Duval Times

Senator Rick Scott met with President Joe Biden, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, FEMA officials, and local authorities in Taylor County to assess the damage caused by Hurricane Helene. During the meeting, Senator Scott urged President Biden to fully support Florida's recovery efforts following the hurricane. He emphasized the need for immediate federal assistance to address unmet needs in Florida and other states affected by the storm.

Senator Scott has been vocal about potential funding shortfalls within FEMA's Disaster Relief Fund. He called on Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to reconvene the Senate for a vote on a supplemental aid package once FEMA and state officials determine funding needs. Scott also advocated for his Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act to provide relief to families.

"While I appreciate President Biden, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, and FEMA officials coming to Florida to see the damage firsthand, there is much work to be done," said Senator Scott. "The federal response over the past two years has left too many Floridians suffering with unmet needs."

Scott highlighted that local, state, and federal efforts are necessary for Gulf Coast communities' recovery. He demanded immediate action from Senate Majority Leader Schumer once damage assessments are complete.

"The hurricane devastated communities along hundreds of miles of Florida's Gulf Coast," Scott stated. "Floridians are resilient, but recovery requires federal presence until completion."

This week, Senator Scott led a bipartisan group in supporting Florida's request for a Disaster Declaration from USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack. He also wrote to FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell requesting coordination with Florida Emergency Management Division on housing recovery.

Additionally, Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio urged expedited reimbursements for local governments facing budget deficits due to hurricanes Helene and Debby impacts.

Scott released a Hurricane Resource Guide for Floridians needing assistance from federal agencies like FEMA or SBA during recovery.

Over the past week, Senator Scott visited 11 counties preparing for Hurricane Helene. Before landfall, he received updates from county sheriffs and emergency management officials urging residents to heed warnings and evacuate if necessary.

Senator Scott maintained constant communication with state leaders, local authorities, military base leaders, emergency management officials, and power companies across affected areas ensuring resource availability during response efforts.

He also engaged with federal officials including FEMA Region 4 Administrator Robert Samaan and DHS Secretary Mayorkas advocating for emergency declarations pre- and post-storm which were approved by President Biden after receiving letters from Senators Scott and Rubio.

Floridians needing help with federal agencies during Hurricane Helene recovery can contact Senator Scott’s office via www.rickscott.senate.gov/contact/casework or find additional resources at www.rickscott.senate.gov/hurricane-season-resources or floridadisaster.org @FLSERT.