Senator Rick Scott April 16 Update

As we continue to work to recover from the coronavirus and get our economy back on track, Senator Scott remains committed to doing everything he can to support our tourism industry in Florida and across the United States. Unfortunately, while many sectors of the economy have been safely operating for months under CDC guidelines, Floridians, and those across the nation that rely on the cruise industry for work, continue to wait for updated guidance from the CDC.

This week, Senators Rick Scott, Dan Sullivan and Marco Rubio introduced the CRUISE Act, which would revoke the CDC’s current No Sail Order on cruises and require the CDC to provide COVID-19 mitigation guidance for cruise lines to resume safe domestic operations. Cruises can resume safely, and Senator Scott will keep working to get our tourism industry open.

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See more of what Senator Scott has been up to this week below.

Following the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) release from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Senator Rick Scott released the below statement calling out President Biden and Federal Reserve Chair Jay Powell for their total inaction on growing inflation. As inflation rises, price increases disproportionately hurt small businesses and low and fixed-income families. Today’s BLS data, in conjunction with last week’s Producer Price Index data, proves that prices are rising for families in Florida and across the nation. Year over year, consumer prices increased 2.6% in March – a significant increase from the 1.7% increase reported for the 12-month period ending in February 2021. Food prices have seen a 3.5% increase over the last 12-months while gasoline prices are up 23%.

Senator Rick Scott said, “President Biden and Chair Powell need to wake up. When you grow up poor, as I did, you know how much it means to a family when prices go up. Today’s CPI data is clear – inflation is on the rise. Yet Biden and Powell remain in la-la land, ignoring the fact that prices of every day goods, like groceries and essential business supplies, are rising and making it harder for folks to make ends meet.

“Americans can’t afford for this to be ignored any longer. It’s time for Biden and Powell to return to reality and lay out a clear plan to address rising inflation and protect American families.” Read more HERE.

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Sens. Rick Scott, Dan Sullivan, Marco Rubio Introduce CRUISE Act to Resume Cruise Line Operations

Senators Rick Scott, Dan Sullivan and Marco Rubio introduced the Careful Resumption Under Improved Safety Enhancements (CRUISE) Act, which would revoke the CDC’s current No Sail Order on cruises and require the CDC to provide COVID-19 mitigation guidance for cruise lines to resume safe domestic operations. Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar is leading this legislation in the House of Representatives.

In March, Senator Scott sent a letter to Jeffrey Zients, the White House COVID Response Coordinator, urging the Biden Administration to immediately issue clear guidance for the resumption of operations for the cruise industry. The CDC still has not responded to his letter or provided the cruise line industry with a timeline of when they can begin sailing, which is urgently needed. Senator Scott also introduced the Set Sail Safely Act last year, which would 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.

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. While many sectors of the economy have been safely operating for months under CDC guidelines, Floridians, and those across the nation that rely on the cruise industry for work, continue to wait for updated guidance from the CDC. The CDC’s refusal to properly address this shutdown is wrong and it’s time to get the cruise lines open safely. Our bill, the CRUISE Act, says we’re not waiting on the CDC any longer. Cruises can and should resume, and we’re going to do everything we can to bring back our cruise industry safely.” Read more HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott: In New Cold War with Communist China, We Must Put America First

As the United States Senate prepares to consider potential comprehensive legislation to address the threat posed by Communist China, and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation prepares to hear testimony related to the Endless Frontier Act, Senator Rick Scott released the following statement outlining his expectations for U.S. – China policy. Since being elected to the U.S. Senate, Senator Scott has been a leader in efforts to hold Communist China accountable for its horrific human rights abuses and anti-American policies and actions. Over the past two years, Senator Scott has sponsored or co-sponsored more than 40 pieces of legislation related to Communist China, and authored hundreds of op-eds, letters to the editor and statements on the importance of protecting American interests through this new Cold War between Communist China and the U.S.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Since being elected to the Senate just two years ago, I have been clear that the threat posed by Communist China is the most significant national security issue facing the United States. Communist China’s actions over this short time have made abundantly clear that the United States is in a new Cold War with Communist China. I have no faith that President Biden will do what is needed in this critical moment. His words and actions have only emboldened Communist China and his administration’s weakness toward General Secretary Xi is gravely concerning. Congress must now confront this threat and defeat the spread of tyranny using every diplomatic and military option at our disposal.

“During my time in the Senate, I have sponsored and supported more than 40 pieces of legislation focused on addressing the security of our supply chains, holding Communist China fully responsible for its disgusting human rights abuses and genocide against Uyghur Muslims, enhancing our ability to innovate and develop new technology, and countering Beijing’s unfair trade practices. This is where our legislative efforts must begin. We need to strategically decouple and cut Communist China off from the American economy that it relies so heavily upon to feed its communist oppression machine. We must not be naïve in thinking that Communist China wants to operate in the modern world order and cooperate with other world powers. Now is the time to display the true resolve of the United States in addressing Communist China’s destabilizing actions and finally put policy in place that truly places American interests first.” Read more HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott Joins Sen. Marco Rubio and Bipartisan Colleagues to Reintroduce Legislation to Restore Holocaust Survivors’ Rights

Senator Rick Scott joined Senators Marco Rubio, Jacky Rosen, Ben Sasse, Joni Ernst and Kevin Cramer introduced the Holocaust Insurance Accountability Act. 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, “I’m proud to join my colleagues to re-introduce the Holocaust Insurance Accountability Act to continue our support for survivors and their families. The Holocaust is more than a history lesson, it is a stark reminder that evil and hate exist in this world. Our memory and support of all of those who suffered must never weaken. Every generation must heed the call to action in the face of evil, and as U.S. Senator, I will continue to support Israel and take action against those who wish to do them harm.” Read more from Senator Rubio’s office HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott: Biden Administration Lying About Threat of Inflation

Senator Rick Scott released the following statement after the New York Times revealed that the Biden Administration is privately wary of the threat of inflation due to President Biden’s massive spending plans, while publicly brushing off the issue.

Senator Rick Scott said, “While officials in President Biden’s own Administration have reportedly expressed private concern about the impacts their massive spending plans will have on inflation, Biden, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and the Democrats continue to play down this threat publicly. They are lying in public, while privately worrying about the same issue I’ve been sounding the alarm on for months. It’s a disgusting betrayal of the trust of the American people. When inflation rises, the prices of everyday goods go up. I grew up poor and I know how much it means to a family when prices go up. It seems Biden and the elitist left couldn’t care less. It’s time for Biden to acknowledge this threat is real, understand that his reckless spending has consequences and address the risk of runaway inflation now.” Read more HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott Leads Colleagues in Resolution Honoring Border Patrol Agents Amid Biden’s Border Crisis

Senator Rick Scott was joined by Senators Ted Cruz, Ron Johnson, James Lankford and Josh Hawley in introducing a resolution commending the bravery and hard work of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents as they attempt to manage the crisis at the Southern border.

Last month, Senator Scott traveled Arizona to visit the border and receive a briefing from state and federal law enforcement agents in Arizona on the humanitarian crisis along the Southern border which is being fueled by President Biden’s disastrous policies of amnesty and open borders.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Last month, I visited the border to meet with our brave CBP agents to hear firsthand from them about the crisis on the border. My trip to Arizona made one thing abundantly clear: the crisis on our Southern border is 100% caused by President Biden’s policies of open borders and amnesty. Just last month, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol apprehended more than 170,000 illegal aliens trying to cross our border – that’s the highest monthly total in nearly 15 years. That is unacceptable. It’s time for the Biden Administration to stop this insanity, secure the border and send a clear message of law and order.

“Amid Biden’s border crisis, our CBP agents are selflessly and heroically risking their lives to secure our border and keep people safe. Every day, these agents are put in dangerous situations and lack the federal resources they need to do their jobs. They are worthy of our respect and admiration, and I am proud to lead my colleagues today to honor their service and sacrifice.” Read more HERE.

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Democrats Block Sen. Rick Scott Effort to Improve Election Security with Voter ID

Senator Rick Scott introduced and sought to pass his Promoting Election Integrity by Proving Voter Identity Act on the Senate floor. This legislation would require Voter ID, and is one component of his Save Democracy Act to restore faith in our federal elections and guarantee that voters decide the outcomes of elections, not the courts. Senator Scott’s bill was co-sponsored by Senators John Barrasso and Kevin Cramer. Senate Democrats blocked the bill’s passage.

Senator Rick Scott said, “My goal is 100% participation in our elections and 0% fraud. My Republican colleagues and I want it to be easy to vote and hard to cheat. Voter ID helps us meet that goal. It’s shouldn’t be controversial. You need an ID to get on a plane, open a bank account, and drive a car. You even need an ID to tour the White House. But we shouldn’t have an ID to vote for the President? It makes no sense. Yet, today, the Democrats blocked this simple measure because they reject any efforts at real reform. If Democrats were serious about working together to move our country forward, restore public trust in our elections and protect democracy, they would stop playing games and pass Voter ID now.” See more HERE or below.

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Sens. Rick Scott, Josh Hawley and Colleagues Reintroduce Legislation to Ban TikTok from Government Devices

Senators Rick Scott, Josh Hawley, Marco Rubio and Tom Cotton reintroduced legislation to ban all federal employees from using TikTok on government devices. Congressman Ken Buck is leading the legislation in the House of Representatives. Several government agencies, including the State Department, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Defense, have already banned TikTok on federal government devices due to cybersecurity concerns and possible spying by the Communist Chinese government.

This legislation follows the Biden administration’s action to roll back plans by the Trump administration to force a sale of TikTok’s American operations, despite reports that TikTok is a unique threat to data security.

Senator Rick Scott said, “We cannot allow federal employees to jeopardize U.S. government networks and national security by using apps like TikTok, which are connected to the Chinese Communist Party. Communist China has shown again and again that it will stop at nothing to infiltrate our government networks and steal American technology and intellectual property. I’m proud to join Senator Hawley on this important legislation and hope our colleagues will join us in quickly passing the No TikTok on Government Devices Act.” Read more HERE.

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Sens. Rick Scott, Tom Cotton and Colleagues Call on President to Shun “Green” Tech Produced by Slave Labor

Senator Rick Scott joined Senators Tom Cotton, Bill Hagerty, Marsha Blackburn, John Kennedy, Marco Rubio and John Barrasso in a statement on so-called “green” products purchased as a part of President Biden’s infrastructure plan.

Senators Scott, Cotton, Hagerty, Blackburn, Kennedy, Rubio and Barrasso said, “Products stained with the blood of slave labor will never be clean or green. Any infrastructure proposal from President Biden must bar U.S. taxpayer support of products like solar panels that are made in camps by Uyghurs and other groups held hostage by the Chinese Communist Party. The United States government should play no role in subsidizing or partaking in this barbaric treatment of ethnic groups in Xinjiang.” Read more from Senator Cotton’s office HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott Outlines Priorities in Letter to Labor Secretary Walsh

Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh outlining his priorities for the department to foster a collaborative and efficient regulatory environment, which protects and creates American jobs. Senator Scott also discusses the need for the department to reduce and eliminate burdensome regulations on American businesses so they can thrive, especially as they continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott: Sentencing of Pro-Democracy Leaders in Hong Kong Disgusting Assault on Freedom

Senator Rick Scott released the below statement after a Hong Kong court sentenced several pro-democracy leaders, including Jimmy Lai and Martin Lee, under Communist China’s “national security law” enacted in Hong Kong last year.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Jimmy Lai, Martin Lee and these valiant leaders have spent their lives advocating for freedom for Hong Kongers. I met with many of the Hong Kongers fighting for freedom when I visited Hong Kong in 2019 and I will always support their cause. This sentencing is completely unwarranted. General Secretary Xi is trying to silence those who believe in liberty. This is an appalling assault on democracy and every freedom-loving nation across the world should be disgusted with the actions Communist China has taken to strip Hong Kong of its democratic liberties.

“American companies must ask themselves if this is the type of government they are willing to support, and the American people should do everything possible to only buy from companies that stand for human rights and reject partnerships and business with Communist China.” Read more HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott Joins Sen. Marco Rubio and Colleagues to Reintroduce Bill Helping School Districts Accommodate Students from Puerto Rico

Senator Rick Scott joined Senators Marco Rubio, Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal in reintroducing the bipartisan and bicameral Ensuring Linguistic Excellence and Vocational Aptitude by Teaching English (ELEVATE) Act. The ELEVATE Act would ensure states receive the federal funding necessary to provide high-quality instruction to students learning English. This legislation would correct a flawed funding formula used by the U.S. Department of Education to allocate funds to states by fully capturing the number of K-12 students who relocate to the mainland from Puerto Rico.

Senator Rick Scott said, “I will always do everything I can to support Puerto Rican families and make sure all students have the resources they need. I’m proud to support the ELEVATE Act which ensures our schools have the federal resources needed to help English-learning students succeed and live their dreams.” Read more from Senator Rubio’s office HERE.

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Sens. Rick Scott and Marco Rubio Reintroduce Legislation to Provide Tax Relief to Florida’s Fishing Industry

Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio reintroduced the Fishing Equipment Tax Relief Act, which would create fairness in federal excise taxes by equalizing the tax rates for portable, electronically-aerated bait containers and the parts used to assemble them. The tax code currently penalizes small businesses that manufacture these bait containers by applying a three percent rate if the parts are sold separately, but a 10 percent tax rate if the product is sold assembled. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the saltwater recreational fishing has an $8 billion economic impact and supports more than 114,000 jobs in Florida.

Senator Rick Scott said, “As Governor of Florida, I worked every day to make sure our state was the best place in the nation to do business. We cut taxes 100 times and cut 5,400 burdensome regulations so every Floridian could live their dreams in the Sunshine State. I’m proud to join Senator Rubio to support the Fishing Equipment Tax Relief Act and continue this important work in our great state, the fishing capital of the world.” Read more HERE.