Scott says he will block nominees until Biden officials testify on supply chain crisis

Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), a member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, says he will hold all of President Biden’s nominees for the departments of Transportation and Commerce until a hearing is held on the supply chain crisis that has bottled up ports and led to increased prices on goods.

In a letter to panel Chairwoman Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Scott complained about backlogged ports and inflation hitting a 30-year high, saying the U.S. is “facing a major supply chain crisis” that is hurting his constituents in Florida, and that Biden has “refused to address” it.

“I have heard from families and businesses in my state that simply keeping shelves stocked is an everyday challenge, and I find it extremely concerning that members of the Biden administration seem to be focused more on playing TV commentator than finding real solutions to address these problems,” he wrote. “Small business owners and families aren’t able to afford drastic price increases and shipping delays, but if President Biden has his way, then these transportation difficulties are going to become even worse and prices will rise even higher.”

Ports in Florida have avoided some of the worst of the nation’s cargo and shipping delays, and Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) suggested the state could help deal with some of the backlogs in California.

The port in Los Angeles has seen significant delays in unpacking cargo ahead of the holiday season. Biden recently said he would allow the port to operate at 24 hours to decrease the backlog.

Scott requests a hearing with Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.

On the Senate committee’s website, eight Biden nominees are currently listed under the review process.

Scott, however, said the supply chain issue was more pressing.

“The Biden administration continues to show a total lack of concern about the harmful impact its policies, mandates and rhetoric have on families, and the American people deserve better. Hardworking families deserve leadership that is accountable and responsive to their needs,” he said. “That is what I’m fighting for every day. I hope we can work together to address these supply chain shortages caused by President Biden and his administration’s failed policies, and find real solutions to help the American people.”

Republicans have increasingly created obstacles for Biden’s nominees as a way of voicing opposition to his policies.