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This week, Senator Rick Scott delivered his maiden speech on the Senate Floor to share his personal story and his vision for America. Watch his speech or read excerpts of his remarks as prepared for delivery below.
My story begins with my Mom.…
Even with no money, my mom was always optimistic and hopeful. She told us we were blessed because God and our founders created the greatest country ever, where anything was possible.… Unfortunately, the Left has worked hard over the last fifty years to discredit the values of the America I was raised with – the values of the America I want my grandsons to grow up with. We all acknowledge that Americans, our country and our institutions have flaws, but the Left has worked to discredit our founders, our institutions, our churches, our law enforcement, our morals, and almost everything my mom taught me.… I spent most of my life in business. The values that my tough-love mom instilled in me helped me achieve the success she expected – not just hoped for, but expected – for me. I was able to live the American Dream because I worked hard. I lived out the values my mom taught me in my business career – hard work and fiscal responsibility, but with a caring spirit to support those around me.… My experience growing up in a family that struggled to get good jobs influenced everything I’ve done in my life. It’s not easy, and it shouldn’t be. But everyone – every single American – should have that opportunity to struggle, work hard, and overcome the obstacles. I took those same values to the Governor’s office when I got elected in 2010. Florida had been struggling. 832,000 jobs lost in the four years before I took office. Home prices cut in half. Debt was soaring. The state raised taxes on its poorest citizens by more than $2 billion to fill a budget hole. I always think about my mom. I think about how it impacted her when food prices went up, taxes went up, when my brother got sick without health insurance, and when my dad was laid off. I became the jobs governor. It wasn’t a political talking point, it was about real people.… In eight years, Florida added 1.7 million new jobs, we paid down almost one-third of state debt and invested record funding in education, the environment, and transportation. But I also tried to fight for the values that are being lost in this country – I fight to protect life, to support the institution of the family, to lift up our military members, veterans and law enforcement, to promote capitalism and to defend the rule of law and the constitution.… In my short time in the U.S. Senate, I’ve promoted policies that I believe support the idea of an America where anything is possible. We need lower taxes and less regulation. We need a secure border and a sane immigration policy. We need to get health care costs under control. We need to defend freedom and liberty around the world. But none of this will matter unless we see hearts and minds change. We need a renewal in America of the values that made this country great. That won’t happen on the floor of the U.S. Senate. It will happen in living rooms, and classrooms, and churches, synagogues, and board rooms.… This challenge is much bigger than politics. And the solution is not political. It requires us – every one of us – to stand up and fight. To say without reservation or fear that we WILL NOT give up on America or the plans of our Founders. We WILL NOT stop fighting for our future. If we want America to be great in the future, we must reject the politically correct attempts to rewrite our history, and we must reject the left-wing attempt to slander the greatness of our ideals. America is in fact the greatest country in the history of the world, and we should not be embarrassed to say so – we should proclaim it proudly.… I fear that the values that I grew up with – the ones my tough-love mom taught me – are becoming a way of the past. But, I believe these values – these virtues – can and should be part of our country’s future.… In the meantime, I’ll keep fighting. I ran for public office to fight for the country I was raised in because that is the country our children and grandchildren deserve. They deserve what my mom gave me – a free country with unlimited potential for every citizen. I hope everyone will join me in this fight.
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See more of what Senator Scott has been up to this week below.
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Senator Rick Scott joined family members of the victims of the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School to announce his Threat Information Protocol for Sharing (TIPS) Act to hold the FBI accountable for its failures to address critical deficiencies in its handling of actionable intelligence. This legislation is supported by Stand with Parkland, an organization founded by the family members of the victims of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting.
Senator Rick Scott said, “Not a day goes by that I don’t think about the 17 souls that were taken from us in a brutal act of violence at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Following the tragedy, we all worked together to pass the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act to make our schools safer and prevent future tragedies, but we aren’t finished. We cannot accept the repeated failures of the FBI to properly investigate and act on specific tips received about the Parkland shooter, as well as other perpetrators of mass violence in Florida. I’m proud to stand with the family members of the victims to announce the TIPS Act, which bridges the gap between federal and state law enforcement agencies by mandating information sharing of all state-specific criminal intelligence tips. This is about getting information on threats into the hands of the right people, who can ultimately prevent violence and protect our families.” Read more HERE.
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Senator Rick Scott announced he will donate his third quarter Senate salary to the Navy SEAL Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing immediate and ongoing support and assistance to the Naval Special Warfare community and its families.
Senator Rick Scott said, “As a Navy veteran myself, I know firsthand the sacrifices our men and women in uniform, and their families, make to serve our nation. I’m proud to support the Navy SEAL Foundation and their incredible efforts to support our American heroes and their families. Throughout my time as Governor, I made it my mission to make sure our military, veterans and their families have every resource they need to be successful. And as a United States Senator, I will never stop fighting to give back to the selfless heroes who have given so much to our amazing nation.” Read more HERE.
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Senators Rick Scott, Marco Rubio, Shelley Moore Capito, Deb Fischer, Tom Cotton and Marsha Blackburn introduced the Identity Theft Victims Protection Act to support victims of identity theft and help them recover quicker. This legislation will hold identity thieves accountable by adding the fraudulent actions to the perpetrator’s credit history, instead of the innocent victim’s credit history.
Senator Rick Scott said, “Identity theft is a real issue that takes a serious emotional and financial toll on families across our nation. Too often, victims of identity theft are left dealing with the effects on their credit history years after the crime. The Identity Theft Victims Protection Act holds identity thieves accountable by removing fraudulent transactions from an innocent victim’s credit history, and transferring it to the criminal’s history instead. This common-sense legislation will improve the lives of so many Americans who have spent weeks, months, and even years, seeking relief after the crime.” Read more HERE.
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Senator Rick Scott released the following statement after Communist China requested another round of trade talks with the United States.
Senator Rick Scott said, “While it’s positive the United States is working towards a deal that would require Communist China to buy more U.S. agriculture products, let’s remember – Communist China never lives up to the bargain. Communist China is stealing our technology and refuses to open their markets to foreign goods as required by their agreement to be part of the WTO. They are militarizing the South China Sea, even after they promised President Obama they wouldn’t, and breaking the agreement to give Hong Kong autonomy and freedom. Communist China is attacking religious freedom by detaining possibly more than one million Uyghurs, a Muslim ethnic minority group in China, in internment and re-education camps. Earlier this year, Communist China agreed to buy more U.S. soy beans, but we haven’t seen that happen. They agreed to buy agriculture products earlier this year and didn’t do it, so why should we believe them now?” Read more HERE.
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Senators Rick Scott and Tom Udall introduced bipartisan legislation to help prevent drunk driving and save thousands of lives. The Reduce Impaired Driving for Everyone (RIDE) Act of 2019 will promote the research and development of advanced alcohol detection software and will require the implementation of such technology in new motor vehicles. Watch video of the announcement HERE.
Senator Rick Scott said, “It is heartbreaking that we have lost so many to the irresponsible actions of drunk drivers. Now is the time to act so we never have to experience another tragedy. I’m proud to join Senator Udall to introduce the RIDE Act, which promotes the development of critical alcohol detection technology that could save 7,000 lives every year. One life lost is too many, and this technology will go a long way in protecting our families and communities.” Read more HERE.
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Senator Rick Scott released an episode of his series in partnership with the Heritage Foundation: How Washington Wastes Your Money. See previous Washington Waste Wednesday features HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE.
This week’s episode covers the student loan debt crisis in America. Right now, Americans are $1.6 trillion in student loan debt, and colleges have no incentive to keep their costs low. A college education is becoming out of reach for more and more students – who are losing out on their opportunity to live the American Dream. Just like he did as Governor of Florida, Senator Scott is working on a plan to drive down costs for students and their families, and incentivize colleges and universities to actually prepare students for a job. Holding the entire higher education system accountable means taxpayers get a better return on their investment. See more in the video below or HERE. 
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Senators Rick Scott, Marco Rubio and John Cornyn introduced the Contracts and Obligations Modernization for Efficient Terms of Service (COMETS) Act. This legislation would allow NASA to use its procurement contracts to acquire supplies and services to meet not only NASA requirements, but also the requirements of its commercial partners.
Senator Rick Scott said, “The space industry has long been an important and iconic part of Florida’s history and economy. Throughout my time as Governor and now as Senator, we’ve worked to make sure the businesses and families on our Space Coast have every resource they need to thrive. I’m proud to support the COMETS Act to build on our efforts and continue the incredible growth and success of Florida’s Space Coast.” Read more from Senator Rubio's office HERE.
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Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to the President of the International Olympics Committee urging the Committee to reconsider its decision to host the 2022 Winter Olympics in Communist China. Read more, including the full letter, HERE.
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Following the vote by the United Nations General Assembly to give Venezuela a seat on the U.N. Human Rights Council, Senator Rick Scott released the following statement.
Senator Rick Scott said, “Every freedom-loving country around the world should be horrified by the decision to give Venezuela a seat on the Human Rights Council. How can Nicolas Maduro, who is committing genocide, be allowed to participate in defending human rights? I’m glad so many opposed this decision, but I am appalled at the nations that supported Maduro and his reign of terror. This just proves that more and more, the United Nations is a joke.
“The United States should immediately cut funding for the United Nations in half. We’re not the United Nation’s bank – and we shouldn’t be paying for Maduro’s seat at the table. The fight for freedom for the people of Venezuela is not over, and every nation must stand against injustice and denounce Maduro.” Read more HERE.
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Senators Rick Scott, Marco Rubio and Jacky Rosen introduced the Holocaust Insurance Accountability Act (S. 2621). The legislation would allow beneficiaries of Holocaust-era insurance policies to bring civil action in U.S. district courts against the insurer for the covered policy to recover proceeds due or otherwise enforce any rights under the policy.
Senator Rick Scott said, “The Holocaust is more than a history lesson; it is a stark reminder that evil and hate exist in this world. As Governor of Florida, I took a stand against discrimination and prohibited state agencies and local governments from contracting with companies boycotting Israel, because supporting Israel should never be a partisan issue. And as U.S. Senator, I will continue to support Israel and take action against those who wish to do them harm. I’m proud to work with Senator Rubio to introduce the Holocaust Insurance Accountability Act as we continue to do everything in our power to support the survivors and their families. Our memory and support of all of those who suffered must never weaken.” Read more from Senator Rubio's office HERE. | ||||
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Tampa Bay Times: Rick Scott, Parkland families press FBI for transparency on tips
Sun Sentinel: Sen. Rick Scott’s new bill aims to fix FBI tip line that failed before Parkland massacre
Sunshine State News: Rick Scott, Tom Udall Want Built-In Software in All New Cars to Cut Down on Drunk Driving
The News Wheel: Two US Senators Push for New Car Tech to Prevent Drunk Driving
Washington Post: LeBron James criticizes Daryl Morey’s decision to send controversial Hong Kong tweet
CNBC: LeBron James says Houston Rockets’ GM was not ‘educated’ on Hong Kong situation when he tweeted
Florida Daily: Rick Scott Warns Six Governors About Rising Debt
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Sen. Rick Scott Highlights Manufacturing Month in Jacksonville
 
Senator Rick Scott visited United States Gypsum Corporation, a building materials manufacturer, in Jacksonville to highlight Manufacturing Month.
Senator Rick Scott said, “It’s exciting to be here at USG as we celebrate manufacturing month and all the wonderful work done by Florida’s great manufacturers. USG has been a Florida manufacturer since 1939, and is a staple in the Jacksonville community. Florida’s incredible turnaround is possible thanks to great companies like USG, who are thriving and creating opportunities for Florida families.”
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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 on:
Wednesday, October 23rd, 2019
at the following locations:
Ocala City Hall 10:00AM - 2:00PM
110 SE Watula Avenue Ocala, FL 34471
AND
Okeechobee County Public Library
11:00AM - 3:00PM 206 SW 16th Street Okeechobee, FL 34974 | ||||
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Saturday, October 19, 2019
FLORIDA - SENATOR RICK SCOTT'S WEEK IN REVIEW 10/18/2019
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