WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Rick Scott released the below statement calling for more transparency following last week’s attack at NAS Pensacola.

Senator Rick Scott said, “The safety and security of American men and women in uniform is my number one priority. It should be the number one priority of our entire government. While our alliances around the world are invaluable in defending American national security and our interests abroad, the tragic terrorist attack in Pensacola last week revealed an unnecessary risk. This terrorist should never have been allowed in our country, let alone on an American military base with easy access to American military men and women.

“Federal agencies have not been transparent about the vetting process used for foreign nationals training on U.S. military bases. Today, I’m calling to end the training of any foreign nationals who haven’t been fully vetted by U.S. intelligence agencies. Any foreign national currently training on U.S. military bases that hasn’t been fully vetted by U.S. intelligence agencies should immediately be sent back to their home country, with the exception of those being held in connection with the terrorist attack in Pensacola. Every federal agency has a responsibility to be clear and transparent with the American people about what processes we use to vet foreign nationals training on our bases. We cannot continue to take unnecessary risks.”

###