Rick Scott says he can’t put price tag on Iran war spending: ‘We have the right to fund it’

WASHINGTON, DC: Senator Rick Scott said he does not think there is a clear monetary limit when it comes to defending the country when asked to respond to the cost of a possible conflict with Iran during an interview on CNN.

Scott was asked by anchor Kaitlan Collins about the financial impact of military action and whether limits should be placed on spending. In his answer he posed the question as one of national security, saying. “How do you put a price tag on eliminating somebody's ability to kill you?”

Scott emphasizes defense as top priority in budget

During the exchange, Scott acknowledged concerns about the national debt, noting that the United States currently carries trillions in debt and continues to borrow money.

“We have the right to fund it. We have the right to make war. The president does have the right to use the four of the military to defend the freedom of this country. He is doing what Obama and Biden wouldn't do”

However, he argued that defense spending should take precedence over other budget considerations.

Scott said he would prioritize building “a military that nobody wants to mess around with” before allocating funds elsewhere, adding that protecting citizens is the federal government’s primary responsibility.

“Number one, create a military that nobody wants to mess around with us. That's how I would allocate the dollars first.”

“I mean, we don't have a country if we can't defend the freedom of our citizens.”

When pressed on whether there should be a cap on spending related to the Iran conflict, Scott reiterated that security concerns outweigh financial limits.

Comments follow broader debate on war powers and cost

The discussion also touched on constitutional authority over war, with Scott noting that Congress has the power to declare war while the president can act to defend the country using military force.

“I don't know how you put a price tag, Kaitlan. How do you put a price tag on eliminating somebody's ability to kill you?”

“I mean, for my children, my grandchildren, What price tag would I put on to save their life? I'd spend every dime of my life to protect their life. So I don't know how you put a price tag on this.”

He compared the issue to protecting family members, saying he would “spend every dime” to ensure their safety, and applied that logic to national defense.

“I mean, if a grandson of mine or granddaughter had a disease that I could spend every dime I've ever made my entire life, I would do it.”

“The way I look at the treasury, the most important thing we do, protect us.”

Scott’s remarks come amid ongoing debate in Washington over the potential costs of military engagement with Iran and how such spending would affect the federal budget.

Reports cited estimates of tens of billions of dollars already being considered in relation to the conflict.