Frustrations and successes in the Senate

When I was sworn in about one year ago, and for the next 17 days, the federal government was shut down because the Democrats had no interest in securing our border with Mexico.

When Congress passed a bill to re-open government, there was no discussion about how the federal government collects a little over $3 trillion in taxes and fees, and spends over $4 trillion a year. Why can’t we pass a balanced budget in the best economy in our lifetime? If you don’t understand the need for term limits, you are not paying attention.

I discover a federal agency spending our tax dollars to fund programs in China while China steals our jobs, only to have the agency tell me they will not stop, and will not be influenced by a duly elected member of the Senate.

I propose multiple pieces of legislation to reduce the cost of prescription drugs, almost everyone says they agree with it, but nothing happens, and I’m left only to watch the Democrats in the House pass legislation they know will never become law.

I propose legislation that will escrow Congressional pay if Congress cannot pass a budget, and am told we should not tie pay to performance. My goodness, only in Washington can people say these things with a straight face.

Congress passes disaster relief funding for those impacted by Hurricane Michael, such as our forestry industry, our homeowners, and Tyndall Air Force Base, but it took seven months of partisan bickering over nothing.

So, one can see the temptation to become a cynic. But I remain optimistic about the future of our country, the spread of freedom around the globe and the opportunities for Floridians to prosper.

This year, we got some big wins for Florida. Following my questions at a Homeland Security Committee hearing, the FBI finally acknowledged they held their employees accountable for mistakes prior to the Parkland shooting, and revamped and improved their tip center process.

The Federal Department of Transportation made significant investments in Florida’s infrastructure and I fought to secure the full $200 million for Everglades restoration.

In December, President Trump signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act, which included a number of provisions that I fought for, such as an authorization of over $1.5 billion to rebuild Tyndall Air Force Base, a well-deserved raise for our military, a provision to hold Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro accountable and a restriction on buying Chinese products that are a risk to our safety and security.

I know my job: make life better for the 22 million who call Florida home.

Forcing the federal government to embrace competence, efficiency and common sense will not be easy. But we have to do it. Thank you for the opportunity to work on your behalf.

Rick Scott is a U.S. Senator from Florida.