WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Rick Scott announced his Fighting for Florida budget agenda, which details specific priorities the Senator plans to fight for in this year’s Congressional budget and appropriations process. Senator Scott is a member of the Senate Budget Committee.

Senator Rick Scott said, “There are many priorities critical to Florida’s future that I plan to fight for in the United States Senate, including lowering the cost of prescription drugs, promoting freedom and democracy in Latin America, strengthening our economy and reforming Washington to make it actually work for families. In addition to that, the appropriations process is about to begin in the U.S. Senate, and I plan to aggressively fight for key investments for Florida’s families.

“My Fighting for Florida budget agenda highlights three specific areas that promote Florida’s success. These are investments needed to continue growing our economy, supporting our military and their families, and making sure our environment is protected for generations to come. I look forward to working with my colleagues to fund these important projects that protect Florida’s future.”

Senator Scott will fight for the following priorities during the Congressional budget and appropriations process:

MORE THAN $140 MILLION FOR FLORIDA’S PORTS

Investing in Florida’s infrastructure and seaports is about creating long-lasting, quality careers for Florida families and expanding Florida’s capability as a hub of commerce and international trade. Capitalizing on Florida’s proximity to Latin America and the Caribbean is critical to maintaining the state’s role in the nation’s waterborne exports and imports. Florida is home to 15 seaports and, as Governor, Senator Scott invested more than $1.4 billion over his term to modernize Florida’s seaports and trade infrastructure. This includes state investments of more than $140 million to cover the federal share of projects like the deepening of Port Miami, JAXPort Mile Point navigation and Port Canaveral West Turning Basin. The federal government has yet to live up to their promised commitment made under the Obama administration. As Governor, Senator Scott fought for the federal government to pay their fair share and as U.S. Senator, he will ensure the state is allocated these dollars. By making wise investments in Florida seaports and infrastructure, Florida’s international trade and seaports are seeing incredible success and growth, and thousands of jobs have been created.

This year, Senator Scott will fight to reimburse Florida for the more than $140 million investment that was made to cover the federal share. The Senator will also work to secure a significant investment for strategic projects designed to improve infrastructure and security at Florida’s ports. This includes increased funding for Customs and Border Protection, which manages security and logistics at Florida’s seaports. These investments will continue Florida’s success as a national and global leader for shipping and logistics.

MORE THAN $200 MILLION TO PROTECT LAKE OKEECHOBEE AND THE EVERGLADES

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.

As Governor, Senator Scott announced his goal of fixing the Herbert Hoover Dike by 2022 and secured $100 million in state funds to speed up repairs to the federally-operated Dike. Fixing the Dike is crucial for water quality in the Everglades and surrounding estuaries, and will help curb the algae blooms that have significantly impacted Florida’s waterways. Last year, Senator Scott helped secure $514 million from the Trump Administration and Congress to fully fund the completion of the Herbert Hoover Dike repairs by 2022. These repairs are currently on schedule, but this funding must be protected to finish the project and provide real results for families and communities surrounding Lake Okeechobee.

Senator Scott will also work with Senator Rubio to secure a $200 million investment to continue work on restoring the Everglades and South Florida’s ecosystem. This funding will build on the more than $2 billion he invested as Governor. Senator Scott will keep working to make sure Florida’s natural resources are preserved so the state can remain a top destination for families, visitors and businesses.

MATCH PRESIDENT’S $750 BILLION REQUEST TO SUPPORT THE MILITARY AND THEIR FAMILIES

Senator Scott is a Navy veteran and has worked hard to make Florida the most military and veteran friendly state in the nation. Throughout his time as Governor, he secured more than $1.3 billion in funding to support Florida’s active duty military, veterans and their families.

As a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Scott is fighting for $13.6 billion in disaster relief funding, which will help rebuild Tyndall Air Force Base following the devastation of Hurricane Michael. Senator Scott will also fight for appropriations and a National Defense Authorization Act that matches the President’s request of $750 billion in defense spending. This funding is an increase over the current year funding and will strengthen military readiness, help update base infrastructure and support the communities and families surrounding military bases. Additionally, Senator Scott will fight to secure a pay raise for our men and women in uniform.

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