For more than two years, Senator Scott and numerous human rights groups have called on the International Olympic Committee and others to move the games out of Communist China and to a nation that truly respects human rights.

Joining Senator Scott at the press conference were members from Hong Kong Watch, Hong Kong Social Action Movement, Hong Kong Professional Network, DC4HK, the Hong Kong Democracy Council, the Campaign for Uyghurs, the Uyghur American Association and the Uyghur Human Rights Project.

Watch the full press conference HERE or below.

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

Senator Rick Scott released the below statement following reports that, as more than two million illegal aliens unlawfully crossed the U.S. southern border in 2021, the Biden administration is continuing to ignore U.S. law and secretly resettle them in neighborhoods across America. Last week, Senator Rick Scott and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik led more than 100 of their colleagues in sending a letter to the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct a comprehensive review of the decisions by the Biden administration that have led to the worst border crisis in United States history. This followed the introduction of their Upholding the Law at Our Border Act, which requires the Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security to investigate the vetting and processing of illegal aliens apprehended along the southwest border and to ensure that all laws are being upheld.

Senator Rick Scott said, “President Biden and DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas have shown a reckless disregard for U.S. immigration law and the consequences of their failed leadership are devastating. It’s no wonder that our brave border patrol agents have completely lost faith in this administration. In Joe Biden’s first year, more than TWO MILLION illegal aliens unlawfully entered the United States. That’s about equal to the ENTIRE population of Washington, D.C. illegally crossing the border THREE TIMES. If that wasn’t bad enough, the Biden administration is continuing to secretly resettle illegal aliens in the middle of the night in neighborhoods all across America. That’s right, your tax dollars are being used to charter private flights in the middle of the night to take illegal aliens from the southern border to neighborhoods all across our nation. It’s a disgusting misuse of taxpayer money and it must end now, and exactly why I am urging the DHS Inspector General to immediately launch an investigation into the Biden administration’s horrific mismanagement and blatant ignorance of U.S. immigration law.” Read more HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott Leads Senate Colleagues in Demanding Transparency on Biden’s Botched Afghanistan Withdrawal

Senator Rick Scott led 17 of his Senate colleagues in a letter to Senator Jack Reed and Senator Bob Menendez, the chairs of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Senate Foreign Relations Committee, ahead of a closed joint hearing to receive testimony from Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on President Biden’s botched and deadly withdrawal of U.S. Armed Forces from Afghanistan.

In the letter, Senator Scott and his colleagues called for a portion of this joint hearing be open to the public so that American families and all impacted by the botched withdrawal can hear directly from Secretaries Blinken and Austin. Senator Scott was joined by Senators John Barrasso, Marsha Blackburn, Bill Cassidy, Tom Cotton, Joni Ernst, Deb Fischer, Ron Johnson, Bill Hagerty, Josh Hawley, James Lankford, Roger Marshall, Rand Paul, Marco Rubio, Dan Sullivan, Thom Tillis, Tommy Tuberville and Roger Wicker. Read more HERE.

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Sens. Rick Scott and Rubio Urge Biden to Approve Florida Request for Major Disaster Declaration in Tornadoes’ Wake

Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio urged President Joe Biden to approve Governor Ron DeSantis’ request for a major disaster declaration to be issued for Charlotte and Lee Counties as a result of a severe weather system last week. The storm produced two tornadoes of EF-1 and EF-2 strengths. The request also includes a request for Individual Assistance for the two Florida counties. Read more from Senator Rubio’s office HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott: Communist China Cannot Whitewash Genocide with Olympic Games

As Communist China prepares to host the 2022 Winter Olympic Games, Senator Rick Scott hosted a press conference with Boston Celtics Center and human rights activist Enes Kanter Freedom, as well as members of the Uyghur and Hong Kong communities to highlight the horrific human rights abuses committed by the Chinese Communist Party.

For more than two years, Senator Scott and numerous human rights groups have called on the International Olympic Committee and others to move the games out of Communist China and to a nation that truly respects human rights. Joining Senator Scott at today’s press conference were members from Hong Kong Watch, Hong Kong Social Action Movement, Hong Kong Professional Network, DC4HK, the Hong Kong Democracy Council, the Campaign for Uyghurs, the Uyghur American Association and the Uyghur Human Rights Project.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Next week, the 2022 Olympics will begin in Beijing and the world will watch as Communist China tries to whitewash its crimes and churns its propaganda machine to make the world forget just how evil its regime is. Today, I was proud to bring together powerful and important partners and voices to send a clear message to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP): WE WILL NOT LET ANYONE FORGET ABOUT WHAT IS HAPPENING IN COMMUNIST CHINA. I want to thank Enes Kanter Freedom, Samuel Chu, Joey Siu, Mustafa Aksu and Elfidar Iltebir for joining me to deliver that message. America must be clear that Communist China’s abuses will not be tolerated. We must call out these crimes and we stand by the brave advocates for freedom and democracy in China, Hong Kong, Tibet and around the world. And every day we must show that the United States is an unyielding and unapologetic advocate for human rights – and unafraid of speaking the truth and upsetting General Secretary Xi and his communist party thugs. We won’t stop this fight.” Read more HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott Issues Weekly Update on Biden’s Inflation Crisis

Senator Rick Scott released a weekly update on his actions to address America’s debt crisis and rising inflation following the announcement that the Personal Consumption Expenditure (PCE) price index increased 5.8 percent from one year ago, the highest reading since 1982—a clear indication that Democrats’ reckless, socialist spending agenda is only further fueling President Biden’s raging inflation crisis.

Senator Rick Scott said, “We’ve now seen a year of America under Joe Biden’s leadership and one thing is abundantly clear: families are far worse off now than they were then. Inflation is at a 40-year high and still RAGING higher. Poor families, like mine growing up, can’t get by. Millions more are struggling to make ends meet while store shelves are empty. More folks are relying on food banks and it’s getting harder and harder to help them as prices climb.

“This is Joe Biden’s America. This is what happens when you foolishly push a socialist agenda, pay people not to work, waste TRILLIONS OF DOLLARS in taxpayer money and then lie to the American people and tell them everything is okay. It’s time for Joe Biden to wake up, listen to the American people, remember that he is the President of the United States and lead. Our country can’t afford another year of his miserable missteps and failures.” Read more HERE.

En una entrevista la semana pasada con Yoli Cuello en Actualidad Radio 1040 AM, el Senador Rick Scott habló sobre el primer año de Joe Biden en la Presidencia y cómo las familias en Florida, Estados Unidos y en todo el mundo se han visto afectadas por la incompetencia de Biden y sus políticas fallidas de fronteras abiertas, gasto masivo y apaciguamiento. Durante la entrevista, el Senador también condenó la debilidad de esta administración ante los dictadores y regímenes opresivos del mundo e hizo un llamado a defender la libertad y la democracia en Latinoamérica, apoyar a nuestros aliados democráticos en el hemisferio como Colombia y Brasil y seguir luchando por Cuba, Venezuela y Nicaragua.

Escuche la entrevista completa de Actualidad Radio AQUÍ.

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Fox News: Sen. Rick Scott accuses Biden admin of supporting China’s ‘genocidal regime’ with ‘Made in China’ COVID tests

C-SPAN: Senator Rick Scott News Conference on Winter Olympics and Human Rights Abuses in China

Forbes: Uyghur Activist Asks How World Can Stand By ‘Do Business As Usual’ With Chinese Government

Forbes: IOC Deserves ‘All The Disdain And Disgust’ It Receives For Awarding Olympics To China: Activist

Florida Daily: Rick Scott, Elise Stefanik Want Answers From DHS on the Border Crisis

Florida Daily: Florida’s Senators Call on Joe Biden for Major Disaster Declaration After Tornadoes Hit Charlotte, Lee Counties

Alberto News: Senador Rick Scott: Siempre apoyaré a Venezuela en la lucha por la libertad y la democracia

Alberto News: Senador Rick Scott: Inflación, fronteras abiertas y alto costo de la vida; el legado del primer año de Biden en la Presidencia

Senator Rick Scott spoke with members of the Latin Builders Association in Coral Gables to thank them for all they do to support Florida’s economy and provide an update on his fight to make Washington work for all Florida businesses and families. Read more HERE or en español AQUÍ.

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Sen. Rick Scott Meets with South Florida’s Jewish Leaders 

Senator Scott met with members of South Florida’s Jewish community to thank them for their support, especially their strength and guidance in the aftermath of the Surfside building collapse and recent anti-Semitic attacks. Read more HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott Tours Herbert Hoover Dike and Remarks on His Continued Commitment to Florida’s Everglades 

Senator Rick Scott joined the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and local officials to tour the Herbert Hoover Dike and discuss his commitment to Florida’s environment and the Everglades.

Senator Rick Scott said, “It was good to be with the Army Corps and our strong local leaders today to see the great progress being made at the Herbert Hoover Dike. By prioritizing Florida’s environment we know that generations to come will grow up in the Sunshine State we all know and love. While I was governor, we really put an emphasis on the importance of our environment by investing one billion dollars in Florida’s natural resources. I was the first governor to dedicate state funding to make the critical repairs to the Herbert Hoover Dike at Lake Okeechobee and am proud that Senator Rubio and I were able to help secure an unprecedented one billion dollars for Everglades restoration, the largest single amount ever allocated by the federal government. Now, I’m working to make sure that every dollar of this funding will go toward the most critical projects that build on our restoration efforts and provide a good return on investment for Floridians and all American taxpayers.” Read more HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott: We Proudly Stand for Freedom & Democracy in Latin America

Senator Rick Scott met with Colombian community leaders in Doral to hear about the issues facing the Colombian community in South Florida and discuss federal efforts to promote freedom and democracy in Latin America. Senator Scott was joined by Congressman Carlos Giménez, Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar, Doral Mayor Juan Carlos “JC” Bermudez and Mayor of Weston Margaret “Peggy” Brown.

Senator Rick Scott said, “The constant attacks threatening the Colombian people and their government are dangerous and reprehensible. It’s clear that ELN, FARC, and terrorist organizations backed by the Castro/Diaz-Canel and Maduro regimes are behind these despicable attacks, which are nothing but a disgusting attempt to destabilize Colombia’s democracy. It makes me furious that in the face of these vicious assaults on democracy, Joe Biden has again and again chosen appeasement over the security and stability of our hemisphere. His lack of support is a complete betrayal of the United States and Colombia’s commitment to promoting security, prosperity, human rights and democracy across the Western Hemisphere. Last year, I was proud to introduce a resolution in the U.S. Senate that makes clear that America stands with Colombia in the fight to defend freedom, condemns efforts to undermine democracy and urges the international community to join the United States in supporting Colombia. I will always support the people of Colombia, Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua in the fight for freedom and democracy. We won’t stop until all of Latin America sees the freedom and liberty its people deserve.” Read more HERE or en español AQUÍ.

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Sen. Rick Scott Tours Patrick Space Force Base

Senator Scott toured Patrick Space Force Base and met with members of Space Launch Delta 45. Read more HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott’s Office Holds Mobile Officer Hours

This week, Senator Rick Scott’s staff held mobile office hours in DeBary, Bunnell, Spring Hill and Okeechobee to connect with constituents and help with issues involving federal federal agencies.

Chairman’s Message

Biden again fleeces Floridians in favor of blue states

The Biden administration announced Florida would get significantly less money than other states for bridge repairs!

Governor Ron DeSantis highlighted this week how Florida is receiving less than $245 million for bridge repairs out of the almost $27 billion for bridges nationally through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The formula used to calculate the amount given to states penalizes Florida for doing its job and successfully maintaining the infrastructure that Floridians require to live and work every day. But even then, Florida’s small amount still does not add up.

“The Biden Administration continues to punish states that are succeeding,” Governor DeSantis said. “Despite obstacles created by the Biden Administration, the State of Florida continues to thrive and foster an environment that draws new residents and tourists every single day. By doing so, Florida has continued to grow, and our infrastructure must be able to keep up the pace. The Biden Administration though is short-changing Florida yet again.”

The federal government claims the funding is based on the number of bridges in disrepair. But states with a similar or fewer number of bridges in disrepair are frequently receiving more than twice as much funding as Florida. Florida has more than 12,500 bridges statewide, and the Bridge Formula Program has identified 408 bridges that are in poor condition and provided $245 million for those.

Under the same formula, Washington State has 416 bridges identified as in poor condition, similar to Florida’s 408, but Washington State is set to receive $605.1 million from the federal government. Connecticut has 248 bridges identified as in poor condition and is set to receive $561.4 million in funding, over twice as much as Florida is receiving with 160 fewer bridges to repair. Biden’s home state of Delaware will receive $225 million, just $20 million less than Florida, but has only 19 bridges to repair according to the formula.

This is just another attempt to harm Floridians because our leaders have rightly criticized the Biden Administration’s reckless policies, and Florida stands out as a leader in job creation and economic growth while the nation, as a whole, suffers under Democrat mismanagement.

Americans see it all. Destructive Democrat policies have created a wave of new Florida arrivals. Between July 2020 and July 2021, Florida added 220,890 new residents from other states, the largest net gain in the country. People are fleeing other states for the free and growing state of Florida, and all of them will need access to quality infrastructure that was not available in the states they left.

​​Florida

$20 million to Panama City to fully restore water systems

Speaking of infrastructure, Governor DeSantis has announced more than $20 million has been awarded to Panama City to make repairs and replace 2.4 miles of water lines, 2.4 miles of stormwater lines and 3 miles of sewer lines that were damaged by Hurricane Michael. These improvements will fully restore water quality, functioning stormwater drainage and dependable sewer for the area.

“Since the beginning of my administration, we have remained committed to helping Northwest Florida recover from Hurricane Michael, and today I am proud to award another $20 million to help Panama City’s recovery,” Governor DeSantis said. “This project will make a real difference by restoring water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure in the city.”

Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2022/01/13/governor-ron-desantis-awards-more-than-20-million-to-repair-water-sewer-and-stormwater-infrastructure-damaged-by-hurricane-michael-in-panama-city/

New substance abuse prevention curriculum for schools

First Lady Casey DeSantis announced the launch of a free substance abuse prevention curriculum for Florida schools. The School Assemblies Toolkit, part of Florida’s “The Facts. Your Future” campaign, directly engages youth in Florida to improve their understanding of the destructive effects of drug abuse and helps teens to reach their full potential.

“With the heartbreaking overdose death statistics, we’re witnessing across the country, and as a mom of three, I want Florida’s youth to know they have the power to resist and overcome drug use and abuse,” said First Lady DeSantis. “Our ‘The Facts. Your Future’ initiative is reinventing the way substance abuse prevention is taught in our schools.

Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2022/01/14/first-lady-casey-desantis-announces-free-substance-abuse-curriculum-for-schools-through-floridas-the-facts-your-future-campaign/

Defense spending in Florida has nearly $100 billion impact

Governor DeSantis announced Thursday that Florida’s military and defense industry supported more than 860,000 jobs in 2020 and Florida experienced a 12 percent increase in direct defense spending from $44 billion in 2018 to $49.3 billion in 2020.

According to the recently published 2022 Florida Defense Industry Economic Impact Analysis by the Florida Defense Support Task Force (FDSTF), defense spending in 2020 generated more than $96.6 billion in value-added economic impacts, or 8.5 percent of the entire Florida economy.

“My administration has worked hard to make Florida the most military friendly state in the country,” Governor DeSantis said. “Creating a military friendly environment has not only benefited veterans and current military personnel, but also our economy by creating civilian opportunities in a thriving defense industry.”

Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2022/01/19/governor-desantis-announces-floridas-military-and-defense-industry-supports-more-than-860000-jobs/

Florida Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez

Lt. Gov. Nuñez on Fox News: Hispanics ‘flocking’ to Republican Party for freedom, opportunities

During an interview on Fox & Friends Weekend, Lt. Gov. Nuñez slammed President Biden’s disastrous policies that are leading more Hispanics to join the Republican Party, according to recent polls.

“When you look at these numbers, it should not be a shock to anyone. We have seen the disastrous policies across the board from Biden since he took office. You have seen that Hispanic voters are flocking to the Republican Party,” Lt. Gov. Nuñez said.

“We are the party that will provide them freedom, that will provide them opportunities for their families. And when you see children that are being indoctrinated in the schools and that Biden and his cronies are calling their parents domestic terrorists, those are things that really have an impact on the voters. And that’s why I strongly believe that the midterm election and beyond is going to be an incredible turn of events for the president and for the party.”

Read and watch more: https://www.foxnews.com/media/fl-lt-gov-nunez-hispanics-flocking-to-republican-party-for-freedom-opportunities

Senator Marco Rubio

Senator Rubio smacks down Chuck Schumer on filibuster

Senator Marco Rubio smacked down Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on the Megyn Kelly Show for playing to his New York base over the filibuster in hopes of not being primaried by someone like AOC.

“I think a lot of Democrats, particularly Chuck Schumer in a state like New York, see that over the last few years you’ve had longtime incumbents taken out by people from the far left, and they’re concerned about it,” Senator Rubio said. ”Maybe he thinks he’s still going to win but doesn’t want to go through that process.”

Rubio told Kelly that Schumer is looking only at his own political fortunes and not what is good for the country or even considering the constituents that other senators must answer to at election time.

Read more: https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/rubio-schumer-politics-senate/2022/01/14/id/1052528/

Watch the interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTn0oXGrmS4

ICYMI

Another Historic Win For The Florida GOP

This week, the Florida GOP notched another historic win by doubling the number of newly active registered voters in one month.

According to the latest Florida Department of State, Division of Elections data, Florida Republicans have an advantage of 45,153 active registered voters who are showing their preference for conservative Republican principles. Under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis and state and local leaders, Florida will remain a free and open state and continue to attract Republicans.

The total number of current, active registered voters is:

REP: 5,122,213

DEM: 5,077,060

NMP: 4,081,300

Tweets

https://twitter.com/GovRonDeSantis/status/1483883471529549825

https://twitter.com/marcorubio/status/1483855332430565387

https://twitter.com/FloridaGOP/status/1483887080845586436

https://twitter.com/AGAshleyMoody/status/1483901993378844672

https://twitter.com/JimmyPatronis/status/1482759903085268992

https://twitter.com/RonDeSantisFL/status/1481681260288389120

https://twitter.com/TeamMarco/status/1482083346314235904?s=20

REMEMBER: @FloridaGOP and retweet and share. The Republican message must be spread around the state, and you are integral to making that happen.