FLORIDA - SENATOR RICK SCOTT'S WEEK IN REVIEW 08/12/2019

This week, Senator Rick Scott and Senator Mike Braun visited Israel to meet with leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on the continued economic and strategic relationship between the United States and Israel. During the trip, the senators also discussed issues of importance to Israel, including cybersecurity efforts, the economy and geopolitical threats. While in Israel, Senator Scott was baptized in the Jordan River and participated in the Wreath-Laying Ceremony at Yad Vashem to remember the victims of the Holocaust and the millions murdered by the Nazis. Throughout the week, Senator Scott also met with soldiers from the Israel Defense Forces and received briefings on their efforts to defend Israel. Throughout his time as Governor of Florida, Senator Scott worked to strengthen Florida’s relationship with Israel, and visited Israel three times. Senator Scott will always stand with Israel, a great friend and ally, and fight to take action against those that wish to harm them. See more of what Senator Scott has been up to this week below.

Sen. Rick Scott to Donate Second Quarter Senate Salary to Literacy Council Gulf Coast Senator Rick Scott announced he will donate his second quarter Senate salary to the Literacy Council Gulf Coast, an organization committed to helping children and adults improve language and literacy skills throughout the Southwest Florida community.  Senator Rick Scott said, “Growing up, my mom taught me that a good education was the foundation for success, and she was right – it’s what gave my wife, Ann, and I a shot at the American dream. We want everyone to have that same opportunity to live their dreams, which is why, as Governor, I invested record funding for our K-12 schools and Ann spent her days as Florida’s First Lady promoting literacy and traveling across the state to read with students. Today, I’m proud to support the Literacy Council Gulf Coast, which shares our passion for education and encourages Floridians throughout Southwest Florida to realize their full potential.” Read more HERE. — Sen. Rick Scott from Israel: Contrast Between Israel, Palestine Could Not Be More Clear Senator Rick Scott released the following statement as he continues to meet with leaders in Israel on the continued economic and strategic relationship between the United States and Israel.   Senator Rick Scott said, “As I continue to travel Israel, the contrast could not be more clear. Israel is a vibrant democracy that supports capitalism, champions human rights and holds free and open elections. Conversely, Palestine had their last election for president in 2005, refuses to hold open and free elections, and fails to champion human rights. The United States must always align with those fighting for freedom and democracy, and stand up against those that do not respect human rights.”Read more HERE. — Sen. Rick Scott Prays for End to Maduro Regime in Venezuela at the Western Wall Senator Rick Scott visited the Western Wall in Jerusalem to pray for an end to Nicolás Maduro’s evil regime and genocide in Venezuela. Read more HERE. — Sen. Rick Scott Applauds New Suspension Agreement that Protects American Tomato Growers This week, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced a new draft suspension agreement with Mexican tomato growers that will help protect American tomato growers from unfair trade practices. Earlier this month, Senator Scott sent a letter to Secretary Ross urging him to continue fighting for American tomato growers as he worked to negotiate a new, fair suspension agreement on fresh tomatoes from Mexico. Senator Rick Scott said, ”I applaud Commerce Secretary Ross for his work to negotiate a new suspension agreement that is fair to our nation’s hardworking tomato growers. Florida is home to thousands of farmers and produce growers whose livelihoods depend on their success. I will keep fighting to make sure our state’s farmers and growers can succeed and support their families.” Read more from the U.S. Department of Commerce HERE. — Sen. Rick Scott: Senate Should Work on Plan to Return Money from Tariffs Back to American Taxpayers Senator Rick Scott posted the following statement on Twitter about his proposal to return any money collected by the United States from tariffs on Chinese goods back to American families through tax cuts. This proposal was highlighted by White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow in an interview on Fox News Sunday. Read more HERE.

CNBC: GOP Sen. Rick Scott: Americans Should Get Tax Cuts in Return for Tariffs Paid on Chinese Goods Last week, Senator Rick Scott appeared on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” to discuss how the United States should return any money collected from tariffs on Chinese goods back to Americans through tax cuts. Senator Scott’s proposal was highlighted by White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow, in an interview on Fox News Sunday.   Read more in the CNBC article, GOP Sen. Rick Scott: Americans Should Get Tax Cuts in Return for Tariffs Paid on Chinese Goods:  “Republican Sen. Rick Scott told CNBC on Monday the U.S. government should return money collected from China tariffs to Americans as tax relief.  ‘Anything we raise in tariffs, we should give back to the rank and public in tax reductions,’ the Florida senator said in a ‘Squawk Box’ interview, acknowledging there’s been some ‘short-term pain.’ ...  ‘We have to help American companies ... and get more American jobs and stop helping China,’ Scott said…”  Read the full article in CNBC HERE. — Washington Examiner: Rick Scott prays for Venezuela at Western Wall Sunshine State News: Rick Scott Praises Israel, Takes Aim at Palestinian Leadership and Maduro Regime Florida Daily: Rick Scott: Cut Taxes if Trade War With China Intensifies Florida Daily: Rick Scott Donates Senate Salary to Help Literacy in Southwest Florida Diario Los Americas: Rick Scott visita el Muro de las Lamentaciones y pide el fin del régimen de Maduro El Nacional: Rick Scott pidió por la salida de Maduro en el Muro de los Lamentos El Nacional: Rick Scott: Ninguna elección será legítima con la mafia de Maduro en el poder

Come Visit Us at Mobile Office Hours! Next week, the staff of Senator Rick Scott will be holding Mobile Office Hours to assist Floridians with federal services, including help with federal agencies and veterans' resources. See a full list of federal services HERE. Next week's Mobile Office Hours will be: Wednesday, August 28th, 2019  11:00AM - 2:00PM  Hardee County Courthouse Annex  412 West Orange Street Room 202 Wauchula, FL 33873 AND Thursday, August 29th, 2019  4:00PM - 6:30PM  Groveland City Hall  156 South Lake Avenue  Groveland, FL 34736 — Academy Nominations 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! — Judicial Vacancies  Senator Scott remains committed to filling Florida's federal judicial vacancies in Florida’s Southern District and Middle District with the best-qualified candidates to serve our state and nation. Interested candidates may contact our office or find more information on current federal judicial vacancies HERE. — This Week in Florida... JAXPORT was named #1 in the nation for service excellence by Logistics Management magazine. Congratulations on this incredible accomplishment!

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