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Senator Rick Scott at Concordia: Every Freedom-Loving Nation Must See China for What It Is – An Adversary
Senator Rick Scott spoke at the 2019 Concordia Summit on the threat of China to the United States’ national security.
Excerpts of Senator Scott’s remarks as prepared for delivery are below; read his full speech HERE.
“... It’s fitting that we’re here today in the shadow of the United Nations as they prepare to convene the 74th Session of the U.N. General Assembly.
Freedom-loving countries around the world face a crisis.
China’s growing influence, particularly in Latin America and the Middle East, presents a clear and present danger to the stability of world markets, to the security of the United States and our allies, and to the quest for freedom and democracy around the globe.
We MUST be clear-eyed about this.
China’s goal is to be the dominant world power. China believes that in order for them to be stronger, America and other freedom-loving countries must be weaker.…
Thankfully, this Administration is taking a stand against China, and it’s about time.…
My goal is to shine light on this threat to the strength and security of the United States and our allies.
America’s role of fighting for freedom and liberty worldwide depends on it. The future of our children and grandchildren depends on it.
And I won’t stop fighting until America’s economic and political future is secure from the threat of Chinese influence.
I don’t want my grandchildren to worry about their future. We MUST make sure future generations have every opportunity to live in an America that stands for freedom and liberty here and around the globe.”
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Sen. Rick Scott: President Trump Should Focus on Freedom Around the Globe at UN National Assembly
Ahead of the United Nations General Assembly, Senator Rick Scott released the following statement on the three topics he would like the President's speech to address: China, Iran and Venezuela.
Senator Rick Scott said, “This week, the President has the unique opportunity to engage world leaders on a number of serious issues. The national security of the United States and the fight for freedom around the globe must be his top priority, as he addresses the UN General Assembly. I look forward to the President standing strong against China as trade talks continue, and emphasizing the threat of China’s growing influence across the globe. I also hope the President reiterates the importance of China honoring its commitments on Hong Kong’s liberties.
“The President must also address Iran’s recent acts of aggression and make it clear that these acts will not be tolerated. Now is not the time to ease up on Iran, and all European leaders should join us in holding Iran accountable. Finally, we must continue to do everything in our power to free Venezuela from Maduro’s ongoing genocide, and I look forward to all UN nations joining the U.S. in this fight.” Read more HERE.
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Sen. Rick Scott to Department of State: Do More to Highlight China Travel Advisory
Senator Rick Scott released the below statement calling on the Department of State to do more to highlight the risks Americans face when traveling to China. See the Department’s current China travel advisory HERE.
Senator Rick Scott said, “China is a national security risk. They are stealing our technology and using it against us. Every American should be aware of the threat to their privacy when traveling in China. While the Department of State posts travel advisories, they are buried deep within the Department’s website. These advisories correctly note that Americans’ social media accounts are widely monitored, and hotel rooms, phones, cars, and computers could be monitored or accessed without our knowledge. However, the Department should do more to clearly highlight the significant privacy risks when Americans travel to China. American travelers deserve to know the risks of traveling to China well before considering any potential itinerary.” Read more HERE.
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Sen. Rick Scott: China’s Investment in Iran Proves They Can’t Be Trusted
Senator Rick Scott released the below statement on China’s $400 billion investment in Iran amid Iran’s aggression against the U.S. and our allies.
Senator Rick Scott said, “Iran’s continued acts of aggression against the United States and our allies puts our national security and the stability of world markets at risk. Instead of denouncing these attacks, China is choosing to pour hundreds of billions into Iran’s economy. China is proving once again that they will do anything – including prop up dangerous regimes – to advance its mission to become the dominant world power. The United States and the international community must see China for what it is: an adversary. I’m glad the Trump Administration is taking a stand against China, but we can’t turn a blind eye to this. We can’t stop fighting until America’s economic and political future is secure from the threat of Chinese influence.” Read more HERE.
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Senator Rick Scott to Counterterrorism Experts: FBI Needs to Do More to Prevent Acts of Mass Violence
During a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing on Countering Domestic Terrorism, Senator Rick Scott asked counterterrorism leaders how the federal government, particularly the FBI, can work better with local authorities to prevent acts of mass violence.
Senator Scott has been seeking information on what steps the FBI has taken to address critical deficiencies in its handling of actionable intelligence on the perpetrators of acts of mass violence in Florida, including the tragic shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and Pulse Nightclub.
See video from the hearing HERE or below.
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Sen. Rick Scott Introduces Amendment to Grant TPS to Venezuelans, Reform Program
Senator Rick Scott introduced an amendment to Representative Diaz-Balart’s House-passed bill that would immediately grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Venezuelans fleeing Maduro's regime. Following Senate Democrats’ objection to his amendment, Senator Scott released the following statement.
Senator Rick Scott said, “Let’s be very clear about what we just saw. Senate Democrats just came to the floor to object to my amendment that would grant TPS to Venezuelans and reform the TPS program. That’s shameful. It’s incredibly disappointing that my Democrat colleagues would stand in the way of a common-sense compromise. Republicans support it. The sponsor of the House-passed bill supports it. I believe the President would sign it.
“It’s clear that the Democrats don’t actually want to get anything done on this issue. Unfortunately, they’ve decided to use the Venezuelan community as a political prop instead of working with us to find a solution. Their rhetoric over the last few months was just political nonsense. Even though the Democrats stood up and blocked TPS for Venezuelans today, I will never stop fighting to support the Venezuelan community here.” Read more HERE.
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Los demócratas bloquean enmienda del senador Rick Scott para otorgar TPS a los venezolanos, reformar el programa
Luego de una objeción por parte de los demócratas del Senado a la enmienda del senador Rick Scott que inmediatamente otorgaría TPS a los venezolanos, el senador hizo la siguiente declaración.
El senador Rick Scott dijo: "Seamos muy claros sobre lo que acabamos de ver. Los demócratas del Senado simplemente vinieron a la sala para objetar mi enmienda que otorgaría TPS a los venezolanos y reformaría el programa de TPS. Es vergonzoso. Es increíblemente decepcionante que mis colegas demócratas se interpongan en el camino de un compromiso de sentido común. Los republicanos lo apoyan. El patrocinador del proyecto de ley aprobado por la Cámara lo apoya. Creo que el presidente lo firmaría.
"Es claro que los demócratas en realidad no quieren hacer nada al respecto. Desafortunadamente, han decidido utilizar a la comunidad venezolana como instrumento político en lugar de trabajar con nosotros para encontrar una solución. Su retórica en los últimos meses fue simplemente estrategia política. A pesar de que los demócratas se levantaron y bloquearon el TPS para los venezolanos, nunca dejaré de luchar para apoyar a la comunidad venezolana ”. Lea más AQUÍ.
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Senators Scott, Rubio, Cornyn, Cruz and Kennedy Introduce Bill to Simplify Disaster Assistance for Hurricane Victims
Senators Rick Scott, Marco Rubio, John Cornyn, Ted Cruz and John Kennedy introduced the Disaster Assistance Simplification Act. This legislation would prohibit the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) from penalizing victims of qualified natural disasters who apply for, but decline, Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loans.
Senator Rick Scott said, “Florida faced multiple hurricanes throughout my time as Governor, and I saw firsthand the devastation faced by families, communities and businesses across the state. Following every storm, I would look back at what we can do better on the local, state and federal levels to help our communities recover. I’m proud to support the Disaster Assistance Simplification Act, which gets government out of the way by making it easier for business owners to begin recovering and rebuilding.” Read more from Senator Rubio's office HERE.
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Sen. Rick Scott Introduces STEM Act to End Skyrocketing Higher Education Costs
Senator Rick Scott introduced the Student Training and Education Metrics (STEM) Act to force universities to take more responsibility when it comes to preparing students for successful careers. The STEM Act is the first proposal in Senator Scott’s plan to lower the cost of higher education and ensure graduates are prepared to get jobs.
Senator Rick Scott said, “Today, I am introducing the STEM Act to offer a solution to make higher education more affordable and ensure schools are preparing students for jobs. Just like I did as Governor of Florida, I’m working to make sure colleges and universities never raise tuition or fees on our students. My STEM Act eliminates all federal funding for institutions that raise tuition, requires standards and metrics for both for-profit and non-profit colleges, and holds colleges and universities accountable for a portion of student loans. The Democrats’ plans to eliminate all student loan debt is a fairy tale that would only make bad behavior worse. Proposals to make everything free seems great, but would bankrupt families. We need to focus on real solutions to bring down the cost of higher education and make sure students are prepared for jobs.” Read more HERE. |