Duval Times

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Senator Rick Scott has issued a statement ahead of Vice President Harris's visit to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

Scott expressed his immediate actions following the tragic shooting at the school, stating, “After the horrific shooting that took 17 lives at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on Valentine’s Day in 2018, I immediately brought together mental health, education and law enforcement experts to get valuable feedback on how to prevent future violence in our schools."

He emphasized the importance of working closely with the affected families, saying, “I also worked closely with the families that lost their children and loved ones that day to make sure their voices were heard."

Scott highlighted the impact of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act in Florida, noting, “The work of the Parkland parents was instrumental in drafting and passing this bill—work done as they grieved the unimaginable loss of their children."

In contrast to the current administration's policies, Scott criticized the push for radical measures that he believes undermine constitutional rights, stating, “This stands in stark contrast to the Biden-Harris administration’s push for nationwide implementation of radical policies, like California’s red flag law, which abandons due process to more quickly and easily take constitutional rights away from law-abiding Americans. That is unacceptable."

Scott expressed his pride in the bipartisan efforts to enhance school safety, emphasizing the need to prioritize the well-being of students, “While I wish that the tragedy never happened, I am proud of the quick, bipartisan work we did to implement strong school safety policy and better protect our kids at school."

Furthermore, Scott criticized partisan politics hindering the passage of crucial acts aimed at preventing school violence, stating, “There is no place for partisan politics here, which is why I have been so frustrated by Democrat Leadership in the Senate blocking consideration and passage of the bipartisan EAGLES Act, to expand the U.S. Secret Service’s National Threat Assessment Center with a greater focus on school violence prevention."

He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to improving school safety nationwide and urged Vice President Harris to support the immediate passage of the EAGLES Act and School Guardian Act, stating, “I will continue to work with Parkland families and those who wish to build on Florida’s good work to improve school safety across the nation. I urge the Vice President to join me in calling for the immediate passage of the EAGLES Act and School Guardian Act."