Six months ago, Senator Rick Scott was sworn into the U.S. Senate with a promise to make Washington work for families across the nation, and is working every day to make sure taxpayers get the best return on their investment of their hard earned tax dollars.

This week, Senator Rick Scott released the first episode of his new series in partnership with the Heritage Foundation: "How Washington Wastes Your Money." Every Wednesday, Senator Scott will release an episode highlighting how Washington is failing the American people with its wasteful spending.

This week's episode focuses on “improper payments” – payments made by federal agencies that are either the incorrect amount or paid to the wrong recipient. According to the Government Accountability Office, the United States made over $150 billion in improper payments last year – taxpayer dollars that should have never been spent.

See more in the video HERE or below.

See more of what Senator Scott has been up to this week below.

Sen. Rick Scott: House Should Take Up Bipartisan NDAA Passed by Senate to Protect National Security

Senator Rick Scott released the following statement calling on the House to pass the Senate version of the fiscal year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The Senate passed the NDAA two weeks ago, which includes:

• Senator Scott’s amendment to cut off funds to the Maduro regime;
• Senator Scott’s amendment to hold China accountable;
• More than $1.2 billion to rebuild Tyndall Air Force Base;
• $750 billion in defense spending; and
• A 3.1% pay raise for military members 

Senator Rick Scott said, “Our nation is facing increasing threats from around the world – including China, Russia, Iran, Venezuela and Cuba – and Congress MUST give our military the resources it needs to protect our national security. The National Defense Authorization Act includes $750 billion to fund our military so we can continue defending freedom at home and across the globe and a pay raise for our men and women in uniform. Nancy Pelosi and the House of Representatives need to leave politics out of military funding and pass the Senate version of the NDAA, which passed the Senate with a large bipartisan majority. This is about the safety of families and future of our country.” Read more HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott: Americans Can’t Wait Any Longer for Affordable Prescription Drugs

Senator Scott spoke on the Senate Floor on his America First Drug Pricing Plan to address the soaring costs of prescription drugs by promoting transparency and preventing drug companies from forcing American consumers to subsidize low drug prices in foreign countries. 

Watch Senator Scott’s speech below and read his full remarks as prepared for delivery HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott to Peace Corps: Get Out of China Now

After Peace Corps Director Dr. Jody Olsen refused to agree to end Peace Corps programs in China during a meeting with Senator Rick Scott, the Senator released the following statement highlighting concerns over the Peace Corps’ involvement in China.
 
Senator Rick Scott said, “Peace Corps volunteers are charged with promoting freedom and spreading American ideals to developing countries across the globe. But what the Peace Corps shouldn’t be doing is propping up our adversaries with U.S. tax dollars. Let’s remember, China is a wealthy nation that certainly has the resources to fund initiatives. There is no reason the U.S. should be giving millions in foreign aid to China every year, and there is no reason American taxpayers should be sending volunteers to do the work of the Communist government of China.

“China steals our technology and intellectual property, refuses to open up their markets, refuses to allow human rights and supports Maduro’s genocide in Venezuela. China is also militarizing the South China Sea and building its military to compete with the United States on the world stage. I’ve asked the Peace Corps to pull all volunteers and resources from China immediately, and I look forward to their swift cooperation.” Read more HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott: All European Nations Must Join U.S. to Support Freedom in Venezuela

Senator Rick Scott released the following statement after Greece announced its recognition of Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the country’s interim president. This action follows Senator Scott’s call for all European nations to join together to end Nicolás Maduro’s ruthless regime in Venezuela. Senator Scott also urged Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to lead a delegation of EU nations to the Venezuelan border to see the humanitarian crisis firsthand.

Senator Rick Scott said, “I applaud Greece for heeding our call for Europe to recognize Juan Guaidó as the legitimate President of Venezuela. This is a very important step, but we must do more. I’m calling on every European nation to follow Greece’s lead. Our partners in Europe must do more. We cannot allow Maduro to carry on his genocide of young children and we cannot allow Venezuela to turn into a Syria in our Hemisphere. All European nations must join us to take a strong stand against Maduro.” Read more HERE.

Sen. Rick Scott: What High-Tax States Fail to Understand About Economic Growth

Senator Rick Scott wrote an op-ed on California’s recent gas tax hike, and what high-tax states like California fail to understand about what it takes to have a successful economy. 

In the op-ed, Senator Scott wrote, “On July 1, California hiked its gas tax to the highest rate in the country. The gas tax, in particular, is one of the most regressive taxes. It hurts the poorest families in our country the most.…

What Governor Newsom (and Governors like Cuomo in New York and Pritzker in Illinois) don’t seem to understand is that you can cut taxes, regulations and debt to help create new jobs while simultaneously investing in infrastructure, the environment and education. I know it’s possible because we did it in Florida.…

We cut waste, lived within our means and focused on creating jobs. I cut taxes in Florida nearly 100 times, saving Florida families and businesses more than $10 billion while making huge investments in our state… And I invested $85 billion to transform Florida’s transportation infrastructure without ever raising a tax or fee.…

As much as I love to compete with other states (I send thank you notes to other Governors when they raise taxes!), I want every state in America to share in Florida’s success story. I want every American family to have every opportunity to succeed and get a job.”

Read the full op-ed in Townhall HERE.

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Florida Daily: Rick Scott Takes Aim at High Tax States Run by the Democrats

CNS News: Sen. Rick Scott: Federal Government ‘Absolutely’ Spends Too Much; ‘We Shouldn’t be Running Deficits’

NTN24 Venezuela: Simonovis sostuvo encuentro con Rick Scott: Está dispuesto a ayudar con la libertad de Venezuela

WFLX: Senators Marco Rubio, Rick Scott push to fix Belle Glade housing conditions

Palm Beach Post: Point of View: Truck drivers need a better route to employment

Sen. Rick Scott Recognizes Florida Veterans in The Villages 

Senator Rick Scott was in The Villages to recognize Florida veterans for their service, courage and selfless sacrifices in support of our United States Armed Forces. Senator Scott also hosted a roundtable discussion with veterans on ways he can continue to support our veterans, military members, and their families. 

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Also This Week in Florida

Don’t forget – this weekend is the opening of the 2019 red snapper season in the Atlantic! Read more about it HERE.

Florida is home to some of the most beautiful beaches. It's no surprise that 10 Florida beaches were named in TripAdvisor's Top 25 U.S. beaches - go out and enjoy one this weekend!  

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Academy Nominations

Interested in serving our great country? Senator Scott has the honor to nominate candidates for appointment to U.S. Military Academies.Visit our website HERE and spread the word to all individuals seeking appointment to a service academy TODAY!

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Judicial Vacancies 

Senator Scott remains committed to filling Florida's federal judicial vacancies in Florida’s Southern District and Middle District with the best-qualified candidates to serve our state and nation. Interested candidates may contact our office or find more information on current federal judicial vacancies HERE.

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