Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) has been mostly quiet in the upper chamber since President-elect Donald Trump (R) tapped him as the next Secretary of State. However, Sen. Rubio's bill, the Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary of National Significance Act of 2024, has passed the House of Representatives. It will be sent to President Joe Biden’s (D) desk and is likely to become law.
The bill was first introduced in June 2021. It passed unanimously in the Senate and was recently approved in the House by a voice vote.
Sen. Rubio and Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) – the bill’s lone co-sponsor – released statements regarding the legislation’s recent success and probable passage. Rubio shared that this program will provide “critical support” for Florida’s natural resources and wildlife.
“I am grateful for the House’s passage of my bill to designate the Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Program,” said Rubio. “The EPA’s National Estuary Program has a successful track record of cooperative federalism across the nation, including with the four existing Florida programs. Enrolling the PPBEP into this program will provide critical support for restoration, conservation, and monitoring efforts in Pensacola and Perdido Bays while enhancing economic activity in the Florida Panhandle.”
Moreover, Sen. Scott shared that this bill is a “major win” for the north region of the Sunshine State.
“The Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary of National Significance Act will take important steps in our fight to protect and conserve Florida’s environment and natural resources,” said Sen. Scott. “I am proud that our good bill was passed by the House of Representatives, unanimously passed by the Senate and now heads to the president’s desk to be signed into law—a major win for Florida’s panhandle.”
In November, President-elect Trump officially announced his intention to nominate Sen. Rubio for the Secretary of State position.
Trump released a statement saying Sen. Rubio will be a "strong advocate" and a "true friend to our allies" as the leader of the State Department.
"It is my Great Honor to announce that Senator Marco Rubio, of Florida, is hereby nominated to be The United States Secretary of State. Marco is a Highly Respected Leader, and a very powerful Voice for Freedom," said Trump. "He will be a strong Advocate for our Nation, a true friend to our Allies, and a fearless Warrior who will never back down to our adversaries. I look forward to working with Marco to Make America, and the World, Safe and Great Again!"
