Duval Times

Senator Rick Scott, along with Senator John Kennedy and several colleagues, has introduced the No Dollars for Dictators Act. This legislation is designed to prevent American tax dollars from being allocated to regimes considered adversarial through the International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s special drawing rights. The bill is cosponsored by Senators Marsha Blackburn, Jim Justice, John Barrasso, and Chuck Grassley.

Senator Rick Scott expressed his concerns, stating that "American taxpayers want their dollars to work in their best interests, not financially supporting dictators of dangerous and adversarial regimes like Communist China, Iran, Venezuela and more." He noted that during the Biden administration, substantial funds were allocated to these regimes without congressional approval. He added, "The No Dollars for Dictators Act will protect U.S. tax dollars from fueling the evils of dictators or terrorists who seek to destroy our way of life.”

Senator John Kennedy emphasized the need for congressional involvement, noting that “The Biden administration allowed China, Russia, Iran and Syria to collect billions of dollars from the IMF without ever consulting Congress. My bill would ensure that Congress has a say before the IMF doles out American tax dollars to countries that hate us.”

Senator Marsha Blackburn criticized the current administration’s handling of funds, saying, “The Biden-Harris administration bypassed Congress and allocated unauthorized funds to oppressive nations like China, Russia, and Iran, which pose a clear threat to our security." She believes the Act would prevent such future allocations.

Senator Jim Justice echoed these sentiments, stating, "Our enemies should not benefit from U.S. taxpayers, especially when they undermine our nation’s security. It’s time Congress steps in on behalf of the American people and puts an end to this reckless spending that supports dictators and terrorists.”