Senator Rick Scott’s Week in Review
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RPOF Newsletter
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Kathleen Passidomo – Legislative Update – September 25, 2021
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Senator Rick Scott’s Week in Review
This week, Senator Rick Scott spoke on the Senate floor to shine light on the Democrats’ reckless tax-and-spend spree that is already hurting families and businesses with skyrocketing inflation. Even as the President Biden’s inflation crisis rages, Democrats in Washington are pushing forward a partisan $5.5 TRILLION spending bill that will raise the national debt to $45 TRILLION. Senator Scott is fighting for real solutions to address Washington’s debt crisis and put the nation on a financially stable path, specifically with his introduction of the Federal Debt Emergency Control Act and Full Faith and Credit Act. The Full Faith and Credit Act will ensure the federal government prioritizes funding for our military, veterans and seniors should the federal debt ceiling be reached with no action from Democrats to raise or suspend it. Senator Scott has been demanding that Congress take action to address America’s nearly $30 trillion current federal debt and get the reckless spending which fuels it under control. Senator Scott continues to urge his colleagues to refuse to increase the debt ceiling without also enacting true spending reform.
See more HERE or in the video below.
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See more of what Senator Scott has been up to this week below.
Senators Rick Scott & Pat Toomey Lead Colleagues in Reintroducing Full Faith and Credit Act to Address Federal Debt Crisis Senator Rick Scott and Senator Pat Toomey were joined by Senators Thom Tillis, Ron Johnson, Mike Braun, Bill Hagerty, Ted Cruz, Kevin Cramer, Shelley Moore Capito, Marco Rubio, John Barrasso and John Hoeven in reintroducing the Full Faith and Credit Act to ensure the federal government prioritizes funding for our military, veterans and seniors should the federal debt ceiling be reached with no action from Democrats to raise or suspend it. Senator Scott has been demanding that Congress take action to address America’s nearly $30 trillion federal debt and get the reckless spending which fuels it under control. Senator Scott continues to urge his colleagues to refuse to increase the debt ceiling without also enacting true spending reform.
Senator Rick Scott said, “Washington’s reckless spending is completely out of control. The United States is nearing $30 trillion in debt and Democrats are pushing a radical, socialist tax-and-spending agenda that will push us to an unimaginable $45 trillion. Too many in Washington have accepted deficit spending, blank checks, tax hikes and skyrocketing inflation as the status quo. We need to be clear: there will be a day of reckoning for this and unfortunately American families will pay the price. It’s time for Congress to take significant action to put our nation back on a path of economic success. I did it in Florida and we can do it in Washington.
“Our bill, the Full Faith and Credit Act, would require the U.S. government to fulfill critical payments to the debt to avoid default and full fiscal calamity if Democrats refuse to take accountability for their wasteful spending and address the debt ceiling. It also ensures Americans depending on Social Security, Medicare, veteran benefits, as well as our service members, are not punished for Washington’s dysfunction. I want to thank my friend and colleague, Senator Pat Toomey, for previously introducing this bill and allowing me the opportunity to lead this effort with him at this critical moment. It’s time for Washington to start living within its means, just like every family and business across the nation does, and preserve the American dream—this bill is a great start.” Read more HERE.
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Senator Rick Scott spoke on the Senate floor to shine light on the Democrats’ reckless tax-and-spend spree that is already hurting families and businesses with skyrocketing inflation. Even as the President Biden’s inflation crisis rages, Democrats in Washington are pushing forward a partisan $5.5 TRILLION spending bill that will raise the national debt to $45 TRILLION. Senator Scott is fighting for real solutions to address Washington’s debt crisis and put the nation on a financially stable path, specifically with his introduction of the Federal Debt Emergency Control Act and Full Faith and Credit Act.
The Full Faith and Credit Act will ensure the federal government prioritizes funding for our military, veterans and seniors should the federal debt ceiling be reached with no action from Democrats to raise or suspend it. Senator Scott has been demanding that Congress take action to address America’s nearly $30 trillion current federal debt and get the reckless spending which fuels it under control. Senator Scott continues to urge his colleagues to refuse to increase the debt ceiling without also enacting true spending reform. Read more HERE.
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During a hearing in the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) on Threats to the Homeland, Senator Rick Scott questioned Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray on the Biden administration’s botched and deadly withdrawal from Afghanistan which has empowered terrorists on the FBI’s Most Wanted List to take over the country.
Senator Rick Scott asked, “Earlier this month, the Taliban appointed its senior leadership and named Sirajuddin Haqqani to be Afghanistan’s interior minister. Haqqani is on the FBI’s most wanted list and designated as a global terrorist due to his role in the January 2008 attack on a hotel in Kabul, Afghanistan that killed six people, including an American citizen. Last I heard, the FBI was offering an up to $10 million reward for information leading to the arrest of Haqqani. Does anyone disagree that it is counter to America’s national security interest for a known terrorist to be in a position of leadership in Afghanistan?” See more HERE or in the video below.
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Senator Rick Scott released the below statement following President Joe Biden’s speech before the United Nations General Assembly. In his talk, President Biden stated that he “is not seeking a new Cold War…” with Communist China. For nearly two years, Senator Scott has been clear that Communist China’s aggression and increasing threats have resulted in a new Cold War with the United States.
Senator Rick Scott said, “Communist China has started a new Cold War with the United States. It’s long past time for President Biden to end his weak appeasement of General Secretary Xi, face this reality and protect American interests. Communist China wants only to hold total world power, regardless of the cost, and it has a sinister, Soviet-style plan to achieve it. As the world’s greatest beacon of freedom and democracy, the U.S. must do everything we can, in conjunction with our allies, to curb Communist China’s reach, counter their policies, and make the guilty pay for the ongoing human rights abuses, attacks on democracy and genocide against the Uyghurs. President Biden’s refusal to take this approach is nothing short of a dereliction of his duty and inexcusable display of weakness.”Read more HERE.
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Senator Rick Scott joined several of his colleagues on the Senate Armed Services Committee in a letter to Committee Chairman Jack Reed. In the letter, the senators requested more time to question Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, General Mark Milley and General Kenneth McKenzie when they appear before the Committee next week to discuss President Biden’s failed withdrawal from Afghanistan that stranded American citizens and took the lives of 13 U.S. service members. Currently, time is limited to 5 minutes for question and answer for each Senator which is insufficient to ensure robust questions that hold the Biden administration accountable and provide the American people with the transparency they deserve. Read more from Senator Hawley’s office HERE.
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Senator Rick Scott joined Senator Joni Ernst and several of their colleagues in a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging the Biden administration to officially recognize the Taliban as a terrorist organization. Read more From Senator Ernst’s office HERE.
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Senator Rick Scott joined Senator Mike Braun and colleagues in introducing No Hearing, No Vote legislation to require giant reconciliation packages, like Democrats’ reckless $5.5 trillion tax-and-spending spree, receive a full hearing before votes can occur so massive tax changes and spending bills can be vetted by Congress and the American people.
Senator Rick Scott said, “The lack of accountability to American taxpayers in Congress is staggering. Again and again, we’ve seen Democrats rush massive legislation spending billions or trillions in tax dollars without any public input, real debate or scrutiny. That needs to end. America’s credit card is maxed out and if we want to protect opportunity for future generations, we need to get our house in order and pay down the debt. We must pass our bill, No Hearing, No Vote, to hold Democrats accountable for every single dollar spent in their reckless tax-and-spend agenda. It is our responsibility to put structural reforms like these in place to get our nation back on an economically stable path for American families now and for future generations.” Read more HERE.
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Senator Rick Scott released the following statement after Mexican President López Obrador hosted brutal dictators Miguel Díaz-Canel of Cuba and Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela for the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) Summit, celebrating the 200th anniversary of Central American independence. Senator Scott continues to call on the Biden administration and the international community to stand up for freedom in Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua, reject giving a voice to these oppressive leaders and hold these regimes accountable for their human rights abuses.
Senator Rick Scott said, “As the Communist regime of Cuba and the Socialist regime of Venezuela commit horrific human rights abuses and continue to deny their people freedom, the freedom-loving nations of the world must stand strongly united against them. It is unacceptable for any nation that values freedom and democracy to give Miguel Díaz-Canel and Nicolás Maduro a platform to spread their lies. This is a mockery to the people of Cuba and Venezuela that fight hard every day and risk their lives for democracy. Mexico and the United States have been strong allies against this violence, and it is my sincere hope that President López Obrador will right the wrong of hosting these dictators and praising their close relationship. We must all join together and stand up for the people of Cuba and Venezuela to stop the genocide, terrorism and oppression that not only harms these families but continues to create instability across our hemisphere. America will always unapologetically defend freedom and democracy and fight alongside those facing oppression under these illegitimate regimes.”Read more HERE.
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El Senador Rick Scott emitió la siguiente declaración después de que el Presidente mexicano López Obrador recibiera a los brutales dictadores Miguel Díaz-Canel de Cuba y Nicolás Maduro de Venezuela para la Cumbre de la Comunidad de Estados Latinoamericanos y Caribeños (CELAC), que celebraba el 200° aniversario de la independencia centroamericana. El Senador Scott continúa exigiendo al gobierno de Biden y a la comunidad internacional que defiendan la libertad en Cuba, Venezuela y Nicaragua, rechacen dar voz a estos líderes opresores y responsabilicen a estos regímenes por sus abusos contra los derechos humanos.
El Senador Rick Scott dijo: “Mientras el régimen comunista de Cuba y el régimen socialista de Venezuela cometen horribles abusos contra los derechos humanos y continúan negando la libertad a su pueblo, las naciones amantes de la libertad alrededor del mundo deben permanecer firmes y unidas contra ellos. Es inaceptable que cualquier nación que valore la libertad y la democracia le dé a Miguel Díaz-Canel y Nicolás Maduro una plataforma para difundir sus mentiras. Esto es una burla al pueblo de Cuba y Venezuela que cada día lucha duro y arriesga su vida por la democracia. México y Estados Unidos han sido fuertes aliados contra esta violencia, y tengo la más sincera esperanza de que el presidente López Obrador corrija el error de acoger a estos dictadores y elogiar su estrecha relación. Todos debemos unirnos y defender al pueblo de Cuba y Venezuela para detener el genocidio, el terrorismo y la opresión que no solo perjudica a estas familias, sino que continúa creando inestabilidad en todo nuestro hemisferio. Estados Unidos siempre defenderá sin disculpas la libertad y la democracia y luchará junto a aquellos que enfrentan la opresión bajo estos regímenes ilegítimos”. Lea más AQUÍ.
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Sen. Rick Scott to OMB: Taxpayers Still Waiting for Answers on Trillions Allocated for COVID Relief
Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Acting Director Shalanda Young requesting an update on the trillions in tax dollars that has been already allocated to in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As Democrats in Congress try to push through a $5.5 trillion reckless tax-and-spending spree that will further fuel rising inflation caused by wasteful government spending, Senator Scott is calling for accountability for every single tax dollar spent to ensure it’s in the best interest of Florida families. Read more HERE.
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Senator Rick Scott released the below statement following the latest Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Uniform Crime Report that shows murders rose nearly 30 percent in 2020, the largest increase on record.
Senator Rick Scott said, “The Democrats’ celebration of violent riots in cities across the United States throughout 2020, and complete abandonment of law and order and lack of support for the brave men and women in law enforcement has had horrific consequences. Today’s announcement from the FBI shows just how tragic the cost to American communities can be when radical movements like defund the police take effect. We can never forget, these aren’t just statistics, these are Americans who have been lost due to a rash of violence in Democrat-run cities and states across our nation. As Governor of Florida, I proudly supported our state’s law enforcement and made sure they had what they needed to keep Florida safe. It’s thanks to their tireless work that our state has continued to see record-low crime rates. Now, as Florida’s U.S. Senator, I remain absolutely committed to supporting our state and nation’s heroic law enforcement officers. As Washington’s radical Left continues to drive their extremist agenda that’s endangering our communities, I won’t let them defund or disarm our hardworking police. Now more than ever, I will do everything in my power to ensure America’s law enforcement gets the support and respect they deserve to keep our families safe.” Read more HERE.
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Sen. Rick Scott Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with “Un Cafecito Con” Video Series
In recognition and celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month,, Senator Rick Scott announced the “Un cafecito con” video series. Over the coming weeks, Senator Scott will be interviewing Hispanic leaders from across Florida to highlight their incredible stories and recognize the countless contributions of the Hispanic community to the great state of Florida and to our country.
Senator Rick Scott said, “It’s an honor to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and recognize the history, culture and countless contributions of the Hispanic community to our great state of Florida and our nation. The Hispanic community has shaped Florida’s history, and is part of what makes our state the best place in the nation to live, work and visit. I’m proud to join leaders across Florida to share their incredible stories and rich cultural backgrounds. I encourage all Floridian to join me in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and learning more about all that our state’s Hispanic community has done for the Sunshine State.” See more HERE or in the video below.
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El Senador Rick Scott celebra el Mes de la Herencia Hispana con la serie de videos “Un Cafecito Con”
El Senador Rick Scott anunció hoy la serie de videos: “Un cafecito con” en reconocimiento al Mes de la Herencia Hispana. Durante las próximas semanas, el Senador Scott estará entrevistando diferentes líderes hispanos de toda Florida para descubrir las grandes historias detrás de ellos y reconocer las innumerables contribuciones de la comunidad hispana al gran estado de Florida y a nuestro país.
El Senador Rick Scott dijo: “Es un honor celebrar el Mes de la Herencia Hispana y reconocer la historia, la cultura y las innumerables contribuciones de la comunidad hispana al gran estado de Florida y a nuestro país. La comunidad hispana ha dado forma a la historia de Florida, y eso es parte de lo que hace que nuestro estado sea el mejor lugar de la nación para vivir, trabajar y visitar. Me enorgullece unirme a los líderes de Florida para compartir sus increíbles historias de éxito y antepasados. Animo a todos los floridanos a acompañarme a celebrar el Mes de la Herencia Hispana y conocer más sobre todo lo que la comunidad hispana ha hecho por el estado del sol”. Vea más en el video AQUÍ.
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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 as Democrats want to again raise the debt ceiling and give themselves a blank check for trillions more in reckless, wasteful spending that will only further fuel President Biden’s raging inflation crisis.
Senator Rick Scott said, “Reckless government spending causes inflation. We’ve seen the disastrous consequences of the Democrats’ radical spending plans in consistently rising inflation month after month. We know Democrats won’t stand up and fight for American families. They only care about getting their liberal wish list, no matter the cost. There will be a day of reckoning for this, and unfortunately, American families will pay the price if Democrats have their way. It’s time to say enough. Republicans won’t raise the debt ceiling. We won’t cut Democrats another blank check and allow them to keep hurting families with insane spending and raging inflation. We won’t let the total lack of accountability in Congress continue.” Read more HERE.
Sen. Rick Scott in Orlando Sentinel: GOP Won’t Fuel Inflation Crisis by Raising Debt Limit Senator Rick Scott wrote an op-ed for the Orlando Sentinel on why Senate Republicans will not support raising the debt ceiling and excuse the Democrats’ massive spending that is already hurting families by fueling a raging inflation crisis. Today, U.S. debt is nearly $30 TRILLION. Under the reckless tax-and-spending spree proposal drafted by socialist Bernie Sanders, Democrat spending would increase federal debt by more than $15 TRILLION, taking it to $45 TRILLION by 2031.
In the op-ed, Senator Rick Scott wrote, “In 2019, Congress voted to suspend the debt limit, letting the federal government rack up unlimited debt for two years. Now, the debt limit suspension has expired and congressional Democrats are pitching this as a decision point with only two options: vote to suspend the debt limit again or increase it.
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Republicans won’t stand for it. As spending bills by Democratic leadership rage out of control, we won’t vote to bail them out and cut them more blank checks to bury us in debt, increase America’s interest expense and fuel an already raging inflation crisis hurting families across Florida. It’s time for Democrats to own the debt crisis they created.
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Reckless spending has consequences, like rising inflation and growing government interest expenses. Recently, my office heard from a family in Kissimmee who is feeling the impacts of inflation firsthand. They are having a harder time putting food on the table and balancing the ability to keep their vehicle. That’s the effect of this irresponsible and dangerous path the Democrats are on.
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With interest rates at historic lows, the U.S. government is already spending nearly $345 billion annually on interest. Instead of funding infrastructure, defense or the environment, nearly $345 billion is just paying interest which provides zero return to American families. As the debt grows, this will only get worse.
How can Congress justify that? No family or business would keep spending more when you can’t afford the bills you already have. In the real world, it’s not the number of checks you have in your checkbook, it’s how much money you have left in the bank. But, for Congressional Democrats, it’s about spending until the checks are gone, ignoring the overdraft warnings, and then ordering more.
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It’s time to show President Biden and the liberals that their debt crisis has dangerous consequences that are wasting the hard-earned tax dollars of Florida families. I’ll keep fighting every day to put our nation on a successful path and ensure our future generations have every opportunity to live the American dream.”
Read the full op-ed in the Orlando Sentinel HERE.
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The Hill: $30 TRILLION: Rick Scott warns that debt will push America over a fiscal cliff
Forbes: ‘This Is Their Responsibility’: Rick Scott Blows Off Democratic Demands GOP Help Raise Debt Ceiling
CNBC: Sen. Rick Scott on China’s Evergrande and economic outlook
Newsmax: Sen. Rick Scott Blasts Dems Over Murder Rate Increase
Forbes: Rick Scott Calls Out Mayorkas For ‘Border Is Secure’ Comment To His Face
Media Research Center: Sen. Rick Scott: Government is Going to Have to Balance the Budget Eventually
Nexstar: US lawmakers seek answers as scammers continue to target seniors
Nexstar: Republican senators won’t budge on debt limit increase as Democrats push big spending bill
Florida Daily: Rick Scott: Congress Needs to Prioritize Funds for Military, Veterans and Seniors in Debt Ceiling Fight
El Nacional: Rick Scott: No country should give Maduro a platform to spread lies
Senator Scott has received his COVID-19 vaccine, and he encourages everyone consider doing the same. The COVID-19 vaccine works and is critical to ending the pandemic and saving lives. For more information and to find out where you can get the shot, visit floridahealthcovid19.gov/vaccines.
TALLAHASSEE
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The Melo Minute
Weekly Wrap-Up with Congressman Byron Donalds 09/20/21
From: Representative Byron Donalds <RepByronDonalds.noresponse@mail.house.gov>
Sent: Monday, September 20, 2021 10:17 AM
To: info@collierrepublicanmensclub.com
Subject: Weekly Wrap-Up with Congressman Byron Donalds
Weekly Wrap-Up with Congressman Byron DonaldsSeptember 20, 2021 Last week, the House of Representatives stood in recess, which afforded me much-needed time to travel throughout Southwest Florida, meet with local leaders, and tour small business owners of Florida’s 19th Congressional District. The mainstream media continues to ignore the ongoing humanitarian crisis occurring on our Southern Border, yet this past August was the second straight month in 2021 with over 200,000 apprehensions. Biden’s open border policies have failed this country and in turn, created the worst migrant crisis this country has ever seen. The images from the migrant facilities in Texas are harrowing, grave, and show the severity of this border crisis. The Biden Administration has denied the press from entering the migrant facilities, blocked drone usage over the Texas-Mexico Border, and both President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are refusing to answer questions. Customs & Border Patrol Agents are overwhelmed, American lives are in danger, and we have an administration that’s hiding. Biden’s open border policies are failing. It’s time for Joe Biden to return from vacation, address this crisis that his policies created, and take action now. Last week, Gen. Kenneth McKenzie of the Pentagon admitted that an August drone strike intended to target ISIS-K members killed 10 innocent Afghanistan civilians. This heartbreaking tragedy shows President Biden’s failed ability to serve as our commander in chief. The Afghanistan crisis keeps getting worse, and yet the Biden administration refuses to accept responsibility, and hold themselves accountable for their continued grave missteps. Gen. McKenzie announced in a press briefing that no disciplinary actions are expected for those responsible. This is a consequence of weakness in the White House. This ongoing crisis is a tragedy for our nation, and Joe Biden must resign. National Small Business Week highlighted the importance small businesses have on our local communities and our national economy. As the true backbone of our nation, it was a privilege to meet with small business owners in Southwest Florida face-to-face to talk about the issues they are facing, how COVID-19 impacted their business, and how the federal government can help them get back on their feet. Lastly, Erika and I extend our deepest condolences to the family of Gabby Petito. I commend the tremendous efforts of all the law enforcement officers involved, and I continue to wish them well as they investigate Gabby’s tragic passing. If you have any information, please call 1-800-CALL-FBI.Continue reading for an update on my office’s legislative efforts, events throughout Southwest Florida, and announcements from Capitol Hill!
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Press Release – Byron Donalds
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RPOF Newsletter – Chairmans Message – Joe Gruters
Chairman’s Message
We Remember
We all remember where we were on that bright September morning 20 years ago, when hatred of America, our freedoms and our way of life rained hell from an innocent blue sky. The horror of the passenger plane slamming into the World Trade Center. And when the second plane struck the second tower, we all knew it was an act of war. We watched the shocking collapse of the first tower as the bravest — firefighters and police — raced up the stairs to save lives, many of them giving the last full measure trying to save others. Then the second tower collapsed as New Yorkers raced away from the disaster. Men in suits and women in dresses, covered in ashes and shell-shocked, ran from the devastation. A vast emptiness haunted the Manhattan skyline above expanding smoke and debris.
We remember hearing the reports that in Washington, D.C. another passenger plane crashed into the Pentagon and the full horror and scale of the worst terrorist attack in our history took shape. We were glued to our TVs, often shifting between tears and rage. Commentators broke down. Everything was changing.
One more passenger plane remained unaccounted for. This one it turned out was aimed at the White House, ready to deliver a decimating blow to another American symbol. But the passengers on that plane had found out the evil that was in their midst, that was attacking their country that autumn morning, and they fought back. They stormed the cockpit, attacked the terrorist hijackers and in the end crashed the plane into a field in Pennsylvania.
We remember the self-sacrifice of so many. The bravery of so many that day continued as rescue teams searched for survivors for days and weeks. And the indomitable spirit of America rose through the smoldering Manhattan wreckage, captured in the moment that dirty, exhausted firefighters raised the American flag over the ruins, shades of Iwo Jima generations before.
That changed a nation, galvanizing us into action. The politics and policies of those actions can be debated by pundits and historians, but the courage, sacrifice and love of America permeated all of the fallout from the hate-filled terrorists: From the first resistance of passengers ultimately saving the White House and plunging their plane into a field, to the American soldiers who fought and sacrificed until last week in Afghanistan, leadership may fail at times, but the spirit of America lives on in the American people who continue to cherish and fight for the freedoms we’ve inherited.
We remember 9-11. We remember those lost that day. We remember those trying to save them who also didn’t come home. And we remember the cost of freedom.
Florida
Florida backs the blue for safe communities
While other parts of the country are defunding police, Governor DeSantis this weekproposed new initiatives to help departments across Florida hire more law enforcement officers to ensure the highest level of safety for all of Florida’s communities.
The three proposals, which will help Florida strengthen its law enforcement capabilities, include a $5,000 signing bonus for anybody who is new to law enforcement in the state; a recruitment program that covers “up to $1,000” of costs for moving to the state while paying for the Florida Officer Certification Exam; and the creation of a law enforcement academy scholarship program to provide additional help for new recruits.
“I am proud to highlight a legislative priority for this upcoming session – new initiatives to help our state recruit and retain talented and dedicated law enforcement officers,” Governor DeSantis said. “Florida values our law enforcement community, and we must provide them the support they need and deserve at the end of the day to protect and serve our state.”
Governor DeSantis was joined in the announcement by Attorney General Ashley Moody, members of the Legislature, and local law enforcement officials.
“As the wife of a law enforcement officer, I am so grateful that we have a Governor who understands and appreciates that our brave LEOs put their lives on the line every day to uphold the rule of law and protect Floridians,” Attorney General Moody said. “I could not be more thankful for Governor DeSantis’ efforts to support all of our law enforcement heroes. These recruitment initiatives demonstrate our appreciation and commitment to the men and women who choose to wear the badge and serve as a reminder to our frontline heroes that we have their backs.”
Read more here: https://www.foxnews.com/politics/florida-desantis-incentives-law-enforcement
Watch the full press conference here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=2034130266736110&ref=watch_permalink
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It’s simple: Parental control. Not government and union control.
As usual, the media continues to get it wrong. The child masking fight is not about what unions want or what administrators want or what schools want. Nor is it ultimately about the efficacy of masking. It’s totally about parental control. Who is the ultimate authority in a child’s life? Parents? Or some combination of government and unions acting in their own interests or for political gain?
Governor DeSantis has made it perfectly clear that the right answer is parental control. Parents should be the ultimate authority in the rearing of their children, and that includes masking them or not masking them in schools. As our Founders so brilliantly proclaimed at the birth of our nation, the government is instituted to protect rights, not take them away.
If a parent wants their child to wear a mask, they should be free to have them wear one. If a parent does not want their child masked, they should be free to not do so. They have the right to choose for their own children — not for other children through the proxy of government. And the Governor is determined to protect that right, which the Founders would agree is his duty and responsibility.
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Governor DeSantis announced more rapid response monoclonal centers have been established and that more than 65,000 Floridians have received the lifesaving antibody treatment.The Governor was in St. Cloud, Sebring and Palm Coast this week to announce the opening of new facilities and let local residents tell their success stories with the treatment. Florida now has 25 such treatment centers operating.
“There were not a lot of people who knew about this, and those that did weren’t sure where to get it,” he said. “We think this will be very helpful for folks in Osceola County. We’re trying to make it as accessible as possible.”
People 12 years old and older who are high-risk and who test positive or been exposed to COVID-19 are eligible for this treatment. Treatment is free and vaccination status does not matter. “Early is the key, if you do it early, the results are very good,” Governor DeSantis said.
For the full list of locations for the lifesaving antibody treatment, click here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/09/08/governor-ron-desantis-announces-opening-of-new-monoclonal-antibody-sites-in-flagler-and-highlands-counties/
Read more here: https://www.wesh.com/article/desantis-to-hold-news-conference-with-fdem-chief-medical-officer/37500165#
Washington, D.C.
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio and Congressman John Rutherford are sponsoring a bill to help first responders and teachers with first home ownership called Homes for Every Local Protector, Educator and Responder (HELPER) Act.
The legislation, which each Republican is sponsoring in their respective chambers and have gathered dozens of cosponsors, will help provide homeownership opportunities by eliminating the down payment and monthly mortgage insurance premiums for first responders and teachers making their first home purchase. That would save them thousands of dollars over several years and open up an opportunity that they might otherwise not get.
“This is not a measure of charity. It’s not a nice thing to do,” Senator Rubio said. “It’s a necessity. If you go anywhere in the state, and I would envision probably many places in this country, one of the biggest challenges we are facing is the cost of housing.”
Senator Rubio said many counties in Florida are served by firefighters, police officers, nurses and teachers that cannot afford to live in those counties because of the cost of housing. This bill would help that. Congressman Rutherford agreed.
“We needed a program that would allow first responders, our police, fire, our paramedics, our nurses and our educators, to be able to move into a home with no down payment,” The Congressman said. “With no mortgage interest payment every month, and really make that home ownership available to them.”
Social Media Highlights
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NEWS ALERT! Senator Rick Scott is Fighting to Make Washington Work
NEWS ALERT!Senator Rick Scott is Fighting to Make Washington Work |
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| Senator Rick Scott ran for the U.S. Senate on a platform to Make Washington Work for American families, and is fighting every day to uphold the ideals that make America the best place in the world to live, work and raise a family. As Florida’s U.S. Senator, he’s introduced several pieces of legislation to reform the tired, dysfunctional ways of Washington, including his No Budget, No Pay proposal, term limits for members of Congress, a permanent lobbying ban for former members of Congress, and his bill to make sure members of Congress are accountable to the taxpayers and actually read the bills they are voting on. Senator Scott is also working to address America’s nearly $30 trillion federal debt crisis by fighting Democrats’ wasteful, reckless spending, ensuring a good return on every tax dollar spent and reducing government waste, so our nation can be on a successful and sustainable path for generations to come.
See more of Senator Scott’s efforts to make Washington work below. |
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| Sen. Rick Scott Leads Colleagues in Rule Change to Expose the Impacts of Reckless Government Spending on Inflation
Senators Rick Scott, Jim Risch, Thom Tillis, Roger Marshall, Marco Rubio and Joni Ernst introduced an amendment to the Senate Rules to require that all bills passed by Senate committees include inflationary impact statements so Americans can see the true impacts of government spending. Congressman Jim Banks introduced the companion bill in the House last month. Senator Rick Scott said, “American families are worried about growing inflation. I’ve heard countless stories from families across Florida that are having to cut back on purchases because of rising costs. We know that reckless government spending causes inflation, but President Biden and the Democrats have absolutely no plans to slow down spending or get our debt under control. It’s shameful and I won’t just stand by while they try to drive our nation further into the ground with these horrible policies. Congress must get real about the true cost on every American family that this recklessness brings and start spending responsibly. That’s why I’m introducing a proposed rule change in the Senate today to require every piece of legislation passed by a committee to include a report on how it will impact inflation. The American people deserve to know how their tax dollars are being spent and each bill’s impact on inflation. I look forward to my colleagues supporting this measure to increase spending transparency.” Read more HERE. |
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| Democrats Block Sen. Rick Scott Proposal to Expose the Impacts of Reckless Government Spending on Inflation
Senator Rick Scott asked for unanimous consent on the Senate floor to pass his amendment to require that all bills passed by the Senate committees include inflationary impact statements so Americans can see the true impacts of government spending. Senate Democrats blocked its passage. Congressman Jim Banks introduced the companion bill in the House last month. See his speech on the Senate floor HERE or below. |
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| Sen. Rick Scott on “Infrastructure” CBO Score: The American People Deserve Better
Following the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) releasing its analysis of the Senate’s proposed $1.2 TRILLION “infrastructure” spending bill, Senator Rick Scott released the below statement. Senator Rick Scott said, “Last night, Senate Democrats blocked my proposal to ensure reckless government spending does not increase inflation and raise prices even higher for American families. Now, we see in this new CBO report that the proposed ‘infrastructure’ spending bill, which isn’t paid for, will add $256 BILLION to our national deficit, further fueling President Biden’s inflation crisis. I fully support spending on infrastructure. We did it when I was Governor of Florida and we should do it at the federal level – but it has to be paid for. We can’t forget, this is just the first part of Senator Schumer’s $5.5 TRILLION tax and spending spree. We cannot afford this reckless spending. Florida families cannot afford even more inflation and higher prices. The American people deserve better.” Read more HERE. |
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| Sen. Rick Scott: Congress Cannot Increase the Debt Ceiling Without Major Spending Reform
Senator Rick Scott released the following statement demanding Congress take action to get America’s nearly $30 trillion federal debt under control and urging his colleagues to refuse to increase the debt ceiling without also enacting true spending reform. For months, Senator Scott has been warning of the dangerous consequences of Washington’s reckless spending and the nation’s rapidly growing debt. Today, the Congressional Budget Office released a report highlighting the dire nature of the federal debt crisis. In April, Senator Scott secured an amendment to the rules of the Senate Republican Conference resolving that any increase in the debt ceiling should be accompanied by cuts in federal spending of an equal or greater amount as the debt ceiling increase, or meaningful structural reform in spending. Senator Rick Scott said, “America’s nearly $30 TRILLION debt crisis cannot be ignored. Today, I am urging every member of Congress to protect the fiscal security of our nation by refusing to increase the debt ceiling unless it is accompanied by true structural spending reform. We must end the reckless waste of taxpayer dollars. “We need real spending reform before we consider increasing the debt ceiling. We need reform like my Federal Debt Emergency Control Act, which prevents Washington politicians from mindlessly spending by requiring that two-thirds of the Senate vote to increase the debt before approving any bill. This isn’t political, it’s good government and it’s commonsense. Every fiscally responsible Republican and Democrat should be focused on the debt crisis before us. We cannot allow Congress to continue mortgaging the futures of our children and grandchildren.” Read more HERE. |
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| Sen. Rick Scott Introduces Federal Debt Emergency Control Act to Fight Washington’s Spending & Debt Crisis
Senator Rick Scott led Senators Ted Cruz, Mike Braun, Marsha Blackburn, Ron Johnson, John Barrasso, Joni Ernst and Tommy Tuberville in introducing the Federal Debt Emergency Control Act to rein in Washington’s out-of-control spending and provide a concrete path forward to tackle the nation’s nearly $30 trillion debt. The Federal Debt Emergency Control Act is endorsed by the National Taxpayers Union, the Council for Citizens Against Government Waste, Americans for Tax Reform, Americans for Prosperity, FreedomWorks, and Club for Growth. The Federal Debt Emergency Control Act:
Senator Rick Scott said, “America is in a debt crisis. Our nation is barreling toward $30 trillion in debt – an unimaginable $233,000 in debt for every family in America. It’s a crisis caused by decades of wasteful and reckless spending by Washington politicians. Now, President Biden is continuing this way of governing by pushing for trillions in wasteful spending, raising the U.S. federal debt by 60% to $39 trillion and the debt-to-GDP ratio to 117% in 2030, the highest level ever recorded in American history. Spending beyond our means has consequences. We’re already seeing rising inflation, which disproportionately hurts the poorest families, like mine growing up. “That’s why today, I am leading my colleagues in introducing the Federal Debt Emergency Control Act to rein in Washington’s out of control spending. This includes preventing Washington politicians from mindlessly spending by requiring that two-thirds of the Senate vote to increase the debt before approving any bill. I look forward to every fiscally responsible Republican and Democrat working with me to quickly pass the Federal Debt Emergency Control Act.” Read more HERE. |
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| Sen. Rick Scott, Colleagues Reintroduce Bipartisan No Budget, No Pay to Hold Members of Congress Accountable
Senators Rick Scott, Joe Manchin, Mike Braun, John Barrasso, Richard Burr, Shelley Moore Capito, Joni Ernst, Maggie Hassan and Kyrsten Sinema reintroduced their No Budget, No Pay legislation. The common-sense No Budget, No Pay bill requires members of Congress to do their job and work together to pass a budget and meet appropriations bill deadlines, or forgo their own salaries until the job is done. Senator Rick Scott said, “There is no reason members of Congress should be held to a different standard than any other American family or business. In the real world, if you don’t do your job, you don’t get paid. Our No Budget, No Pay bill simply requires Congress to pass an annual budget and meet appropriations bill deadlines, or forgo their taxpayer-funded salaries until the job is done. Accountability shouldn’t be controversial.” Read more HERE. |
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| Sen. Rick Scott Leads Colleagues in Introducing Federal Agency Sunset Commission Act to Fight Washington’s Waste
Senators Rick Scott, Joni Ernst, Mike Braun, Mike Crapo and Thom Tillis introduced the Federal Agency Sunset Commission Act to help streamline operations and identify inefficiencies of bloated federal agencies in order to reduce waste and save taxpayer dollars. The Federal Agency Sunset Commission Act creates a review process to routinely evaluate the efficiency of federal agencies, justify their existence in their current structure, and offer recommendations for change in the form of proposed legislation. Representative Michael Cloud introduced the companion bill in the House of Representatives. Senator Rick Scott said, “Our nation is on track to reach $30 trillion in debt and reckless, unaccountable spending by politicians in Washington has put us on a path of economic self-destruction. We have to take action. One way we can actually protect the American taxpayer is by routinely evaluating the usefulness of our government agencies and identifying their inefficiencies. I did it as Governor of Florida, and it saved Florida taxpayers millions of dollars. The Federal Agency Sunset Commission Act will help eliminate waste and redundancies throughout the federal government, and make Washington work better for American families.” Read more HERE. |
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| Sens. Rick Scott and Mike Braun Re-Introduce Legislation to Make Washington Work for Americans
Senators Rick Scott and Mike Braun re-introduced the End Pensions In Congress (EPIC) Act to end taxpayer-funded pensions for members of the United States House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. Currently, members of Congress are eligible for their federal pension after just five years of service, providing a financial incentive to would-be career politicians. Senators Scott and Braun also re-introduced their legislation, the Banning Lobbying and Safeguarding Trust (BLAST) Act, to implement a permanent lobbying ban for former members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. Senator Rick Scott said, “Washington is broken, and that’s due in part to self-interested politicians who are more focused on getting high-paying lobbying gigs and generous taxpayer-funded pensions than serving the taxpayers who elected them. We need to end the concept of career politicians if we ever want to change Washington and make government work for American families. That means we need term limits for all members of Congress, a permanent lobbying bans for former members, and an end to lucrative taxpayer-funded pensions. Members of Congress shouldn’t be using their elected position to get rich – period. I’m proud to join Senator Braun on common sense solutions to make Washington work for families across the nation.” Read more HERE. |
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| Sen. Rick Scott Leads Colleagues in Legislation Requiring Lawmakers to Read Bills Before Voting
Senators Rick Scott, Joni Ernst, Roger Marshall, Josh Hawley, and John Kennedy introduced legislation to require members of Congress to have enough time to read bills before voting on them and certify that they have read every bill they cast a vote on. This legislation comes as Senate Democrats try to push through a more than 600-page COVID-19 spending bill, which prioritizes their wasteful, liberal agenda over actual COVID relief. Only 10 percent of the funding in the Democrats’ bill is dedicated to actual COVID relief and less than one percent is committed to critical vaccine initiatives. Senator Rick Scott said, “Too often, lawmakers in Washington pass bills without having time to read them before they vote. These are new laws that impact American families and businesses and sometimes even authorize billions or trillions in tax dollar spending. Scary, right? It’s ridiculous Washington dysfunction, and it has to end. I’m proud to lead my colleagues in making sure members of Congress get to work for the American people and actually read bills before casting their votes.” Read more HERE. |
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| Senator Rick Scott Joins Senator Cynthia Lummis to Introduce Bill to Empower State and Local Governments to Help Reduce National Debt
U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Rick Scott (R-FL) introduced the Pay Down the Debt Act of 2021, a bill that would permit state and local governments to redirect grants they receive from the federal government toward reducing federal deficit spending, giving concerned state and local leaders a way to help address the staggering national debt that our nation faces. Congress passed the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan in March, and numerous states have since opted out of an extra unemployment payment included in the law. Senator Rick Scott said, “Our nation is nearing $30 trillion in debt and President Biden and the Democrats continue to spend American taxpayer dollars with reckless abandon. Anyone in state and local government who calls themselves a fiscal conservative knows there is no such thing as free money. This is American taxpayer money and lawmakers have a responsibility to spend it wisely. Governors, mayors and state legislatures across the country need to stand up and say the disastrous fiscal path we’re headed down is wrong. Our bill promotes fiscal responsibility by allowing them to redirect grants they receive from the federal government, like the hundreds of billions in bailouts allocated by the Democrats’ American Rescue Plan, toward reducing federal deficit spending.” Read more HERE. |
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| Senator Rick Scott Joins Senator Ted Cruz and Colleagues to Introduce Constitutional Amendment Imposing Congressional Term Limits
Senator Rick Scott joined Senator Ted Cruz and colleagues to reintroduce an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would impose term limits on Members of Congress. U.S. Senators would be limited to two six-year terms and members of the House of Representatives to three two year terms. Read more HERE. |
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| Sen. Rick Scott in the South Florida Sun Sentinel: Washington’s Hard-Left Turn Doesn’t Work for Florida Families
Senator Rick Scott wrote an op-ed for the South Florida Sun Sentinel on how Washington’s dysfunction is at an all-time high, with Democrats refusing to negotiate on even the most common-sense issues. Senator Scott campaigned on a platform to Make Washington Work for American families, and has introduced several pieces of legislation to reform the tired, dysfunctional ways of Washington, including his No Budget, No Pay proposal, term limits for members of Congress, a permanent lobbying ban for former members of Congress, and his bill to make sure members of Congress are accountable to the taxpayers and actually read the bills they are voting on. In the op-ed, Senator Rick Scott wrote, “When I was elected as Florida’s U.S. senator, I knew Washington was dysfunctional. Two years in and it’s worse than you can imagine. People don’t talk to each other in the halls. The concept of bipartisanship is dead on arrival. President Biden’s disingenuous calls for unity fell on deaf ears as his administration and the Democrats refused to negotiate on even the most common-sense issues. I came to Washington after completely turning Florida’s economy around during my eight years as governor. We can turn our entire nation around and uphold the ideals that make America the best place in the world to live, work and raise a family – but first, we have to change Washington. Recently, Sen. Ron Johnson was criticized for making sure that Democrats’ 600-page, massive spending bill was actually read before members voted on it. The Democrats fought against this effort for transparency in order to rush through and pass a $2 trillion bill that devotes less than 10 percent of its funding to COVID-19. For them, the more Americans are kept in the dark, the better. That’s wrong and why I introduced legislation to make sure members of Congress are accountable to the taxpayers and actually read the bills they are voting on. Finally, to Make Washington Work, we have to end government waste. America is in a $30 trillion debt crisis and so many in Washington, namely the Biden Administration, couldn’t care less. Here’s what they don’t want Americans to know — as reckless spending continues to increase the federal debt, inflation will rise with it. For American families that means rising costs on everyday necessities, like groceries and gas. I grew up in public housing and watched my parents struggle to find work and make ends meet. I never want a family to go through what mine did growing up and I know that the last thing hurting families need to worry about is higher prices on our most essential goods. We simply cannot waste any more taxpayer dollars and expect our nation to be on a successful and sustainable path. As your senator, it’s my job to keep you informed of what’s going on in this unusual place and keep you updated on every step I am taking in my fight to make Washington work for Florida’s families. I plan to do just that.” Read the full op-ed in the South Florida Sun Sentinel HERE. |
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| Sens. Rick Scott, Cynthia Lummis in Fox News: Our national debt is almost $30 trillion – let conservative states lead on reducing it
Senators Rick Scott and Cynthia Lummis wrote an op-ed on how Washington’s status quo of reckless and wasteful spending, which is leading our nation to $30 trillion in debt and rising inflation, isn’t working. In their op-ed, Senators Scott and Lummis detail what must be done to address America’s debt crisis and how their legislation, the Pay Down the Debt Act, will help fix it. In the op-ed, Senators Rick Scott and Cynthia Lummis wrote, “With our national debt nearing a staggering $30 trillion, one would think that President Joe Biden would be ready to take a hard look at our spending and find ways to reduce it. Instead, in the just over 100 days that Joe Biden has been president, he’s proposed more than $6 trillion in new spending. Even more troubling is that Biden refuses to address the basic question we and many Americans keep asking: ‘How do you plan to pay for all of this, Joe?’ We know that Biden can’t tax his way out of his own massive spending problem – but that won’t stop him from trying. His proposed tax increases would do more to wreck our economy than pay this tab. Clearly, something must change. It is up to all of us to do our part to reduce the national debt. As part of our commitment to taxpayers in our home states of Florida and Wyoming, as well as the entire nation, we’ve just introduced legislation to change the status quo. Our bill, the Pay Down the Debt Act, would prevent any federal grant funds refused by a fiscally responsible state government from going to another state. Instead, our bill would require those funds to go to reduce our national debt. Fiscally conservative citizens and elected officials must do everything in our power to reverse the direction of our deficit and debt spending. The future of our children and grandchildren depend on our actions. This legislation is a real step to start reining in spending and reducing our debt. For every dollar this legislation saves today, it is one less one that we have to pay back tomorrow.” Read the full op-ed in Fox News HERE. |
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