Rick Scott is a Republican Senator from Florida, having been elected to the Senate in 2018 and reelected in 2024. He previously served as the Governor of Florida from 2011 to 2018. Born on December 1, 1952, in Bloomington, Illinois, Scott graduated from North Kansas City High School and earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, followed by a Juris Doctor from Southern Methodist University. Before his political career, he served in the United States Navy from 1971 to 1974 and later practiced law in Texas before entering the business world as a venture capitalist, founding several healthcare and investment firms. He is also known as a co-owner of the Texas Rangers baseball team.
In the Senate, Scott has been active in various committees, including serving as chair of the Special Committee on Aging during the One Hundred Nineteenth Congress. His legislative work focuses on a variety of issues, including veteran affairs, health care, and fiscal responsibility.
Scott has sponsored and cosponsored numerous bills, several of which have garnered notable attention. For instance, he introduced the Improving Veterans’ Experience Act of 2025 aimed at reforming veterans' care through integrating direct feedback into service enhancement processes. This bill, which emphasizes a systematic approach to improving communication between veterans and the VA, highlights Scott's commitment to addressing the needs of veterans.
In addition, he introduced the Preventing Antisemitic Harassment on Campus Act of 2025 that seeks to combat antisemitism in educational environments. This bill reflects his stance on civil rights and liberties, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe space for all students.
Further emphasizing fiscal responsibility and government accountability, Rick Scott's No Budget, No Pay Act prohibits members of Congress from receiving pay unless a budget resolution and appropriations bills are passed, showcasing his proactive approach towards managing government expenditures.
Scott's political leanings tend to favor conservative principles, evidenced by his support for legislation that aims to enhance national security, reduce government size, and promote economic growth. His sponsorship of bills like the Regulation Decimation Act, which aims to reduce regulation, aligns with a broader Republican focus on deregulation and enhancing the business environment.
In summary, Rick Scott's background as a businessman and governor has influenced his approach in the Senate, where he advocates for veterans, civil rights, and fiscal responsibility. His legislative focus remains on policies that reflect conservative Republican ideals aimed at bolstering economic growth and safeguarding national interests.