeking to be removed as a 1260H-listed Chinese military company. Specifically, the District Court decision held “the Court concludes that the DoD’s finding that Hesai contributes ‘to the Chinese defense industrial base’ is supported by substantial evidence because the evidence in the record viewed in light of the nature of LIDAR technology could lead ‘a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion.’” This confirms the DoD’s decision that Hesai is a Chinese military company operating actively in the United States. This determination was not made lightly and reflects the serious national security threat posed by this entity. This also means that hard-working Americans can invest their savings into a Chinese military company as long as Hesai continues to be listed on the NASDAQ. This directly contradicts the goals President Trump outlined in the America First Investment Policy, stating: “The PRC is also increasingly exploiting United States capital to develop and modernize its military, intelligence, and other security apparatuses, which poses significant risk to the United States.” With more direct applicability to this case relating to Hesai, the America First Investment Policy further states that: “Those Chinese companies also raise capital by: selling to American investors securities that trade on American and foreign public exchanges; lobbying United States index providers and funds to include these securities in market offerings; and engaging in other acts to ensure access to United States capital and accompanying intangible benefits. In this way, the PRC exploits United States investors to finance and advance the development and modernization of its military.” There is clear evidence that Hesai’s products directly support People’s Liberation Army combat vehicles and surveillance systems used in the repression of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang. In addition, there are reports of espionage activities involving Chinese nationals utilizing military-grade LIDAR technology, which are capable of capturing precise location details and transmitting data in real time, around military bases in the Philippines. These incidents not only threaten the security of a key U.S. ally, but also U.S. military actions in the region, and highlight the risks of Chinese-made dual-use technology being used for specific military targeting purposes. The Department of the Treasury has the authority to add Chinese companies to the Chinese Military-Industrial Complex Companies (NS-CMIC) List pursuant to Executive Order 13959, as amended. In particular, Treasury may add a company to the NS-CMIC List if it is determined “to operate or have operated in the defense and related materiel sector or the surveillance technology sector of the economy of the PRC.” Given the clear evidence by the DoD that Hesai is a Chinese military company, it follows that the company operates in the defense sector. Therefore, Treasury should begin to immediately take steps to add Hesai to the NS-CMIC List. Hesai’s continued presence on U.S. capital markets directly contradicts NASDAQ’s listing requirements, particularly those related to the public interest and protection of investors. As a Pentagon-designated Chinese military company providing technology that enables both China's military modernization and human rights abuses, Hesai’s securities should no longer be available to American investors. In light of this information, we call on the SEC to take immediate action to delist Hesai from the U.S. NASDAQ and call on the Treasury to take immediate action to add Hesai to the NS-CMIC List. We request a response by October 1, 2025, detailing the steps the SEC and Treasury will take to address these concerns and protect U.S. investors from unwittingly financing China’s military modernization through Hesai’s securities. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/9/sens-rick-scott-ron-johnson-we-re-going-to-get-to-the-bottom-of-what-happened-with-palisades-wildfire,"Sens. Rick Scott, Ron Johnson: ‘We’re Going to Get to the Bottom of What Happened’ with Palisades Wildfire",2025-09-12,2025,2025-09,Republican,Senate,FL,Rick Scott,S001217,www.rickscott.senate.gov,rickscott,https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Senator Rick Scott was joined by Chairman Ron Johnson of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), as well as media personality Spencer Pratt, to discuss the Senators’ new congressional investigation into the deadly Palisades Fire that devastated the Pacific Palisades community in Los Angeles, California earlier this year. Watch the press conference on X HERE, or at the video below. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/9/in-case-you-missed-it-sen-rick-scott-in-the-hill-us-philippine-alliance-is-vital-to-trump-s-fight-against-communist-china,IN CASE YOU MISSED IT… Sen. Rick Scott in The Hill: US-Philippine Alliance is Vital to Trump’s Fight Against Communist China,2025-09-11,2025,2025-09,Republican,Senate,FL,Rick Scott,S001217,www.rickscott.senate.gov,rickscott,https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, Senator Rick Scott published an op-ed for The Hill discussing his recent trip to the Philippines – a great ally of the United States in our fight for global defense against the threat of our enemy, Communist China – where he reinforced our military and economic alliance and supported President Trump’s vital work in the region. As Xi Jinping and Communist China threaten the security of the region, the United States, and global security as a whole, Senator Scott highlights how the Philippines is an important ally in our fight to protect the American Dream and the American way of life and achieve peace through strength. In the op-ed, Senator Rick Scott writes, “It is no secret that Xi Jinping and Communist China want to dominate and destroy America’s role as a global beacon of freedom and democracy and our very way of life. … This is why supporting our allies is so vital, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. They are the front line of defense against the Communist Chinese onslaught. I was honored to visit one of our greatest allies in that region, the Philippines, for the second time as senator earlier this month. … This recent trip reaffirmed my long-standing belief: the U.S.-Philippines relationship is vital to our national security and economic prosperity, especially regarding the threat of Communist China. … The Philippines is more than just an anchor for the U.S. in the western Pacific. It is a vibrant democracy, an engaging economy, and, most importantly, an unashamed ally of the U.S. that wants stronger and closer ties. … As Communist China continues its illegal, coercive and aggressive actions in this region, our military partnership with the Philippines is more important than ever. By standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our Filipino allies, we send a clear message: The U.S. will not allow authoritarian regimes to bully our partners or threaten our interests. … The Philippines and its people, under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., are aligned with the U.S. and President Trump, both economically and militarily. In the Filipino government and its people, we have a friend, partner and ally that is strategically placed, both geographically and economically, and highly motivated to work with us as Trump pursues peace through strength and delivers on the America first promises made to the American people. … Thankfully, President Trump understands that a strong, stable and prosperous Philippines strengthens America’s position in the Indo-Pacific, protects our economic interests, and upholds the democratic values we hold dear. … Peace through strength is within our reach, but only if the U.S. remains committed to a strong and resilient ally in the Philippines.” Read the full op-ed in The Hill HERE. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/9/sens-rick-scott-ashley-moody-ask-trump-admin-to-continue-efforts-to-block-harmful-imo-global-carbon-tax-proposal-that-threatens-u-s-trade-and-national-security,"Sens. Rick Scott, Ashley Moody Ask Trump Admin to Continue Efforts to Block Harmful IMO Global Carbon Tax Proposal that Threatens U.S. Trade and National Security",2025-09-11,2025,2025-09,Republican,Senate,FL,Rick Scott,S001217,www.rickscott.senate.gov,rickscott,https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody sent a letter to Department of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, thanking them for their work and recent announcement making clear that President Trump will not accept the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) global carbon-pricing proposal. The proposal, which will be considered next month, would place an unfair burden on American citizens and businesses. To build on this effort, the Senators asked that the administration immediately apply trade leverage to block the IMO framework and note this as a historic opportunity to restore our nation’s influence in global maritime policy and rapidly reassert American global maritime dominance. Read the full letter HERE or below. Dear Secretary Lutnick and Secretary Rubio: We are grateful for the leadership you and President Trump have shown in advancing policies that restore America’s shipbuilding industry and support high quality and high wage jobs, while revitalizing communities across our nation. We were glad to see you and several members of the administration make clear that President Trump will not accept any international environmental agreement that places an unfair burden on the American people ahead of the potential final adoption of this proposal at the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) session this October. We share your concerns over the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) advancement of a global carbon-pricing framework and the broader implications it poses for U.S. economic competitiveness, trade policy, and national security. The current proposal presents a direct threat to American interests. The proposed framework would impose a binding, escalating global carbon tax on maritime shipping through a system of increasingly strict emissions tiers and rising levies. Unlike the Paris Accord, the United States cannot opt out or decline to participate. Even if the U.S. chooses not to implement the tax domestically, it will be enforced by foreign ports of origin, destination and flag states. As a result, American exporters and importers will be required to pay the tax regardless of U.S. policy decisions. This tax falls disproportionately on the United States. Although we represent only about 11% percent of global trade by value, we are projected to contribute roughly 20% percent of total global IMO tax revenue. This disparity exists because our trade routes span far greater distances than those of other regions such as Europe or Asia. According to industry modeling of the proposed rate structure, American producers and consumers are expected to bear nearly $1 trillion dollars in tax burden between 2028 and 2035. Despite this enormous financial impact, the United States has virtually no influence over the policy and will receive none of the tax revenue in return. This is taxation without representation and a direct threat to the United States’ economic security. Every nation supporting this framework stands to benefit, while America does not. As you rightly pointed out, China is using the IMO process to force the premature retirement of vessels and further entrench its targeted dominance in the shipbuilding industry. Major container shipping lines from Europe, Japan, and China collectively control the majority of the world’s total container capacity. These foreign global carriers operate in nearly every trade lane and have embraced the regulatory burden as a profit center, aligning their fleet investments with the IMO Framework to gain a competitive advantage over American operators. This is simply a wealth redistribution plan that provides no meaningful environmental benefit. Applying this framework globally instead of regionally also risks creating significant economic distortions, such as unintentionally shifting cargo from maritime transport modes such as U.S. short-sea shipping, which is already a cleaner alternative to land-based options that remain exempt from carbon taxation. The administration has made clear that President Trump rejects this proposal and will not tolerate any action that harms Americans and increases costs on our citizens and businesses. To protect American economic and maritime interests, we ask that the administration immediately apply trade leverage to block the IMO framework. As many of the countries supporting this tax are currently engaged in critical trade negotiations with the United States, timing is critical and this requires immediate action. This is a historic opportunity not only to stop the IMO carbon tax, but to restore our influence in global maritime policy and rapidly reassert American global maritime dominance. The stakes for American workers, our industries, and our national security could not be higher, and we are committed to working together to protect American interests, defend our economic sovereignty, and strengthen the future of U.S. maritime power. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/9/sen-rick-scott-introduces-legislation-to-provide-tax-relief-for-victims-of-hurricanes-wildfires-other-natural-disasters,"Sen. Rick Scott Introduces Legislation to Provide Tax Relief for Victims of Hurricanes, Wildfires, & Other Natural Disasters",2025-09-09,2025,2025-09,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 introduced new legislation to allow for tax relief for victims of federally declared disasters through the end of 2026, including hurricanes and wildfires. The bill also extends victims’ ability to make tax deductible payments from wildfire settlements, which often happen many years after a disaster, through the end of 2030. Congressman Greg Steube will be introducing the companion legislation in the House of Representatives. Last Congress, Senator Scott and Congressman Steube successfully worked to pass their Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2023 to provide meaningful and long-overdue tax relief for victims of hurricanes and other natural disasters. This new legislation ensures victims of natural disasters have immediate access to tax relief for years to come. Senator Rick Scott said, “It is absolutely heartbreaking to see families of natural disasters – whether that’s hurricanes, wildfires, or massive flooding – who have lost everything and are working hard to get back on their feet. They need all the support they can get from their federal government, and for years, we have been able to come together to provide common-sense tax relief to victims in a bipartisan effort. My bill extends this relief through the end of 2026 to ensure relief is available for any victims, and expands support for the victims of wildfires like the California fires in January that took innocent lives and caused massive damage that families are still working to recover from. This legislation is an important step to ensure that when disaster strikes, Washington stands with survivors, not against them.” Congressman Greg Steube said, “Allowing taxpayers to write off damages from natural disasters is a no-brainer. Millions of Floridians have already benefited from my Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act as they rebuild from the last several hurricane seasons. This law provides a much-needed lifeline to families as they navigate the most difficult of times. I am grateful to partner with Senator Rick Scott to extend this critical part of the federal government's emergency response.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/9/sens-rick-scott-mike-lee-lead-department-of-war-restoration-act,"Sens. Rick Scott, Mike Lee Lead Department of War Restoration Act",2025-09-05,2025,2025-09,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 Mike Lee in introducing legislation to restore America’s Department of Defense to its original name of the Department of War as President Trump takes executive action. Congressman Greg Steube has introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. Senator Rick Scott said, “The United States military is not a purely defensive force. We are the most lethal fighting force on the face of the planet — ready to defeat any enemy when called upon. Restoring the name to Department of War reflects our true purpose: to dominate wars, not merely respond after being provoked. President Trump has made it clear that our nation will pursue Peace Through Strength — and we will always stand ready to defend our freedoms.” Senator Mike Lee said, “For the first 150 years of our military’s history, Americans defeated their enemies and protected their homeland under the War Department. I’m proud to introduce the Department of War Restoration Act to make President Trump’s return to tradition permanent in federal law. It should always be clear to anyone who would harm our people: Americans don’t just play defense.” Congressman Greg Steube said, “From 1789 until the end of World War II, the United States military fought under the banner of the Department of War. Thanks to their courage and sacrifice, the standard of excellence was established for all servicemembers who followed in their footsteps. It is only fitting that we pay tribute to their eternal example and renowned commitment to lethality by restoring the name of the 'Department of War' to our Armed Forces.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/9/in-case-you-missed-it-sen-rick-scott-s-flight-act-introduced-in-house-by-rep-laurel-lee,IN CASE YOU MISSED IT… Sen. Rick Scott’s FLIGHT Act Introduced in House by Rep. Laurel Lee,2025-09-04,2025,2025-09,Republican,Senate,FL,Rick Scott,S001217,www.rickscott.senate.gov,rickscott,https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/press-releases/,page_html,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, Representative Laurel Lee announced companion legislation to Senator Rick Scott’s FLIGHT Act, which will improve consumer transparency by requiring airlines to provide passengers with updates every 15 minutes when their flight is delayed. Senator Rick Scott said, “I am thrilled to have Congresswoman Laurel Lee leading the companion legislation on my FLIGHT Act in the House of Representatives. While sometimes unavoidable and completely understandable, flight delays cause frustration and ruined plans that can be costly for passengers who made their plans around timeframes provided by the airlines and are often left in the dark amid endless delays. Our bill, the FLIGHT Act, will reduce that frustration by requiring airlines, in the case of flight delays, to provide passengers an update every 15 minutes until their flight is ready for takeoff. This is a simple solution to bring transparency for passengers and make traveling a little less annoying for families.” Congresswoman Laurel Lee said, “Every traveler knows the frustration of sitting at the gate with little or no information about when their flight will take off. Too often, passengers are stranded at airports or even stuck on the tarmac for hours, without meaningful updates. While some delays are unpreventable, airlines can do more to keep customers informed. The FLIGHT Act is a commonsense step to require airlines to provide timely updates so families can adjust their plans accordingly. Senator Scott and I are proud to advance this accountability measure as we work to make air travel more reliable.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/9/sen-rick-scott-leads-senate-resolution-condemning-socialism-as-failed-ideology-that-always-leads-to-poverty-and-oppression,Sen. Rick Scott Leads Senate Resolution Condemning Socialism as Failed Ideology that Always Leads to Poverty and Oppression,2025-09-04,2025,2025-09,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 announced the introduction of his resolution condemning socialism as a failed ideology and the antithesis of the American Dream. As far-left politicians like Zohran Mamdani in New York openly embrace socialist ideologies, Senator Scott’s resolution serves as a blunt warning that socialism is not just misguided policy, it is a proven path to tyranny, starvation, and death, as has been proven time and time again, and has no place in America. Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar is leading the companion resolution in the House of Representatives. Senator Scott also recently wrote a letter to the editor of the Wall Street Journal calling out the hypocrisy of far-left socialists like New York’s very own Zohran Mamdani. Senator Rick Scott said, “Socialism is a failed ideology -- it has destroyed countries, crushed economies, and robbed millions of their basic human rights. Just look at Cuba and Venezuela, or talk to any of the thousands of families in my state of Florida who fled those regimes after evil dictators stripped them of every opportunity. Time and time again, socialism has led to the same, inevitable outcomes: misery, poverty, and oppression. It’s despicable to see far-left radicals villainizing capitalism – a system that has helped billions of American achieve their dreams – and try to tear down our country and rebuild it in their woke, radical image through socialist policies. The United States was built on individual freedoms and opportunities, and the right of every individual to pursue the American Dream despite coming from nothing, just like I did. Our resolution is a stark reminder for the far-left: socialism is a failure and Americans will always reject it.” Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar said, “History is clear: from Stalin’s gulags and Cambodia’s killing fields to Castro’s firing squads in Havana, socialism has always ended in misery, suffering, and death. Entire nations have been destroyed and millions of lives shattered, including many in my own community who fled its brutality. That is why I am proud to introduce this concurrent resolution denouncing the horrors of socialism in the House, alongside Senator Rick Scott, to ensure Congress speaks with one voice in condemning socialism in all its forms, wherever it rears its ugly head. America must always stand as the light of liberty against the darkness of socialism and its false promises of equality.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-03-30T11:08:25Z