Today, on the one-year anniversary of Senator Rick Scott launching his plan that called to put Medicare and Social Security on the chopping block, the Democratic National Committee is announcing the Rick Scott Commitment to Excellence Award. The award’s namesake is also its inaugural recipient. DNC National Press Secretary Ammar Moussa released the following statement:

“No one worked harder to remind Americans of Republicans’ long-held plans to attack Social Security and Medicare than Rick Scott, and that’s one reason why the fabled ‘red wave’ never materialized. There is a long line of worthy Republicans for this award and we’ll ensure those Republicans who talk about cutting Social Security and Medicare, passing national abortion bans, or blurb their own books, get their due recognition.”

The award, named after the Republican senator as a nod to his tendency to give out awards to anyone for absolutely anything, will be handed out to Republicans as we see fit. 

HuffPost: “If you’ve never heard of the ‘Champion for Freedom’ award, that’s because it hasn’t existed before. The small, ceremonial dish sounds like a made-up gesture designed to placate an angry former president who spent the weekend fuming at GOP leaders ― including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) ― and lying about the 2020 presidential election, lies such as those that led to the deadly Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.”

Cheers to you, Rick. Your commitment to excellence is so strong that you were the prime inspiration for this award. Your commitment to attacking Social Security and Medicare especially knows no bounds, with not a single regret to be had (in your own words):

Rick Scott (2/8/23): “In my plan, I suggested the following: All federal legislation sunsets in 5 yrs. If a law is worth keeping, Congress can pass it again.”

Rick Scott (11/29/22): “Yes, I put out a plan of ideas, and I don’t regret it one bit. Yes, one of them suggested sunsetting laws after five years — noting that if a law is worth keeping, Congress can pass it again.”

Rick Scott (6/7/22): “I’d like to apologize to absolutely nobody.”

We have plenty of other nominees who, for their positions on Social Security and Medicare alone, are just as deserving of our award. Time will tell how this group, with room for more, will outdo themselves.

Nikki Haley: Supported Paul Ryan’s plan to end Medicare as we know it, leaned into proposed cuts to Social Security and Medicare following her campaign announcement last week

Mike Pence: Has refused to back down on his plan to partially privatize Social Security

Donald Trump: Released budget proposals that included cuts to Medicare and Social Security programs every year he was in office

Ron DeSantis: Has voiced his support for increasing the retirement age and privatizing Medicare and Social Security

Mike Pompeo, Tim Scott, and Kristi Noem: All supported legislation that would end Medicare as we know it