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Sen. Rick Scott: We Cannot Allow Venezuela to Turn into Syria; Don’t Blink
Senator Rick Scott spoke at the 2019 Concordia Americas Summit in Colombia on his commitment to ending Maduro’s ruthless dictatorship in Venezuela to bring a new day of freedom for all of Latin America. Excerpts of Senator Scott’s remarks as prepared for delivery are below; read his full speech HERE.
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I also traveled to Cúcuta recently to visit the Venezuelan border. What I saw there was devastating. Absolutely devastating. I left Cúcuta heartbroken, but determined.
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The pain, the hunger, the devastation. I cannot believe any human being would do this to young children.
This is evil. And there’s one man responsible for it – Nicolas Maduro. This is obvious to most of us. Nicolas Maduro is carrying out a genocide on his people.
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Over the last few weeks, I’ve advocated for increasing America’s military capacity in the region. We should pre-position military assets and consider using the military to deliver aid to the people of Venezuela and to support their fight for freedom and democracy.
We need to stop the flow of oil from Venezuela to Cuba by blockading Cuban ports.
Juan Guaido is the legitimate President of Venezuela. There is a government in waiting. It is a country rich in natural resources and with an economic foundation to thrive under the right leadership.
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I speak regularly to President Trump and his advisors about the next steps the United States should take to address the crisis in Venezuela.
I’ll tell you what I tell them: Don’t blink. Don’t blink.
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NOW is the time to rid the civilized world of Nicolas Maduro and his genocide. NOW is the time to make Maduro a pariah. NOW is the time to act. We have a once in a generation opportunity here.
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Sen. Scott Meets with Colombian President Duque, Speaks at Concordia Summit
 
Senator Rick Scott met with Colombian President Iván Duque at the 2019 Concordia Americas Summit to discuss ways the United States can continue to work with Colombia to support freedom in Venezuela and all of Latin America. Senator Scott and President Duque also discussed the ongoing efforts to rid Latin America of the narco-terrorists that are wreaking havoc and creating a flood of migrants to the United States’ southern border. During the summit, Senator Scott spoke on his commitment to ending Maduro’s ruthless dictatorship in Venezuela. Read his full speech HERE.
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Sen. Rick Scott Applauds President Trump Commitment to Everglades Funding
Senator Rick Scott released the following statement after President Trump announced his administration’s commitment to fight for $200 million in construction funding for the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration (SFER) in the budget. This announcement follows a letter Senator Rick Scott, Senator Marco Rubio and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis sent in February urging President Trump to include the funding in his budget request to Congress.
Senator Rick Scott said, “I was the first Governor to put state funding towards fixing the dike at Lake Okeechobee. I’ve consistently fought for the federal government to match the state’s investment. I applaud President Trump for working with the Florida delegation to commit to fight for $200 million in federal funding for Everglades restoration projects this year. Everglades restoration is critically important to the State of Florida and enjoys broad bipartisan support in Congress. I applaud the Administration’s commitment to protecting Florida’s natural treasures for generations to come.” Read more HERE.
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Sen. Rick Scott: EU Must Stop Supporting Maduro Booster Cuba
Senator Rick Scott released the statement below following his second trip as U.S. Senator to Latin America to promote freedom in Venezuela. During his speech at the Concordia Summit, Senator Scott said that those supporting Maduro are “co-conspirators” in his genocide.
Senator Rick Scott said, “Juan Guaido is the legitimate President of Venezuela, and I’m thankful for the numerous European nations that have recognized his leadership. However, these are the same European countries that continue to support and do business with the Cuban regime – the most powerful force propping up Maduro as he starves and kills his own people in Venezuela.
“Chavez and Maduro kept the Cuban regime afloat for decades, and now Cuban operators are keeping the Maduro regime in power. It is time for the international community to recognize that these problems are one and the same. Claiming to support freedom for Venezuela while also supporting Cuba is the height of hypocrisy. I’m calling on these nations to end the hypocrisy and cut off ties with Cuba. As we unite against dictators throughout the world, it is time for all countries to come to the table and act responsibly. I look forward to visiting Europe next month, where I hope to get an update on how the EU plans to support those fighting for freedom.” Read more HERE.
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Senador Rick Scott: La Unión Europea debe dejar de apoyar a Maduro y a Cuba
El senador Rick Scott hizo la siguiente declaración luego de su segundo viaje como senador estadounidense a América Latina para promover la libertad en Venezuela. Durante su discurso en la Cumbre de Concordia, el senador Scott dijo que aquellos que apoyan a Maduro son "co-conspiradores" en su genocidio.
El senador Rick Scott dijo: “Juan Guaido es el legítimo presidente de Venezuela, y estoy agradecido por las numerosas naciones europeas que han reconocido su liderazgo. Sin embargo, estos son los mismos países europeos que continúan apoyando y haciendo negocios con el régimen cubano, la fuerza más poderosa que sostiene a Maduro mientras mata a su propio pueblo en Venezuela.
“Chávez y Maduro mantuvieron al régimen cubano a flote durante décadas, y ahora los operadores cubanos mantienen al régimen de Maduro en el poder. Es hora de que la comunidad internacional reconozca que ambos forman parte del mismo problema. Afirmar que se apoya la libertad en Venezuela y al mismo tiempo apoyar a Cuba es el colmo de la hipocresía. Estoy pidiendo a estas naciones que pongan fin a la hipocresía y rompan los lazos con Cuba. Mientras nos unimos contra los dictadores del mundo, es hora de que todos los países se sienten en la mesa y actúen con responsabilidad. Estaré visitando Europa el próximo mes, donde espero recibir información actualizada sobre cómo la UE planea apoyar a los que luchan por la libertad". Lea más AQUÍ.
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Sen. Rick Scott, Sen. Mike Braun Introduce Plan to Make Washington Work
Senator Rick Scott and Senator Mike Braun introduced the Make Washington Work plan. The plan (comprised of 3 constitutional amendments and a bill to amend the Legislative Reorganization Act) is aimed at reforming the dysfunctional and tired ways of thinking in Washington in order to make it actually work for families across the nation – not just for career politicians in D.C.
Senator Rick Scott said, “I spent my entire career in business. I often bought failing companies and turned them around. The U.S. government is like a failing business right now. We need change.
“I’ve been a member of the United States Senate for four months, and it’s as dysfunctional as you think it is – government needs to be completely reinvented. If you were going to create a federal government system today, it sure wouldn’t be what we have now. The people of Florida deserve a government that works. Period. My Make Washington Work plan proposes real reforms, including some that I successfully pushed for as Governor. It requires a supermajority to raise taxes or fees, establishes term limits for members of Congress and institutes a line-item veto. It would also eliminate automatic pay raises for members of Congress.
“That career politicians’ gravy train needs to come to an end. It’s clear that now more than ever it will be an uphill climb, but I’m committed to fighting for the people of Florida. I won’t back down.” Read more HERE.
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Sen. Rick Scott Co-Sponsors Sen. Martha McSally’s Combating Military Sexual Assault Act
Senator Rick Scott announced his co-sponsorship of Senator Martha McSally’s Combating Military Sexual Assault Act to end the problem of sexual assault in the military. The legislation focuses on improvements to the investigation and judicial process, as well as victim support once an assault has been reported. Senators Thom Tillis and Mike Rounds are also co-sponsors of the bill.
Senator Rick Scott said, “Sexual assault can never be tolerated – not in our military or anywhere else in this country. I’m proud to work with Senator McSally, a courageous voice for victims, to end sexual assault. The Combating Military Sexual Assault Act gives our military the resources it needs to end the plague of sexual assault, hold perpetrators accountable, and provide victims the support they deserve.” Read more HERE.
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Sen. Rick Scott: Protect Taxpayer Dollars During Storm Recovery and Response
Senator Rick Scott and Senator Ron Johnson, Committee on Homeland on Security and Governmental Affairs Chairman, sent a letter to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers leadership requesting information on response and recovery efforts, specifically debris removal contracts. Following natural disasters, including Hurricanes Irma and Michael, debris removal is critical to getting families back on their feet – and Senator Scott is committed to protecting taxpayer dollars when it comes to this important storm response. Read more, including the full letter, HERE.
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Sen. Rick Scott Honors Military Appreciation Month on Senate Floor
Senator Rick Scott spoke on the Senate Floor honoring Military Appreciation Month. Read more from Senator Scott on why Congress must reinvest in the military, our greatest asset, in his Washington Examiner op-ed. Watch his full speech above or HERE.
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Sen. Rick Scott: I’m Confident in the Security of Florida’s Elections
Following a briefing from senior FBI officials on questions of Russian intrusion into Florida’s election records during the 2016 election, Senator Rick Scott released the following statement:
Senator Rick Scott said, “While the FBI told me the voter files for two Florida counties were successfully accessed prior to the 2016 election, the FBI confirmed that there is no evidence to suggest that any voting records or systems were manipulated. And the FBI told me there is certainly no evidence to support the claim that the Russians still had access to Florida’s election systems at the time of the 2018 election. I want to be clear: the FBI verified that there was no evidence of a breach of Florida’s election records at the time voting occurred in 2018. The FBI could not provide any evidence to support the claims about security during the 2018 election made by then-Senator Nelson, which confirms the conclusion of both the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security at the time. Due to the classified nature of this information and the ongoing investigation, I am not able to reveal what counties were accessed. I urged the FBI to publicly release this information as soon as they are able. The FBI said the information is classified due to the risk it poses to national security.
”I appreciate the FBI taking the time to brief me yesterday. They have a great relationship with the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, of which I’m a member, and I asked that they continue to keep us regularly updated on election security issues. I also asked that they offer this briefing to all Senators who want an update on security threats. Maintaining the security of our elections is paramount to a democratic society. As Governor, I invested millions of dollars in cyber security, hired additional cyber security staff, and secured election security grants for all 67 counties in Florida. I appreciate how complimentary the FBI was to our state’s election security and how well state and local authorities cooperate with the FBI. I’m confident in the steps we’ve taken to protect the sanctity of the ballot box, but we must all remain vigilant to ensure our elections remain secure.” Read more HERE.
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Sen. Rick Scott, Sen. Josh Hawley Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Support First Responders
Senator Rick Scott announced his co-sponsorship of Senator Josh Hawley’s National Urban Search and Rescue Parity Act to support the efforts of first responders following natural disasters. This legislation would eliminate a misguided policy that currently prevents federal employees from assisting with the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Urban Search and Rescue efforts.
Senator Rick Scott said, “During my time as Governor of Florida, my state experienced a number of devastating hurricanes that required quick action on the local, state and federal levels. Search and rescue teams are a critical component of disaster recovery, and I’m proud to co-sponsor the National Urban Search and Rescue Parity Act, which will give federal employees the ability to provide lifesaving help during times of crisis.” Read more from Senator Hawley's office HERE.
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Sen. Rick Scott on Passage of Legislation He Co-Sponsored to Support Law Enforcement Community, Prevent Officer Suicides
On Thursday, the Senate unanimously passed the Supporting and Treating Officers in Crisis Act of 2019, which was co-sponsored by Senator Rick Scott. This legislation will provide grant funding for law enforcement family-support services and allow grant recipients to use funds to establish suicide-prevention programs and mental health services for law enforcement officers.
Senator Rick Scott said, “Florida’s decreasing crime rate – now at a 47-year low – is a reminder of the dedication and hard work of Florida’s law enforcement, and I’m glad the Senate unanimously approved this important legislation to support them. These brave men and women risk their lives to keep our communities safe, and we must always do everything we can to give them the support and resources they need.” Read more HERE. |