WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Rick Scott introduced five amendments to the Senate’s budget resolution. Senator Scott is a member of the Senate Budget Committee, which meets today and tomorrow to consider the FY 2020 Budget Resolution. These amendments are in addition Senator Scott’s Fighting for Florida budget agenda, which highlights three specific areas the Senator is focused on in the appropriations process.

Senator Rick Scott said, “We need to reform Washington to make it work for families, and that starts with making sure Congress is focused on the right priorities. This budget resolution is an important step to reign in out-of-control spending that has our country headed for a debt crisis. I’m introducing several amendments to the budget resolution that support priorities important to Florida. That includes taking care of those with pre-existing conditions, fighting for disaster relief funding for Florida and Puerto Rico, supporting our military members and their families, and protecting our environment.”

Senator Scott is introducing the following amendments during the Senate budget process:

AMENDMENT #1 – TIMELY AND ADEQUATE FUNDING FOR DISASTER RELIEF AND RECOVERY

Senator Scott is proposing an amendment to provide timely and adequate disaster funding for relief and recovery efforts to areas devastated by Hurricanes and flooding. Under this amendment, communities in Florida’s panhandle would have quick access to resources they need to rebuild and recover following Hurricane Michael. This amendment also includes assistance for Puerto Rico.

AMENDMENT #2 – SUPPORT FOR THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD
Senator Scott is a Navy veteran and has worked hard to make Florida the most military and veteran friendly state in the nation. The U.S. Coast Guard keeps families in Florida safe by patrolling the beaches, shore waters, and maritime territory of the state, conducting search and rescue operations, and intercepting boat shipments of illegal drugs and the victims of human trafficking. Senator Scott is fighting to give members of the U.S. Coast Guard all the resources they need to do their job.

AMENDMENT #3 – COVERAGE FOR PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS

Senator Scott grew up in a family without health insurance. His mom would have to drive hundreds of miles so his brother could get care at a Shriner’s Hospital. Senator Scott wants to make sure people with pre-existing conditions are covered. Regardless of if Obamacare is overturned, Senator Scott has been clear that keeping the pre-existing provisions and letting young adults stay on their parents' plans until they turn 26 are important components of any healthcare reform.

AMENDMENT #4 – EVERGLADES RESTORATION
People from across the world come to Florida because of the state’s natural beauty. Over his eight years as Governor, Senator Scott championed record funding and investments in the Everglades, Florida’s springs, beaches and state parks. Senator Scott is working with Senator Rubio to secure a $200 million investment to continue work on restoring the Everglades and South Florida’s ecosystem. Senator Scott’s amendment makes sure Florida’s natural resources are preserved so the state can remain a top destination for families, visitors and businesses.

AMENDMENT #5 – MILITARY BASE HOUSING AND INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS

As Senator and a member of the Armed Services Committee, Senator Scott will do everything he can to fight for the priorities that matter most to military, veterans, and their families. This amendment helps update base infrastructure and housing to support the communities and families surrounding military bases.

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