FLORIDA - SENATOR RICK SCOTT'S WEEK IN REVIEW 09/18/2020

 

This week, following Hurricane Sally’s landfall in the Florida Panhandle, Senator Scott traveled to Pensacola to join the U.S. Coast Guard for an aerial tour of impacts on the area. Senator Scott also met with emergency management officials to receive a briefing on recovery efforts. Senator Scott remains in constant communication with state, local and federal officials, and will continue to work to make sure they have everything they need to help Panhandle families stay safe and recover.  Floridians in need of assistance with federal resources following the impacts of Hurricane Sally can contact Senator Scott’s office HERE. — See more of what Senator Scott has been up to this week below.

Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio Introduce Bill to Keep Daylight Saving Time During Pandemic Senator Rick Scott joined Senator Marco Rubio to introduce legislation that would keep the United States on Daylight Saving Time through November 7, 2021. The bill would help provide stability for families who are already dealing with enough change with virtual learning, work from home, and other disruptions the COVID-19 pandemic has placed into our daily lives. Senator Rick Scott said, “After months of staying inside amid the coronavirus pandemic, families across the nation could use a little more sunshine and time to enjoy all that Florida has to offer. I signed legislation as Governor to continue Daylight Saving Time year-round for Floridians, and I’m glad to join Senator Rubio to lead this effort in Congress." Read more from Senator Rubio’s office HERE.  — Senate Democrats Block Sen. Rick Scott Resolution to Honor Law Enforcement Community and Condemn Recent Violence Senator Rick Scott spoke on the Senate floor expressing his support for America’s law enforcement community and condemning the recent riots and violence against law enforcement across our country. Senator Rick Scott also introduced a resolution honoring America’s law enforcement community, which was blocked by Senate Democrats. Watch his speech HERE or below. — Sen. Rick Scott Leads Bill to Ensure Safety of Cruise Line Passengers and Employees Senator Rick Scott and Senator Marco Rubio introduced the Set Sail Safely Act, which will establish a Maritime Task Force, in coordination with a Private Sector Advisory Committee, to address the health, safety, security, and logistical changes needed to allow for cruise lines and ports to resume operations. Currently, cruise lines are under a No Sail Order until September 30, 2020, amid the coronavirus pandemic.  Senator Rick Scott said, “Florida is a tourism state with thousands of jobs relying on the success of our ports, cruise lines and maritime industries. Over the past few months, I’ve had many conversations with leaders at Florida ports, federal agencies, and within the cruise industry about how to ensure the safety of passengers and employees. As we work to solve the coronavirus and safely reopen our economy, this legislation will support the development of guidelines needed to ensure the safe resumption of our cruise lines and port operations. I will continue to work with Floridians, industry and federal leaders to safely bring back this industry, which is important to our state’s economic success.” Read more HERE. — Sen. Rick Scott Introduces Taiwan Invasion Prevention Act to Protect Against Communist China’s Aggression Senator Rick Scott introduced the Taiwan Invasion Prevention Act, sponsored by Congressman Ted Yoho in the House, to protect Taiwan from Communist China’s growing aggression. The Taiwan Invasion Prevention Act further reinforces the U.S.-Taiwan relationship and strengthens Taiwan’s ability to resist Communist China’s aggressive moves. Senator Rick Scott said, “For months, I’ve called on Communist China to stop abusing human rights, live up to its commitment to respect Hong Kong’s autonomy, and end its efforts to crack down on Taiwan. Communist China continues to threaten our important ally – a threat not only to the people of Taiwan, but to the United States and our allies around the globe. We must do everything we can to discourage Communist China from using military force against a peaceful democratic power, and the Taiwan Invasion Prevention Act demonstrates our commitment to Taiwan and to the importance of freedom and democracy.” Read more HERE. — Sen. Rick Scott Applauds Administration’s Decision to Further Restrict Travel to Communist China Senator Rick Scott released the below statement after the Administration’s decision to issue a new advisory warning against travel to mainland China and Hong Kong, citing the risk of “arbitrary detention” and “arbitrary enforcement of local laws.” This follows Senator Scott’s request this month to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urging the Department of State to maintain the Level 4 Do Not Travel Advisory to Communist China beyond the pandemic, given the ongoing human rights abuses and critical threat to the safety of Americans. Senator Rick Scott said, “I’m glad the Administration is heeding my call to recognize the danger every American faces when traveling to Communist China. This is a nation that has no respect for human rights, surveils everyone traveling in the country, and will stop at nothing to silence dissidents. There is more we must do to hold Communist China accountable, but the Administration’s decision to issue a new Travel Advisory to Communist China, given the serious security threat, is an important step to protect Americans.” Read more HERE. — Senator Rick Scott Joins Senator Thom Tillis and Colleagues to Introduce Legislation to Punish Criminals for Targeting Law Enforcement Officers Senator Rick Scott joined Senator Thom Tillis and colleagues in introducing the Protect and Serve Act, which would create federal penalties for individuals who deliberately target local, state, or federal law enforcement officers with violence.  Senator Rick Scott said, “It is disgusting to see our law enforcement officers become targets of violence, harassment and abuse. Law enforcement officers are not the enemy - these selfless individuals are true heroes who put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities. We can’t accept these acts of violence, and I’m proud to join my colleagues in this legislation to hold individuals accountable for targeting our men and women in uniform." Read more from Senator Tillis’ office HERE. — Sens. Rick Scott and Maria Cantwell Introduce Fly Safe and Healthy Act to Protect Against Spread of COVID-19 Senators Rick Scott and Maria Cantwell introduced the Fly Safe and Healthy Act to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by launching a pilot program to require temperature checks at TSA screenings for air travelers.  Senator Rick Scott said, “As our economy re-opens and Americans begin traveling more, we have to do everything we can to make sure travel is safe. We also have to ensure consumers are protected from unfair pricing tactics from airlines. Since the beginning of the pandemic, I’ve been calling for temperature checks for passengers of mass transit as a common sense way to help keep Americans safe and healthy. This legislation will enable a temperature check pilot program while also ensuring airlines are flexible with customers who get sick following the purchase of a flight. If passengers are not allowed to fly due to a fever, airlines will have to work with the customer to reschedule or cancel the flight at no cost." Read more HERE. — Sen. Rick Scott Applauds Trump Administration for Providing $11.6 Billion to Help Puerto Rico Rebuild Senator Rick Scott released the below statement following the Administration’s announcement of a $11.6 billion aid package for Puerto Rico as the Island continues to rebuild after the devastation of Hurricane Maria. The package includes critical funding to support Puerto Rico’s energy and education systems.  Senator Rick Scott said, “I’m glad the Trump Administration is continuing to provide critical funding for Puerto Rico to help the Island recover from the devastation of Hurricane Maria and other natural disasters. I promised to be Puerto Rico’s voice in the U.S. Senate, and I’ve spoken to President Trump multiple times about the importance of getting Puerto Rico the resources it needs in a transparent and efficient manner. Earlier this year, the Administration appointed a Federal Financial Monitor, which I fought for, to make sure that families in Puerto Rico get the help they need following the devastation of Hurricane Maria and that U.S. taxpayer money is spent wisely. I will continue to do everything I can to support our brothers and sisters on the island." Read more HERE. — El Senador Rick Scott aplaude a la Administración Trump por la asignación de $11.6 mil millones en fondos para ayudar en la reconstrucción de Puerto Rico El senador Rick Scott hizo la siguiente declaración luego del anuncio de la Administración que otorgaría un paquete de ayuda de $11.6 mil millones para Puerto Rico que ayudará a la isla mientras continúa la reconstrucción luego de la devastación del huracán María. El paquete incluye fondos críticos para apoyar los sistemas de energía y educación de Puerto Rico. El Senador Rick Scott dijo: “Me alegra que la Administración Trump continúe otorgando fondos críticos para Puerto Rico que ayudaran a la isla en su recuperación luego de la devastación del huracán María y otros desastres naturales. Prometí ser la voz de Puerto Rico en el Senado de los Estados Unidos, y he hablado con el presidente Trump en varias ocasiones sobre la importancia de que Puerto Rico tenga los recursos que necesita de manera transparente y eficiente. A principios de este año, la Administración nombró un Monitor Financiero Federal, por el que luché, para asegurar que las familias en Puerto Rico reciban la ayuda que necesitan luego de la devastación del huracán María y que el dinero de los contribuyentes estadounidenses se gaste de manera diligente. Continuaré haciendo todo lo posible para apoyar a nuestros hermanos y hermanas en la isla “. Lea más AQUÍ.

Sen. Rick Scott in Fox News: I Am Mad and Will Not Let Rioters Tear Down This Country Senator Rick Scott wrote an op-ed for Fox News condemning the recent riots and violence against law enforcement across our country, and committing to fight for the American values that make this nation great. In the op-ed, Senator Rick Scott wrote, “I am mad rioters think they can burn and trash businesses and property of hard-working Americans. … I am mad when I hear rioters chant ‘Death to America.’ These are the same chants you hear in Iran. I am mad when I hear rioters chant ‘we hope they die’ after two law enforcement officers were ambushed and shot in Los Angeles last weekend. I am mad rioters are barging into restaurants and demanding we support their political point of view. How dare they interrupt celebrations, terrorize seniors, and hurt struggling businesses. I am mad when rioters try to tear down monuments of our founding fathers. Were our founders perfect? Of course not. Neither are we. Our goal should be to improve, not be perfect. I am not perfect and neither are you. … The Radical Left rioters are demanding we agree with them or they will tear down our country. We should all be mad. It is time we all say that life is not perfect, but we can make it better by respecting each other and each other’s faith, beliefs and property, treating others the way we would like to be treated, working hard, getting up when life is unfair and redoubling our efforts to succeed, voting for better government, and acting in the manner we would like our children and grandchildren to act. I don’t see many of these rioters planning to move to some other supposedly utopian country. So, stop screwing up ours. If you don’t like the way America is governed, run for office. … I am mad and my plan is to fight to save our country. There is no Plan B. There is no place to move to. We all have a responsibility to do our part to preserve what Reagan called ‘this last and greatest bastion of freedom.'" Read the full op-ed in Fox News HERE. — Sen. Rick Scott in Washington Post: International Olympic Committee Must Do the Right Thing and Move 2022 Games Out of Communist China Senator Rick Scott wrote an op-ed for the Washington Post on how the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has the opportunity to stand up for its values and human rights around the globe by moving the 2022 Olympic Games out of Communist China.  In the op-ed, Senator Rick Scott wrote, “Fifty-six years ago, the International Olympic Committee took a historic step: It stood up to the government of South Africa and its racist apartheid system and banned the country from participation in the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games.  … The IOC should take a similar step now, and move the 2022 Games out of Beijing. In a letter to IOC President Thomas Bach last October, I outlined the Chinese Communist Party’s numerous human rights abuses, including attacks on free speech, detention of international journalists, the imprisonment of more than 1 million Uighurs (an ethnic and religious minority in Western China), the sinister surveillance of citizens and tyrannical actions against citizens of Hong Kong. …The IOC charter states, “The goal of Olympism is to place sport at the service of the harmonious development of humankind, with a view to promoting a peaceful society concerned with the preservation of human dignity.” And the "host city contract" the IOC adopted in 2017 requires that hosts “protect and respect human rights.” Unfortunately (and not so coincidentally), the contract does not take effect until after the 2022 Beijing Games.  …The IOC has a chance to once again do the right thing by moving the 2022 Games out of Beijing. The actions of Xi and the Chinese Communist Party fly in the face of Olympic values and universally held ideals of basic human dignity. For the hundreds of millions who will watch the Games, we must again lead by example and refuse to give Communist China — a country that is running concentration camps and eliminating human rights for its people — a platform to whitewash its crimes." Read the full op-ed in the Washington Post HERE. — Sen. Rick Scott in the Wall Street Journal: When States Compete, Florida Wins Senator Rick Scott wrote a letter to the editor of the Wall Street Journal in response to its recent editorial, A Plea to Save New York, on how New York is begging for a bailout from the federal government after years of poor budget decisions by Governor Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio. Meanwhile, thousands of New Yorkers flock to low-tax states like Florida. In the letter, Senator Rick Scott wrote, “…States are competing with each other and New York is losing. A thousand Americans are moving to Florida every day from tax-happy states like New York, New Jersey, Illinois and Connecticut. To our new residents: Welcome to the Sunshine State. I think you’ll be very happy here." Read the full letter to the editor in the Wall Street Journal HERE. — Reuters: U.S. lawmakers quiz Disney CEO over Xinjiang connection to ‘Mulan’ Florida Daily: Marco Rubio, Rick Scott Have Questions About Disney Filming Mulan in China Fox News: Florida Sens. Rubio, Scott push to keep daylight saving time amid pandemic Tampa Bay Times: Rick Scott praises Tampa Bay officers on Senate floor The Hill: Florida senators pushing to keep Daylight Savings Time during pandemic The Hill: Republican Senators raise concerns over Oracle-TikTok deal The Daily Caller: GOP Senators To Introduce Act Creating Federal Penalties For Criminals Who Target Law Enforcement With Violence Capital Journal: Rounds, fellow GOP senators, want 10 years in prison for police assailants WSVN: Lawmakers introduce bill that would make violence against police officers a federal crime Voice of America: US Officials, Lawmakers Blast WTO Ruling on US Tariffs on China The Maritime Executive: Florida Senators Propose Bill to Resume Cruises Cruise Industry News: Set Sail Safely Act Established by Florida Senators Cruise and Ferry: Florida Senators introduce new Set Sail Safely Act Florida Daily: Rick Scott Champions Proposal to Help Cruise Line Industry Rebound After Pandemic News Service of Florida: Rubio and Scott push to keep Florida in daylight saving time year-round Gray TV: Sen. Rick Scott traveling to Pensacola amid Sally impacts Florida Daily: Senators and Congressmen From Florida Want Emergency Declaration on Hurricane Sally From White House WFLA: Rubio, Scott bill would keep US on Daylight Savings Time during pandemic WTSP: Florida’s senators push for bill that would keep US on Daylight Saving Time WFTS: Florida senators team up to keep Daylight Saving Time during pandemic WESH: Florida senators introduce bill that would keep US on daylight saving time during pandemic WOFL: Florida Senators introduce bill to keep Daylight Saving Time year-round during COVID-19 pandemic WINK: Scott, Rubio introduce bill to keep US on Daylight Saving Time through Nov. ‘21 WBBH: Sunshine senators propose staying in daylight saving Florida Daily: Rick Scott Continues to Sound the Alarm on China

As Florida’s Panhandle works to recover from the impacts of Hurricane Sally, every Florida family should take the opportunity to make sure they are prepared for any future storms throughout the 2020 Hurricane Season. Severe weather can approach quickly and should never be underestimated. 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/coronavirusresources.

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