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Dear Fellow Floridian,
Floridians know better than anybody that citrus isn’t just a part of our economy, it’s part of our identity, and our growers are national leaders in producing the specialty crops families depend on. This week was a huge win for our state thanks to President Donald Trump and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins’ support of Florida’s citrus industry through the delivery of much-needed disaster relief block grants.
Our citrus industry contributes more than $6.7 billion annually to our state’s economy and has shown incredible resilience in the face of so many obstacles, including hurricanes, citrus greening, and Biden’s burdensome regulations. I’ve fought for years to deliver the resources Floridians need to recover from storms, but was met with constant stonewalling from the Biden administration.
Thank God that President Trump and Secretary Rollins truly care about Florida’s agricultural community. After I sent a letter to Secretary Rollins earlier this year urging the Department of Agriculture to prioritize the release of these funds, she and President Trump delivered. Thanks to their leadership, this essential relief is quickly reaching Florida’s citrus industry. As Florida’s United States Senator, I’m proud to stand alongside President Trump and Secretary Rollins as we continue to make Washington work better for families and support our vibrant agriculture industry.
Read more HERE.
Sincerely,
Rick Scott
United States Senator
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Chairman Rick Scott, Bipartisan Colleagues Urge Action to Combat and Prevent International Financial Scams
Senator Rick Scott, chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, joined by bipartisan committee members Senator Mark Kelly, Ranking Member Kirsten Gillibrand, and Senator Ashley Moody, sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, and U.S. Secret Service Director Sean Curran asking the agencies to prioritize coordinated investigations aimed at dismantling the foreign networks behind international financial scams. In the letter, the members express deep concern over the growing threat of international financial scams in recent years, which are often perpetrated by international criminal networks, and target older Americans – robbing them of their life savings, security, and peace of mind.
This letter follows the release of the Aging Committee’s Annual Fraud Report which details the growing financial threats facing America’s aging population and provides resources to help prevent and report scams. As part of their ongoing efforts to raise awareness, Chairman Scott and Senator Kelly led the effort to designate March 6, 2025 as National Slam the Scam Day to raise awareness of scams and financial exploitation targeting aging Americans.
Read the full letter HERE. Read more HERE.
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Sen. Rick Scott Applauds Pres. Donald Trump, Sec. Brooke Rollins for Delivering Long-Awaited Support to Florida’s Citrus Growers
Senator Rick Scott released the below statement applauding President Donald Trump and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins for their support of Florida’s citrus industry through the delivery of long-delayed disaster relief block grants. Florida’s citrus growers, who contribute more than $6.7 billion annually to the state’s economy, have faced significant challenges in recent years, including devastating hurricanes, citrus greening, and burdensome regulations. Despite Senator Scott fighting for this for years and the critical role this industry plays in Florida’s economy, the Biden administration withheld this much-needed aid for years, leaving growers without support.
Earlier this year, Senator Scott sent a letter to Secretary Rollins urging the Department of Agriculture to prioritize the release of these funds. Thanks to the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Rollins, this essential relief is finally reaching Florida’s iconic citrus industry.
Senator Rick Scott said, “Florida’s citrus growers are the backbone of our agricultural economy, and they’ve shown incredible strength in the face of repeated setbacks. I’ve fought for years to get this done and deliver the resources they need to recover from storms, but was met with constant stonewalling from the Biden administration, which put politics over helping Florida’s growers. Thank God we now have President Trump and Secretary Rollins, who are taking quick action to deliver on my request and get Florida’s agricultural community the critical resources to recover and thrive. The Sunshine State plays a unique and vital role in putting food on families’ tables all around the country, particularly during the winter months when we are the primary source of fresh fruits and vegetables for the eastern United States. Citrus isn’t just a part of our economy, it’s part of our identity, and our growers are national leaders in producing the specialty crops families depend on. From multiple devastating hurricanes to citrus greening, they’ve faced it all and kept pushing forward. I’m proud to stand alongside President Trump and Secretary Rollins as we continue to make Washington work better for families and support our vibrant agriculture industry.”
Read more HERE.
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Sen. Rick Scott Urges Governors to Support Students’ Chance at the American Dream by Opting in to President Trump’s School Choice Tax Credit Program
Senator Rick Scott announced he sent a letter to the governors of all 50 states urging them to put students and families first by opting in to President Donald Trump’s School Choice Tax Credit Program, created through the One Big Beautiful Bill, to expand school choice opportunities and ensure every student has the opportunity to receive a high-quality education that allows them to succeed and live the American dream.
Read more in the Daily Signal HERE. Read more HERE.
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Sen. Rick Scott Introduces SHARKED Act to Address Rising Shark Depredation and Protect U.S. Fisheries
Senator Rick Scott and Senator Brian Schatz announced the introduction of the bipartisan Supporting the Health of Aquatic systems through Research, Knowledge, and Enhanced Dialogue (SHARKED) Act to establish a federal task force dedicated to addressing the rising issue of shark depredation, which happens when sharks partially or fully remove fish from anglers’ lines before retrieval. The SHARKED Act aims to bring together federal agencies, regional fisheries councils, scientists, and stakeholders to research, manage, and mitigate shark interactions that are affecting commercial and recreational fisheries and can disrupt the ecosystem.
Senator Rick Scott said, “The growing number of encounters between sharks and Florida anglers is disrupting our fishing industry, harming local economies, and putting Floridians at risk. I’m proud to lead the SHARKED Act in the Senate, which brings together experts and stakeholders to find commonsense solutions to address the rising issue of shark depredation to support our fishing industries and protect both humans and sharks from danger.”
Read more HERE.
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Chairman Rick Scott Honors 60th Anniversary of Older Americans Act and Calls for Immediate Passage of Reauthorization
Senator Rick Scott, chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging submitted the below statement for the record in recognition of the 60th anniversary of the initial passage of the Older Americans Act and calling for the passage of his bipartisan Older Americans Act (OAA) to renew its critical programs. The OAA has been a cornerstone of support for older adults; delivering essential nutrition, social services, and health programs for nearly 60 years. Last reauthorized in 2020 with unanimous Senate approval, the newly introduced legislation aims to build on that legacy to help older Americans age with dignity, independence, and the support they deserve to enjoy their golden years to the fullest.
Chairman Rick Scott said, “I rise today to recognize the 60th anniversary of the passage of an essential piece of legislation – the Older Americans Act. As the chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging and Senator from Florida, I am committed to honoring and supporting the more than 59 million older Americans who enrich our communities. Florida is blessed with a dynamic senior population. In my state and across the nation, seniors thrive when given opportunities to be active members of their communities and receive adequate support. This historic bill provided the supportive, community-based framework that has helped generations of seniors age with dignity and give back to their communities and families, all while living rich, vibrant lives. The Older Americans Act continues to impact more than 10 million older Americans a year by promoting social connection and contributing to programs aimed at supplying nutritional services, continued education, and transportation for our aging neighbors. It has improved the life expectancy, health outcomes, and quality of life for millions of seniors, and that’s why I am proud to be leading the fight to reauthorize this important legislation alongside my good friend and colleague, Mr. Bill Cassidy, Senator from Louisiana and chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. I will continue to fight for the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act to ensure it is available to provide this same life-affirming support for generations to come.”
Read more HERE.
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Sen. Rick Scott Introduces Two New Bills to Continue Crackdown on Communist China’s Influence in U.S. Financial Markets
Senator Rick Scott announced the introduction of the Trusted Foreign Auditing Act and the American Investment Accountability Act, led by Congresswoman Elise Stefanik in the House of Representatives, to protect the integrity of America’s financial markets from Chinese Communist Party (CCP) influence and increase transparency of U.S. investments that could benefit adversarial regimes. Despite existing law requiring foreign firms to open their audits to U.S. inspectors, Communist Chinese companies have shielded their books and used auditors under their control to provide dishonest information and undermine U.S. markets while profiting off American investors. These bills will close loopholes used by Communist China by requiring the use of independent auditors and close reporting gaps to ensure American investments are not being used to fund hostile regimes in Communist China, Iran, Russia, and others.
Senator Rick Scott said, “The Chinese Communist Party is actively waging economic warfare against the United States, using compromised auditors and deceptive financial tactics to infiltrate our markets and undermine our national security. These CCP-linked firms continue to evade oversight by U.S. regulators or follow the same reporting and accountability standards required of U.S. companies to intentionally deceive American investors and capitalize off their dollars. I am glad to lead the Trusted Foreign Auditing Act and American Investment Accountability Act with Representative Elise Stefanik to expose and block these threats by cracking down on corrupt auditors and forcing transparency on U.S. investments tied to hostile regimes like Communist China to ensure American taxpayer funds no longer props up our adversaries. It's time to end the CCP’s backdoor access to our economy and defend the integrity of our financial system.”
Read more HERE.
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Sens. Rick Scott, Ashley Moody Congratulate Florida Panthers on Back-to-Back Stanley Cup Final Championships
Florida’s U.S. Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody announced the successful passage of their resolution congratulating the Florida Panthers on winning the 2025 Stanley Cup Final marking the franchise’s second championship title and solidifying their back-to-back status as NHL champions after a dominant playoff run.
Senator Rick Scott said, “Congratulations to the Florida Panthers on a historic season and another unforgettable Stanley Cup run! The team’s hard work, determination, and discipline on and off the ice make Florida families and fans around the country proud! I know this wasn’t easy, but thanks to the players, coaches, staff, and loyal fans, the Florida Panthers delivered yet again. Congrats again, Panthers - let’s make it a three-peat!”
Read more HERE.
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Sen. Rick Scott Leads Bipartisan Canadian Snowbirds Act to Boost Florida Tourism and Economy
Senator Rick Scott introduced the Canadian Snowbirds Act, a bipartisan bill to allow eligible retired Canadian citizens who spend their summers escaping to Florida to stay for two additional months every year, driving more investments into the state’s economy and tourism industries, and supporting more Florida jobs. With roughly 3.3 million Canadians visiting Florida every year, the bill could generate substantial additional economic activity for the state. Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego are cosponsors of the legislation.
Senator Rick Scott said, “Florida has long been a second home for hundreds of thousands of snowbirds from our northern neighbor who flock to the Sunshine state to enjoy the great weather, beautiful beaches, and all that we have to offer as a destination for those enjoying their golden years. These annual visitors fuel billions of dollars into our economy and support so many jobs for local families in the tourism industry. The Canadian Snowbirds Act will allow our beloved snowbirds an extended stay to drive more dollars into the state, support more jobs, and put even more money in Floridians’ pockets thanks to President Trump’s new No Tax on Tips policy. I look forward to passing this easy proposal that boosts tourism, supports local businesses, and ensures Florida remains a top destination for our northern neighbors.”
Read more HERE.
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Sens. Rick Scott, Jeanne Shaheen Meet with Venezuelan Democracy Leader María Corina Machado; Release Joint Bipartisan Statement on Maduro Regime
Senators Rick Scott, Jeanne Shaheen, John Curtis, and Tim Kaine issued a joint bipartisan statement reaffirming the United States’ support for freedom and democracy in Venezuela as the one-year anniversary of Nicolás Maduro’s theft of the Venezuelan presidential election approaches.
This follows a recent meeting between Senators Scott and Shaheen and Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, where they reiterated their backing of her efforts and of Edmundo González Urrutia, Venezuela’s rightfully elected president.
Senator Rick Scott said, “As the one-year anniversary of Nicolás Maduro’s theft of the Venezuelan presidential election approaches, we reaffirm our unequivocal condemnation of the Maduro regime’s ongoing repression and human rights violations. In July 2024, millions of Venezuelans turned out and delivered a clear mandate for change – overwhelmingly electing democratic opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia and the movement started by María Corina Machado. Rather than respect the outcome, the Maduro regime doubled down on its tired autocratic playbook and abandoned even the veneer of a democratic outcome—one year later still refusing to release any of the promised ballots that they argue would have affirmed Maduro’s victory. The truth today is as clear as it was as the returns poured in on July 28, 2024: the Venezuelan people yearn for new leadership and a democratic country that is once again part of the international community. Today, as ever, we recognize the resilience of the Venezuelan democratic opposition, and we stand united with the Venezuelan people and their aspirations for a brighter future.”
Read more HERE.
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Sen. Rick Scott on Failed Federal Reserve Chairman: Corruption, Mismanagement, Zero Accountability…It’s Time for Powell to Go.
Senator Rick Scott released the below statement on the failed Federal Reserve Chairman, Jay Powell. Senator Scott has, for years, been calling out Powell’s disastrous leadership at the Fed, and the latest news that the new headquarters is almost a billion dollars over budget is nothing to be surprised at. Corruption, mismanagement, zero accountability – that’s Jay Powell’s Federal Reserve. It’s time for Powell to go.
Senator Rick Scott said, “We cannot downplay the harm Powell has inflicted on the American economy and American lives; for years, he lied, saying inflation was transitory and rubber-stamping Biden’s failures. And for years, I have warned how Powell’s continued disastrous mismanagement is costing taxpayers money, pushing families further from achieving their American Dream and made clear: for someone tasked with independently prioritizing our economy, that is a dereliction of duty.
“Powell has allowed a culture of corruption at the Fed. He’s overseen hundreds of reported ethics violations and gross mismanagement, all with zero accountability despite bipartisan calls for reform. Now, Powell is spending over $3 BILLION in government money to renovate Fed headquarters — more than the cost of an NFL stadium — while families struggle to put food on the table.
“Add to this serious list of failures: an underwater, unsustainable $6.7 trillion balance sheet, with over $77 billion in operating losses last year; overseeing the failure of Silicon Valley Bank and others; abuse of tax dollars and refusal to provide stability for our economy and families. Yet nothing has changed, because Powell has remained. The American people would agree that a change is long overdue.”
Read more HERE.
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The Wall Street Journal Opinion: Are Republicans Capable of Cutting Spending?
Daily Signal: EXCLUSIVE: Sen. Scott Endorses School Choice Program
Forbes: Rick Scott Asks Nom About Reviewing Intelligence Agencies After Gabbard Declassifies Obama Documents
Florida Politics: Rick Scott calls for audit of Federal Reserve
Florida’s Voice: Rick Scott urges longer Senate hours to confirm Trump nominees, accuses Democrats of deliberate delays
Florida’s Voice: Florida GOP, Ashley Moody, Rick Scott urge NASA headquarters relocation to Sunshine State
Florida's Voice: Sen. Rick Scott introduces bill to extend Canadian ‘snowbird’ stays in Florida
Gulf Coast News: Florida senators sound alarm on soaring flood insurance costs
WUSF: Sen. Rick Scott leads lawmakers in urging crackdown on international scams targeting seniors
West Orlando News: Senator Rick Scott Secured Big Wins for Florida with Committee-Passed NDAA
Tampa Free Press: Florida And Texas Lawmakers Urge NIH To Halt Overseas Animal Research Funding
Tampa Free Press: Florida And Oregon Lawmakers Demand FDA Investigate Microplastic Health Risks
Tampa Free Press: U.S. Sen. Rick Scott: Florida’s Citrus Industry Receives Long-Awaited Disaster Relief
Tampa Free Press: Florida Sen. Rick Scott Urges Governors To Unlock American Dream Through School Choice
Tampa Free Press: Florida And Hawaii Senators Intro SHARKED Act To Tackle Shark Depredation, Protect U.S. Fisheries
Tampa Free Press: Florida Sen. Scott Unveils Legislation To Fortify U.S. Financial Markets Against Chinese Influence
Tampa Free Press: Florida Sen. Scott Spearheads Bill To Extend Stays For Canadian Snowbirds, Boost State Economy |
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Senator Scott's Team in Clewiston and Felda
Senator Scott's team was proud to join US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, as she announced the release of USDA Block Grants to help Florida's ag community.
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Senator Scott's Team in Moore Haven
Additionally, Senator Scott's team held Mobile Office Hours at the Glades County Sheriff’s Office.
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Senator Scott's Team in Plant City
Senator Scott's team at the Sysco Tampa Bay Grand Opening in Plant City.
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