Revoking Passports for Terrorists

Throughout 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016, Scott helped introduce the Treason and Passport Revocation Act. The bill would allow the Secretary of State to revoke the passports of individuals who travel to join or be trained by foreign terrorist organizations and also makes joining a terrorist organization an act of treason. A similar bill, the Foreign Terrorist Organization Passport Revocation Act passed the House in May 2015. San Diegans are proud of the key role the city plays in our national defense. If an individual joins a terrorist organization, they should not be allowed to return to the United States and they should be held accountable for their crimes.

Opposing Trump’s Travel Ban

In 2017, Scott led 70 colleagues in a letter to the Department of Justice requesting answers on how President Trump’s travel ban was crafted and whether federal agencies weighed in on the policy. The letter scrutinizes the Trump Administration for reckless implementation of a travel ban based on misguided, discriminatory assumptions that do not make San Diegans any safer. Our rigorous vetting processes, which often take years to complete even for women and children, are the reason we don’t have to choose between security and being a haven for those seeking freedom and prosperity in America.

Improving Access to Reliable Energy

In 2015, Scott offered and helped passed an amendment to the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act of 2015 requiring the Department of Energy to adopt alternative forms of energy, ensuring we have sufficient energy storage in the event of a natural disaster. San Diego businesses are developing alternative forms of energy storage—like solar storage—that can help increase our resiliency in the event of disasters, like wildfires. Scott’s amendment ensured the Department of energy and cities vulnerable to natural disasters, like San Diego, are best prepared to avoid the economic and social consequences of an energy crisis.

Alternative Energy Savings

In 2015, Scott offered an amendment that passed with the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act, requiring the Department of Energy to report on projects that turn greenhouse gas emissions into usable energy and help expand energy saving technology nationwide. MCAS Miramar successfully captured methane produced by the Miramar landfill and turned it into usable energy for MCAS Miramar and the surrounding area. It was the first project to provide alternative energy sources for the base and a successful example of San Diego innovation. Their investment in renewable energy technology helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect against threats to our energy supply from extreme weather to cyber-attacks and can be a model for the rest of the country, thanks to Scott’s amendment.

Expanding Missile Defense Partnerships

In 2015, Scott offered and passed an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act to show Congressional support for expanding our missile defense cooperation with Israel. Strategic partnerships with our allies in the Middle East are vital to all of our safety and security. Through his role on the Armed Service Committee, this amendment is one way Scott worked to ensure the safety of our country and our families through a solid relationship with our allies is key to that security.

Innovative Nuclear Research

In 2015, Scott offered an amendment that passed with the National Defense Authorization Act, allowing for nuclear fusion innovation. San Diego companies and researchers are developing nuclear technologies that can give our military more reliant and resilient energy sources, like nuclear fusion that can power more efficient and reliable ships for the Navy. Scott’s amendment will help accelerate a carbon-free, safe form of energy, developed by San Diego businesses.

Coastal Campus Funding

Scott helped secure funding for the construction of Coastal Campus Coronado, a new training facility for the Navy SEALs, in the FY17 National Defense Authorization Act.  As co-chair of the Special Operations Caucus, Scott understands improving training facilities for Coronado’s Navy SEALs also expands San Diego’s role in national defense and creates jobs in our region.

MCAS Miramar Funding

In 2016, Scott successfully fought to accelerate funding for the construction of new aircraft hangars at MCAS Miramar in the National Defense Authorization Act. MCAS Miramar is home of one F-35 squadrons on the West Coast. With F-35s arriving sooner than expected, it was critical to accelerate construction of new hangars at Miramar. Scott’s success in getting construction funding also brought jobs to San Diego sooner.

Camps for Children of Military Families

In 2015, Scott proposed an amendment that passed with the National Defense Authorization Act, authorizing the Department of Defense to provide funding to the children of military households affected by substance abuse. Supporting the families of our service members and veterans is part of supporting those who served. Sadly, the rate of suicide and substance abuse among these homes continues to be high. While we work to stop substance abuse and suicide, we also need to take steps to support the families hurt by these tragedies.

Veterans Network of Support

Howard and Jean Somers tragically lost their son Daniel in 2013 when he committed suicide after leaving the military. The Somers felt they could have prevented this tragedy if they knew how to better support Daniel’s transition from active duty to civilian life. After hearing their story, Scott offered and passed language that expressed support for the Department of Defense doing more proactive outreach to families of servicemembers to keep them informed of what their loved ones are experiencing, so they can be better equipped to support servicemembers when they come home. The language was included in the Committee report on the defense policy bill.

In 2019, Congress, Scott introduced and passed the bipartisan, bicameral Sgt. Daniel Somers Network of Support legislation to establish a Network of Support so servicemembers’ family and friends can prevent isolation and suicide. The bill has been included in the annual FY2020 National Defense Authorization Act and became law at the end of 2019. Surrounding servicemembers with their network of support will equip them with the tools they need and reduce the stigma of accessing mental health services.

Port Chicago

In 2016, Scott offered an amendment in the Armed Services Committee that passed with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) directing the Navy to investigate mutiny charges that arose from the 1944 deadly explosion at Port Chicago. In 1944, a group of African American sailors stationed at Port Chicago (California) Naval Magazine was convicted for mutiny, but widespread publicity raised questions about the fairness and legality of the court proceedings. Scott’s amendment helped get these sailors one step closer to justice.

Supporting DOD Energy Goals

In 2016, Scott offered an amendment that passed in the House Armed Services Committee urging the Department of Defense to report on the effectiveness of its energy strategy and sustainability office. Energy security is national security and enabling the military to diversify their energy supply will help improve combat readiness. San Diego is a model for energy innovation that helped launch two major renewable energy efforts at the DOD; the launch of the Great Green Fleet is the largest renewable energy purchase in Department of Defense history—a joint effort between DOD and Sempra Energy. San Diego is leading in energy diversification and incorporating these efforts into the DOD will ensure military readiness.

Ensuring Small Business Competition for DOD Contracts

In 2014, Scott offered an amendment to the defense policy bill that passed in the Armed Services Committee to reform the DOD’s acquisition process and level the playing field for small businesses. San Diego is home to many innovative companies that support our national defense sector. Scott’s amendment establishes fair competition, so the best ideas, rather than the size or reputation of one of the competitors, determines who receives DOD contracts.

Supporting Warfighters and San Diego Jobs

In 2014, Scott offered an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act to allocate funding to purchase eight Poway-manufactured MQ-9 Reapers. Acquiring these unmanned aerial vehicles created jobs for San Diego and provided needed support for our service members by improving our ability to defeat enemies abroad. In 2025, Scott fought to include funding for military construction projects in San Diego in the National Defense Authorization Act, including $86 million for a new mess hall and armory, fire emergency response station, and communication center at Camp Pendleton; $144.9 million for unaccompanied housing, aircraft carrier infrastructure improvements, and a Naval Special Warfare facility at Naval Base Coronado; $68 million for a new cyber lab at Naval Base Point Loma; and $86 million for a Child Development Center at Naval Base San Diego.

Protecting Servicemembers from Financial Abuse

In 2015, Scott offered and passed an amendment to the Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvement Act which ensured that the Department of Defense could issue a rule protecting servicemembers and their families from abusive lending practices without facing additional hurdles. San Diego is home to one of the largest military populations in the country and unfortunately, servicemembers and their families are a prime target for abusive lending practices. Scott’s amendment ensures that DOD can take steps to protect military families.

Securing the Iran Deal

In 2016, Scott supported the Iran Nuclear Agreement, which required Iran to dismantle 13,000 of 19,000 uranium-enriching centrifuges and reduce its low-enriched uranium stockpile by 98 percent. The JCPOA was an important strategic component in dealing with Iran by halting Iran’s progress toward developing a nuclear weapon and preventing war.

Economic Adjustment Grant for San Diego

In 2016, Scott helped secure San Diego a $1.8 million economic assistance grant from the Department of Defense (DOD). San Diego was hit hard by the DOD’s adjustment to their defense contracts, so Scott sent a letter to the DOD in support of San Diego’s application for the grant. The grant helped San Diego create jobs and mitigate the redevelopment loss.

NDAA’s and NDAA Conferee

Since coming to Congress, Scott has been instrumental in crafting and standing up for San Diego in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), This annual bill provides the framework for our national defense, including how many ships and planes the United States purchases, DOD’s energy investment, and our engagement with both our allies and enemies. In recognition of his leadership in National Defense, Scott was appointed to the committee that negotiates differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill in 2016. He also received that distinction in 2019, as a representative from the Budget Committee.

Climate Preparedness for the Military

In 2017, Congress, Scott led a letter to the House and Senate conferees for the FY 2018 National Defense Authorization Act, encouraging them to maintain the House bill language that directs the department to include climate change as a factor for preparation regarding threat assessments, resources, and military readiness for the Department of Defense. This language was included in the final bill. Our military leaders must be able to prepare for all threats and climate change threatens to exacerbate existing challenges and endanger military bases in San Diego, across the country, and around the world.

Acoustic Hailing Technology

In 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019, Scott led the San Diego delegation in the effort to introduce Acoustic Hailing Devices technology into security programs for both national security efforts abroad and at home, through the National Guard. These devices allow our military to communicate across vast distances and during situations where typical communications are shut down, like natural disasters, large crowd events, and barren landscapes. Integrating smart technologies that were developed in San Diego help our servicemembers and support our innovation economy.

Shipbuilding

Since coming to Congress, Scott has advocated with many letters and votes, for robust shipbuilding and maintenance funding. Multiple iterations of the annual NDAA have included funding for ship building maintenance. Additionally, the budget included funding for the Littoral Combat Ship to remain at a 3 per year production rate, with two shipyards, following a direct request from Scott. Sailors in San Diego do the work to fight the battle during wartime and prepare during peacetime on these ships and Congress needs to do its part to support them.

Network of Support

In 2019, Scott introduced and passed the bipartisan, bicameral Sgt. Daniel Somers Network of Support legislation to establish a Network of Support so servicemembers’ family and friends can prevent isolation and suicide. The bill has been included in the annual FY2020 National Defense Authorization Act and became law at the end of 2019. Surrounding servicemembers with their network of support will equip them with the tools they need and reduce the stigma of accessing mental health services.

Preventing Biosecurity Threats

Since entering Congress, Scott helped to ensure we have the technology and resources to protect Americans from existing and emerging biothreats. In July 2018, he worked with the Energy and Commerce Committee to include a provision in the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act reauthorization bill to restore funding for the Public Health Emergency Fund, which helps the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) detect, prepare, and respond to public health emergencies. The Alliance for Biosecurity named Scott “Congressional Biosecurity Champion” in 2018 for his leadership on calling attention to the nation’s biosecurity threats, promoting health security, and enhancing federal preparedness and response programs. Scott is a member of the Congressional Biodefense Caucus, which is dedicated to strengthening our nation’s biodefense enterprise and national security.