Senator Passidomo January 15 update

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Today concludes the first of the Legislature’s Interim Committee Weeks ahead of the 2021 Legislative Session.  In anticipation of the upcoming committee hearings and other meetings in Tallahassee, I took a COVID-19 test on Thursday, January 7.  On Sunday, January 10, I learned that my test result was positive.

I am fortunate to have experienced only mild, cold-like symptoms.  Out of extreme caution for the health and safety of my colleagues and staff, and in accordance with Florida Senate protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic, I have been self-isolating at home.  Though I was not physically in Tallahassee, there was work to be done and my schedule was full.  I was able to participate in briefings, committee hearings and meetings this week by phone, Zoom and over the Florida Channel.

I look forward to returning to Tallahassee soon and rejoining my colleagues at the Capitol to represent District 28.  I hope you are in good health and remain safe for the coming year.

Diaz-Balart Applauds Sanctions Against Cuban Ministry of Interior and its Leader

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Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) designated the Cuban Ministry of Interior and the Minister of Interior, Lazaro Alberto Álvarez Casas, for serious human rights abuse and corruption around the world.

“Today’s sanctions on Cuba’s MININT, which is responsible for brutal repression against the Cuban people, and Lazaro Alberto Álvarez Casas, for human rights abuses is another appropriate action by the Trump Administration to hold the Cuban dictatorship accountable for its horrors. While Cuba’s pro-democracy opposition continues to endure increasing repression, this step shows that the atrocities committed by the Cuban regime’s human rights abusers, will have consequences. I commend the Trump Administration for its tough stand against tyranny and its solidarity with the Cuban people in their struggle for freedom.”

Diaz-Balart Will Continue as Leading Republican on T-HUD Appropriations Subcommittee

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Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) was re-elected by the House Republican Steering Committee to continue his service as the leading Republican on the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriation Subcommittee.

“I am grateful to my colleagues, the Steering Committee, and Ranking Member Granger for reiterating their trust in me, and, once again, electing me to be the lead Republican on the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Subcommittee on Appropriations. During my years on T-HUD, as former Chairman and now Ranking Member, I have brought millions of federal dollars to South Florida to support our veterans, the elderly, the disabled, and other vulnerable populations. These federal dollars were especially evident when Miami-Dade County effectively ended veteran homelessness in 2018.

“I have also worked diligently to maintain and upgrade our nation’s roadways, seaports, transit systems, and airports. Further, I have successfully been able to bring these investments into our community. Whether through the first federal capital for the SMART plan, PortMiami receiving the largest grant for port infrastructure development, or helping to build the Underline, I am thankful to have been at the forefront of obtaining these funds.

“I’m thrilled to continue working on the T-HUD Subcommittee, and I again thank my colleagues for this opportunity. I look forward to continuing this collaboration in the 117th Congress.”

Vaccine Distribution is Number One in Nation – CDC Adopts Florida Plan

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Our Governor Ron DeSantis is continuing to travel that state and has remained laser-focused on keeping Florida’s Seniors First by leading the way on prioritizing those 65 and older for the vaccine (issued January 11, 2021).   In fact, on Tuesday, January 12, 2021, the CDC reversed course following Florida’s lead of immunizing seniors who are 65 years of age and older.  Gov. DeSantis’ strategy went above and beyond recommended guidelines issued by the federal government. Once again, our state is leading by example and our Governor and his administration are taking all the steps necessary to ensure the safety of Floridians.

As the state heads into its fifth week of COVID-19 vaccine distribution, Florida has vaccinated nearly 350,000 seniors – more than any other state in the nation that’s reporting updates on this critical effort.

In case you missed it, we are including a press release that was issued last night by Governor Ron DeSantis’ office.  You can read it below. You can also watch a video that his office released earlier yesterday by clicking here.

CDC to Reverse Course and Follow Florida’s Lead Prioritizing “Seniors First” for Vaccinations

Per reports, the United States Center for Disease Control (CDC) will announce new vaccine deployment recommendations that mirror Florida’s unique strategy. Florida’s fifth week of vaccine distribution is currently underway, and the state has continued to prioritize vaccine access to seniors age 65 and older – a strategy that initially went above and beyond recommended guidelines issued by the federal government.

Florida has vaccinated nearly 350,000 seniors – more than any other state in the nation that’s reporting updates on this critical effort.

Our state is home to more than 4.5 million seniors, and both nationwide and in Florida, seniors 65 and older have more severe risks, accounting for more than 80% of all COVID related deaths. The Governor has made it clear this population is his top priority.

Innovative pilot programs, such as the ones we’ve launched with Publix as well as with our places of worship, will ensure the vaccine is as accessible as possible and incentivize swift deployment by our partners on the ground. The state has also worked across sectors to develop innovative and unique sites to increase vaccine access statewide. Such locations include:

  • Places of Worship
  • State-Run Testing Sites
  • Partnership with Publix
  • Supplementing LTC Facility Federal Efforts
  • Senior Living Communities

As vaccine distribution expands to wider populations, Florida will continue this stride and develop multi-faceted resources to ensure Floridians have access to the COVID-19 vaccine. For more information on vaccines and access, please visit the Florida Department of Health.

Diaz-Balart: The Trump Administration has Placed the Cuban Regime Back Where it Belongs

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Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) issued the following statement after the Department of State announced its designation of the Cuban regime as a State Sponsor of Terrorism (SST).

“The Trump Administration has placed the Cuban regime back where it belongs— on the SST list — due to its support of terrorist groups such as the FARC and ELN, harboring fugitives such as an FBI Most Wanted Terrorist Joanne Chesimard and propping up the Maduro regime. The previous administration should never have delisted the Cuban regime in 2015, particularly at a time when the regime’s intelligence services are assisting international terrorist organizations and assisting in the brutal suppression of the Venezuelan people. The Trump administration has once again kept its promise to hold the malevolent, anti-American regime in Cuba accountable for its actions. The Cuban regime has oppressed the Cuban people, aided terrorist organizations, and wreaked havoc throughout our hemisphere. That is why President Reagan included it in the SST list in 1982. I applaud the Trump Administration’s decision to place the regime on that list once again.”

In 2019, Diaz-Balart sent a letter to Secretary Pompeo urging him to reclassify the Cuban dictatorship as a State Sponsor of Terrorism.

Welcome 2021 – A New Begining

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Russell Tuff, President Collier County Republican Men’s Club

Hello, I’m Russell Tuff and was appointed as your President of the Men’s Republican Club of Collier County.

First, I would like to shower Jim Carter (former president) with a great debt of gratitude for bringing the club from a small group gathering to a strong, robust organization during his tenure. When you look around the room and feel that sense of comradery with like minded people, it was Carters efforts that made that possible.

Next, we had two other dedicated board members that worked tirelessly and diligently to assist Carter that past years and their work and effort should be acknowledged. They were instrumental in putting plans and actions into place. These two men include, John Thomas and Chad Gillenwater. They did more than you will ever know and were quiet in not getting the just recognition for a job well done.

We welcome new board and officer members Mark Batchelor, Glenn Brown, and Reg Buxton. They join Randy Cash, John Dugan, Pete Koenig, Michael Nadolski, Jerry Sanford.

The new board and officers can be seen here.

What can you expect over the next two years from your new men’s club president?

Jim Carter agreed to assist in continuing to arrange program speakers, so you can expect the same high level of speakers as in the past.

We’ve created a new position of Vice-President of Business Development, which will be chaired by Reg Buxton. We hope to capture more inclusion from the Naples businesses and residents and engage them in our efforts to carry out the belief’s we hold dear. See those beliefs here.

In addition, we will be expanding our Outreach effort through local media, electronic media, and PR methods to improve our standing in the community and demonstrate the benefits of carrying out the Republican beliefs mentioned before.

We will continue our scholarship efforts to encourage our youth to strive for the ideals we have been raised to believe; Respect for Life, Respect for the Constitution, Limited Government, and Personal Responsibility.

Membership will be aggressively pursued to assist in growing and strengthening the Republican Image in Naples/Collier County. We need everyone’s help to spread the word

We will develop closer relationships and sharing of information with the other Republican organizations in the community, as working together we will all be stronger.

I look forward to serving as your president and assisting our great board and officers in the future. I’m honored and humbled that you put me in this position, and I will need your help to achieve any of the goals listed.

Here’s to a great 2021!

Russell Tuff

President

Collier County Republican Men’s Club

Senator Rick Scott January 9th Weekly Update

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This week, America watched as a group of lawless thugs stormed the Capitol, incited violence, and attacked our democracy and our American ideals. Their actions were disgraceful and un-American – that is not what our country stands for. Everyone has a right to peacefully protest. No one has a right to commit violence, and those responsible for this heinous attack must be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

The Electoral College has spoken, the President has committed to an orderly transition and that process is underway. Senator Scott is urging the President to reconsider his decision to skip the inauguration, which is an important tradition that demonstrates the peaceful transfer of power to our people and to the world. It’s time to move our nation forward.

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

Sen. Rick Scott Asks President Trump to Reconsider Skipping the Inauguration

Senator Rick Scott released the below statement following President Trump’s decision not to attend the inauguration of President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris.

Senator Rick Scott said, “I am urging the President to reconsider his decision to skip the inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. He is, of course, not constitutionally required to attend and I can imagine losing an election is very hard, but I believe he should attend. I plan to attend and believe it is an important tradition that demonstrates the peaceful transfer of power to our people and to the world.” Read more HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott Calls for Investigation into Vaccine Distribution Mismanagement

Senator Rick Scott released the below statement calling for accountability following reports that MorseLife Health System, a nursing home and assisted-living facility in West Palm Beach, Fla., offered vaccines intended for residents to members of the board and major donors.

Senator Rick Scott said, “I applaud the Administration’s tireless efforts to develop the vaccines and quickly distribute millions of doses to our states. Right now, the priority is getting these vaccines out to those that need it most. The first priority is our seniors and vulnerable population, and our healthcare and frontline workers. It is absolutely disgusting and immoral that anyone would take vaccines intended for nursing home residents to distribute them to their friends. This type of gross mismanagement will not be tolerated, and those responsible must be held accountable. We have to do everything possible to get this vaccine out in an efficient and fair manner, and I am calling for a full Congressional investigation into reports of improper vaccine distribution.” Read more HERE.

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El Senador Rick Scott pide una investigación sobre el mal manejo de la distribución de vacunas

El Senador Rick Scott hizo la siguiente declaración pidiendo una investigación luego de informes de que MorseLife Health System en West Palm Beach, Florida, ofreciera vacunas destinadas para sus residentes a miembros de su junta de directores y donantes.

El Senador Rick Scott dijo: “Aplaudo los esfuerzos de la Administración para desarrollar la vacuna y distribuir de manera rápida millones de dosis a los estados. En este momento, la prioridad es hacer llegar estas vacunas a quienes más las necesitan. La primera prioridad son las personas mayores y de poblaciones vulnerables, y nuestros trabajadores de la salud y emergencia. Es absolutamente repugnante e inmoral que alguien tome vacunas destinadas a los residentes de un hogar de ancianos para distribuirlas entre sus amigos. Este tipo de mala administración no será tolerada y los responsables deben rendir cuentas. Tenemos que hacer todo lo posible para que esta vacuna salga de una manera eficiente y justa, y pido que el Congreso lleve a cabo una investigación sobre los informes de distribución inadecuada de vacunas”.  Lea más AQUÍ.

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Sen. Rick Scott Requests Additional Information on Florida’s Vaccine Distribution Plans

Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to Florida Department of Health Secretary and State Surgeon General Scott A. Rivkees, M.D. requesting additional information on the State of Florida’s plans to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine to Floridians as safely and efficiently as possible. By the end of next week, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will have delivered more than 20 million doses of vaccines to states, with Florida being allocated 1.47 million doses. Read more, including the full letter, HERE.

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Sen. Rick Scott Fights to Defend Free and Fair Elections

Senator Rick Scott released the below statement ahead of Congress’ electoral college vote count.

Senator Rick Scott said, “I’ve thought long and hard about the question before the U.S. Congress today. I’ve heard from constituents across Florida and across the country and I’ve listened to their concerns about the way this election was carried out. I share many of their concerns.

“During today’s proceedings, I will listen to any and all objections that are raised. I will pay careful attention to the evidence and arguments presented by both sides.

“The situation in Pennsylvania is of particular concern to me, and I will likely vote to sustain the objection to their slate of electors. The actions of the Governor’s Administration and the courts in Pennsylvania pose a serious threat to the integrity of future elections. The Democrat Governor of Pennsylvania, along with state courts, made a decision to allow votes to be counted that came in after election day, even if they did not have a postmark, in defiance of state law. This is absurd, and cannot be tolerated. It also appears that Pennsylvania enacted policies in direct conflict with its own state constitution, which is also unacceptable. We simply cannot tolerate partisan political attempts to change the rules and tip the scales in our elections. In October, Supreme Court Justices Alito, Gorsuch and Thomas warned that the reckless actions of Pennsylvania’s Governor and Secretary of State might result in ‘serious post-election problems’ and they were right. Both of these matters are still pending at the United States Supreme Court and it would be prudent for Congress to object to Pennsylvania’s electors until these important constitutional questions are resolved.

“Democrats who are arguing that Republicans fighting to protect the integrity of every vote are a threat to democracy are the same people who tried to overturn the election of Donald Trump every day since he was sworn into office after winning legitimately in 2016. Democrat efforts to impeach President Trump – aided by their allies in the media – were a political coup attempt, an illegitimate effort to remove a president from office because Democrats didn’t like the result of the election.

“In September, I introduced the VOTER Act, which would address systemic problems in voting systems across the country and rebuild trust in our electoral process. It would mandate Voter ID in every state, institute measures to ensure timely results and create uniform national standards for voting by mail. I believe it is a strong path forward to prevent a repeat of the 2020 election and I will be reintroducing this bill at the earliest opportunity.” Read more HERE.
Fox News: Rick Scott calls for congressional probe of allegations rich donors got nursing home COVID-19 vaccines

In case you missed it, Senator Rick Scott is calling for accountability and a Congressional investigation following reports that MorseLife Health System, a nursing home and assisted-living facility in West Palm Beach, Fla., offered vaccines intended for residents to members of the board and major donors.

Read more in the Fox News article, Rick Scott calls for congressional probe of allegations rich donors got nursing home COVID-19 vaccines, below:

“Sen. Rick Scott said the alleged actions of a Florida nursing home to distribute vaccines to wealthy donors instead of elderly residents is ‘absolutely disgusting,’ and called for a congressional investigation. 

‘It is absolutely disgusting and immoral that anyone would take vaccines intended for nursing homes to distribute them to their friends,’ the Florida Republican wrote on Twitter. ‘I am calling for a full Congressional investigation into reports of improper vaccine distribution by MorseLife Health System.’

… According to first-hand accounts published by The Washington Post, MorseLife offered vaccines allocated by the federal government not only to its residents and staff but also to board members and those who had made generous donations to the facility, including members of Palm Beach Country Club. Some reportedly accepted the offer…”

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AP: ‘Absolutely Disgusting’: Rick Scott Criticizes Florida Company Accused of Steering Vaccines to Rich Donors

Politico: Scott demands federal probe of Florida’s vaccine distribution

New York Post: Sen. Rick Scott, staff won’t take COVID vaccine before at-risk groups

The Hill: GOP Sen. Rick Scott, staff to wait to get COVID-19 vaccine

Newsmax: Rick Scott Urges Trump to Attend Biden Inauguration

The Hill: Rick Scott urges Trump to reconsider skipping Biden’s inauguration

WFLA: Sen. Rick Scott asks Trump to reconsider skipping Biden’s inauguration

Tallahassee Democrat: Rick Scott to Surgeon General Scott Rivkees: Explain Florida COVID vaccine plan

Tampa Bay Times: Rick Scott says he’s ‘likely’ to reject Pennsylvania electors when Congress votes

Sun Sentinel: Florida Sen. Rick Scott votes to uphold objection to Pennsylvania results; Marco Rubio rejects objection there and in Arizona

WTXL: Sen. Rick Scott urges Trump to reconsider attending inauguration

WEAR: Florida Sen. Rick Scott 1 of 7 who voted against Biden’s win in Pennsylvania

WESH: Florida Sen. Rick Scott calls for Congress to finish work after ‘thugs’ storm Capitol

WOFL: Rick Scott calls for congressional probe of allegations rich donors got nursing home COVID-19 vaccines

The Floridian: Rick Scott: ‘United States will not tolerate threats’ from Iran

Florida Daily: Rick Scott: If Olympic Committee Can Ban Russia for Doping, It Can Move Winter Games Out of China

Florida Daily: Rick Scott Showcases ‘STOP COVID-19 Act’ on Capitol Hill

Telemundo 51: Senador Scott pide una investigación sobre “el mal manejo de la distribución de vacunas”

Diario Las Americas: Rick Scott afirma que Parlamento de Maduro es un “fraude”

Caraota Digital: Esto dijo Rick Scott sobre la instalación de la AN designada por los comicios convocados por el régimen

Diaz-Balart Statement on the Electoral College Vote

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Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) issued the following statement after the House voted to certify Electoral College votes.

“This year, we had a very close presidential election where razor-thin majorities in a handful of states determined the outcome. A thriving democracy depends on much more than just elections –it requires trust, transparency, and fairness. All Americans must be absolutely confident, without a shadow of a doubt, that their differences can be resolved at the ballot box, and that they have full say in the selection of their leaders. Unfortunately, to this day, many Americans still do not trust the outcome of the 2020 presidential election.

“The presidential election has concluded, and Joseph R. Biden will be sworn in as the 46th President of the United States on January 20th. Just like the challenges to members of the Electoral College in 2000, 2004, and 2016, the 2020 challenges will not change the outcome of this election. However, I take my oath to support and defend the Constitution very seriously. Article II, Section 1, Clause 2 of the Constitution provides that state legislatures have the sole authority to determine the manner of choosing electors. Yet, in the lead-up to the 2020 presidential election, in several states, many state officials nonetheless changed the presidential election rules and regulations despite lacking the constitutional authority to do so. It is precisely for this reason that I agreed, along with 125 of my colleagues, to join the amicus brief in State of Texas v. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, brought by 17 states against Georgia, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. I am gravely concerned about numerous reports of irregularities and last-minute changes that violated basic constitutional requirements in those states and others such as Arizona. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the case and did not address any of the important constitutional questions presented. So now, the responsibility falls to Congress as to whether the electors from these states were “regularly given” and “lawfully certified” under the Electoral Count Act of 1887. For this reason, and after much study and deliberation, I have become convinced that the electors in some states were selected in an unconstitutional manner. I simply cannot vote to uphold a slate of electors under those circumstances.

“I understand full well that we live in extremely polarizing times. That is why I feel it is especially important that we redouble our commitment to the Rule of Law, institutions and customs that have served us well for over 200 years. When we finally put the 2020 election behind us, and the Congress resumes its work on behalf of the American people, these troubling issues must be resolved for future elections so that all Americans can be fully confident in their fairness, and in their outcomes.”

Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Partnership with Publix to Open COVID-19 Vaccination Sites

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Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) and Florida Department of Health (FDOH) have partnered with Publix Supermarkets to establish COVID-19 vaccination sites. Governor DeSantis made this announcement at the first Publix vaccination site in Ocala.

Through a partnership with FDEM and FDOH, Publix is receiving 15,000 doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to launch a new pilot program at 22 select Publix Supermarkets, beginning Friday, January 8. Appointments can be made beginning Thursday, January 7.

“As part of our ongoing efforts to increase vaccinations and put Florida’s seniors first, I’m pleased to announce this innovative partnership with Publix,” said Governor DeSantis. “At the end of the day, we are all in this together, and the state of Florida thanks Publix for their willingness to step up and lend their infrastructure to this critical cause.”

The 22 pilot locations will be open in three counties: three in Citrus County, 11 in Hernando County, and eight in Marion County.

All vaccinations by Publix at their select locations will be by appointment only. Beginning Thursday, January 7, qualified individuals can make an appointment by visiting www.publix.com/covidvaccine.