Senator Rick Scott’s Week in Review
Dear Fellow Floridian,
I took my third trip to visit Israel as your U.S. senator and sixth since I was elected as your governor in 2011. I met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and delivered an important message: my commitment to supporting Israel and protecting the valuable relationship Florida and America have with the Jewish State will never falter. We will see this through until Hamas is destroyed and all hostages, which includes Americans, that have now spent over 170 days in Hamas captivity are home.
Israel changed on October 7, 2023, when Iran-backed Hamas terrorists attacked and killed thousands of innocent people – but I made clear to Prime Minister Netanyahu and members of his administration that I stand firmly with them in making sure this day will not mark the end of the Jewish State. I reiterated this commitment when I spoke to family members of individuals taken hostage and IDF Soldiers who have seen and fought terrorism firsthand. They’re scarred by the unimaginable horrors of Iran-backed Hamas terrorists beheading babies, raping young women, murdering their loved ones and capturing their children to be held hostage.
I saw the devastation Israel faces with my own eyes in Kibbutz Kfar Aza. The joyous community I visited years ago is now destroyed and reeling from the aftermath of October 7, with so many of its residents missing or dead. I also visited the site of the massacre at the Supernova Music Festival. It was difficult to walk through that place and see the hundreds of memorials to innocent young people that were ambushed and brutally murdered by Hamas. My visit to Israel has only reinforced the undeniable fact that the United States and Israel have a common security interest in destroying Hamas and getting hostages back home TODAY. President Biden and Democrats in Washington have abandoned Israel at the United Nations and on the world stage. I urge them to reverse course and I will not be silent until I see Biden’s administration stand strongly with our ally.
As we mark Holy Week, I visited the Western Wall and I left a prayer for every hostage taken on October 7 to be freed today and returned home. As you and your family gather for Easter, I ask that you join me in also praying for every hostage and their loved ones. War is terrible, but Israel cannot rest until Hamas is destroyed and the hostages, including Americans, are home. I know that God is with the Israeli people and will deliver victory to his people and the Jewish State.
Read more HERE.
Sincerely,
Rick Scott
United States Senator
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Sen. Rick Scott from Israel: The U.S. Must Stand with Israel Against Evil Hamas Terrorism
Senator Rick Scott returned from his sixth trip to Israel, where he met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other high-ranking officials to discuss the United States’ and Israel’s shared priority of destroying Iran-backed Hamas terrorists that have killed thousands of individuals, including Americans since the October 7, 2023 attacks. In recognition of Holy Week, Senator Scott visited the Western Wall to pray for the people of Israel and the immediate release of all hostages. He also toured Kfar Aza Kibbutz, which he first visited in 2019 and was destroyed during the October 7th attacks, and met with soldiers from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and family members of individuals held hostage in Gaza. Along with Prime Minister Netanyahu, Senator Scott met with Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz, Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant, Israeli War Cabinet Member Benny Gantz and War Cabinet Observer Gadi Eisenkot.
Read more HERE.
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Sen. Rick Scott Hosts Media Availability Following Trip to Israel
Senator Rick Scott hosted a media availability shortly after his return from his sixth trip to Israel, during which he met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other high-ranking officials to discuss the United States’ and Israel’s shared priority of destroying Iran-backed Hamas terrorists that have killed thousands of individuals, and continue to hold hundreds hostage, including Americans, since the October 7, 2023 attacks. In recognition of Holy Week, Senator Scott visited the Western Wall to pray for the people of Israel and the immediate release of all hostages. He also toured Kfar Aza Kibbutz, which he first visited in 2019 and was destroyed during the October 7th attacks, and met with soldiers from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and family members of individuals held hostage in Gaza. Along with Prime Minister Netanyahu, Senator Scott met with Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz, Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant, Israeli War Cabinet Member Benny Gantz and War Cabinet Observer Gadi Eisenkot.
Read more HERE.
Sen. Rick Scott Issues Statement Ahead of VP Harris Visit to Parkland
Senator Rick Scott released the following statement ahead of the Vice President’s visit to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.
Senator Rick Scott said, “After the horrific shooting that took 17 lives at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on Valentine’s Day in 2018, I immediately brought together mental health, education and law enforcement experts to get valuable feedback on how to prevent future violence in our schools. I also worked closely with the families that lost their children and loved ones that day to make sure their voices were heard. On February 23, I proposed landmark legislation to the Florida Legislature, which I then signed into law as Governor of Florida on March 9th, less than one month after the shooting. The work of the Parkland parents was instrumental in drafting and passing this bill—work done as they grieved the unimaginable loss of their children. The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act improved school safety in Florida and has helped law enforcement make appropriate interventions with people who pose a threat of violence to themselves or others while robustly protecting due process rights that stop unlawful infringement on the 2nd Amendment rights of law-abiding Floridians. This stands in stark contrast to the Biden-Harris administration’s push for nationwide implementation of radical policies, like California’s red flag law, which abandons due process to more quickly and easily take constitutional rights away from law-abiding Americans. That is unacceptable.
“While I wish that the tragedy never happened, I am proud of the quick, bipartisan work we did to implement strong school safety policy and better protect our kids at school. There is no place for partisan politics here, which is why I have been so frustrated by Democrat Leadership in the Senate blocking consideration and passage of the bipartisan EAGLES Act, to expand the U.S. Secret Service’s National Threat Assessment Center with a greater focus on school violence prevention, as well as my School Guardian Act which would replicate Florida’s policy and place a trained law enforcement officer in every U.S. school. I will continue to work with Parkland families and those who wish to build on Florida’s good work to improve school safety across the nation. I urge the Vice President to join me in calling for the immediate passage of the EAGLES Act and School Guardian Act.”
Read more HERE.
Sen. Rick Scott Slams Blinken’s Threats to Israel over Rafah Operation
Senator Rick Scott issued the following statement slamming Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s threat to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Israel’s plans to enter Rafah as it fights to eliminate Iran-backed Hamas terrorists and rescue hostages. On October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists killed more than 1,200 people in Israel and have held hundreds hostage for the 169 days since the attack, including Americans.
Senator Rick Scott said, “The Biden administration’s continued threats to Israel as it fights against terrorism that wishes to end its existence are shameful. It’s illegitimate coercion against our ally and the only democracy in the Middle East to appease radical Left Hamas sympathizers. On October 7, Iran-backed Hamas terrorists stormed into Israel and slaughtered innocent families—beheading babies, raping women and children and burning families alive. Hamas killed more than 1,200 people that day and continues to hold hundreds hostage, including Americans. Have Biden and Blinken forgotten that? If Israel believes entering Rafah is necessary to eliminate Hamas, rescue hostages and end this war, the United States must stand 100% behind that mission.”
Read more HERE.
Sen. Rick Scott Leads Resolution Affirming Biden’s Authority to Immediately Secure the Border
Senator Rick Scott led Senators Ted Cruz, Shelley Moore Capito, John Hoeven, Marco Rubio, Kevin Cramer, Josh Hawley, Ted Budd, Marsha Blackburn, Tom Cotton, Tim Scott, Roger Marshall, Ron Johnson, Mike Braun and Cindy Hyde-Smith in announcing an introduction of a resolution in the U.S. Senate denouncing the Biden administration’s open border policies which have allowed more than 9 million individuals to illegally cross the U.S. southern border since President Joe Biden took office. This resolution is being led in the House of Representatives by Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) and passed with bipartisan support.
Senator Rick Scott said, “President Joe Biden and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas have created the worst border security crisis in our nation’s history. The Biden administration’s open border policies have incentivized the unlawful crossing of the U.S. southern border by more than 9 million illegal aliens, including criminal aliens and suspected terrorists, from all around the world. The laws of the United States are the same today as they were when President Trump successfully secured our southern border. Everyone knows that President Biden used executive power to open the border and has the authority to close and secure the border but is purposefully failing to do so. I am proud to lead my colleagues in this resolution which affirms the authority of President Biden and his administration to secure the border and immediately end this crisis.”
Read more HERE.
Sen. Rick Scott & Sen. Mike Lee Introduce Bill to Close the Gate on CBP One App Use
In response to the ongoing invasion at the southern border and the Biden administration’s decision to validate the CBP One Mobile App as an acceptable form of identification for air travel into and across the United States, Senator Rick Scott and Senator Mike Lee introduced the Verifying that all Aliens have Legitimate Identification Documents (VALID) Act. This legislation directly targets the loopholes exploited by illegal immigrants to travel within the U.S. without proper identification.
Since the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) decided to accept the CBP One Mobile App as a form of identification for air travel into and throughout the United States, there have been over 200,000 migrants entering the U.S. using the app as their sole form of identification, a loophole the VALID Act would permanently close.
The VALID Act is cosponsored by Roger Marshall (R-KS), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Mike Braun (R-IN), and John Thune (R-SD).
Senator Rick Scott said, “Biden’s TSA has made the choice to allow illegal aliens with no verified identification to use the CBP One Mobile App before flying on commercial airlines into U.S. airports. This is unacceptable and dangerous. The Biden administration has intentionally made our country more dangerous with policies that put Americans at great risk and weaken U.S. national security. I am proud to cosponsor this legislation to keep Americans safe.”
Read more HERE.
Senate Passes Sens. Rick Scott & Gary Peters Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Federal Building Security
Bipartisan legislation authored by Senator Rick Scott and Senator Gary Peters, members of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, to improve security for federal employees and members of the public who visit federal buildings has passed the Senate. Federal facilities face a wide range of threats, including active shooters, cyber-attacks, hostile surveillance, improvised explosive devices, and more. This legislation requires federal agencies to respond to the Federal Protective Service (FPS) recommendations on security measures issued within 90 days. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Senator Rick Scott said, “This good legislation will make sure that when the Federal Protective Service makes safety recommendations for federal offices and buildings, they are quickly reviewed and taken into consideration. Federal agencies must do everything necessary to serve the American people while keeping public servants safe. I applaud the Senate for the passage of this important legislation and urge its immediate passage in the House of Representatives.”
Read more HERE.
Sens. Rick Scott and Tom Carper Lead Introduction of FEHB Protection Act
Senator Rick Scott and Senator Tom Carper announced the bipartisan FEHB Protection Act to stop fraud within the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) program, the largest employer-sponsored health insurance program in the country which covers eight million federal employees, retirees and family members. The FEHB Protection Act will codify Government Accountability Office (GAO) and Office of Inspector General (OIG) recommendations to require the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to verify eligibility before adding family members, additionally, the bill requires an audit and removal of those ineligible for the program to ensure taxpayer dollars are used wisely and program benefits are protected for truly eligible individuals. This legislation follows a study conducted by the GAO at Senator Scott’s request, which revealed that OPM’s mismanagement of the FEHB program allowed ineligible individuals to obtain employer-sponsored health coverage at the hefty price tag of approximately $1 billion in taxpayer dollars every year.
Senator Rick Scott said, “Under years of mismanagement by OPM, the FEHB program has knowingly allowed $1 billion of taxpayer money every year to be wasted with no plan or mechanism to stop it. That is unacceptable and must be fixed. There must be zero tolerance for individuals intentionally exploiting and defrauding the federal government. I’m proud to lead the effort to stop fraud and waste in the FEHB program and be joined Senator Carper on this commonsense and bipartisan legislation.”
Read more HERE.
Sens. Rick Scott & Tim Scott Announce Resolution in Defense of Israel
Senator Rick Scott joined Senator Tim Scott to announce their introduction of a resolution reiterating Israel’s right to self-defense and condemning recent calls from U.S. lawmakers, which interfere in Israel’s sovereign electoral process. The resolution is cosponsored by Senators Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.).
Read more HERE.
Senator Rick Scott joined Senator Roger Wicker and 10 of their Senate Armed Services Committee colleagues in a letter to President Biden demanding basic answers on how his administration intends to proceed with its operation to construct a pier in Gaza.
Senators Deb Fischer, R-Neb., Tom Cotton, R-Ark., Mike Rounds, R-S.D., Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., Ted Budd, R-N.C., Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., and Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., joined Senators Scott and Wicker on the letter.
Read the full letter HERE. Read more HERE.
The Jewish Press: Netanyahu to Sen. Rick Scott: Keeping my Delegation at Home Was a Message to Hamas
The Villages News: Scott leads bipartisan effort to improve security at federal buildings
Florida Politics: Rick Scott hails Senate passage of his bipartisan building security bill
Florida Politics: Rick Scott leads resolution pushing Joe Biden to secure the border
Florida Politics: Rick Scott meets with Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel
The Floridian: Florida Legislators Rally Around Israel as Scott Meets with Netanyahu
The Floridian: Scott Demands Answers on Biden’s Plans for Gaza Pier
The Floridian: Scott Introduces Bill Forbidding CBP One App as ID
The Floridian: Scott Drafts Senate Resolution Proposing Measures to Secure Southern Border
WIOD: Senator Rick Scott Calling For Freedom & Democracy In Cuba
Senator Scott’s Team in Winter Park
This week, Senator Scott’s team attended the Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day to celebrate Florida’s WWII American Heroes.
Senator Scott’s Team in Wellington
Senator Scott’s team also hosted Mobile Office Hours at the Hispanic Chamber in Palm Beach County.
Senator Scott’s Team in Edgewood
Senator Scott’s team also attended the city of Edgewood’s 100th Birthday Celebration to read a congratulatory letter from Senator Rick Scott.
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