Florida
State Senators:
Rick Scott (R)
Term Start: January 3, 2019
Full Name: Richard Lynn Scott
Date of Birth: December 1, 1952
Birthplace: Bloomington, Illinois, U.S.
Early Life and Education: Rick Scott was born in Bloomington, Illinois, and raised in Kansas City, Missouri. His family faced financial difficulties, and he worked various jobs from a young age. Scott attended high school in North Kansas City and then joined the U.S. Navy in 1970, where he served as a radar man on the USS Glover. Following his service, he used the G.I. Bill to attend college, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 1975. He later obtained a Juris Doctor degree from Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law in 1978.
Personal Life: Rick Scott is married to Annette Scott, and they have two daughters. The family resides in Naples, Florida. Scott is also a successful author, having written books on his life and political philosophy. He continues to be active in Florida’s political and community affairs
Early Career: After law school, Scott worked for the law firm Johnson & Swanson in Dallas, Texas. In 1987, he co-founded Columbia Hospital Corporation, which later merged with HCA to become Columbia/HCA, the largest private for-profit health care company in the U.S. Scott served as CEO until 1997. During his tenure, the company faced legal issues, including a significant Medicare fraud investigation, resulting in a settlement with the government. Scott left the company with a substantial severance package. Following his tenure at Columbia/HCA, Scott became a venture capitalist and founded Conservatives for Patients’ Rights.
Political Career:
- Governor of Florida: In 2010, Scott ran for Governor of Florida as a Republican, defeating Democrat Alex Sink. He took office on January 4, 2011, and was re-elected in 2014. As governor, Scott focused on job creation, tax cuts, and reducing government regulation. His tenure was marked by efforts to improve Florida’s economy, which included significant tax reductions and the implementation of policies aimed at attracting businesses to the state. Under his leadership, Florida’s economy significantly improved, with the creation of nearly 1.7 million jobs and a substantial decrease in the unemployment rate.
- U.S. Senate: In 2018, Scott ran for the U.S. Senate, challenging incumbent Senator Bill Nelson. He won the election and took office on January 8, 2019. As a senator, Scott has focused on issues such as fiscal responsibility, national security, healthcare, and veterans’ affairs. He is known for his conservative stance and commitment to limited government and free-market principles.
Committee Assignments:
- Committee on Armed Services
- Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
- Committee on the Budget
- Special Committee on Aging
Legislative Achievements:
- Economic Policies: Scott is a strong advocate for free-market economic policies. He supports tax cuts, deregulation, and measures to stimulate job creation and economic growth. As governor, he oversaw the creation of over 1.7 million jobs in Florida.
- Healthcare Reform: Scott is a critic of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and advocates for market-based healthcare reforms that increase competition and reduce costs. He supports measures to lower prescription drug prices and improve healthcare access.
- National Security: As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Scott focuses on strengthening national defense and military readiness. He supports increased defense spending and measures to enhance cybersecurity.
- Disaster Preparedness: Representing a state prone to hurricanes, Scott advocates for improved disaster preparedness and response. He supports funding for infrastructure improvements and emergency management.
- Veterans’ Affairs: Scott is dedicated to supporting veterans and their families. He has worked on legislation to improve healthcare, education, and job opportunities for veterans, ensuring they receive the benefits and support they deserve.
Senator Scott’s career is marked by a blend of business acumen and political leadership, with a strong focus on economic growth, fiscal responsibility, and healthcare reform. He remains a significant figure in Florida and national politics, known for his efforts to streamline government operations and reduce spending.
Committees
Armed Services: Oversees military operations, defense policies, and the Department of Defense, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Committee plays a critical role in shaping policies related to national security, ensuring effective and efficient government operations, and maintaining oversight of federal agencies and programs.
Budget: Committee plays a central role in shaping the nation’s fiscal policy, ensuring that government spending and revenue collection are managed responsibly and align with economic priorities.
Special Committee on Aging: Committee aims to improve the well-being, health, and financial security of older Americans.
Voting patterns
Senator Scott has a voting record that reflects his conservative stance on fiscal policy, environmental issues, and national security.
Key Voting Patterns:
Economic Policies:
- Tax Cuts and Deregulation: Scott is a strong advocate for tax cuts and deregulation to stimulate economic growth. He has consistently voted for legislation that reduces taxes on individuals and businesses, aiming to promote job creation and investment.
- Government Spending: Scott prioritizes reducing government spending and balancing the federal budget. He supports measures to curb federal expenditures and advocates for fiscal responsibility.
Healthcare:
- Affordable Care Act (ACA): Scott is a critic of the ACA and has voted to repeal and replace it. He supports market-based healthcare reforms that increase competition, reduce costs, and provide more choices for consumers.
- Prescription Drug Prices: Scott has voted for measures to lower prescription drug prices and increase transparency in drug pricing, aiming to make medications more affordable for Americans.
National Security:
- Defense Spending: As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Scott supports robust defense spending to ensure military readiness and national security. He has voted for the National Defense Authorization Act and other defense-related bills.
- Border Security: Scott advocates for strong border security measures, including funding for border wall construction and increasing the number of border patrol agents. He supports policies to enhance immigration enforcement and prevent illegal immigration.
Disaster Preparedness:
- Infrastructure and Emergency Management: Representing a state prone to hurricanes, Scott supports funding for infrastructure improvements and disaster preparedness. He has voted for legislation that improves emergency management and provides relief to disaster-affected areas.
Veterans’ Affairs:
- Support for Veterans: Scott is dedicated to supporting veterans and their families. He has voted for legislation to improve healthcare, education, and job opportunities for veterans, ensuring they receive the benefits and support they deserve.
Social Issues:
- Gun Rights: Scott is a strong proponent of Second Amendment rights. He has consistently voted against measures that would impose additional restrictions on gun ownership.
- Abortion: Scott identifies as pro-life and has supported restrictions on abortion. He has voted for measures to defund organizations that provide abortion services and supports legislation that protects the rights of the unborn.
Fiscal Responsibility:
- Balanced Budget: Scott advocates for a balanced federal budget and reducing the national debt. He supports measures to curb government spending and implement fiscal restraint.
Senator Scott’s voting patterns demonstrate his commitment to conservative principles, particularly in the areas of fiscal responsibility, national security, and limited government intervention in environmental regulation.
Full Name: Marco Antonio Rubio
Date of Birth: May 28, 1971
Birthplace: Miami, Florida, U.S.
Early Life and Education: Marco Rubio was born in Miami, Florida, to Cuban immigrants. His parents, Mario and Oriales Rubio, came to the United States in 1956, seeking better opportunities. Rubio grew up in a working-class family, with his father working as a bartender and his mother as a housekeeper. He attended South Miami Senior High School and later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Florida in 1993. Rubio went on to receive his Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law in 1996.
Personal Life: Marco Rubio is married to Jeanette Dousdebes, a former Miami Dolphins cheerleader. The couple has four children and resides in West Miami. Rubio is known for his strong ties to his Cuban heritage and his deep involvement in community and family life.
Early Career: After law school, Rubio started his career in politics as a city commissioner for West Miami. He also practiced law, specializing in land use and zoning law. His political career began to rise rapidly when he was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2000.
Marco Rubio (R)
Term Start: January 3, 2011
Political Career:
- Florida House of Representatives: Rubio was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2000, representing the 111th district. He served from 2000 to 2008 and became the Speaker of the Florida House in 2006. During his tenure, Rubio focused on issues such as property tax reform, education, and healthcare. He was known for his ambitious policy initiatives and efforts to modernize Florida’s government.
- U.S. Senate: In 2010, Rubio ran for the U.S. Senate as a Republican, defeating incumbent Governor Charlie Crist, who ran as an independent, and Democrat Kendrick Meek. He took office on January 3, 2011, and was re-elected in 2016 and 2022. As a senator, Rubio has focused on issues such as foreign policy, national security, economic growth, and immigration reform.
Committee Assignments:
- Committee on Appropriations
- Committee on Foreign Relations
- Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship
- Select Committee on Intelligence (Vice Chairman)
- Special Committee on Aging
Legislative Achievements:
- National Security: Rubio is a strong advocate for robust national defense and military readiness. He has supported increased defense spending and measures to enhance cybersecurity. He is a vocal critic of adversaries such as China and Russia and supports strengthening U.S. alliances.
- Economic Policies: Rubio supports free-market economic policies, tax cuts, and deregulation. He voted for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which aimed to reduce taxes for individuals and businesses. He advocates for reducing regulatory burdens to foster economic growth and job creation.
- Healthcare: Rubio is a critic of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and advocates for market-based healthcare reforms. He supports measures to lower prescription drug prices and increase transparency in healthcare pricing.
- Immigration: Rubio supports comprehensive immigration reform that includes strong border security measures and a pathway to citizenship for certain undocumented immigrants. He has expressed support for legislation that provides legal status to DACA recipients while enhancing border security.
- Education: Rubio advocates for school choice and increased funding for charter schools and voucher programs. He supports policies that give parents more control over their children’s education and reforms to make higher education more affordable.
Rubio has focused on a variety of issues during his Senate career. He is a strong proponent of U.S. leadership in global affairs and has been vocal about the need to counteract the influence of adversarial nations such as China and Russia. Domestically, he has worked on tax reform, job creation, and policies to support small businesses. Rubio is also known for his efforts to reform the immigration system and enhance national security.
Committees
Committee on Appropriations: Committee members manage and oversee federal budget to ensure government funds are allocated and spent properly
Foreign Relations: Committee plays a crucial role in shaping U.S. foreign policy, providing a check on the executive branch’s conduct of international relations, and ensuring that America’s global engagements reflect the values and interests of its citizens
Small Business and Entrepreneurship: Committee plays a crucial role in advocating for the needs of small businesses, promoting entrepreneurship, and creating an environment conducive to small business success and economic growth.
Select Committee on Intelligence: Committee plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance between national security needs and the protection of civil liberties by ensuring that intelligence operations are conducted lawfully and effectively.
Special Committee on Aging: Committee aims to improve the well-being, health, and financial security of older Americans.
Voting patterns
Senator Rubio has a voting record that emphasizes his conservative stance on various key issues, reflecting his priorities in economic policy, national security, and environmental regulations.
Key Voting Patterns:
National Security:
- Defense Spending: Rubio is a strong advocate for robust defense spending to ensure military readiness and national security. He has consistently voted for the National Defense Authorization Act and other defense-related bills.
- Foreign Policy: Rubio supports a proactive foreign policy and has voted for measures that strengthen U.S. alliances, counter adversaries like China and Russia, and promote human rights worldwide.
Economic Policies:
- Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Rubio voted in favor of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which aimed to reduce taxes for individuals and businesses, stimulate economic growth, and increase job creation.
- Regulation Reduction: Rubio supports reducing regulatory burdens on businesses to foster economic growth. He has voted for measures that aim to streamline regulations and reduce compliance costs for businesses.
Healthcare:
- Affordable Care Act (ACA): Rubio is a critic of the ACA and has voted to repeal and replace it. He advocates for market-based healthcare reforms that increase competition and reduce costs.
- Prescription Drug Prices: Rubio has supported measures to lower prescription drug prices and increase transparency in drug pricing to make medications more affordable for Americans.
Immigration:
- Border Security: Rubio advocates for strong border security measures, including funding for border wall construction and increasing the number of border patrol agents. He supports comprehensive immigration reform that balances border security with a pathway to citizenship for certain undocumented immigrants.
- DACA: Rubio has expressed support for legislation that provides legal status to DACA recipients while also enhancing border security.
Social Issues:
- Gun Rights: Rubio is a strong supporter of Second Amendment rights and has voted against measures that would impose additional restrictions on gun ownership.
- Abortion: Rubio identifies as pro-life and has supported restrictions on abortion. He has voted for measures to defund organizations that provide abortion services and supports legislation that protects the rights of the unborn.
Education:
- School Choice: Rubio advocates for school choice and has voted for measures that increase funding for charter schools and voucher programs. He supports policies that give parents more control over their children’s education.
- Higher Education: Rubio supports measures to make higher education more affordable, including reforms to student loan programs and increased funding for vocational training.
Fiscal Responsibility:
- Balanced Budget: Rubio advocates for a balanced federal budget and reducing the national debt. He supports measures to curb government spending and implement fiscal restraint.
Overall, Senator Rubio’s voting patterns reflect his commitment to conservative values, emphasizing economic freedom, robust national defense, and a cautious approach to environmental regulations. His legislative actions are guided by his belief in limited government intervention and a strong national security framework.