WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Rick Scott released the following statement after the Senate Armed Services Committee passed the fiscal year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes Senator Scott’s Secure U.S. Bases Act, cosponsored by Senator Joni Ernst, to reform and improve foreign military student training programs following the terrorist attack at Naval Air Station Pensacola on December 6th, 2019. The Secure U.S. Bases Act requires a thorough vetting process before a foreign student enters the U.S., requires foreign students to follow rules established by U.S. Base Commanders and vastly improves the security of our military installations, service members, their families and the surrounding communities.

Senator Scott also proposed two amendments to the NDAA to protect Florida’s Gulf Coast from offshore drilling:

• An amendment requiring the Department of Defense to report on the importance of the Gulf Test Range, which was included in the measure. The range is currently used for vital military testing and training and is critical to our national security. Offshore drilling in the area would pose significant risks to the environment and economy.
• An amendment to extend the moratorium on offshore drilling for another 25 years. Senator Scott is committed to protecting Florida’s coastline from the potential risks from offshore drilling, and will continue to work to extend the moratorium.
   

Senator Rick Scott said, “This year’s National Defense Authorization Act is a great win for our national security. As threats around the world continue to grow – including the threat from Communist China – it’s imperative we are providing our brave men and women in uniform the resources they need to protect our nation and our allies. I successfully fought to include my Secure U.S. Bases Act in the NDAA, which will make sure foreign military students training at U.S. bases are thoroughly vetted and monitored, and that our troops are protected and never have to experience a tragedy like the one that occurred at NAS Pensacola again. This is a huge step to ensuring the safety of our military members and their families. 

“I’m disappointed my colleagues decided not to include my amendment to extend the moratorium on offshore drilling in the Eastern Gulf, but I’m glad my amendment to highlight the importance of the Gulf Test Range was included. This fight isn’t over, and I will keep working to protect Florida’s natural resources for generations to come.”  

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