FLORIDA - SENATOR RICK SCOTT'S WEEK IN REVIEW 07/24/2020

As Congress debates additional coronavirus response measures, Senator Rick Scott is looking at every option to help those individuals and small businesses that are suffering. Senator Scott also fought against any proposal that would use Florida taxpayer money intended for coronavirus response to backfill states’ lost revenue or give poorly-run states, like New York, a blank check to pay for their years of fiscal mismanagement. Also this week, Senator Scott worked with his colleagues to pass the fiscal year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to provide our brave men and women in uniform the resources they need to protect our nation and our allies. The FY 2021 NDAA included: $740.5 billion in defense spending; a 3% pay raise for our troops; Senator Scott’s Secure U.S. Bases Act to reform and improve foreign military student training programs following the terrorist attack at Naval Air Station Pensacola on December 6th, 2019; and  Senator Scott’s amendment to help keep oil drilling off Florida’s coasts by recognizing the importance of the Gulf Test Range, which is currently used for vital military testing and training, and is critical to our national security. See more of what Senator Scott has been up to this week below.

Sen. Rick Scott Blasts IOC’s Shameful Disregard for Human Rights in China Senator Rick Scott released the below statement following a speech by International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach, who claimed that “boycotts and discrimination because of political background or nationality are once again a real danger” and warned about what he called “the growing misuse of sport for political purposes." For nearly a year, Senator Scott has been urging the Committee to reconsider its decision to host the 2022 Winter Olympics in Communist China as General Secretary Xi Jinping commits genocide against the Uyghurs in Xinjiang and restricts the human rights of Hong Kongers. Senator Rick Scott said, “Uyghur prisoners in Communist China are being rounded up, blindfolded, shaved and loaded onto trains to be taken to concentration camps, and all IOC President Bach is concerned about is his claim that people are using sports for political purposes. This is nonsense and reveals a shameful disregard for the victims of General Secretary Xi and the Chinese Communist Party’s crimes. "Beijing is committing genocide against the Uyghurs simply because of their religious beliefs and is cracking down on the human rights of Hong Kongers. The world must unite against this horrific injustice. This isn’t about politics or a boycott. It’s about basic human rights. The IOC should find a new home for the 2022 Olympic Games, and if Bach continues to refuse to acknowledge Communist China’s human rights abuses, then the IOC should find a president who does." Read more HERE. — Sen. Rick Scott: We Must Do More to Protect American Vaccine Efforts from Communist China Senator Rick Scott released the below statement following the Justice Department’s indictment of two Chinese hackers for stealing hundreds of millions of dollars of trade secrets from companies across the world and more recently targeting firms developing a vaccine for the coronavirus.  In May, Senator Scott led his colleagues in introducing the COVID-19 Vaccine Protection Act to prevent Communist China from stealing or sabotaging American COVID-19 vaccine research. The bill requires a thorough national security evaluation and clearance by the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of State, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation of all Chinese student visa holders taking part in activities related to COVID-19 vaccine research.  Senator Rick Scott said, “I am glad the Justice Department is taking action to protect American research from Communist China. For months, I’ve been warning about Communist China’s attempts to steal or sabotage American vaccine efforts, and today’s announcement demonstrates the reality of this threat. Communist China’s lies and misinformation led to the spread of the coronavirus, and now they want to inhibit our recovery. We can’t allow that, which is why I introduced the COVID-19 Vaccine Protection Act. I’m disappointed Senate Democrats blocked this bill from passing last month, even as American lives depend on the rapid development of this vaccine. We all need to open our eyes to the threat of this Communist nation that refuses to be an honest partner." Read more HERE. — Sen. Rick Scott: Congress Needs to Say “No” to Bailouts for Poorly-Managed States Senator Rick Scott released the below statement as Congress considers additional coronavirus relief measures.   Senator Rick Scott said, “For months, I have been fighting to make sure Congress doesn’t bail out states for their poor fiscal decisions. I have worked aggressively to stop bills that would backfill states’ lost revenue or give poorly-run, liberal states like New York and Illinois a blank check to pay for their years of fiscal mismanagement. Every time a Senator tried to allow states to use taxpayer funds specifically meant to respond to coronavirus for other purposes, I personally fought and blocked it from seeing the light of day. I’m very disappointed that the Republican proposal outlined today includes provisions that allow states to use coronavirus-related funding for unrelated purposes. “I will continue to fight any and all proposals that will allow poorly-run states to use money set aside for coronavirus response to backfill their poorly-managed budgets.  “I am also concerned that it appears that this proposal may spend upwards of $1 trillion when we don’t even understand how much is still unspent from the previous coronavirus response packages that Congress passed earlier this year. There’s no such thing as free money - American families will have to pay this money back in the future. Congress needs to understand that if we don’t get our fiscal house in order, we will simply create another crisis down the road. Our nation is trillions of dollars in debt, and while it is imperative that we respond to the devastation of this pandemic, it is short-sighted to have a conversation on spending even more money when we know so much of the funding we already allocated hasn’t been touched." Read more HERE. — Senators Scott and Johnson to Colleagues: We Need More Info on Coronavirus Relief Spending Before Next Package Senators Rick Scott and Ron Johnson asked their Senate colleagues to urge their respective states to immediately provide information about how they have allocated billions of dollars received from the CARES Act and other federal coronavirus response measures. This information is critical as Congress considers additional relief measures. The Senators also wrote a letter to the National Governors Association requesting a quick response from its members. Read more, including the Senators’ letters, HERE.  — Sen. Rick Scott Applauds Committee Passage of Bill with Senator Hawley to Ban TikTok on Government Devices Senator Rick Scott released the below statement applauding the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee’s unanimous passage of his and Senator Josh Hawley’s bill to ban all federal employees from using TikTok on government devices. Several government agencies have already banned TikTok on federal government devices due to cybersecurity concerns and possible spying by the Communist Chinese government. The Administration also recently announced it is considering a ban on Chinese social media apps, including TikTok following reports the app shared data with the Communist Chinese government. Senator Rick Scott said, “Companies influenced and controlled by the Chinese government, like TikTok, must adhere to the Communist government’s demands to spy, steal user data and censor any content the government wishes. There is absolutely no reason any American should subject themselves to this risk, especially on government devices, which poses a risk to U.S. networks and a threat to national security. I’m proud to work with Senator Hawley and my colleagues on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee to put an end to it, and I look forward to the full Senate quickly passing this important bill." Read more HERE. — Sen. Rick Scott Asks Secretary Esper for Plan to Hold Communist China Accountable Ahead of Any Visit Senator Rick Scott wrote a letter to Secretary of Defense Mark Esper following reports that the Secretary is considering visiting Communist China. In the letter, Senator Scott requested that the Secretary outline his plan to hold Communist China accountable for its blatant human rights abuses and its role in the spread of the coronavirus. Read more, including the letter, HERE. — Sen. Rick Scott Applauds Passage of NDAA, Including His Secure U.S. Bases Act Senator Rick Scott released the following statement applauding the Senate’s passage of the fiscal year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).  The FY2021 NDAA includes: $740.5 billion in defense spending; A 3% pay raise for our troops; Senator Scott’s Secure U.S. Bases Act to reform and improve foreign military student training programs following the terrorist attack at Naval Air Station Pensacola on December 6th, 2019; and  Senator Scott’s amendment to help keep oil drilling off Florida’s coasts by recognizing the importance of the Gulf Test Range, which is currently used for vital military testing and training, and is critical to our national security.  Senator Rick Scott said, “This year’s National Defense Authorization Act is a great win for our national security. As threats around the world continue to grow – including the threat from Communist China – it’s imperative we are providing our brave men and women in uniform the resources they need to protect our nation and our allies. I’m proud my Secure U.S. Bases Act was included in the NDAA, which will make sure foreign military students training at U.S. bases are thoroughly vetted and monitored and that our troops are protected. This is a huge step to ensuring the safety of our military members and their families so we never have to experience a tragedy like NAS Pensacola again." Read more HERE. — Sen. Rick Scott Applauds President Trump’s Efforts to Lower Prescription Drug Costs Senator Rick Scott released the below statement following President Trump’s announcement of a series of executive orders aimed at lowering drug prices for American families. Senator Rick Scott said, “Families across the country are struggling to afford life-saving medication. I’ve spoken to President Trump and the Administration at length about this, and I’m glad the President is focused on taking action to lower health care costs for Americans. Drug companies should not charge American consumers more for prescription drugs than they charge consumers in other industrialized nations, like Great Britain, Canada or Germany. That’s what my America First Drug Pricing Plan would change, and I’m glad to see the President leading this charge. It’s common sense.  "It’s time for Congress to get off the sidelines and pass real solutions to drive down the cost of health care, so all families can get the care they so desperately need. Soaring prescription drug costs are hurting Americans, and it is incumbent upon my colleagues in Washington to finally stand up and fight for what is right." Read more HERE.

Fox News: Scott touts Hawley bill to ban TikTok on government devices as it heads to Senate floor Reuters: TikTok app would be banned on U.S. government devices under Senate bill Fox Business: Sen. Rick Scott: States should give parents choice on kids returning to school The Hill: Senate homeland committee advances bill to ban TikTok from government devices Pensacola News Journal: Rick Scott’s NAS Pensacola-inspired Secure Bases Act rolled into Senate’s defense budget Townhall: Rick Scott Sounds Off as Schumer Tries to Use Taxpayer Money to Save Cuomo Breitbart: Rick Scott: ‘Reckless’ to Issue $1 Trillion Bailout for ‘Liberal Politicians Like Governor Cuomo’ Homeland Preparedness News: Florida lawmakers seek increased allotment of COVID-19 drug Orlando Sentinel: Florida officials remember John Lewis: ‘Rest in Power’ Miami Herald: Sen. Scott taking the lead to eliminate drunk driving through technology | Opinion WTSP: SAFR Act gives families of first responders who contract coronavirus, and die as a result, benefits Florida Daily: With Backing of Rick Scott, Ashley Moody, Congress Passes Safeguarding America’s First Responders Act Florida Daily: Rick Scott Accuses China of Genocide, Continues Effort to Move 2022 Olympics Florida Daily: Rick Scott, Ron Johnson: We Need More Info on Coronavirus Relief Spending Before Next Package Florida Daily: Rick Scott Urges Pentagon to Hold China Accountable on Human Rights, Coronavirus Florida Daily: Florida Delegation Want Commercial Fisherman Across State Included in USDA’s Lobster Relief Program

The 2020 Hurricane Season is underway, and Senator Rick Scott is urging Floridians to take action and prepare NOW. Although preparing for a storm might look a little different amid the coronavirus, we cannot let our guards down, and must do everything we can to ensure our families stay safe. See more in Senator Scott’s Hurricane Season PSA, in partnership with The Weather Channel, HERE.  Read more on how to protect yourself and others from the Coronavirus while preparing for hurricane season from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) HERE, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) HERE, or by visiting www.RickScott.senate.gov/Hurricanes.  — Senator Rick Scott is committed to keeping Florida families safe and healthy. Following the passage of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Senator Rick Scott released a CARES Act Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document with information on how Floridians can get help amid the coronavirus crisis and details about the support available to small businesses, individuals and non-profits. See the FAQ document HERE or more resources and information available to Floridians by visiting www.RickScott.senate.gov.

WASHINGTON, D.C. 716 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Phone: (202) 224-5274 WEST PALM BEACH  415 Clematis Street, Suite 201 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Phone: (561) 514-0189 TAMPA 801 North Florida Avenue, Suite 421 Tampa, FL 33602 Phone: (813) 225-7040 KISSIMMEE  1 Courthouse Square, Suite 300 Kissimmee, FL 34741 Phone: (407) 586-7879 PENSACOLA  221 Palafox Place, Suite 420 Pensacola, FL 32502 Phone: (850) 760-5151 MIAMI  901 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Suite 505 Miami, FL 33134 Phone: (786) 501-7141 NAPLES 3299 Tamiami Trail East, #106  Naples, FL 34112 Phone: (239) 231-7890 TALLAHASSEE 111 N. Adams Street, Suite 208 Tallahassee, FL 32301 Phone: (850) 942-8415 ORLANDO 225 East Robinson Street, Suite 410 Orlando, FL 32801  Phone: (407) 872-7161   Fax: (202) 228-4535