It's been over 200 days since Hurricane Michael devastated Florida’s Panhandle and Congress still hasn't passed a disaster relief bill. That's unacceptable. This week, Senator Rick Scott urged his colleagues to immediately pass disaster relief funding, which continues to be stalled by Senate Democrats. Senator Scott also joined President Trump Wednesday to tour Tyndall Air Force Base and call on Senate Democrats to start caring about Florida and quickly pass this funding. 

Senator Rick Scott continues to fight for an end to Maduro’s ruthless regime in Venezuela, and this week he called for the United States to consider using naval assets to block the flow of oil between Cuba and Venezuela. Cuba is the most powerful force propping up the Maduro regime in large part because of the free oil they’re receiving in return. Senator Scott also called on Russia and Cuba to immediately get out of Venezuela and Nicaragua.

Also this week, Senator Scott spent time in Florida visiting with seniors during Older Americans Month. As a member of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, Senator Scott will always fight to address concerns facing seniors across the country – like the rising cost of healthcare and protecting Social Security and Medicare.

Additionally, Senator Scott sponsored a resolution supporting National Small Business Week and commending the entrepreneurial spirit of small business owners.

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

Sen. Rick Scott, Sen. David Perdue: Families Can’t Wait Any Longer for Disaster Relief

Senator Rick Scott and Senator David Perdue sent a letter to Democrat Senators in states impacted by natural disasters urging them to immediately pass disaster relief funding, which has been stalled by Senate Democrats. It’s been over 200 days since Hurricane Michael devastated Florida’s Panhandle and Southwest Georgia. Read more, including the full letter, HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott to Russia and Cuba: Get Out of Venezuela and Nicaragua Now

Senator Rick Scott released the following statement condemning Russia and Cuba for their continued support of dangerous dictators in Latin America who are engaged in genocide.
 
Senator Rick Scott said, “Russia and Cuba are directly responsible for propping up dangerous dictators, including Maduro in Venezuela and Ortega in Nicaragua. Their insistence on supporting terrorism and genocide in Latin America disrupts international peace and security and demonstrates a blatant disregard for international law, the Charter of the United Nations, and the Monroe Doctrine. Their goal of using Maduro and his destruction of freedom in Venezuela to gain a foothold in the Western Hemisphere threatens the national security of the United States.

“We will not stand idly by while Russia and Cuba violate international law and attempt to undermine the fight for freedom and democracy. They are a threat to the safety of our nation and our world. Russia and Cuba must get out of Venezuela and Nicaragua NOW if there is to be a peaceful resolution.” Read more HERE.

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El senador Rick Scott a Rusia y Cuba: Salgan de Venezuela y Nicaragua ahora

El senador Rick Scott hizo la siguiente declaración en la que condenó a Rusia y a Cuba por su continuo apoyo a peligrosos dictadores en América Latina involucrados en el genocidio.

El senador Rick Scott dijo: “Rusia y Cuba son directamente responsables de ayudar a peligrosos dictadores, tales como Maduro en Venezuela y Ortega en Nicaragua. Su insistencia en apoyar el terrorismo y el genocidio en América Latina trastorna la paz y la seguridad internacional y demuestra un desprecio flagrante por el derecho internacional, la Carta de las Naciones Unidas y la Doctrina Monroe. Su objetivo de utilizar a Maduro y su destrucción de la libertad en Venezuela para posicionarse estratégicamente en el hemisferio occidental amenaza la seguridad nacional de los Estados Unidos.

“No nos quedaremos de brazos cruzados mientras Rusia y Cuba violan el derecho internacional e intentan socavar la lucha por la libertad y la democracia. Son una amenaza para la seguridad de nuestra nación y el mundo. Rusia y Cuba deben salir de Venezuela y Nicaragua AHORA si se quiere llegar a una resolución pacífica en la region”. Lea más AQUÍ.

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Sen. Rick Scott Statement on Judiciary Committee Drug Pricing Hearing

Following a discussion about the rising costs of prescription drugs at the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Rick Scott released the following statement:

Senator Rick Scott said, “What was clear from today’s hearing is that there is no good explanation for why American consumers pay more for prescription drugs than consumers in Canada, Europe and Japan. My bill that I introduced with Senator Hawley puts American consumers first. It would prevent drug companies from charging us more than they charge patients in other countries. I’m sick and tired of my constituents subsidizing European countries so they can keep prices low for their constituents. The system needs to change.

“Our bill is the America First Drug Pricing Plan. It is a real, common-sense solution to help the American people afford the live-saving drugs they need. It’s time for action.”  Read more HERE.

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Senators Scott, Rubio and Menendez Urge Administration to Support Victims of the Cuban Regime’s Exploitation

Senator Rick Scott joined Senator Marco Rubio and Senator Bob Menendez in a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urging the State Department to take action to address the Cuban regime’s human trafficking campaign of Cuban doctors and medical personnel. Read more from Senator Rubio’s office, including the full letter, HERE. 

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Sen. Rick Scott: United States Should Consider Naval Blockade on Cuba to Enforce Oil Sanctions

Senator Rick Scott released the following statement on the continued oil deals between Venezuela and Cuba.

Senator Rick Scott said, “It’s clear the sanctions meant to block the flow of oil from Venezuela to Cuba aren’t working. Cuba is the most powerful force propping up the Maduro Regime in Venezuela in large part because of the free oil they’re receiving in return. It’s oil for repression. Cutting off the supply of oil to the Castro Regime would be the most effective action we can take to end the brutal regime of Nicolas Maduro.

“It’s clear that the United States needs to consider using naval assets to block the flow of oil between the two dictatorships. The President has floated the idea of a full embargo on Cuba. I agree with him wholeheartedly. We need to take action NOW to capitalize on Maduro’s weakness and end his brutal regime. Cut off Cuba, and you cut off the political forces supporting genocide in Venezuela.” Read more HERE.

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Senador Rick Scott: Los Estados Unidos deben considerar un bloqueo naval en Cuba para hacer cumplir las sanciones petroleras

El senador Rick Scott hizo la siguiente declaración sobre los continuos acuerdos petroleros entre Venezuela y Cuba.

El senador Rick Scott dijo: “Es evidente que las sanciones destinadas a bloquear el flujo de petróleo de Venezuela a Cuba no están funcionando. Cuba es la fuente de más influencia y apoyo al régimen de Maduro en Venezuela debido en gran parte al petróleo gratis que reciben a cambio. Es aceite a cambio de represión. Cortar el suministro de petróleo al régimen de Castro sería la acción más efectiva que podemos tomar para poner fin al brutal régimen de Nicolás Maduro.

"Es claro que los Estados Unidos deben considerar el uso de activos navales para bloquear el flujo de petróleo entre las dos dictaduras. El presidente ha propuesto la idea de un embargo total sobre Cuba. Estoy completamente de acuerdo con él. Necesitamos tomar medidas AHORA para capitalizar la debilidad de Maduro y terminar con su horrible régimen. Si eliminamos a Cuba de la ecuación, eliminamos las fuerzas políticas que apoyan el genocidio en Venezuela ". Lea más AQUÍ.

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Sen. Rick Scott Applauds Administration’s Focus on Ending Surprise Medical Bills

Senator Rick Scott released the following statement following the President’s call to end surprise medical billing for hospital care.  

Senator Rick Scott said, “I’m glad the President is focused on making healthcare more affordable and transparent for American families. I am too. There is no reason patients should be surprised by their hospital bills, which is why I filed the Protecting Patients from Surprise Medical Bills Act last week. Congress should heed the President’s call and move quickly on this issue. Preventing hospital price gouging is a common sense idea that will help all American families, and I look forward to working with the President to get this done.” Read more HERE.

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Senators Scott, Rubio & Colleagues Urge Swift Action to Deliver Announced Disaster Aid 

Senator Rick Scott joined Senator Marco Rubio and Senate colleagues in a letter to Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson requesting urgent publication of a rule to allow quick delivery of allocated disaster aid funding. 

Included in this funding is $448 million in Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery assistance for Floridians, which was announced by President Trump this week. Read more, including the full letter, from Senator Rubio's office HERE.

Sen. Rick Scott on FOX: Florida, Puerto Rico Need Disaster Relief Funding Now
Watch the full interview below or HERE. 

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Sen. Rick Scott on CNBC: President Trump Shouldn’t Blink in Trade Talks with China
Watch the full interview below or HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott in Washington Examiner: We Must Reinvest in the Military, Our Greatest Asset

Sen. Rick Scott: We must reinvest in the military, our greatest asset
Washington Examiner
Op-Ed: Senator Rick Scott
May 8, 2019

Excerpts below; read the full op-ed in the Washington Examiner HERE.

America is blessed with the protection of the strongest military in the world. Our men and women in uniform are true heroes — they risk their lives every day to protect our freedoms and our way of life.

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I campaigned on a plan to Make Washington Work. The dysfunction that marks our nation’s capital has many consequences, but a significantly weakened military is the most dangerous.

Our military superiority is never guaranteed, and we face new and mounting threats in an increasingly dangerous world. Russia and China, for example, continue to build up their militaries with a single goal in mind: dominate the world stage. To avoid a national security emergency, we must act now. That’s why, as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I’m fighting to match President Trump’s request of $750 billion in defense spending. I’m also working to secure $17 billion in disaster relief funding, which will help rebuild Tyndall Air Force Base following the devastation of Hurricane Michael.

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I will never lose sight of one of the most important roles I have as a senator: to protect and serve the families of our nation. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I look forward to working closely with my colleagues to ensure we are adequately investing in America’s greatest asset — the men and women of our armed forces.

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Sen. Rick Scott in National Review: Democrats’ Tolerance of Anti-Semitism Exposes Their Intolerance

Democrats’ Tolerance of Anti-Semitism Exposes Their Intolerance
National Review
Op-Ed: Senator Rick Scott
May 9, 2019

Excerpts below; read the full op-ed in the National Review HERE.

Last week, the New York Times was widely criticized after publishing a blatantly anti-Semitic cartoon. And while the image was certainly shocking, it isn’t surprising given where we are today. Something has changed; we are living in a scary time in which anti-Semitism is being tolerated. I cannot comprehend why anyone would be anti-Semitic.

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What we saw at the New York Times merely reflects my fear that anti-Semitism is finding a home in America on the far left.

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Make no mistake, the failures of the Democratic party to denounce hate and intolerance have exposed the truth about the party. Its politicians claim to be accepting and inclusive, but in reality they care more about political correctness than standing up for truth.

I condemn anti-Semitism of all kinds, by members of either political party, past, present, or future. It’s wrong; it’s evil.

Anti-Semitism has no place in civilized society, and that used to be something that we all agreed on. Public officials who engage in anti-Semitic behavior, whether in their comments about American Jews or their tropes or their cartoons, should resign or be fired by the voters.

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Sen. Rick Scott in Washington Post: U.S. Military Action in Venezuela May Become a Necessity

Rick Scott: U.S. military action in Venezuela may become a necessity
Washington Post
Op-Ed: Sen. Rick Scott
May 10, 2019

Excerpts below; read the full op-ed in the Washington Post HERE.

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We don’t want a Syria in our hemisphere — a place where foreign powers and terrorist groups can set up camp and sow discord throughout the continent. Consider the ramifications this would have for our southern border and for the stability of the United States. This is not complicated.

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To be clear — I respect those who are cautious about the dangers of military intervention. I am generally among them. But it’s time to also acknowledge that inaction can be an equally dangerous course, if not more so. Doing nothing always seems safe, though it can be the most reckless and irresponsible course.

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Washington Examiner: Rick Scott: The US needs to consider a naval blockade of Cuba

Miami Herald: Rick Scott wants the U.S. Navy to block Cuba and Venezuela’s oil trade

El Nuevo Herald: Scott: EEUU debe considerar bloqueo naval a Cuba para detener envíos de crudo venezolano

Florida Politics: Rick Scott calls on U.S. to consider Navy blockade of Cuba

FOX 13 Tampa: Scott calls for hurricane relief deal ahead of president's Panhandle visit

Newsmax: Sen. Scott Slams Schumer: 'He Is Stopping' Disaster Relief Bill

Florida Politics: Rick Scott, David Perdue call for disaster funding deal

Florida Daily: Florida’s Senators, Mario Diaz-Balart Continue to Oppose the Maduro Regime in Venezuela

Florida Politics: Rick Scott, Marco Rubio slam Cuban doctor ‘forced labor’

Florida Daily: Marco Rubio, Rick Scott, Bob Menendez Call on Mike Pompeo to Support Victims of Cuban Regime’s Exploitation

Florida Daily: Rick Scott: My Transparency Pricing Bill is the ‘America First Drug Plan’

Florida Politics: Marco Rubio, Rick Scott Champion Resolution Condemning Anti-Semitism

Florida Daily: Florida Senators Urge Ben Carson to Move Quickly on Hurricane Michael Aid for Panhandle

Sen. Rick Scott Meets with Seniors and Volunteers During Older Americans Month

As part of Older Americans Month, Senator Scott visited Mendenhall Elementary School in Tampa to meet with seniors and volunteers from Seniors in Service, which supports the Foster Grandparent program at the school.

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It's Small Business Week in Florida! 

Senator Scott sponsored a resolution supporting National Small Business Week and commending the entrepreneurial spirit of small business owners. Since Florida has the one of the best business climates in the nation, it's no surprise that Miami was ranked the #1 city in the U.S. to start a business. 

Florida is home to some incredible small businesses! After Hurricane Michael, Southern Craft Creamery, a small family owned business in Marianna, reopened to serve ice cream to first responders, utility workers and the local community.

Congratulations to Florida business Cheeseburger Baby on receiving the National Phoenix Award from the Small Business Administration!

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Also this week in Florida...

104-year-old Gainesville veteran, Tam “Sonny” Cato, was recognized with the Knight in the Legion of Honor award, for his outstanding service during World War II. Thank you for your service, Sonny! 

Florida is the most military and veteran-friendly state in the nation! This week, the Air Force announced that a new F-35A Lighting II training squadron will be based at Florida's Eglin Air Force Base.

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