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This week marked three years since 49 lives were lost too soon in the senseless terror attack at Pulse Nightclub on June 12, 2016. Senator Rick Scott and Senator Marco Rubio introduced a resolution, which was passed by unanimous consent, and Senator Scott spoke on the Senate floor honoring the 49 victims.
Watch his speech and read his full remarks for delivery below or HERE.
On June 12, 2016, our state was attacked.
49 innocent and beautiful lives were senselessly lost and the lives of countless families and loved ones were forever changed. The attack – an attack on America, our state, the City of Orlando, our Hispanic and gay communities – was a terrorist attack. This act of terrorism was an attempt to rip at the seams of our society, to divide us and to instill fear in our hearts. But, Floridians are strong. Floridians are selfless. Floridians are fighters. The days I spent in Orlando following the shooting will always be with me. I talked to many parents who lost their children. I went to funerals and wakes. And I sat in hospitals. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done as Governor, and as a parent. And through one of our state's most challenging times, we also saw incredible bravery and heroism. We saw it in the brave members of law enforcement that selflessly ran into danger to help those in need. We saw it in the doctors and nurses who tirelessly worked to save lives. And we saw it in the community that came together after this horrific tragedy to repair and rebuild. Three years removed from this unimaginable loss, our state is forever changed. Every year on this day, the State of Florida stands united with heavy hearts to honor the victims. We vow to never forget that evil exists in this world, and we must always stand up against those that wish to harm us. And we vow to always remember the beautiful lives taken far too soon. Thank you.
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Also this week, Senator Scott sponsored legislation to commemorate Christa McAuliffe, a teacher tragically killed in the Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster, legislation to increase education options available to military members and their families, and a resolution designating May as Older Americans Month.
See more of what Senator Scott has been up to this week below.
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Senator Rick Scott announced his co-sponsorship of the Affordable Prescriptions for Patients Act as part of his continued efforts to make healthcare more affordable for families. The Affordable Prescriptions for Patients Act prevents anti-competitive behavior from pharmaceutical companies by giving the Federal Trade Commission authority to fight against prescription drug patent abuse. This will open the market for more affordable prescription drugs.
Senator Rick Scott said, “For years, pharmaceutical companies have been abusing the patent system to prevent competition and force American consumers to pay more for life-saving medicine. That’s wrong. I’m proud to sponsor the Affordable Prescriptions for Patients Act to force pharmaceutical companies to play fair in a free and competitive market. Washington should have addressed the soaring costs of prescription drugs a long time ago, and I’m fighting every day to make sure we do.” Read more HERE.
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Senator Rick Scott and Senator Marco Rubio introduced a resolution, which was passed by unanimous consent, honoring the 49 lives lost in the terror attack on Pulse Nightclub in Orlando three years ago today. Senator Scott spoke on the Senate floor honoring the innocent victims of the senseless tragedy. See more, including video of his speech and full remark as prepared for delivery, HERE.
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Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which oversees U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), requesting information and transparency about the agency’s recent data breach of U.S. travelers’ information. Read more, including the full letter, HERE.
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Senator Rick Scott released the below statement following the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of Judge Thomas Barber to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Florida and Judge Rodney Smith to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Florida.
Senator Rick Scott said, “I’m thrilled the Senate voted to confirm Thomas Barber to serve as a district judge in the Middle District of Florida and Judge Rodney Smith to serve as a district judge for the Southern District of Florida. Our state and nation needs qualified individuals committed to fairly and accurately interpreting our Constitution and laws, not activist judges. These two men have demonstrated their commitment to the principles of this nation and constitutional jurisprudence. Judge Barber and Judge Smith have impressive records of honorably serving the State of Florida, and I am proud to support their appointment to the federal bench today.” Read more HERE.
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Senator Rick Scott announced his co-sponsorship of the Education Savings Accounts for Military Families Act of 2019. This legislation would increase education options for active duty military members and their families by creating an Education Savings Account to give families the opportunity to choose the school or education provider that works best for them.
Senator Rick Scott said, “During my time as Governor of Florida, we worked hard to support our military members, veterans and their families both during and after their service. That included securing funding and legislation to help veterans get a great education, find jobs and open their own businesses. The Education Savings Accounts for Military Families Act builds on our efforts to help make Florida the most military and veteran-friendly state in the country – and provides military families the flexibility to choose which educational opportunities are the best fit for their family.” Read more HERE. | ||||
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Sen. Rick Scott on FOX Business: Senate Democrats Should Do Their Job and Secure the Border Watch the full interview below or HERE.
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Sen. Rick Scott on FOX News: U.S. Must Stand up to China Watch the full interview below or HERE.
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Senator Rick Scott wrote an op-ed on the growing influence of China in Latin America and the danger it poses to American families.
In the op-ed, Senator Rick Scott wrote, "We know that China is a bad actor. China is not our friend. China sees the United States as its global adversary and is taking the steps necessary to ‘win’ the great power conflict of the 21st Century.…
China continues to prop up the Maduro regime, along with Cuba, Russia and Iran. Why? It’s pretty simple. Venezuela, before the tyranny of Hugo Chavez and Maduro, was an economic hub with huge reserves of oil and other natural resources. It can become that again and China wants in on the ground floor.…
I think President Donald Trump is doing the right thing by standing up to China now. But there’s another step that we can all take to stem the tide of China’s growing influence in Latin America and around the world – support American businesses.
American taxpayers are funding China’s aggression every day. Every time we buy a product ‘made in China’ we are putting another dollar into the pocket of the people stealing our technology, denying their people basic human rights and supporting genocide in Venezuela. It’s time to take a stand.…
I’m committed to supporting American businesses over Chinese products. I hope you’ll join me..." Read the full op-ed in CNBC HERE.
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Senator Rick Scott wrote a letter to the editor of the Miami Herald in response to Senator Leahy’s recent op-ed on the President’s decision to end cruises to Cuba.
In the letter, Senator Rick Scott wrote, “U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy and I agree on only one thing when it comes to Cuba: The Cuban people want better lives. But he mistakenly believes that propping up the brutal Castro regime, which continues to be the most powerful force supporting Nicolas Maduro’s genocide in Venezuela, is somehow Cuba’s path to freedom.… President Trump is right to correct course and take every action possible to cut off ties with Cuba. Limiting the flow of money is critical to freeing Venezuela and protecting the national security of the United States.”
Read the full letter in the Miami Herald HERE.
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The Floridian: Rick Scott backs Trump’s cruise ship ban to Cuba
Florida Daily: Rick Scott Weighs in on ‘Bad Actor’ China
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Senator Rick Scott held a roundtable discussion with healthcare leaders and patients in Doral to discuss his efforts to make healthcare more affordable for families.
Senator Scott introduced 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. He also introduced the Protecting Patients from Surprise Medical Bills Act to end the practice of surprise medical billing and the Prescription Drug Price Reporting Act to create a consumer-friendly database of prescription drug prices.
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Also this week in Florida...
103 of Florida’s highest-achieving 11th grade STEM students were recognized at the 2019 Sunshine State Scholars conference - keep up the good work!
Great news for the Florida Panhandle! FEMA announced $1.1 million in grant funding for the School Board of Bay County following Hurricane Michael.
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415 Clematis Street
Suite 201 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Phone: (561) 514-0189 | ||||
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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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