FLORIDA - SENATOR RICK SCOTT'S WEEK REVIEW 05/03/2019

Senator Rick Scott has been a leading voice in the fight for freedom and democracy in Venezuela and all of Latin America, and traveled to Panama, Colombia and Argentina last week to meet with government officials regarding the United States’ support. This week, Juan Guaidó led “Operation Freedom” in Venezuela to rid the country of the Maduro regime. Senator Scott called on President Trump to immediately position American military assets to be ready to deliver aid to the people of Venezuela. He also joined Venezuelan, Colombian, Cuban and Nicaraguan community leaders in Doral in support of freedom and democracy. Also this week, Senator Scott called on Senate Democrats to immediately pass critical disaster relief funding to help rebuild Florida following Hurricane Michael and Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria. Senator Scott will never stop fighting to help our communities recover and repair, and continues to work with Republicans, Democrats and the White House to get a deal done quickly. Senator Scott also announced the Protecting Patients from Surprise Medical Bills Act to promote transparency in hospital billing and joined Senator Rubio to sponsor the Fishing Equipment Tax Relief Act, which cuts taxes on certain types on fishing equipment. Senator Scott also sponsored: The Military Widows Tax Elimination Act to support the families of our brave military members. The Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act in support of our nation's veterans. A resolution condemning all forms of antisemitism. A resolution honoring the heroic efforts of military members during the June 6, 1944 landing in Normandy, France during World War II. See more of what Senator Scott has been up to this week below.

Sen. Rick Scott: Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida Families Need Disaster Relief Funding NOW Senator Rick Scott released the following statement after meeting with military leaders at Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City.   Senator Rick Scott said, “Our Panhandle communities have come a long way since the devastation of Hurricane Michael – but there is still a lot to do, especially when it comes to rebuilding Tyndall Air Force Base. As the Democrats in Congress continue to stall the passage of critical disaster relief funding, all construction to rebuild the base will have to stop on May 1st according to Air Force leadership. I don’t accept that. Instead of holding up disaster relief in Congress, Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi should come down to the Panhandle and see the devastation first-hand.  It’s time Democrats realize that military families – and our entire North Florida community – need this funding NOW so they can start rebuilding their lives. Our men and women in uniform deserve better, and I will never stop fighting for Tyndall.”  Read more HERE. — Sen. Rick Scott to Venezuelan Military: Now is Your Chance to Make History  Following the release of Leopoldo Lopez in Venezuela under the leadership of Juan Guaidó, Senator Rick Scott released the following statement.  Senator Rick Scott said, “I thank God today for the release of Leopoldo Lopez, a hero in the fight for freedom and democracy in Venezuela. Today is a pivotal day. It’s time for the entire military to join Juan Guaidó and fight for freedom for the people. Now is your chance to make history and to restore constitutional democracy in Venezuela. The entire world is watching and waiting. It’s time to leave the evil reign of Nicolas Maduro on the ash heap of history.” Read more HERE. — Senador Rick Scott a la fuerza militar venezolana: Ahora es el momento de hacer historia Luego de la liberación de Leopoldo López en el día de en Venezuela bajo el liderazgo de Juan Guaidó, el senador Rick Scott hizo la siguiente declaración. El senador Rick Scott dijo: “Agradezco a Dios hoy por la liberación de Leopoldo López un héroe en la lucha por la libertad y la democracia en Venezuela. Hoy es un día fundamental. Es hora de que todos los militares se unan a Juan Guaidó y luchen por la libertad de su gente. Ahora es tu oportunidad de hacer historia y restaurar la democracia constitucional en Venezuela. El mundo entero está mirando en espera. Es hora de dejar el reino de maldad de Nicolás Maduro en un lugar oscuro de la historia”. Lea más AQUÍ.   — Sen. Rick Scott: U.S. Military Must Be Ready to Defend Freedom and Democracy in Venezuela Senator Rick Scott released the following statement on the ongoing uprising against the Maduro Regime in Venezuela:  Senator Rick Scott said, “Today, the people of Venezuela are rising up against the brutal regime of Nicolas Maduro. I’ve already called on the Venezuelan military to stand for freedom and democracy in Venezuela and support Juan Guaidó. The United States must also be ready to answer that call. Guaidó and the people of Venezuela have taken this critical step. We cannot abandon them. Inaction is not an option.  “The U.S. military MUST be ready to supply humanitarian aid and defend freedom and democracy in Venezuela. The Maduro regime is starving its own people while our enemies are using Venezuela as a foothold in the Western Hemisphere. President Trump should immediately position American military assets to be ready to deliver aid to the people and defend freedom and democracy as well as U.S. national security interests in our hemisphere.  This is a fight against Cuba, Russia, China, Iran and Hezbollah who are all in Venezuela right now and want to inflict pain and torture on the people. The time for talking is over. It’s time for action.” Read more HERE. — El senador Rick Scott: La milicia estadounidense debe estar lista para defender la libertad y la democracia en Venezuela El senador Rick Scott hizo la siguiente declaración sobre los esfuerzos en curso contra el régimen de Maduro en Venezuela: El senador Rick Scott dijo: “Hoy, el pueblo de Venezuela se está levantando contra el brutal régimen de Nicolás Maduro. Le he pedido al ejército venezolano que defienda la libertad y la democracia en Venezuela y que apoye a Juan Guaidó. Los Estados Unidos también deben estar listos para responder a esa llamada. Guaidó y el pueblo de Venezuela han dado un paso crítico. No podemos abandonarlos. La inacción no es una opción. “Los militares de los EE. UU. DEBEN estar listos para suministrar ayuda humanitaria y defender la libertad y la democracia en Venezuela. El régimen de Maduro está matando de hambre a su propia gente, mientras que nuestros enemigos están usando a Venezuela como punto de apoyo estratégico en el hemisferio occidental. El presidente Trump debe posicionar inmediatamente los activos militares estadounidenses para que estén listos para brindar ayuda a la gente y defender la libertad y la democracia, así como los intereses de seguridad nacional de los Estados Unidos en nuestro hemisferio. Esta es una lucha contra Cuba, Rusia, China, Irán y Hezbolá quienes están todos en Venezuela en este momento y quieren infligir dolor y tortura al pueblo venezolano. Se acabó el tiempo de hablar. Es hora de actuar”. Lea más AQUÍ.   — Sen. Rick Scott Announces Protecting Patients from Surprise Medical Bills Act Senator Rick Scott announced the Protecting Patients from Surprise Medical Bills Act (S.1266) to promote transparency in hospital billing and empower patients to fight against hospital price gouging.   Senator Rick Scott said, “Healthcare in this country is too expensive. We have to find ways to drive down the costs for American families. One way to do that 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. Services at the hospital should mirror a free market system. We must ensure that prices and quality outcomes are aligned so Americans receive the best care possible when they visit a healthcare facility.  “I fought for and signed similar legislation as Governor of Florida, and I am bringing a common sense idea to Washington to help all American families.” Read more HERE. — Senators Scott, Rubio Introduce Bill Giving Tax Relief to Florida’s Fishing Industry  Senator Rick Scott and Senator Marco Rubio introduced the Fishing Equipment Tax Relief Act to cut taxes on certain types on fishing equipment.  Senator Rick Scott said, “Throughout my eight years as Governor of Florida, we turned Florida’s economy around. We cut taxes and eliminated burdensome regulations, saving Floridians more than $10 billion. I’m proud to build on those efforts by supporting the Fishing Equipment Tax Relief Act. This bill would save families more of their hard-earned money as they enjoy Florida, the fishing capital of the world.”  Read more from Senator Rubio's office HERE. — Sen. Rick Scott, Sen. Marco Rubio and Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart: We Will Not Let Evil Triumph in Venezuela Senator Rick Scott joined Senator Marco Rubio, Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart and Venezuelan, Colombian, Cuban and Nicaraguan community leaders in Doral in support of freedom and democracy in Venezuela. Senator Scott called on President Trump this week to immediately position American military assets to be ready to deliver aid to the people of Venezuela.  Senator Rick Scott said, “I am grateful for our community in South Florida that is fighting so hard to end Maduro’s ruthless regime. It is clear that the reason the crisis continues is because of the influence of Cuba, Russia, China, Iran and Hezbollah, who are all in Venezuela right now and want to inflict pain and torture on the people. This must end. Together, we will not let evil triumph in Venezuela. The time for talking is over, and I’m proud to join Senator Rubio, Congressman Diaz-Balart and so many brave individuals in the fight for freedom and democracy in Venezuela and throughout Latin America. The safety and security of our nation depend on this fight.” Read more HERE. — El senador Rick Scott, el senador Marco Rubio y el representante Mario Díaz-Balart: No dejaremos que la maldad triunfe en Venezuela El senador Rick Scott estuvo junto al senador Marco Rubio, al congresista Mario Díaz-Balart y líderes de las comunidades venezolanas, colombianas, cubanas y nicaragüenses en Doral en apoyo de la libertad y la democracia en Venezuela. El senador Scott pidió al presidente Trump esta semana posicionar inmediatamente activos militares estadounidenses para que estén listos para entregar ayuda al pueblo de Venezuela. El senador Rick Scott dijo: "Estoy agradecido por nuestra comunidad en el sur de la Florida que está luchando arduamente para terminar con el despiadado régimen de Maduro. Está claro que la razón por la cual la crisis continúa es debido a la influencia de Cuba, Rusia, China, Irán y Hezbolá, quienes están todos en Venezuela en este momento y quieren infligir dolor y tortura a la gente de Venezuela. Esto debe terminar. Juntos, no vamos a dejar que el mal triunfe en Venezuela. Se acabó el tiempo de hablar y me enorgullece unirme al senador Rubio, al congresista Díaz-Balart y a tantas personas valientes en la lucha por la libertad y la democracia en Venezuela y en toda América Latina. La seguridad de nuestra nación depende de esta lucha". Lea más AQUÍ.

Sen. Rick Scott Discusses Venezuela on FOX News Watch the full interview below or HERE.   — Sen. Rick Scott on Fox Business: U.S. Must Stand Ready to Support a Free Venezuela  Watch the full interview below or HERE. .— Sen. Rick Scott on FOX: It’s Time for Freedom and Democracy in Venezuela Watch the full interview below or HERE. — Sen. Rick Scott in Miami Herald/El Nuevo Herald: Colombia’s New President Reflects that Country’s Desire for a New Era of Conservatism Scott: Colombia’s new president reflects that country’s desire for a new era of conservatism Miami Herald  Op-Ed: Senator Rick Scott  April 27, 2019 Excerpts below; read the full op-ed in the Miami Herald HERE. … Since his inauguration, President Duque has taken strong measures to support freedom and democracy in Latin America, improve Colombia’s economy, and continue the progress made in tackling the drug trafficking problem. … President Duque’s efforts mean less drugs coming across the United States border and for that, I am grateful for his efforts. But, there is still more to do. The drug problem is not only a Colombian problem. … Now more than ever, the United States and the international community must work together to confront drug trafficking. Although President Duque’s fight has just begun, I hope that Colombia and the United States can work together so we can finally see a lasting reduction in this decades-old problem. Rick Scott: El presidente Iván Duque es un excelente ejemplo de liderazgo conservador El Nuevo Herald  Por Senador Rick Scott  28 de abril de 2019 Extractos abajo; Lea el artículo completo en el Nuevo Herald AQUÍ. … Desde su toma de posesión, el presidente Duque ha tomado fuertes medidas para apoyar la libertad y la democracia en América Latina, mejorar la economía de Colombia y continuar trabajando para erradicar el problema del narcotráfico. … Los esfuerzos del presidente Duque significan que habrá menos drogas en la frontera de Estados Unidos y por sus esfuerzos, estoy agradecido. Pero todavía hay más por hacer. El problema de las drogas no es solo un problema colombiano. … Hoy más que siempre, Estados Unidos y la comunidad internacional deben trabajar juntos para enfrentar el narcotráfico. Aunque la lucha del presidente Duque acaba de comenzar, espero que Colombia y Estados Unidos puedan trabajar juntos para que finalmente podamos ver una reducción significativa en este grave problema. — Washington Post: Pushing to deploy the U.S. military, Rick Scott helps to shape Trump’s Venezuela policy The Daily 202: Pushing to deploy the U.S. military, Rick Scott helps to shape Trump’s Venezuela policy The Washington Post  James Hohmann with Joanie Greve & Mariana Alfaro  May 1, 2019 Excerpts below; read more from The Washington Post HERE. THE BIG IDEA: Sen. Rick Scott has emerged as the most prominent and vocal booster for using American military might to support the removal of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. … Scott came to the Senate in January after eight years as governor of a battleground state with a massive population of Venezuelan expats. He’s used his friendly relationship with President Trump to guide U.S. policy toward regime change. Along with former Trump primary opponent Marco Rubio, the senior senator who has been most publicly identified with the Venezuela crisis, Scott encouraged the president to recognize Guaidó as the rightful leader of the oil-rich country. The 66-year-old traveled to Venezuela’s border with Colombia last Wednesday during the Senate’s Easter recess. He visited a soup kitchen funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development, which he said serves about 5,000 meals a day of rice and beans to refugees. Scott recounted a conversation with a woman who fled Venezuela with her three children. “They’re sleeping on the streets,” he said. “They’re stranded there.” The senator met separately with Panama’s president on Tuesday, Colombia’s president on Thursday and Argentina’s president on Friday. … Scott scored a seat on the Senate Armed Services Committee when he took office in January and has quickly carved out a niche as a leading hawk on the Hill. He enlisted in the Navy after attending community college and served on active duty as a radar man aboard the USS Glover. Then he used the GI Bill to attend college at the University of Missouri in Kansas City and law school at Southern Methodist University. … Scott has been trying to pick his spots, identifying a handful of issues on which he can establish himself as a leader in the Senate. Venezuela is one, along with Puerto Rico, prescription drug prices and the temporary protected status program. “Bob Corker said something really interesting to me. I used to live in Tennessee, so I knew him back when,” Scott said, referring to the recently retired former chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee. “He said you will get a lot more opportunities to get involved in something in the Senate when you’re really knowledgeable about that issue. We’ll see how good I am. That’s the test.” … — FOX News: Sen. Rick Scott on call for military uprising in Venezuela: ‘We are going to have a Syria if we don't take this seriously’ Bloomberg: Florida Senator on Venezuela: Time to Position U.S. Military Miami Herald: ‘It’s time for action’: Rick Scott calls for U.S. military involvement in Venezuela Noticias Venezuela: Rick Scott: Maduro comete genocidio intencional, es el momento de una intervención militar en Venezuela El Nacional: Rick Scott: Los venezolanos han dado un paso, no podemos abandonarlos NTN24: Rick Scott: Militares de EE. UU. deben estar listos para ayudar a Venezuela Florida Politics: As Venezuelan uprising emerges, Rick Scott calls for U.S. military to prepare Florida Politics: ‘We will not let evil triumph’: Rick Scott, Marco Rubio rally for Venezuela AP: Trump’s GOP allies press for action on disaster aid bill WMBB: Sen. Rick Scott visits Tyndall to fight for congressional relief WJHG: Senator Rick Scott back in Washington, speaks on agriculture impacts of Hurricane Michael Orlando Weekly: Florida Sen. Rick Scott calls for U.S. military intervention in Venezuela Panama City News Herald: Senator Rick Scott to Congress: Pass disaster relief bill WEAR: Senator Rick Scott: 'I will never stop fighting for Tyndall' Florida Daily: Rick Scott: Democrats on Capitol Hill Standing in the Way of Rebuilding Tyndall Air Force Base Gray TV: Florida lawmakers press Congress to take action on Hurricane Michael disaster package Bay News 9: Lawmakers Eager to End Disaster Relief Bill Standstill Sunshine State News: Rubio, Scott Introduce Tax Relief Bill for Florida's Fishing Industry Florida Daily: Marco Rubio, Rick Scott Bring Out Fishing Tax Relief Proposal

Sen. Rick Scott Visits Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City Senator Scott met with with military leaders at Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City to discuss the need for critical disaster relief funding following the devastation of Hurricane Michael.  — Sen. Rick Scott Holds Event in Support of Freedom and Democracy in Venezuela  Senator Scott joined Senator Marco Rubio, Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart and Venezuelan, Colombian, Cuban and Nicaraguan community leaders in Doral in support of freedom and democracy in Venezuela. — ALSO THIS WEEK IN FLORIDA... FEMA awarded $22.5 million to the School Board of Bay County for Hurricane Michael recovery efforts - great news for the community! Read more HERE. — Ground was broken on the new Intrepid Spirit Center at Eglin Air Force Base. This facility will be dedicated to diagnosing and treating traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress in active duty service members. Read more from the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund HERE. — Broward Navy Days celebrated its 29th annual Fleet Week honoring of our nation's service members! Read more HERE.