Press Releases

Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18), a member of the House Appropriations Committee and a Navy veteran, released the following statement after the House passed the FY 2026 Defense Appropriations Bill:

“This bill marks a much-needed course correction after years of misplaced priorities at the Pentagon. Under President Biden, defense dollars were steered toward social experiments and political agendas that obstructed military readiness and wasted taxpayer money. House Republicans are reversing that trend by restoring an America First strategy centered on discipline, lethality and mission success.

“Instead, we are investing in what truly strengthens our military. This bill delivers robust funding for next-generation aircraft, hypersonic weapons and missile defense while preserving proven platforms. It advances the Golden Dome initiative to ensure America maintains strategic superiority in air and space. The bill also includes key investments to strengthen Florida’s role in our national defense, including infrastructure upgrades and enhanced training capabilities that directly support military readiness in our state.

“Equally important, it supports the men and women who serve. As a Navy veteran, I know how disruptive constant relocations can be for service members and their families. This bill reduces station moves, helping improve stability at home and performance in the field. It also continues targeted pay increases for junior enlisted personnel and provides a 3.8 percent pay raise for all servicemembers.

“As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue fighting to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely — fully funding our national defense while cutting wasteful and bloated programs. This bill puts us back on the right track and strengthens our military to meet the threats we face from hostile nations.”