Senator Rick Scott Criticizes Democrats Over Budget Standoff and Shutdown
Senator Rick Scott, a Republican representing Florida in the U.S. Senate and former governor of the state, posted a series of statements on November 6, 2025, addressing the ongoing government shutdown and recent developments related to federal budget negotiations.
In his first post, Scott criticized Senate Democrats for blocking his proposed legislation. On November 6 at 18:29 UTC, he wrote: “Democrats just BLOCKED the passage of my No Budget, No Pay Act and CONFIRMED they care more about their own paychecks than the paychecks of our troops and federal law enforcement.
Dems don’t care about the shutdown because THEY still get paid! https://t.co/qNJgjTAGMC“
Later that evening, Scott attributed responsibility for what he described as “the longest government shutdown in our nation’s history” to Senate Democrats. At 20:03 UTC on November 6, he stated: “Democrats’ Trump Derangement Syndrome has caused the longest government shutdown in our nation’s history, leaving millions of Americans worried about their next paycheck or meal.
Why don’t @SenateDems care about the harm their shutdown is causing?! https://t.co/RTwPAc4tlV“
In a separate message at 20:33 UTC on November 6, Scott congratulated Tim Cerio and Alan Levine on new leadership roles within Florida’s higher education system. He wrote: “Congrats to @TimCerio and @alevine014 on their tremendous victory as chair and vice chair of the @SUS_Florida Board of Governors.
I was so honored to appoint them to various positions as governor. They are great champions for our higher education system.”
The “No Budget, No Pay Act,” referenced by Senator Scott in his posts, is a legislative proposal that would withhold salaries from members of Congress if they fail to pass a budget by established deadlines.
Government shutdowns occur when Congress fails to pass funding legislation signed into law by the President before existing appropriations expire. During such periods, many federal employees may be furloughed or work without pay until funding resumes; however, members of Congress continue receiving their salaries due to constitutional provisions.
The State University System (SUS) Board of Governors oversees public universities in Florida. Tim Cerio and Alan Levine have previously held significant roles within Florida’s educational administration under appointments made during Scott’s tenure as governor.
