SCOTUS Decision on Cuba a Taxpayer Victory

Rep. Rivera: SCOTUS Decision Regarding University Travel Ban to Terrorist States a Victory for FL Taxpayers

Miami, Fla.- Congressman David Rivera (FL-25) released the following statement regarding the United States Supreme Court’s decision to not hear an appeal regarding the Travel to Terrorist States Act, which prohibits private colleges and universities from using state funds, and public colleges and universities from using any funds to plan, organize or implement travel to countries designated as State Sponsors of Terrorism by the U.S. State Department.

Currently, Cuba, Iran, Sudan and Syria are designated as State Sponsors of Terrorism. Congressman Rivera sponsored the Travel to Terrorist States Act in the Florida House of Representatives in 2006.

“Today’s Supreme Court decision is a victory for Florida taxpayers. The Travel to Terrorist States Act was passed unanimously by the Florida legislature and upheld by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. By denying another appeal on this case, the Supreme Court sends a clear message that the Florida legislature, the people’s elected representatives, has the right to decide how the state’s taxpayer dollars are spent and how they should not be spent. Floridians do not want their money or publicly-funded resources to be utilized for travel to terrorist nations, or to enrich terrorist regimes.”