09/16/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/16/2024 11:13
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio sent a letter to President Joe Biden and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, urging the administration to ensure all 11 U.S. cities hosting World Cup matches, including Miami, and those serving as base camps for national teams, have the planning, resources and information they need to keep families, tourists and players safe. As FBI Director Wray highlighted to Congress in June 2024, the United States faces an all-time high-threat environment, and with the country looking forward to 2026, Senators Scott and Rubio are hopeful that by highlighting their concerns now, the United States, including Florida, will be better prepared to host the World Cup. Joining Senators Scott and Rubio on the letter are Representatives María Elvira Salazar, Jared Moskowitz, Aaron Bean, Mario Diaz-Balart, Michael Waltz, Carlos Giménez and Scott Franklin.
Read the full letter HERE or below.
Dear Mr. President and Secretary Mayorkas:
In June 2018, the 68th FIFA Congress selected the United States, as part of the United Bid of Canada, Mexico, and the United States, to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With the 2026 World Cup positioned to be the world's largest sporting event, and also coinciding with the 250th Anniversary of the United States' independence, the United States will have an opportunity to showcase the best it has to offer.[1] Of the 16 cities to host the World Cup, 11 American cities will host the World Cup matches, along with additional cities serving as base camps for the national teams competing. During the planning process, Miami was selected as a host city and will see matches throughout the tournament, including the third-place match. Further, several cities in Florida will serve as base camps for teams competing in the region. We write to express our excitement and support for the opportunities the World Cup will bring to our constituents from showcasing Florida's finest cities to boosting the local economies across the state.
However, we also write to urge the administration to ensure our communities are provided with the planning, resources and information they need to provide a safe event. As FBI Director Wray highlighted to Congress in June 2024, the United States faces an all-time high threat environment.[2] With the country looking forward to 2026, we hope that by highlighting our concerns now, the United States, including Florida, will be better prepared to host the World Cup.
To alleviate security concerns and support the needs of constituents and stakeholders in Florida to make the World Cup a successful and secure event for all participants, we request answers to the following questions:
Thank you for your attention to these concerns.
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