WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Rick Scott released the following statement after the Senate Armed Services Committee passed the fiscal year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes Senator Scott’s amendment to cut off funds to the Maduro regime. The NDAA also provides $1.4 billion to rebuild Tyndall Air Force Base, and includes $750 billion in defense spending and a 3.1% pay raise for military members – components of Senator Scott’s Fighting for Florida budget agenda.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Our military provides not only for the safety of our country, but also leads in supporting our allies and protecting freedom across the globe. I fought for $750 billion to fund our military this year, funding to rebuild Tyndall Air Force Base, and a pay raise for military members in my Fighting for Florida budget agenda, and I’m glad to see my colleagues agree.

“Right here in our hemisphere, we are seeing genocide at the hands of Nicolás Maduro – who continues to starve his own people. We cannot allow this to continue. Last month, I introduced the Venezuelan Contracting Restriction Act to prohibit the Department of Defense from doing business with anyone that supports the oppressive Maduro regime. I signed similar legislation into law as Governor of Florida, and I’m glad my colleagues in the Senate joined me in supporting this amendment by adding it to this year’s NDAA. We must continue to stand against the evils of the Maduro regime. I look forward to consideration by the full Senate.”

The $750 billion in total defense spending, funding to rebuild Tyndall Air Force Base, and a military pay raise were included in Senator Scott’s Fighting for Florida budget agenda.

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