In a bipartisan‑focused appeal, Florida’s senior Republican senators are asking fellow GOP members of the U.S. Senate to remain on the Capitol Hill floor throughout the holiday season. Sen. Rick Scott and Sen. Ashley Moody, both freshly re‑elected in the November 2026 election, sent a joint letter and delivered floor remarks urging colleagues to work every day—including Thanksgiving, Veterans Day and the weekend weeks leading up to the close of the 119th Congress on Jan. 3, 2027.
Why the push matters now
Scott said the recent election results reflected widespread frustration among Americans over the economy and the high cost of living. He argued that the Senate still has a critical window to deliver on promises made to voters. “We must use every available moment of time remaining in the 119th Congress to deliver for the American people,” he wrote, adding that the chamber should stay in session 24 hours a day with a “relentless focus on creating jobs, lowering prices, attacking government corruption, and holding Washington accountable until we achieve our goals.”
Moody echoed that sentiment on the Senate floor on Nov. 10, urging colleagues not to pause for the holidays but to press forward on legislation that will “restore trust, ensure accountability, and deliver concrete actions toward addressing affordability.” She framed the request as a duty to the men and women who fought for the nation’s freedoms, insisting the American Dream must endure.
Legislation on the agenda
The two senators highlighted several priority bills they want the Senate to move before the lame‑duck session ends:
- The Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act, aimed at easing cost‑of‑living pressures.
- The Stop Insider Trading Act, targeting corruption in financial markets.
- The SAVE America Act, a proposal to strengthen national security and defense spending.
- Confirmation of every judicial nominee President Donald Trump has put forward.
Scott also emphasized the need for a fiscally responsible funding bill for the government and the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act.
Political context
As of the latest Associated Press projections, Democrats are expected to hold at least 54 Senate seats, giving them a majority when the new Congress convenes in January. The GOP currently controls 53 seats, with Independents Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Angus King of Maine typically voting with the Democratic caucus.
In the House, projections show Democrats securing at least 255 seats, while Republicans are projected to hold at least 168. The shift in both chambers underscores the urgency felt by Florida’s Republican leadership to advance their agenda before the balance of power changes.
Local impact and next steps
While the request is directed at the entire Senate, the move has clear implications for Floridians. Passing the affordability and jobs legislation could translate into lower prices for consumers and new employment opportunities within the state. Additionally, the defense authorization bill would sustain funding for military installations and defense contractors that are major Florida employers.
Both senators indicated that the motion to stay in session has already been adopted by Senate Republicans, and the chamber was in session on the Wednesday following the letters. They urged fellow senators to consider the holiday schedule as an opportunity rather than an obstacle, emphasizing that the nation’s needs do not pause for a few days of celebration.
What’s next?
With the Senate’s calendar now packed through the holiday period, the next few weeks will test whether the GOP can rally enough votes to pass the highlighted bills before the Jan. 3 deadline. Observers will watch closely to see if the push gains bipartisan support or if the incoming Democratic majority will block the measures once they assume control.
Original reporting: WPBF West Palm Beach — read the source article.
