Duval Times

On May 24, 2024, Senator Rick Scott joined Representative Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26) and Representative Carlos A. Giménez (FL-28) in a press conference to denounce the Biden administration's decision to allow Cuban regime operatives to tour TSA facilities at Miami International Airport. The Cuban regime is designated as a State Sponsor of Terrorism and should not be permitted access to U.S. security areas or receive special treatment at any U.S. airport. The officials emphasized that protecting national security and the American people is their top priority and demanded immediate answers regarding the authorization of this visit.

Senator Rick Scott stated, “What the Biden administration has allowed to happen here is absolutely insane. The illegitimate, communist Cuban regime is a designated State Sponsor of Terror and President Biden just opened our doors to them with a personal tour of U.S. security protocols at Miami International Airport. Everything this administration does puts America at risk. My colleagues and I are calling on Secretary Mayorkas, the TSA Administrator and any Biden administration official involved in this reckless decision to answer for it and be held accountable. Joe Biden’s appeasement of the Cuban regime is already putting Americans in danger; we cannot allow these terrorists back on American soil.”

Earlier this month, Senator Scott released a statement criticizing President Joe Biden’s decision to remove Cuba from the U.S. list of nations that are not cooperative with counterterrorism efforts—a move seen as a step toward reversing Cuba’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism made under the Trump administration in January 2021.

Additionally, Senator Scott introduced the Fighting Oppression until the Reign of Castro Ends (FORCE) Act earlier this Congress, aiming to prevent President Biden from normalizing relations with Cuba unless freedom and democracy are restored on the island. He is also advocating for his Denying Earnings to the Military Oligarchy in Cuba and Restricting Activities of the Cuban Intelligence Apparatus (DEMOCRACIA) Act, which would authorize severe sanctions and financial pressure on Cuba while ensuring internet access on the island.