Rick Scott

Mr. SCOTT of Florida

Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Madam President, I rise today to talk about an issue of great national importance that affects every family in America. We know the Federal Reserve has been wildly unaccountable for years under Jay Powell's leadership. Beyond his failed monetary policies leading to destroyed markets and misallocated capital, Powell has also overseen regulatory failures and numerous reports of unethical practices among its own members, all of which were overlooked and enabled by the Fed Board's handpicked inspector general. This malpractice and lack of transparency and accountability have seriously undermined confidence in our financial system. We can work to address this and start repairing the broken trust of the American people today by passing my bill, which is simple: Establish an independent, Senate-confirmed inspector general at the Federal Reserve. Every other government Agency has one. Surely the government's largest Agency should have one. It is just common sense to establish a Senate- confirmed inspector general at the Fed. This inspector general would finally be independent of the Fed Board, who are the very people they are tasked with investigating in order to bring accountability to the Fed on behalf of the American people. This must happen now. In recent years, we have seen hundreds of allegations of voting members of the Federal Reserve engaging in shady and unethical investment trades while in possession of insider information about the Fed. We have seen the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and others. We have seen a complete mismanagement of the Fed's policies while a culture of corruption has arrived at the Fed, and we are seeing billions of taxpayer dollars being spent to renovate the Federal Reserve headquarters in Washington, DC, all while the Fed is operating at a loss. You might wonder, as I do, why no one gets fired or is held accountable and why no changes have been made. It is because Jay Powell is Chair, and the Federal Reserve's inspector general is appointed by and reports to--guess who--Jay Powell and the Fed Board, period. It is a clear conflict of interest constructed with a perverse pay structure that enables issues to go unchecked and covered up for too long at the expense of the American people. The American people want to know their central bank is doing the right thing. The Fed makes decisions that impact their lives each and every day. For families like mine, growing up without much, the Fed's choices can decide if they can afford their mortgage or put food on the table. Families across our Nation deserve a Federal Reserve that they trust is working in their best interest. I would like to thank Senate Banking Committee Ranking Member Elizabeth Warren, Senator Lummis, and Senator Moreno for working with me on this important bill. I would now like to yield to my colleague Senator Moreno to say a few words about the legislation.

Mr. SCOTT of Florida

Mr. SCOTT of Florida. I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. SCOTT of Florida

Mr. SCOTT of Florida. I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. SCOTT of Florida

Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the next rollcall vote occur.

Mr. SCOTT of Florida

Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the 60th anniversary of the passage of an essential piece of legislation: the Older Americans Act. As the chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging and Senator from Florida, I am committed to honoring and supporting the more than 59 million older Americans who enrich our communities. Florida is blessed with a dynamic senior population. In my State and across the Nation, seniors thrive when given opportunities to be active members of their communities and receive adequate support. This historic bill provided the supportive, community-based framework that has helped generations of seniors age with dignity and give back to their communities and families, all while living rich, vibrant lives. The Older Americans Act continues to impact more than 10 million older Americans a year by promoting social connection and contributing to programs aimed at supplying nutritional services, continued education, and transportation for our aging neighbors. It has improved the life expectancy, health outcomes, and quality of life for millions of seniors, and that is why I am proud to be leading the fight to reauthorize this important legislation alongside my good friend and colleague Mr. Bill Cassidy, Senator from Louisiana and chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. I will continue to fight for the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act to ensure it is available to provide this same life- affirming support for generations to come.

Mr. SCOTT of Florida

Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Mr. President, I rise to celebrate Helen Parke of Dover, FL, and recognize her 100th birthday. Helen was born on July 7, 1925, in St. Louis, MO, and it was there that she met and married Roy Parke, Jr., in 1943. After World War II, she worked alongside her husband on a dairy farm in Pennsylvania. In 1957, they moved to Dover, FL, to join her father- in-law, who had purchased 10 acres of land for a strawberry farm. What began as 10 acres of strawberry crop has grown to over 300 acres of strawberries, blackberries, vegetables, and cattle. From a small farm, it has grown to include the legendary Parkesdale Farm Market, which garners lines of visitors, including myself, that come from all over to taste their world-famous strawberry shortcake. It has also expanded to include a plant nursery and a packing/cooling facility that was added under the Parkesdale Farms banner. Any who have had the opportunity to visit Parkesdale Farms can attest to the hard work and legacy of Helen and her family. Helen has been key to the farm's success and operations; she has hoed plants, packed berries, picked squash, and is a well-known fixture at the market, the nursery, and, of course, the annual Strawberry Festival. She is rightly very proud of what started as a 10-acre farm and has grown and diversified so much, but she is also a proud mother to 5 children, grandmother to 10, and great-grandmother to 22. Helen has had a very busy and ``fruitful'' 100 years of life. She has had a lasting impact on the State of Florida, and I wish her happiness for many more birthdays to come.

Mr. SCOTT of Florida

Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the servicemembers from the 98th Expedition Signal Battalion, the 297th Regional Support group, the 1st Armored Division, the 200th Military Police, the 303rd Military Policy Company, the 3-321 Field Artillery Regiment, and the 41st Field Artillery Brigade who are currently serving alongside our NATO allies in Estonia. I had the opportunity to meet and talk with them during a recent visit, including several servicemembers from my home State of Florida. These brave American soldiers are currently serving alongside our NATO allies to protect against the threat of Putin's Russia. They are standing shoulder to shoulder with our allies who are putting their resources and citizens on the frontline. For them, the threat of an empowered Russia is not a theoretical one, but a tangible danger they deal with every day on the frontlines of the war. We are happy to support Estonia as they defend themselves and our NATO allies against this threat. I am honored today to recognize and honor the sacrifice of these Americans and the sacrifice of their families as they answer the call to protect their country and its allies.

Mr. SCOTT of Florida

Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the incredible service to our State and Nation by Craig Carbone. Craig has served on my team in multiple capacities for over a decade. As my deputy chief of staff when I was Governor of Florida, Craig was an integral part of our success and spearheaded efforts to pass legislation that made our State safer and more prosperous. He also oversaw the appointments process for thousands of boards and commissions in Florida which has had a direct impact on every Floridian. He worked tirelessly to help me get elected to the U.S. Senate, and he has been a vital member of my Senate office since day one. As my chief of staff, he has overseen the passage of critical legislation, led our award-winning constituent services team, and helped countless Americans who needed assistance with the Federal Government. I am so grateful for Craig's hard work and commitment to making Florida and our Nation a better place.

Mr. SCOTT of Florida

Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Madam President, I stand today to condemn the anti-Semitic and hate-fueled murders of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim that occurred last night at the hands of a Hamas sympathizer. This was a sickening, violent, and anti-Semitic attack in our Nation's Capital. These two young professionals were targeted and murdered because they represented Israel and the Jewish people, with their murderer chanting ``Free Palestine'' after killing them in cold blood. These were innocents, out for a night together at the Capital Jewish Museum here in DC, just like members of our own staff do each and every week. This anti-Semitism and hate for Israel and the Jewish people is disgusting, unacceptable, and must be condemned on every level. It is despicable, and it is dangerous. We have seen a rise in anti-Semitism and anti-Israel hate since the October 7, 2023 attacks. We have seen Hamas sympathizers take over college campuses and instill fear in Jewish students. We have seen violent protests on our streets and now in our Nation's Capital. Jewish Americans are afraid to walk outside or live their daily lives. For nearly 600 days now, Israel has defended itself against Iran-backed Hamas terrorists who want to destroy Israel and destroy the Jewish people. These terrorists murder babies and women in cold blood, take and murder innocent people, and brag about their acts with no remorse. They took innocent people, including Americans, hostage and tortured them. They still hold the bodies of American hostages to deprive their families of closure. Israel is the United States' greatest democratic ally in the Middle East. We cannot abandon our ally. Thankfully, we have a President who is an ally of Israel and who is working to fight anti-Semitism in the United States. President Trump is pushing back on colleges and universities that allow hateful anti-Semitic actions on campus that threaten the safety of Jewish students. He has appointed the most pro-Israel Cabinet ever assembled. And he is committed to defending Israel, combating terrorism, and protecting Jewish Americans. Today, I rise to condemn last night's heinous and anti-Semitic attack on these innocent people. I condemn this hateful rhetoric against Israel and against the Jewish people who deserve the right to live freely and without fear in the United States and around the world. The United States must always stand with Israel and the Jewish people, and today we join together to remember the innocent lives taken in an act of hate and pay tribute to their lives and the contributions of the Jewish people to our Nation. Madam President, the fight against anti-Semitism is a bipartisan one. I am grateful for my colleague Jackie Rosen for working with me to draft a resolution that draws attention to anti-Semitism in America and declaring May, Jewish American Heritage Month. I yield to my colleague from Nevada Senator Rosen.

Mr. SCOTT of Florida

Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Mr. President, I rise to recognize the efforts of President Trump and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick on the U.S. Department of Commerce's decision to terminate the flawed 2019 Tomato Suspension Agreement. The termination of this agreement is a major win for Florida farmers and tomato growers across the country. By protecting our markets from being flooded by unfairly and artificially priced tomatoes, President Trump and Secretary Lutnick are standing up for American principles and the American farmer. I want to thank Secretary Lutnick for his commitment to ensuring our trade laws work to support American businesses and families.

Mr. SCOTT of Florida

Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life of Kevin Reilly who recently passed away. Kevin graduated from Palm Harbor University High School in Pinellas County and was a proud Florida Gator, where he served as student body president at the University of Florida. Kevin spent much of his professional life in service to the State of Florida where he had key roles in the Florida legislature, State agencies, Congress, and in my Gubernatorial administration. As my legislative affairs director when I was Governor, Kevin was a key part of our success and helped us pass critical legislation to make Florida the best State to live, work, and raise a family. He fought for our tourism industry, championed policies to grow Florida's economy and spearheaded efforts to ensure Florida remained a safe place for every family. Kevin was a caring son, brother, friend, and colleague. Today, we honor his life and the incredible impact he made on our State, Nation, and all those who knew him.

Mr. SCOTT of Florida

Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Let's remember what we just did today. This is not the confirmation of the Secretary of Defense. These are the confirmations of very competent people. No one can question the competence of these four people. No one can. All right? These are competent people who have served our country and who do a great job. So what we are doing is we are saying: Because some people don't like our Secretary of Defense, we are not going to allow the President to put a team together of very competent people. So what we are doing is, now we just have acting people whom none of us get to vote on and none of us get to question until they come to committee. None of this makes any sense. It is not helping us put together a team and holding people accountable.

Mr. SCOTT of Florida. At some point, this has got to change. We have Presidential elections every 4 years. Our President got elected. President Trump got elected, whether people like it or not. He deserves an opportunity to put his team together and act as the President and put his agenda in place. This idea that both parties sit here and delay nominees and the ability to put teams together doesn't make any sense for the future of this country. This is not a time that there is no risk in the world, and so, at some point, we are going to all have to come together to start accelerating this. We have so many nominees. Whether it is a Republican or a Democrat President, we have got to allow these nominees to get through and get confirmed in a much more expedited manner. Otherwise, none of our Presidents are ever going to get in a position that they can ever put a team together during their 4-year term.

Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Mr. President, one final ask. I hope my colleagues can agree that we have at least one critical nominee today approved. Let's consider Bradley Hansell to be Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security. Mr. Hansell is a former Green Beret, Senior Director on the National Security Council staff, and has previously received bipartisan support. He will be responsible to exercise the Secretary of Defense's authority, direction, and control over the DIA, NGA, NSA, NRO, and the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency. His confirmation is critical to the President's ``peace through strength'' agenda. I, once again, urge my colleague to allow for the nominee's immediate confirmation. I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session to consider the following nomination: Executive Calendar No. 108, Bradley Hansell, to be Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security; that the Senate vote on the nomination without intervening action or debate; that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table; that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action; and that the Senate resume legislative session.

Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Mr. President, the President deserves his national security nominees today. Let me see if we will consider this one: Brandon Williams to be Under Secretary for Nuclear Security, Military Health System. Mr. Williams is a nuclear submarine officer. During his service, he made six strategic deterrence patrols, was a nuclear weapons safety officer, nuclear weapons security officer, and nuclear weapons radiological control officer. He is pretty competent. This role is responsible for the maintenance of a safe, secure, and reliable nuclear stockpile. Confirmation is critical to President Trump's ``peace through strength and strategic deterrence'' agenda. Hopefully, my colleague will see the wisdom in allowing this confirmation--this individual who is clearly qualified to be confirmed today. I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session to consider the following nomination: Executive Calendar No. 107, Brandon Williams, to be Under Secretary for Nuclear Security; that the Senate vote on the nomination without intervening action or debate; that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table; and that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action and the Senate resume legislative session.

Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Mr. President, I am not sure I understand my colleague's objections. These are well-qualified nominees. They enjoy bipartisan support. There are several more nominees waiting. It is obvious, my colleagues across the aisle will do everything they can to undermine President Trump's agenda and delay these nominees. Next, I would like to consider Keith Bass to be Assistant Secretary of Defense. Mr. Bass is a retired U.S. Navy commander. He is also a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, the National Rehabilitation Association, the American Counseling Association, and the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors. Prior to nomination, Mr. Bass served as the Medical Center Director for the West Texas VA Health Care System. The role Mr. Bass has been nominated to oversee is a Military Health System that has 9.6 million beneficiaries entitled to care. The military health system is currently undergoing many reforms to improve efficiency, increase readiness, and deliver better care. I urge my colleagues to allow for his immediate confirmation. I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to executive session to consider the following nomination: Executive Calendar No. 70, Keith Bass, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense; that the Senate vote on the nomination without intervening action or debate; that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table; and that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action and the Senate resume legislative session.

Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Mr. President, the nominees I will discuss today were approved by the Armed Services Committee with bipartisan support. Republicans and Democrats agreed they are qualified and ready to serve. President Trump was elected in a landslide, and the American people expect and deserve our support in getting his agenda accomplished. President Trump and his administration are working incredibly hard to bring back the U.S. policy of peace through strength and to ensure our military is a respected and lethal fighting force. This is not an easy task after President Biden's weakness allowed our enemies free rein while our military leadership was distracted with being woke. President Trump needs his full team in place to deliver on his agenda to restore our Nation's military to focus on the warfighter. To that end, I ask that we move to consider the following nominees: First, I will ask we consider Dale Marks to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense. Mr. Marks is a former fighter pilot and combat-wounded veteran. After his distinguished military career, he continued service in a civilian capacity, where he rose through the ranks of Senior Executive Service. He is currently serving as Executive Director of the 96th Test Wing, Air Force Materiel Command at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. The position he is nominated for is essential to ensure our military installations remain strong, our energy policies support mission success, and our environmental strategies enhance, not hinder, operational readiness and support peace through strength. I urge the Democrats to drop their misplaced stall tactics and allow for his immediate confirmation. I ask unanimous consent the Senate proceed to executive session to consider the following nomination: Executive Calendar No. 109, Dale Marks, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense; that the Senate vote on the nomination without intervening action or debate; that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table; and that the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action and the Senate resume legislative session.

Mr. SCOTT of Florida

Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Mr. President, I rise to honor the life of U.S. Navy CAPT Allen Brady who passed away on April 24, 2025, at the age of 95. We remember Captain Brady for his bravery and his sacrifice to our Nation through his 30 years of Active Duty. Captain Brady entered the U.S. Naval Academy in June 1947 and was commissioned as an ensign in the U.S. Navy on June 1, 1951, first assigned as a signal officer aboard the aircraft carrier USS Palau (CVE-122) from July 1951 to May 1952, followed by flight school. Captain Brady proudly served our Nation in several assignments during the Cold War, Korean war, and Vietnam war. During the Vietnam war, Captain Brady served as an A-6A pilot and executive officer of VA-85 at NAS Oceana and deployed aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63) from September 1966 until he was forced to eject over North Vietnam and was taken as a prisoner of war on January 19, 1967. He remained a prisoner of war for 2,237 days from January 19, 1967, to March 4, 1973, when he was released during Operation Homecoming. Captain Brady received a Silver Star for his time as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam, where he was subjected him to extreme mental and physical cruelties in an attempt to obtain military information and false confessions, yet Captain Brady resisted. He showed incredible bravery and determination in that brought honor to his naval service, the U.S. Armed Forces, and the United States of America. Captain Brady continued to serve his country until his retirement from the Navy on October 1, 1979. On behalf of all Floridians, our entire country, and my fellow Navy sailors, it is an honor to remember the life of CAPT Allen C. Brady, a true American hero.

Mr. SCOTT of Florida

Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Mr. President, I rise to recognize Maj. Colleen Randolph, U.S. Marine Corps, for her distinguished and exemplary service, on the occasion of her transfer from the U.S. Marine Corps Office of Legislative Affairs to the Nation's best service academy, the U.S. Naval Academy. I, and many other Members of the Senate, have had the privilege of working with Major Randolph over the past 3 years as a military escort for congressional travel, continuing the excellent relationship between the Marine Corps and the U.S. Senate. In her role, Major Randolph enabled the successful execution of over 30 international congressional delegations. Major Randolph distinguished herself through exceptional service to her country and in direct support of every Member of the Senate. Major Randolph expertly handled congressional inquiries and requests for information from nearly every one of the 100 Senate offices, including my own. My team and I have traveled with Major Randolph on multiple international trips, most recently to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, a region critical to our national security. She has proven to be an incredible asset, consistently demonstrated exceptional problem- solving capability both prior to and during execution of congressional travel, excellent communications skills, and a wealth of knowledge. Major Randolph also exemplified the candor and knowledge that we have come to expect from the Marine Corps. She is responsive and understands the need to quickly provide accurate information to Members and their teams as we work to serve the American people. Major Randolph is dedicated to the Marine Corps, her country, and always puts the needs of our Nation ahead of herself. Major Randolph's service in the Senate Liaison Office has left the Marine Corps well positioned to continue the Corps' contributions to the national security of our Nation. In every endeavor during her time with the Office of Legislative Affairs, Major Randolph proved to be an officer of the highest caliber. My colleagues and I bid a fond farewell to Maj. Colleen Randolph, her husband Matt; and we thank her parents Mike and Kathleen; twin sister Kaileigh; and brothers Kane and Cole for all the support they have given her as she serves her Nation. We wish Maj. Colleen Randolph continued success in her next assignment with the U.S. Naval Academy.

Mr. SCOTT of Florida

Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize #EndJewHatred Day and to affirm my unwavering support for the Jewish community in Florida, across the United States, and around the world. For millennia, the Jewish people have preserved their religious, cultural, and ethnic identity in the face of persecution, enslavement, genocide, discrimination, and unimaginable adversity. Since the arrival of the first Jewish immigrants to America in 1654, Jewish Americans have made extraordinary contributions to every facet of American life-- strengthening our culture, economy, and society. This alarming trend has inspired a growing grassroots civil rights movement, End Jew Hatred, dedicated to making antisemitism and Jew- hatred unacceptable in contemporary American society. This movement empowers Jews to live openly and proudly, celebrating their heritage without fear of discrimination or attack. On April 29, 2022, the first official #EndJewHatred Day was recognized, marking a national commitment to ending anti-Semitism and building a future free from hatred and bigotry. Today, I join in that commitment. We must stand firmly against anti- Semitism in all its forms, affirm the inherent dignity of every individual, and ensure that the lessons of history are never forgotten. Therefore, I am proud to recognize April 29 as #EndJewHatred Day, and I call upon all Americans to condemn Jew-hatred, to speak out against anti-Semitism, and to work toward a future of respect, security, and freedom for the Jewish people.

Mr. SCOTT of Florida

Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Mr. President, I object.

Mr. SCOTT of Florida

Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Mr. President, I rise to congratulate Carlos and Janelle Beruff of Bradenton, FL, on their 15th wedding anniversary. Over the years, my wife Ann and I have had the privilege of becoming friends with Carlos and Janelle. Together, they have built a beautiful family and are the proud parents of two children. Carlos and Janelle are an example of what it means to be Floridians. Following success in business, they have contributed tremendously to their community. They know the challenges so many people face, and they are always there to help. It is always wonderful to see them, and I congratulate them on their anniversary with best wishes for many more to come.

Mr. SCOTT of Florida

Mr. SCOTT of Florida. I object.

Mr. SCOTT of Florida

Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Special Committee on Aging, having adopted rules governing its procedures for the 119th Congress, have a copy of their rules printed in the Record, pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 2, of the Standing Rules of the Senate.

Mr. SCOTT of Florida

Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Reserving the right to object, I think all of us can agree with my colleague. We can agree it is very important the American people have readily available access to accurate and timely public health information. I don't think anyone disputes that, and no one should have to doubt the important work done by the Department of Health and Human Services to provide the American people with the information they need to remain healthy and safe. But this resolution is unnecessary. The new administration just took office and issued a temporary pause until February 1 on all communications coming from its Agencies without approval. They have every right to do this. To be frank, they have a lot of problems to solve from the prior administration. I hope we can focus on confirming nominees quickly. The sooner his team gets in place, the sooner he can deliver on his promises to the American people. Therefore, I object.