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Duval Times

Thursday, November 7, 2024

News from March 2024

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Sens. Rick Scott, Mike Braun and J.D. Vance Call for Full Audit of Medicare Over $2.7 Billion in Medical Fraud

By Duval Times | Mar 13, 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C.— In a joint effort, Senators Rick Scott, Mike Braun, and J.D. Vance have called for a comprehensive audit of Medicare following reports of significant fraud within the system. The senators highlighted the urgency of the situation, emphasizing the need for enhanced oversight and preventive measures.According to the senators, "In 2022, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) estimated improper payments cost Medicare $47 billion, while other estimates put Medicare fraud at over $60 billion annually." They expressed concern over the low recovery rate,...

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Rubio, Warner Urge Senate Action to Protect Americans from TikTok and Other Foreign Adversary Controlled Apps

By Duval Times | Mar 13, 2024

The U.S. House of Representatives voted 352-65 to pass the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Vice Chairman Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Chairman Mark Warner (D-VA) released a joint statement praising the House and urging Senate action."We are united in our concern about the national security threat posed by TikTok – a platform with enormous power to influence and divide Americans whose parent company ByteDance remains legally required to do the bidding of the Chinese Communist Party. We were...

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$147 Million-Dollar Federal Grant Awarded to the Emerald Trail Project in Jacksonville

By Duval Times | Mar 13, 2024

Mayor Donna Deegan expressed her gratitude for the collaboration that led to the record-setting grant, stating, “This record-setting grant is the result of fantastic collaboration with our partners JTA and Groundwork Jacksonville, the relationships we’ve built with the Biden Administration, and the experienced team we hired to bring more federal tax dollars home." She also thanked President Biden and federal representatives for securing the critical funding, adding, "We're all excited that more shovels will be in the ground soon."JTA CEO Nathaniel Ford highlighted the...

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Serious Concerns Raised Over DHS Policy Allowing Illegal Aliens on Planes Without ID, Demands Senator Rick Scott

By Duval Times | Mar 13, 2024

In a recent development, Senator Rick Scott has raised serious concerns over the Department of Homeland Security's policy that allows illegal aliens to board planes without government-issued identification. Senator Scott's letter to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas highlights the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) screening policy, which enables unvetted illegal aliens to travel without a valid ID through the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) "CBP One" app.Senator Scott expressed his concerns, stating, "I write to request additional information regarding the...

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Rubio, Scott Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary of National Significance Act Passes Senate

By Duval Times | Mar 13, 2024

The Senate has approved the Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary of National Significance Act, a bill introduced by U.S. Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott, which aims to designate the Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Program (PPBEP) as an “Estuary of National Significance” under the National Estuary Program. Senator Rubio expressed his hope for the House to promptly pass the bill, stating, “Enrolling the PPBEP in the National Estuary Program will provide critical support for restoration, conservation, and monitoring efforts in Pensacola and Perdido Bays and enhance...

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Rubio and Warner Urge Senate to Protect Americans from TikTok and Other Apps Controlled by Foreign Adversaries

By Duval Times | Mar 13, 2024

The U.S. House of Representatives voted 352-65 to pass legislation aimed at protecting Americans from apps controlled by foreign adversaries. The Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Marco Rubio (R-FL), and the committee's Chairman, Mark Warner (D-VA), issued a statement applauding the House and urging the Senate to take action on the matter."We are united in our concern about the threat posed by TikTok to our national security. TikTok is a platform with enormous power to influence and divide Americans and whose parent company, ByteDance, remains...

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Rubio Introduces Bill to Protect Taxpayer Dollars from Funding Terrorism Through UN Mismanagement

By Duval Times | Mar 13, 2024

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) has introduced a new bill aimed at safeguarding taxpayer dollars from potentially funding terrorism through mismanagement within the United Nations (UN). The legislation, known as the Stop Funding Global Terrorists Act, seeks to address concerns regarding the allocation of U.S. contributions to the UN.In a statement, Senator Rubio emphasized the importance of ensuring that American taxpayer funds do not inadvertently support terrorist organizations such as the Taliban. He stated, "American taxpayer dollars should not benefit terrorist...

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Congressman John Rutherford Announces Annual Congressional Art Competition for FL-05 Constituents

By Duval Times | Mar 13, 2024

Congressman John Rutherford is excited to announce the launch of the annual Congressional Art Competition for high school students residing in Florida's 5th Congressional District. The competition, established in 1982, provides an exceptional opportunity for young artists to showcase their talents and have their artwork displayed in the United States Capitol."We are thrilled to once again host the Congressional Art Competition, celebrating the artistic achievements of our talented youth in FL-05," said Congressman Rutherford.The deadline for submissions is May 3, 2024,...

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ICYMI: Rubio: Red Sea Inaction Proves China’s Irresponsibility

By Duval Times | Mar 13, 2024

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) criticized China's inaction in the Red Sea, stating that it proves China is not a "responsible stakeholder". Rubio highlighted the situation in the Red Sea where the Houthis, an Islamic militant movement based in Yemen, are attacking peaceful vessels with weapons supplied by Iran. He pointed out that while naval vessels from the U.S., the U.K., and other nations have responded, Chinese ships have not.Rubio emphasized that protecting shipping from terrorism and piracy is a fundamental responsibility in the international arena, a duty that...

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Who owned University Crossing in Q4 2023?

By Duval Times | Mar 12, 2024

University Crossing was one of the 10 non-profit facility nursing homes in Duval County, Florida in the fourth quarter of 2023, and had an overall rating of three.

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Sen. Rick Scott Joins Sen. Rand Paul in Letter to Mayorkas Requesting Information on Illegal Immigrant Charged with Murder of Augusta University Student

By Duval Times | Mar 12, 2024

In a letter addressed to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Senator Rick Scott, along with Senator Rand Paul and other members of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, requested additional information on Jose Antonio Ibarra. Ibarra is facing charges related to the murder of Laken Hope Riley, a nursing student at Augusta University.The letter highlighted that Ibarra, a Venezuelan national, was previously apprehended by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in 2022 near El Paso, Texas, and was released into the country...

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ICYMI: Rubio Joins EWTN

By Duval Times | Mar 12, 2024

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) recently appeared on the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) to discuss important issues concerning the pro-life movement and the safety of Catholic churches in the United States.During the interview, Senator Rubio highlighted the need to change the narrative surrounding abortion, emphasizing that children should never be seen as a burden. He stated, "Unfortunately, a lot of the debate around abortion talks about children as a burden, as something terrible that’s going to ruin your life. Children should never be viewed as some sort of a...

ICYMI: Rubio Speaks to AIPAC Florida Delegation

By Duval Times | Mar 12, 2024

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio addressed the Florida delegation of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) on the Israel-Hamas conflict and the threat posed by Iran. Rubio emphasized the need to confront the root of the issue, stating, "Until that problem is confronted, and we accept it for what it is, we can’t truly begin to solve it." He highlighted the link between human trafficking groups and terrorist organizations like ISIS and Hezbollah, expressing concern over the potential threats posed by these connections.Rubio also discussed the ongoing funding...

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Sen. Rick Scott Challenges OMB Director Over Biden's Budget and Rising Debt

By Duval Times | Mar 12, 2024

Senator Rick Scott questioned Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Shalanda Young during a Senate Committee on the Budget hearing regarding President Biden's budget proposal. Scott expressed concerns over the significant increase in federal spending and the impact on national debt.Scott criticized the Biden administration's spending habits, stating, "For three years, the American people have watched the Biden administration spend all their money and then borrow more and spend that too, but they aren’t seeing their lives get any better. Prices keep going up,...

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Sen. Rick Scott on CPI Report: Biden’s Inflation Continues Hurting Florida Families

By Duval Times | Mar 12, 2024

Senator Rick Scott expressed his concerns following the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) release from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), emphasizing the need for fiscal reforms to combat the inflation crisis exacerbated by the Biden administration's policies. In response to February's CPI data, which revealed a 3.2% increase in inflation over the year, Senator Scott stated, "I heard from a woman in Orlando recently about how hard inflation is making her life. She said, ‘Not only can most of us not afford our groceries and rent we are literally choosing between paying...

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Sen. Rick Scott Vows to Block Any Biden Effort to Bring Palestinian Refugees to America

By Duval Times | Mar 12, 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator Rick Scott has taken a firm stance against the possibility of the Biden administration allowing Palestinian refugees to enter the United States. Expressing his concerns, Senator Scott stated, "I am gravely concerned about the pressure building from the radical left for President Biden to allow thousands of Palestinians to come to America."Highlighting the potential security risks associated with this move, Senator Scott pointed out, “The FBI has repeatedly warned of the serious threats America faces from terror cells that are growing here in the...

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Rubio Speaks with Carines Moncada on América Radio

By Duval Times | Mar 12, 2024

Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) recently spoke with Carines Moncada on América Radio 1260 AM about various pressing issues. Rubio addressed the threat of the Tren de Aragua in the U.S., changes in immigration policies in Democratic cities, Nicaragua's role in human trafficking, and more.Rubio expressed concern about the Tren de Aragua, stating, "There is much to worry about, knowing that the Tren de Aragua is here in our cities." He emphasized the need to designate the Tren de Aragua as a transnational criminal organization to effectively combat its organized threat....

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Rubio Introduces Bill to Allow Seized Funds for Staffing and Enforcement Purposes

By Duval Times | Mar 12, 2024

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) has taken a significant step in addressing the need for stringent enforcement of sanctions by introducing the Sanctions Recovery Act. The bill aims to incentivize the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to more strictly enforce sanctions by allowing the agency to acquire a portion of seized foreign assets and fines for staffing and enforcement purposes.In a statement regarding the bill, Senator Rubio emphasized the crucial role played by OFAC in safeguarding the nation from foreign threats, including...

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A look at The Terrace of Jacksonville, a nursing home in Jacksonville, Florida

By Duval Times | Mar 11, 2024

Owned by JV Long Term Care Holdings, LLC since Jan. 1, 2022, The Terrace of Jacksonville had an overall rating of one in the fourth quarter of 2023.

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Sens. Rick Scott & Mike Crapo Urge Freeze to Ag Wage Rate that Could Threaten America’s Agriculture Independence

By Duval Times | Mar 11, 2024

Senators Rick Scott and Mike Crapo, along with a group of their Senate colleagues, have called for a freeze to the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) in order to protect America's agricultural independence. In a letter to Senate leadership, the Senators expressed their concerns about the increasing labor costs for agriculture producers, which they deem unsustainable."The increasing cost of labor for agriculture producers is unsustainable," the Senators wrote. They highlighted that the national average AEWR is set to be $17.55 this year, marking a 5.6 percent increase from...