Duval Times

On July 31, 2024, Senator Rick Scott, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and ranking member of the SASC Personnel Subcommittee, criticized Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on the Senate floor for delaying consideration of the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Scott emphasized that this delay sends a signal of weakness at a time when global threats are increasing.

Senator Scott stated, "We shouldn’t be here giving speeches about the National Defense Authorization Act today – we should be here on the Senate floor VOTING on the National Defense Authorization Act today." He accused Schumer of repeatedly stalling critical legislation needed to set policy and funding levels for America's armed forces.

Scott expressed frustration over Washington's failure to move forward with legislation, describing it as "dangerous" given that adversaries like China, Iran, Russia, and North Korea are actively working against American interests. "Every single day our enemies... are actively working with one single goal in mind: to dominate the world stage by destroying the American way of life," he said.

He highlighted America's dependence on countries like China for essential goods and stressed the need to decouple supply chains from these nations. "Our country has fallen into a trap of dependence on our enemies... we must end that TODAY," Scott urged.

The Senator also underscored the importance of military strength in deterring threats. He remarked, "The NDAA isn’t simply a reauthorization of our military and its support programs. This bill sets the policy that ensures America’s armed forces are on the cutting edge of innovation."

In his speech, Scott mentioned several provisions in the NDAA beneficial to Florida and national security. These include a 4.5% pay raise for service members, $3 million for childcare development in Florida's Panhandle, and measures to eliminate Chinese-grown garlic from military commissaries due to health concerns.

Additionally, Scott pointed out measures within the NDAA aimed at reducing reliance on Chinese-made goods such as generic drugs and technology products. The bill also includes provisions supporting U.S.-Israel cooperation on counter-tunneling efforts and emerging technologies.

Concluding his remarks, Scott called for immediate action: "I am proud of the work we have done and again call for Majority Leader Schumer to stop stalling and put this bill on the floor NOW."

Scott thanked Chairman Reed, Ranking Member Wicker, and other colleagues for their leadership on these issues.