|
Sen. Rick Scott: Florida’s Higher Education System Continues to be Best in the Nation
Senator Rick Scott released the following statement commending Florida’s public universities after the release of the 2020 Best Colleges rankings by U.S. News & World Report. Out of the Top Public Schools, the University of Florida is ranked #7, Florida State University is #18 and the University of South Florida is #44.
Senator Rick Scott said, “For three years in a row, U.S. News & World Report has rated Florida’s higher education system as the best in the nation, and I want to thank our universities and our students for continuing this success. Florida has experienced a 9.5 percent increase in its college graduation rate over the last five years, and our public universities, especially University of Florida, Florida State University and the University of South Florida, continue to score impressive ratings every year. We worked hard in Florida to provide our students with a world-class education that leads to a good-paying job at a price they can afford, and today’s rankings show Florida continues to be a leader in higher education. I look forward to working in the Senate to share Florida’s success with the nation and to make education more affordable for all families.” Read more HERE.
—
Sen. Rick Scott: Current Visa Situation in the Bahamas Must be Clarified
Following confusion in the Bahamas regarding current visa rules, Senator Rick Scott released the following statement.
Senator Rick Scott said, “It’s important Customs and Border Protection and the Bahamian government work together to clarify the current rules regarding visas in the Bahamas. As hundreds of thousands of Bahamians seek refuge or start to rebuild after Hurricane Dorian, we cannot have the kind of confusion that occurred in Freeport. Senator Rubio and I continue to urge President Trump to waive some visa requirements for those in the Bahamas that have family in the United States. But until that happens, there needs to be clarity on the current rules.”
“I also encourage Customs and Border Protection to work with the Bahamian government to set up a temporary site at their ports of entry. Professionals should be on site to help the many Bahamians trying to leave destruction.” Read more HERE.
—
Sen. Rick Scott Statement on CBP Commissioner Morgan Announcement Regarding Bahamian Refugees
Senator Rick Scott released the below statement following Customs and Border Protection Acting Commissioner Mark Morgan’s announcement that Bahamian refugees fleeing the devastation of Hurricane Dorian can temporarily stay in the United States.
Senator Rick Scott said, “I’m glad Commissioner Morgan has agreed to allow Bahamians fleeing the destruction on the islands to temporarily come to the United States. We should all be there to support our friends from the Bahamas. I would urge everyone at the state and local level of government to join us in supporting those fleeing the Bahamas. If the American Red Cross asks any county in Florida for temporary assistance housing refugees, I hope they will accommodate. We all have a responsibility to help our neighbors..." Read more HERE.
—
Sen. Rick Scott Applauds DHS for Bahamian Visa Clarification
Senator Rick Scott released the below statement after the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released clarification regarding visa requirements for Bahamian citizens traveling to the United States. This announcement follows Senator Scott’s call for Customs and Border Protection and the Bahamian government to work together to clarify the current rules regarding visas in the Bahamas.
Senator Rick Scott said, “I applaud DHS for responding to our request and clarifying visa requirements for Bahamians fleeing the destruction on the islands to temporarily come to the United States. We should all be supporting our friends from the Bahamas, and we want to make sure there is no confusion. I look forwarding to further discussions about my proposals to help the people of the Bahamas.” Read more HERE.
—
Congressman Spano Joins Senator Scott to End Surprise Medical Billing
Congressman Ross Spano announced his sponsorship of the House companion bill to Senator Scott’s Protecting Patients from Surprise Medical Bills Act.
Senator Rick Scott said, “One way we can lower the cost of healthcare for American families is to force hospitals to be more transparent in their medical billing. There is no reason patients should be surprised by unconscionable charges for simple procedures and every patient should know what the price will be up front. I fought for and signed similar legislation as Governor of Florida, and this common sense idea will help all American families.” Read more from Congressman Spano’s office HERE.
—
Sen. Rick Scott: Time for Administration to Sanction Turkey for Dealings with Russia
As the Administration considers imposing sanctions related to Turkey’s purchase of the Russian-made S-400 air defense missile system, Senator Rick Scott released the following statement.
Senator Rick Scott said, “I’ve been greatly concerned about Turkey siding with Russia over NATO, culminating in their purchase of the Russian-made S-400 air defense missile system. As I have previously stated, it is time for the Administration to declare this sale a significant transaction under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), and fully implement the sanctions required under CAATSA. NATO exists to safeguard freedom and democracy – in particular because of the threats from Russia – and Turkey’s actions actively undermine these goals.” Read more HERE.
—
Sen. Rick Scott: Update on Bahamas Recovery Efforts
Senator Scott is committed to doing everything he can on the federal level to help families in the Bahamas recover and rebuild, and has released four proposals to help families on the islands. On Tuesday, Senator Scott spoke to UN Secretary General António Guterres to get an update about the UN’s relief efforts in the Bahamas following his letter urging their support. Last week, Senator Scott also joined Senator Rubio in urging President Donald Trump to waive or suspend certain visa requirements for Bahamian citizens with relatives residing in the United States. Read more updates on efforts to help families and businesses in the Bahamas impacted by Hurricane Dorian HERE.
—
Sen. Rick Scott: Under No Circumstance Should Nicolas Maduro be Issued a Visa to Come to the U.S.
Senator Rick Scott issued the following statement on the current situation in Venezuela and requested information from the Department of Defense about the flow of oil between Venezuela and Cuba.
Senator Rick Scott said, “Nicolas Maduro is not the legitimate leader of Venezuela. He is a thug and a dictator who is perpetrating a genocide on his people. Under no circumstance should he be issued a visa to enter the United States. The United Nations General Assembly should not be an excuse to allow Nicolas Maduro to cover up his crimes and promote his propaganda. We should also be very careful about what Cuban officials we allow to enter the United States.”
“I’m also very concerned with the continued flow of oil between Venezuela and Cuba. I’ve requested information from the State Department and the Defense Department about how much oil continues to flow between the two countries and what schemes are being used to circumvent U.S. and international sanctions.” Read more HERE.
—
Senador Rick Scott: Bajo ninguna circunstancia se le debe emitir una visa a Nicolás Maduro para venir a los EE. UU.
El senador Rick Scott hizo la siguiente declaración sobre la actual situación en Venezuela y le solicitó información al Departamento de Defensa sobre el flujo de petróleo entre Venezuela y Cuba.
El senador Rick Scott dijo: “Nicolás Maduro no es el líder legítimo de Venezuela. Es un matón y un dictador que está perpetrando un genocidio contra su pueblo. Bajo ninguna circunstancia se le debe emitir una visa para entrar a los Estados Unidos. La Asamblea General de las Naciones Unidas no debería ser excusa para permitir que Nicolás Maduro encubra sus crímenes y promueva su propaganda. También debemos tener mucho cuidado con los funcionarios cubanos que permitimos que entren a los Estados Unidos.
“También estoy muy preocupado por el flujo continuo de petróleo entre Venezuela y Cuba. He solicitado información al Departamento de Estado y al Departamento de Defensa sobre la cantidad de petróleo que continúa fluyendo entre los dos países y qué esquemas están utilizando para evadir las sanciones estadounidenses e internacionales”. Lea más AQUÍ.
—
Sen. Rick Scott Sends Letter to FAA Administrator Following Security Concern at MIA
Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Steve Dickson following the arrest of an airline employee accused of attempting to sabotage a flight departing from Miami International Airport to the Bahamas. In the letter, Senator Scott requests that the FAA provide information on the certification and oversight of commercial airline mechanics. Read more, including the full letter, HERE.
—
Senators Rick Scott, Marco Rubio, Lindsey Graham and Johnny Isakson Introduce the Hurricane Dorian Charitable Giving Act
Senators Rick Scott, Marco Rubio, Lindsey Graham and Johnny Isakson introduced the Hurricane Dorian Charitable Giving Act, which will change the U.S. tax code to incentivize charitable giving to organizations supporting Hurricane Dorian relief and recovery. Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart will be introducing the bill in the House.
Senator Rick Scott said, “What happened to the Bahamas in the wake of Hurricane Dorian is absolutely devastating. Our friends in the Bahamas have a long road to recovery, and I am working to make sure they have the support they need. Additionally, many of our friends in the Carolinas are also working on rebuilding their homes and businesses. One thing we can do to help today is get rid of any restriction on the amount an individual or business can give towards recovery efforts. I’m proud to work with Senators Rubio, Graham, and Isakson, and Congressman Diaz-Balart, on this common-sense proposal.” Read more HERE.
—
Sen. Rick Scott Applauds Committee Passage of $200 Million for Florida Everglades Restoration
Senator Rick Scott applauded the Senate Appropriations Committee’s passage of the Energy and Water spending bill, which includes $200 million in construction funding for the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration (SFER). In May, Senator Scott joined Senator Marco Rubio and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in a letter urging President Trump to include this vital funding in his budget requests to Congress.
Senator Rick Scott said, “I was the first Governor to put state funding towards fixing the federal dike at Lake Okeechobee and I’ve consistently fought for federal funding for projects to help restore and protect Florida’s Everglades, including this $200 million SFER project. I’d like to thank Senator Marco Rubio and his colleagues on the Senate Appropriations Committee for their commitment to protecting Florida’s natural treasures for generations to come. I hope the full Senate will join in support of this vital project to protect the Everglades and pass this funding quickly.” Read more HERE. |