Today, Senator Rick Scott, a member of the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, released the below statement following the passage of the U.S. Coast Guard Authorization Act (CGAA) which included five of his amendments—securing big wins for Florida, America’s national security and the Coast Guard bases that call the Sunshine state home. This year’s CGAA includes nearly $20.8 billion for FY 2022 and FY 2023 in authorized appropriations for the U.S. Coast Guard.

Senator Rick Scott said, “Florida plays an important role in America’s national defense and security, and as a member of the Commerce Committee, I’ve been proud to fight for major investments in our Coast Guard over the past four years. I am especially proud of the work we have done in this year’s authorization to improve enlisted families’ living quarters, combat foreign threats like Communist China and expand drug interdiction efforts to keep our communities safe from deadly drugs, like fentanyl. As our country continues to face serious threats at and beyond our borders, The U.S. Coast Guard stands ready to protect our nation, and the CGAA will ensure these brave men and women are equipped to win any battle that comes before them.”

Senator Scott’s Adopted Amendments:

• USCG fentanyl drug action review
• Improving Living Quarters for Coast Guard Enlisted Families in Key West
• Striking Commandant’s authority to purchase training equipment from China
• Public disclosure of USCG statistics on at-sea migrant interdictions

Senator Scott Fought for and Secured Several Measures in the FY 2023 CGAA:

• Enhancing Coast Guard New Technology Purchasing Authority for Critical Missions
• Improving Coast Guard mission capability gaps in the Caribbean region to include Cuba
• Enhancing Weapons Training opportunities for Coast Guard Law Enforcement Personnel
• Improving Coast Guard readiness to counter Chinese aggression around the world by authorizing $650,000,000 for a twelfth National Security Cutter
• Improving Coast Guard Internet Connectivity for Surface Ships

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