Press Releases

Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18) and Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) led 11 of their Florida colleagues in a bipartisan letter urging Congress to include funds to modernize the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) hurricane hunter aircraft fleet in any upcoming emergency disaster relief supplemental package. “NOAA’s hurricane hunter… Read more »

Today, Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18) applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) announcement they intend to streamline application processes and provide flexibilities for compliance requirements for agricultural producers effected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. “USDA’s announcement today could be a game-changer in helping Florida agricultural producers… Read more »

 Congressman Scott Franklin, (FL-18), joined by Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott, led the entire Florida delegation in writing Secretary Vilsack to strongly urge the USDA take immediate action to provide disaster assistance for Florida agricultural producers affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.  "Back-to-back hurricanes have dealt a devastating blow to Florida's… Read more »

Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18) and Congressman Josh Harder (CA-09) introduced bipartisan legislation to support wildland firefighters.  The legislation addresses unfair break-in-service retirement limits that penalize firefighters who need to take leave of absence. “Federal firefighters play a critical role in our nation’s emergency response… Read more »

 Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18) today announced his Service Member Employment Protection Act passed the House as part of H.R. 8371, “The Dole Act.” The Dole Act includes 12 major initiatives designed to reform and enhance the delivery of Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) services, including expanding healthcare options, offering more education opportunities and… Read more »

Lakeland, FL — Today, Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18) joined Reps. Buchanan, Castor and the entire Florida delegation to urge President Biden to immediately approve Gov. DeSantis’s request to expedite Major Disaster Declaration Hurricane Milton.  “Hurricane Milton was a massive storm, causing severe damage as it made its way across Florida, leaving many in… Read more »

Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18) issued the following statement on the anniversary of the October 7thHamas attacks on Israel: “Today marks one year since Iran-backed Hamas brutally attacked Israel during the Jewish holiday, Shemini Atzeret. Hamas slaughtered roughly 1,200, including more than 40 Americans, and took hundreds more hostage, making October 7 the deadliest day… Read more »

LAKELAND, FL--Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18) released the following communication to FL-18 consituents in preparation for the landfall of Hurricane Milton. The communication reads: "My team and I continue to monitor Hurricane Milton closely as it approaches Florida. As we prepare for the landfall tomorrow, I wanted to share local emergency management updates and… Read more »

Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18) issued the following statement regarding Iran’s attack on Israel:  “My earnest prayers are with the people of Israel as they defend against horrific attacks from Iran, whose stated goal is the annihilation of Israel. Iran has proven now multiple times they’re brazen enough to launch ballistic missiles directly into Israel. The… Read more »

Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18) announced the Polk County Veterans Services Division will open a satellite office in the new Lakeland VA Clinic to further assist Polk County’s 54,000 veterans. “I understand how challenging it can be for fellow veterans to navigate the VA,” said Congressman Scott Franklin. “An experienced and compassionate VSO makes all the… Read more »