Duval Times

Senator Rick Scott, along with Mrs. Ann Scott, Senator Mike Lee, and Mrs. Sharon Lee, recently returned from a visit to Denmark, Estonia, and Finland. The delegation met with military and government officials from these nations to discuss mutual interests in military and national security.

The visit focused on ensuring continued support from NATO allies for European security. Senator Scott, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Seapower, emphasized the importance of working closely with European allies in addressing U.S. national security priorities. These include shipbuilding as well as responding to Russian aggression.

Senator Scott stated, “As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Chairman of the subcommittee on Seapower, I had the pleasure of visiting Denmark, Estonia, and Finland with my colleague, Senator Mike Lee, to meet with high level government, military, and shipbuilding industry leaders, including Ministers of Defense and Ministers of Foreign Affairs, and legislators."

He further elaborated on his engagement with U.S. service members stationed at the Tapa Army Base in Estonia. "I also had the great opportunity to meet with U.S. service members at Tapa Army Base in Estonia, who are working hard to defend the interests of the United States and its allies across Europe and NATO," he mentioned.

Scott praised these countries as "strong allies of the United States," noting their commitment to defense spending and cooperation in security matters. "These nations are strong allies of the United States, and we have a mutual focus on strengthening relations as partners in the region for shipbuilding and national security, including combating Russian aggression with European nations on the frontlines," he stated.

They also highlighted these countries' efforts in surpassing NATO's minimum defense spending standards. Scott appreciated the role of these nations in enhancing safety and prosperity through shared commitments and defense collaborations with U.S. industries. "They are leaders in Europe when it comes to surpassing the NATO minimum defense spending standards. These allies truly work with us to make us safer, stronger, and more prosperous, whether that means standing shoulder to shoulder with us in the field or quickly procuring and manufacturing weapons from U.S. industry.”

Senator Scott expressed pride in continuing to collaborate in safeguarding the United States and promoting global peace through strength, concluding, "I’m proud to continue our work together to protect the United States and bring back peace through strength around the world.”