Dear Fellow Floridian, Florida is incredibly resilient, we’ve recovered from devastating storms before and we will do it again. But communities recovering from Hurricane Helene aren’t in this alone – it’s all hands on deck. Local, state and federal partners must all come together to and work to support each other to get families back on their feet. My job as Florida’s U.S. Senator is to stand alongside them in their recovery, and I am fighting every day to ensure FEMA, the USDA, SBA, HUD and the entire federal government shows up and does their part. As soon as FEMA, the SBA and communities assess damage and determine what they need for recovery, I’ve called on Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to immediately reconvene the Senate to pass a clean supplemental disaster funding bill and other disaster relief legislation, like my Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act , to ensure the full recovery of families in all impacted communities. I’ve also called on FEMA Administrator Criswell to work in concert with the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) to address emergency housing needs and USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack to make assistance available immediately through state block grants to our farmers and agriculture industry. Additionally, I met with President Biden in Taylor County to deliver one clear message – the federal government’s response to hurricanes over the last two years has left too many Floridians hurting and with unmet needs – especially with housing and disaster relief for Florida’s farmers – and this must be fixed NOW. I’ll be fighting like hell to deliver disaster aid to our state, and ensure seamless debris removal guidance for our local communities, and I urged President Biden to put Floridians and all Americans first by doing the same. I have nine offices in Florida, and an office in Washington, and while I fight on the federal level to deliver resources to the state, my team and I are standing by, ready to help any Floridian needing assistance with a federal agency, like FEMA, the USDA, SBA, HUD or any other federal issue while recovering from Hurricane Helene. I urge Florida families and businesses to contact us HERE or visit one of our Mobile Office Hours over the coming days so we may continue to coordinate resources and ensure a full recovery for everyone in our state impacted by this monstrous storm. For my full Hurricane Helene resource guide, click HERE. Sincerely, Rick Scott United States Senator Senator Rick Scott joined President Joe Biden, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack, officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and local officials in Taylor County to meet with families, tour impacts of Hurricane Helene in the area and receive an update on response and recovery efforts. Senator Scott urged President Biden to fully and immediately support the requests of the State of Florida, Florida’s congressional delegation and local leaders as the state recovers from Hurricane Helene. Senator Scott has been fighting to ensure the State of Florida and communities across the nation impacted by Hurricane Helene have the full support needed from the federal government as they recover. Senator Scott has been sounding the alarm on potential funding shortfalls within FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund for months. Now, as Florida and several states recover from Hurricane Helene, he is calling on Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to immediately reconvene the Senate and vote on a clean Hurricane Helene supplemental aid package once FEMA, local and state officials determine the funding needs, as well as his Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act , to bring relief to families. Senator Rick Scott said, “While I appreciate President Biden, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack and officials from FEMA coming to Florida to see the damage here firsthand, there is so much work to be done. During my meeting with President Biden, I stressed that the federal government’s response to hurricanes over the last two years has left too many Floridians, especially our farmers, hurting and with unmet needs – and this must be fixed NOW. It is going to take local, state and federal efforts to help communities recover along the Gulf Coast. That’s why I’ve demanded that Majority Leader Chuck Schumer immediately reconvene the Senate once FEMA and the SBA finalize damage assessments so we can fully fund these agencies, the USDA, and others responding to this disaster with a clean disaster supplemental appropriations bill. I’ll be fighting like hell to deliver disaster aid to our state, and ensure seamless debris removal guidance for our local communities, and I urged the federal officials there today to put Floridians and all Americans first by doing the same. Since Hurricane Ian, Washington has played games with disaster relief funds and delayed the delivery of urgently needed FEMA assistance, and other aid like USDA block grants for Florida’s farmers and my Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act. This aid has been routinely provided to victims of hurricanes in the past but that has not been the case since Hurricanes Ian, Debby and Idalia and that must change so we can deliver this aid NOW. “Hurricane Helene devastated communities along hundreds of miles of Florida’s Gulf Coast and caused unimaginable damage and loss in Taylor County and across the Big Bend. Since the days before the storm, I’ve visited impacted communities in 11 counties to meet with local and state officials and hear what they need from the federal government, and been in constant contact with state and federal officials to coordinate resources. Floridians are resilient, but recovery doesn’t fall just on these families – it’s an all hands on deck operation that requires the federal government to show up today, tomorrow and every day until the job is done and I won’t stop fighting to make sure that happens.” Read more HERE . Lea más en español AQUÍ. Senator Rick Scott joined President Joe Biden, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack, officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and local officials in Taylor County to meet with families, tour impacts of Hurricane Helene in the area and receive an update on response and recovery efforts. Senator Scott urged President Biden to fully and immediately support the requests of the State of Florida, Florida’s congressional delegation and local leaders as the state recovers from Hurricane Helene. Senator Scott has been fighting to ensure the State of Florida and communities across the nation impacted by Hurricane Helene have the full support needed from the federal government as they recover. Senator Scott has been sounding the alarm on potential funding shortfalls within FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund for months. Now, as Florida and several states recover from Hurricane Helene, he is calling on Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to immediately reconvene the Senate and vote on a clean Hurricane Helene supplemental aid package once FEMA, local and state officials determine the funding needs, as well as his Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act , to bring relief to families. Senator Rick Scott said, “While I appreciate President Biden, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack and officials from FEMA coming to Florida to see the damage here firsthand, there is so much work to be done. During my meeting with President Biden, I stressed that the federal government’s response to hurricanes over the last two years has left too many Floridians, especially our farmers, hurting and with unmet needs – and this must be fixed NOW. It is going to take local, state and federal efforts to help communities recover along the Gulf Coast. That’s why I’ve demanded that Majority Leader Chuck Schumer immediately reconvene the Senate once FEMA and the SBA finalize damage assessments so we can fully fund these agencies, the USDA, and others responding to this disaster with a clean disaster supplemental appropriations bill. I’ll be fighting like hell to deliver disaster aid to our state, and ensure seamless debris removal guidance for our local communities, and I urged the federal officials there today to put Floridians and all Americans first by doing the same. Since Hurricane Ian, Washington has played games with disaster relief funds and delayed the delivery of urgently needed FEMA assistance, and other aid like USDA block grants for Florida’s farmers and my Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act. This aid has been routinely provided to victims of hurricanes in the past but that has not been the case since Hurricanes Ian, Debby and Idalia and that must change so we can deliver this aid NOW. “Hurricane Helene devastated communities along hundreds of miles of Florida’s Gulf Coast and caused unimaginable damage and loss in Taylor County and across the Big Bend. Since the days before the storm, I’ve visited impacted communities in 11 counties to meet with local and state officials and hear what they need from the federal government, and been in constant contact with state and federal officials to coordinate resources. Floridians are resilient, but recovery doesn’t fall just on these families – it’s an all hands on deck operation that requires the federal government to show up today, tomorrow and every day until the job is done and I won’t stop fighting to make sure that happens.” Read more HERE . Lea más en español AQUÍ. Sen. Rick Scott to FEMA: Housing for Floridians Displaced by Helene Must be Top Priority Senator Rick Scott sent a letter to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell requesting that FEMA coordinate closely with the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) on housing recovery. Thousands of Floridians are still without power, and many who evacuated their homes have sadly returned to inhabitable or destroyed homes. In the letter, the senator emphasizes his readiness to partner with local and state partners to work together to get Florida families and businesses the resources they need to recover from Hurricane Helene. Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ. Sens. Rick Scott, Marco Rubio & Colleagues to POTUS: Expedite Resources to Floridians Senator Rick Scott, Senator Marco Rubio and their Florida colleagues sent a letter to President Joe Biden urging him to expedite the federal response and delivery of requested resources, while approving emergency policy flexibilities, to help the people of Florida following Hurricane Helene which made landfall as a Category 4 storm, causing catastrophic damage along Florida’s Gulf Coast. It’s crucial for the federal government to expedite state-requested resources and authorize key policy flexibilities for Floridians to make a swift recovery. Joining Senators Scott and Rubio on the letter were U.S. Representatives Greg Steube, Anna Paulina Luna, Laurel Lee, Gus Bilirakis, Vern Buchanan, Kat Cammack, Byron Donalds and Neal Dunn. Read more HERE. Following the landfall of Hurricanes Helene and Debby, Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio sent a letter to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell urging expedited reimbursements to provide much-needed budget relief to local governments in Florida facing looming budget shortfalls due to outstanding reimbursements from previous hurricanes. In the letter, the senators emphasize that without FEMA timely reimbursements, disaster recovery efforts may be disrupted. The senators wrote, “Given the devastation in Florida, municipal budget shortfalls could further exacerbate the challenges our communities are facing. Delivering outstanding FEMA reimbursements for costs associated with past storms will help provide the budget flexibilities needed for a robust response to Helene. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.” Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ. Senator Rick Scott released the following statement urging Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to immediately reconvene the Senate and vote on a Hurricane Helene supplemental aid package once the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and local and state officials determine the funding need. Senator Scott has been in constant contact with federal officials, local leaders, law enforcement and emergency management officials in communities throughout the state that are impacted by Hurricane Helene to ensure they have the needed resources as they respond to the storm and help Floridians recover. Senator Scott is urging those in need of assistance with a federal agency, like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Small Business Administration (SBA), or any other federal issue while recovering from Hurricane Helene, to contact his office HERE . Senator Rick Scott said, “Since Category 4 Hurricane Helene made its devastating landfall in the Big Bend and caused massive and destructive storm surge along hundreds of miles of Florida’s Gulf Coast, I have been traveling to impacted communities to survey damage and coordinate resources between the local, state and federal governments. What I have seen, from the catastrophic damage in Cedar Key, to the massive destruction caused by unprecedented storm surge in communities from Fort Myers Beach to Siesta Key and Anna Maria Island and north to Pinellas, Pasco and Hernando counties is heartbreaking. News reports of the devastation in Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and other communities impacted by Hurricane Helene are also devastating. Floridians are resilient, but the response and recovery from this storm demands the full and immediate support of government at every level to get families and businesses back to normal. While I know from my experience with previous hurricanes that FEMA and SBA damage assessments take time, I am today urging Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to immediately reconvene the U.S. Senate when those assessments are completed so that we can pass the clean supplemental disaster funding bill and other disaster relief legislation, like my Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act , needed to ensure the full recovery of families in all impacted communities. While we wait for this critical information, I will keep fighting to make sure that FEMA, the SBA, and the entire federal government is working in total collaboration with state and local officials so we continue to get resources and aid deployed quickly.” Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ. Senator Rick Scott visited Venice in Sarasota County and joined Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt Hoffman for an aerial tour of damage from Hurricane Helene. In addition to the aerial tour of damage in Sarasota County, Senator Scott received a briefing from Sheriff Hoffman and local emergency management officials regarding response and recovery efforts. Senator Scott has been in constant contact with federal officials, local leaders, law enforcement and emergency management officials in communities throughout the state that are impacted by Hurricane Helene to ensure they have the needed resources as they respond to the storm and help Floridians recover. Senator Scott is urging those in need of assistance with a federal agency, like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Small Business Administration (SBA), or any other federal issue while recovering from Hurricane Helene, to contact his office HERE . Senator Rick Scott said, “Sarasota County has experienced a severe amount of storm surge that has impacted folks throughout the county, and some of the damage I saw during the aerial tour with Sheriff Kurt Hoffman today was devastating. Major flooding is still prevalent in the area as we wait for the water to recede, so please be sure to listen to your local officials and stay safe. My heart goes out to all the Floridians impacted by this storm, and I’m working every day with local, state, and federal partners like FEMA and the SBA, to coordinate resources and direct assistance to those in need. I’m grateful for the law enforcement, National Guard, emergency management officials and first responders for their work here on the ground. “Floridians are resilient, and while so many families are facing unimaginable loss, I will stand alongside them every step of the way as they recover, and I will fight for every federal resource they need to do so. Please make sure to continue to follow the direction of local authorities and stay safe while the storm surge continues to recede, they work to get roads back open, power back on and families back home. I have nine offices throughout the state, and my team and I are standing by, ready to help. If you or someone you know needs assistance with a federal agency, like FEMA, the SBA, or any other federal issue while recovering from Hurricane Helene, contact us HERE . If there is one thing I know, it is that Floridians can get through anything when we come together, and the resolve of our state will ensure we rebuild and recover to be even stronger than before.” Read more HERE . Lea más en español AQUÍ. Sen. Rick Scott Shares Hurricane Helene Resource Guide for Floridians Senator Rick Scott shared the below resources available to Floridians as they work to recover from Hurricane Helene. Over the past week, Senator Scott has visited 11 Florida counties as they prepared for, responded to and recovered from Hurricane Helene. Senator Scott has been in constant contact with state and local leaders , law enforcement , military base leaders , emergency management officials and energy companies in communities throughout the state that are impacted by Hurricane Helene to ensure they have the needed resources as they respond to the storm and help Floridians recover. Senator Scott has also spoken and written to federal officials, including FEMA Region 4 Administrator Robert Samaan , FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, DHS Secretary Mayorkas , Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Isabel Guzman and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack . Senator Rick Scott said, “Florida is incredibly resilient, we’ve recovered from devastating storms before and we will do it again. But communities recovering from Hurricane Helene aren’t in this alone – it’s all hands on deck. Local, state and federal partners must all come together to and work to support each other to get families back on their feet. My job as Florida’s U.S. Senator is to stand alongside them in their recovery, and I am fighting every day to ensure FEMA, the SBA, and the entire federal government shows up and does their part. As soon as FEMA, the SBA and communities assess damage and what they need for recovery, I’ve called on Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to immediately reconvene the Senate to pass a clean supplemental disaster funding bill and other disaster relief legislation, like my Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act , to ensure the full recovery of families in all impacted communities. I’ve also called on FEMA Administrator Criswell to work in concert with the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) to address emergency housing needs and USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack to make assistance available immediately through state block grants to our farmers and agriculture industry. “I have nine offices in Florida, and an office in Washington, and while I fight on the federal level to deliver resources to the state, my team and I are standing by, ready to help any Floridian needing assistance with a federal agency, like FEMA, the SBA, or any other federal issue while recovering from Hurricane Helene. I urge Florida families and businesses to contact us HERE or visit one of our Mobile Office Hours over the coming days so we may continue to coordinate resources and ensure a full recovery for everyone in our state impacted by this monstrous storm.” Read more HERE. In the wake of a second assassination attempt in just 65 days on President Donald Trump, Senator Rick Scott’s Enhanced Presidential Security Act, which was led by Representatives Mike Lawler and Ritchie Torres in the House of Representatives, has unanimously passed the Senate after passing with a bipartisan and unanimous 405-0 vote in the House. This bill will mandate that the USSS apply the same standards for determining the number of agents required to protect presidential and vice presidential nominees that it affords to sitting presidents and vice presidents. The Enhanced Presidential Security Act now heads to President Joe Biden’s desk to be signed into law. Senator Rick Scott said, “Over the course of just 65 days, two deranged individuals have tried to kill President Donald Trump, and one was able to shoot him in the head. It is unthinkable that this could happen in America today, and it demands the immediate action of Congress. Today, I am proud to have the full support of the Senate to pass the Enhanced Presidential Security Act, which mandates that the USSS apply the same standards for determining the number of agents required to protect presidential and vice presidential nominees that it affords to sitting presidents and vice presidents. President Trump has great officers and agents working around the clock to keep him safe, but it’s clear that the vile rhetoric toward President Trump has made him a target and more resources are required to ensure the safety of him and his family. I am grateful to my colleagues for passing this bill that will support the protection of President Trump and all future presidential nominees.” Read more HERE . In the wake of a second assassination attempt in just 65 days on President Donald Trump, Senator Rick Scott’s Enhanced Presidential Security Act, which was led by Representatives Mike Lawler and Ritchie Torres in the House of Representatives, was signed into law this week by President Joe Biden and will take immediate effect. In a show of bipartisanship and overwhelming support, the bill unanimously passed the Senate after passing a 405-0 vote in the House. This bill will mandate that the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) apply the same standards for determining the number of agents required to protect presidential and vice presidential nominees that it affords to sitting presidents and vice presidents, and that the protection of nominees is prioritized over that of foreign dignitaries. Senator Rick Scott said, “Over the course of just 65 days, two deranged individuals have tried to kill President Donald Trump, and one was able to shoot him in the head. It is unthinkable that this could happen in America today, and it demands the immediate action of Congress. I am proud to have the Enhanced Presidential Security Act signed into law, which mandates that the USSS apply the same standards for determining the number of agents required to protect presidential and vice presidential nominees that it affords to sitting presidents and vice presidents. President Trump has great officers and agents working around the clock to keep him safe, but it’s clear that the vile rhetoric toward President Trump has made him a target, and more resources are required to ensure the safety of him and his family.” Read more HERE. Sen. Rick Scott’s Bill Increasing Government Efficiency Becomes Law Senator Rick Scott released the following statement after his legislation, the GAO Database Modernization Act , was signed into law. The GAO Database Modernization Act will require all federal agencies to submit a report on the rules that are revoked, suspended, replaced, amended or made ineffective to the Comptroller General of the United States. Senator Rick Scott said, “I am incredibly proud to see my GAO Database Modernization Act, which will increase government efficiency, become law. It is no secret that government could be more efficient—and the inefficiency that has become the norm in Washington is a big problem that hurts Floridians and Americans all over our country. This bill becoming law marks another win in our fight to make Washington work for Florida families who expect their government to work every day on their behalf. I will keep fighting in Washington to make sure that the best interests of Florida families come first.” Read more HERE. Sen. Rick Scott: 251,000 Full-Time Jobs Lost in Last 30 Days According to Biden-Harris Jobs Report Following the release of the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ September jobs report showing the unemployment rate at 4.1%, up from 3.8% in September 2023, Senator Rick Scott released the following statement. The September report shows that month over month, multiple job holders increased by 412,000 and part-time work has increased by nearly one million jobs over the month. Meanwhile, full-time jobs are down 251,000. That is a scary reality for many Americans and points to an unstable job market. Senator Scott also released a weekly update on his actions to address America’s debt crisis, rising inflation and failing economy caused by the Biden-Harris administration’s reckless and radical agenda. Senator Rick Scott said, “The Biden-Harris administration and its friends in the press want you to only see the top-line jobs number – but that doesn’t tell the whole story. Over the year, and since last month, full-time jobs are down and more people are having to take on multiple jobs and part-time jobs to get by. But these aren’t just figures in a report. When I travel around Florida and talk to families, I hear heartbreaking stories about parents having to take on multiple jobs, folks losing their jobs, and having to go without just to scrape by. All of this is happening because of the Biden-Harris administration’s terrible handling of the economy. We have 100 million adults in this country who aren’t working. Small businesses are being forced to shut down thanks to Harris Price Hikes and now the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene will only make these challenges even more painful. Growing up in public housing, I watched my parents work hard but still struggle to put food on the table. My mother worked multiple jobs just to make ends meet—and a lot of times, we went without. I remember that struggle and that’s why I won’t stop fighting like hell every day to fix the havoc the Biden-Harris administration has brought on folks’ lives and bring fiscal sanity back to Washington so the American economy works for hardworking Floridians again.” Read more HERE. Lea más en español AQUÍ. Sen. Rick Scott Honored with Americans for Prosperity “Pioneers for Prosperity” Award Senator Rick Scott was honored by Americans for Prosperity – Florida (AFP – FL) with their “Pioneers for Prosperity” award. According to AFP, the award honors distinguished lawmakers who were policy champions during the 118th Congress. These leaders are on the frontlines in Congress advancing principles and policies that drive the conservative movement, while proactively opposing harmful ideas that grow the size of government and take money out of taxpayers’ paychecks. The “Pioneers for Prosperity” stood firm against ill-advised legislation that would have deepened the hardships felt by working families and worked closely with AFP in Washington as well as with grassroots communities in their home states. Representatives Byron Donalds and Laurel Lee were also honored. Senator Rick Scott said, “I’m proud to be recognized by Americans for Prosperity, a great organization that advocates for the success of our nation’s families and businesses. For too long, families have seen their tax dollars wasted as they struggle to make ends meet under the Biden-Harris administration’s big government, big spending and inflation-fueling policies. I’m fighting every day to keep the American dream alive by bringing fiscal sanity and common sense back to Washington so it truly works for the American people.” Read more HERE. The Hill: Rick Scott calls for Senate to reconvene to consider Helene disaster aid Fox News: ‘Immediately reconvene’: Scott urges Schumer to recall Senate amid Helene’s devastation ABC News: Senate passes bill over equal Secret Service protection for major party candidates The New York Post: Senate unanimously passes bill enhancing Secret Service protection for presidential, vice presidential nominees ABC 7: Senator Rick Scott gets aerial view of Hurricane Helene damage NBC News: Florida Sen. Rick Scott says storm surge isn’t survivable Fox 4 News: “Water is what’s killing us”: Senator Scott urges coastal safety during Fort Myers Beach visit Florida’s Voice: Sen. Scott surveys Helene damage, thanks first responders and emergency management officials WINK News: Sen. Rick Scott visits Fort Myers Beach in the wake of Helene Tampa Free Press: Senator Rick Scott Urges FEMA To Coordinate Closely With Florida On Housing Recovery After Hurricane Helene Tampa Free Press: Florida Senators Rubio And Scott Intro Bill To Combat Antisemitism On College Campuses Florida Daily: Senate Passes Rick Scott’s Bill to Bolster Security for Presidential Nominees Florida Politics: Rick Scott leads 15-lawmaker call for USDA to declare disaster, issue block grants for post-Helene recovery The Floridian: Rubio, Scott, Florida Representatives Call for Emergency Block Grant Assistance Following Helene The Floridian: Rubio, Scott Support Florida’s Disaster Declaration in Letter to Biden The Floridian: Scott Secret Service Bill Passes Congress, Could Expand Trump’s Protection if Signed by Biden SW Florida Daily News: Sen. Scott Inspects Devastating Storm Surge Impact in Charlotte County WFLA: Rick Scott tours Helene damage on Anna Maria Island Cape Coral Breeze: Sen. Scott visits Fort Myers Beach West Orlando News: Senators Rick Scott & Marco Rubio Support Florida’s Request for Major Disaster Declaration Senator Scott in Sarasota County Senator Rick Scott visited Venice in Sarasota County and joined Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt Hoffman for an aerial tour of damage from Hurricane Helene. In addition to the aerial tour of damage in Sarasota County, Senator Scott received a briefing from Sheriff Hoffman and local emergency management officials regarding response and recovery efforts. Senator Scott in Charlotte County
Senator Rick Scott also visited Punta Gorda in Charlotte County to survey damage from Hurricane Helene and receive a briefing from Congressman Greg Steube, Sheriff Bill Prummell, Charlotte County Emergency Management Director Patrick Fuller, and other local emergency management officials regarding response and recovery efforts. Senator Scott in Taylor County
Additionally, Senator Scott met with Sheriff Wayne Padgett in Taylor County to see the damage Hurricane Helene caused for the marina, local businesses and folks living there.
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