Franklin, Scott RSS Articles

Franklin Leads Members Of Florida Delegation In Effort To Protect Domestic Fertilizer Production

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18) led members of Florida’s congressional delegation in a letter to President Trump and Commerce Secretary Lutnick urging continued action to address the supply and rising cost of sulfur, a critical input used to produce phosphate fertilizer.

“Florida is at the heart of America’s phosphate fertilizer production, and the current sulfur shortage threatens an industry our farmers and food supply depend on,” said Congressman Scott Franklin. “A reliable, affordable supply of sulfur is critical to producing fertilizer American farmers depend on. I appreciate the Trump Administration’s work on this issue, and we want to build on those efforts to protect American fertilizer production, support our farmers and reduce our dependence on foreign sources.”

Geopolitical and shipping disruptions have constrained global sulfur supplies and driven prices to historic levels. Tampa sulfur prices have risen sharply from a previous average of $172 per long ton. Since May, prices have exceeded $1,100 per metric ton. This increase has put significant pressure on domestic phosphate fertilizer production.

Domestic phosphate producers have already reduced operating rates and idled facilities as sulfur costs and supply constraints have intensified. Further disruptions could threaten American jobs, tighten fertilizer supplies, increase costs for farmers and leave the United States more dependent on foreign fertilizer.

The Trump Administration has convened an interagency process to examine the issue. Franklin and his colleagues encouraged continued engagement and outlined potential options to increase access to competitively priced sulfur, including coordination with domestic refiners and sulfur marketers, addressing transportation and logistics constraints, using appropriate trade and financing tools and engaging allied suppliers.

The lawmakers also encourage the Administration to designate a senior official to coordinate the federal response and work with Congress on any additional authorities or resources that may be needed.

Cosigners include: Reps. Byron Donalds (FL-19), Kat Cammack (FL-03), Daniel Webster (FL-11), Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Laurel Lee (FL-15), Greg Steube (FL-17) and Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13).

Read the full letter here.

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Franklin Secures $2.9 Million For Public Safety Innovation Lab At Florida Poly

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18) today announced he secured $2.9 million for Florida Polytechnic University to establish a new Public Service Applied Innovation Laboratory (PSAIL).

“Florida Poly is doing important work to prepare the next generation of American innovators and tackle real-world challenges in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and public safety,” said Congressman Scott Franklin. “As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I’m pleased we were able to secure $2.9 million to help build on that work. This investment will give students valuable hands-on experience, strengthen our public safety capabilities and help develop the skilled workforce America needs to remain competitive and secure.”

“Congressman Franklin’s leadership and support are helping Florida Poly take a major step forward in developing technologies increasingly critical to our state and nation,” said Dr. Devin Stephenson, president of Florida Polytechnic University. “This $2.9 million investment will give our faculty and students extraordinary opportunities to work at the forefront of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. It will help build a workforce ready to meet our evolving technology needs and expand Florida Poly’s capacity to address real-world challenges that impact our economy and national security. We are tremendously grateful to Congressman Franklin for his confidence in Florida Poly and his commitment to championing this important work.”

The Public Service Applied Innovation Laboratory will:

Establish an Artificial Intelligence Solutions Lab for applied AI research and partnerships;
Create a Network Operations and Security Center focused on protecting network and information technology systems;
Build secure laboratory and data spaces, including an AI prototype room and cyber range;
Provide equipment and hands-on opportunities for student interns working in each lab; and
Support collaboration with public service and public safety organizations on challenges including emergency management.

The funding, secured by Franklin through the annual appropriations process, will equip existing space on the second floor of Florida Poly’s Gary C. Wendt Engineering Building for applied research, hands-on learning and collaboration. The investment will support equipment for student interns in each lab, two secure and dedicated data spaces, an Artificial Intelligence Solutions Prototype Room and Cyber Range, an AIS Management Cockpit and a Network Operations and Security Operations Center Command Center. Together, these capabilities will give students and faculty the tools to test emerging technologies and work alongside public safety partners to develop solutions to real-world challenges.

The $2.9 million award will be administered through the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and advances NIST’s federal mission under Section 272 of Title 15 of the U.S. Code to support research, education and partnerships that strengthen American innovation and workforce readiness. The project will help develop skilled talent in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and other technologies increasingly important to America’s economic and national security.

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Franklin Statement On Passage Of Continuing Appropriations Act To Avert Government Shutdown

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18) today issued the following statement after House passage of the Senate Amendment to H.R. 6500 - Continuing Appropriations Act, 2027:

“Today, the House took the final step to prevent another unnecessary government shutdown weeks ahead of the funding deadline. We have a responsibility to keep the government open and do our job on behalf of the American people.

“As an appropriator, I’ve been working to advance responsible spending bills through regular order, rein in wasteful spending and ensure taxpayer dollars are used wisely. The House Appropriations Committee completed its work on all 12 bills, and the House has already passed three of them individually. Meanwhile, the Senate has failed to make meaningful progress on its appropriations bills or begun to seriously engage in the process.

“That failure has left the House with two less-than-desirable options: kick the can down the road by passing a temporary continuing resolution or allow the government to shut down. A shutdown would disrupt critical services, hurt service members and federal employees and create needless uncertainty for the American people. I will not support putting them through that simply because the Senate isn’t willing to fulfill its Constitutional duty.

“This continuing resolution is necessary, but it is not the finish line. Congress still has work to do to complete the full-year appropriations process before temporary funding expires in December. I’ll continue working to cut wasteful spending, restore regular order and deliver the accountability taxpayers deserve.”

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Obernolte, Franklin offer bipartisan bill to set national rules for advanced AI

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Reps. Jay Obernolte (R-CA) and Scott Franklin (R-FL) on July 23 proposed a bipartisan bill that would establish a national framework for regulating the development and deployment of the most advanced artificial intelligence (AI) models.

The Frontier Risk Oversight, National Transparency, Independent Evaluation, and Reporting (FRONTIER) Act, H.R. 9925, would create a risk-based system with oversight requirements that vary based on the size of AI developers.

The bill also would set uniform national standards for transparency, independent audits, incident reporting, and assessments of catastrophic risk to avoid a patchwork of state regulations, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.

“Artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly and Congress must ensure our regulatory framework keeps pace without undermining American innovation,” said Rep. Obernolte, who sponsored H.R. 9925. “The FRONTIER Act focuses oversight on the largest developers and most advanced models, requiring transparency, independent evaluation, and timely reporting of serious safety incidents.

“This legislation will protect Americans from catastrophic risk, provide developers with clear rules of the road, and ensure the United States remains the global leader in AI,” he added.

The measure, which has five original cosponsors, including Rep. Franklin and U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan (D-MA), would establish tiered requirements based on the size of a frontier AI developer, including model cards, risk-management frameworks, independent audits, incident reporting, and ongoing assessments, the summary says.

“The FRONTIER Act recognizes that not every AI developer should be regulated the same way,” said Rep. Franklin. “It takes a targeted approach by focusing only on the handful of companies developing the most powerful frontier AI models, not the startups and innovators driving America’s AI ecosystem.”

By tying coverage to substantial AI research and development investments and requiring transparency and independent assessments from those developers, the bill would avoid one-size-fits-all mandates, Rep. Franklin added.

And it would allow “smaller innovators to spend their time building new technologies instead of navigating unnecessary federal red tape,” he said.

Franklin Celebrates Introduction Of Frontier Act To Advance American AI Leadership

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18) today celebrated the introduction of the FRONTIER Act, bipartisan legislation introduced by Congressman Jay Obernolte (CA-23), which Franklin joined as an original cosponsor. The bill establishes a targeted federal framework for the nation's most advanced artificial intelligence systems while preserving the ability of startups and smaller innovators to compete without unnecessary federal regulation.

The bill builds on recommendations developed by the bipartisan House AI Task Force and the discussion draft of the Great American AI Act. Franklin, a member of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology and the bipartisan House AI Task Force, worked closely with Obernolte throughout the development of those recommendations, which informed the legislation.

"The FRONTIER Act recognizes that not every AI developer should be regulated the same way,” said Congressman Scott Franklin. “It takes a targeted approach by focusing only on the handful of companies developing the most powerful frontier AI models, not the startups and innovators driving America's AI ecosystem. By tying coverage to substantial AI research and development investments and requiring transparency and independent assessments from those developers, the bill avoids one-size-fits-all mandates and allows smaller innovators to spend their time building new technologies instead of navigating unnecessary federal red tape."

Franklin has been an active voice in Congress's AI policy efforts, serving on the House AI Task Force and helping advance initiatives that promote responsible innovation. Through the FY27 appropriations process, he also supported increased funding for the Center for AI Standards and Innovation (CAISI) to strengthen America's technical leadership and develop voluntary standards for emerging AI technologies.

“Artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly, and Congress must ensure our regulatory framework keeps pace without undermining American innovations,” said Congressman Jay Obernolte (CA-23). “The FRONTIER Act focuses oversight on the largest developers and most advanced models, requiring transparency, independent evaluation, and timely reporting of serious safety incidents. This legislation will protect Americans from catastrophic risk, provide developers with clear rules of the road, and ensure the United States remains the global leader in AI.”

Franklin thanked Obernolte for his leadership in developing the legislation and bringing Members together to advance a practical framework that promotes innovation, strengthens national security and addresses the unique challenges posed by frontier AI.

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Franklin Supports Clean Continuing Resolution To Prevent Government Shutdown

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Scott Franklin issued the following statement after House passage of H.R. 9770, the Continuing Appropriations Act:

“For too long, Congress has relied on last-minute negotiations and massive omnibus spending bills instead of doing the work the Constitution requires. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I’ve been committed to restoring regular order by considering each of the twelve annual funding bills individually, debating them openly and moving them through the legislative process.

“This continuing resolution keeps the government open through December 4th while preserving the progress we’ve made on the FY27 appropriations process. It maintains funding for our military, disaster response and other essential government services while giving Congress additional time to complete negotiations on each of the twelve annual funding bills.

“Government shutdowns disrupt the services Americans rely on and create real consequences for families, federal employees, service members and local communities. This legislation removes the immediate threat of a shutdown, but it is only a short-term solution. The goal is to complete the appropriations process through regular order and replace this continuing resolution with full-year funding bills.

“The House Appropriations Committee has advanced all twelve FY27 funding bills, and the House has passed three of those measures on the floor. I urge the Senate to build on that progress so Congress can finish the job, move beyond temporary funding measures and provide the certainty and responsible oversight taxpayers deserve.”

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Franklin Statement On House Passage Of The FY27 National Defense Authorization Act

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Scott Franklin issued the following statement after House passage of H.R. 8800, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027:

"Our military cannot maintain its edge if we fail to invest in the people, equipment and industrial capacity that make mission success possible. The FY27 National Defense Authorization Act strengthens that foundation by rebuilding our defense industrial base, expanding domestic production and ensuring America can produce the ships, munitions and emerging technologies needed to deter our adversaries and meet the threats of today and tomorrow.

"As a retired Naval Aviator, I know military readiness isn't measured by what we say. It's measured by whether our service members have the training, equipment and support they need to accomplish the mission. This legislation invests in next-generation capabilities, strengthens our nuclear deterrent and missile defenses and helps ensure our armed forces remain prepared to deter adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party.

"Taking care of our military also means taking care of military families. This bill provides a pay raise for service members and improves housing, education and access to childcare for military families because recruiting and retaining the world's best fighting force starts with supporting the men and women who serve and the families who serve alongside them.

"The NDAA also strengthens accountability by cutting waste, fraud and abuse, improving oversight, and providing new authorities to eliminate fraudulent payments. Strong oversight helps ensure defense dollars are focused where they belong: equipping our service members, strengthening readiness and maintaining America's military advantage.

"Meeting tomorrow's threats requires making the right investments today. The FY27 NDAA strengthens our military, supports our service members and ensures America is prepared to deter China, outpace our adversaries and preserve our military advantage."

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Franklin Celebrates Final Rule Modernizing Orange Juice Brix Standard

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Scott Franklin today welcomed the final federal rule modernizing the nation's outdated standard of identity for pasteurized orange juice, the culmination of his years long bipartisan effort to update a decades old regulation and support Florida's citrus industry.

The rule lowers the federal minimum Brix standard for pasteurized orange juice from 10.5 percent to 10 percent, bringing federal policy in line with modern growing conditions. It will help Florida citrus growers make greater use of domestically grown fruit, reduce reliance on imported juice, remove an unnecessary regulatory burden and preserve the quality consumers expect from 100 percent orange juice.

"This final rule is a critical victory for Florida citrus and the growers working tirelessly to keep this iconic industry alive," said Congressman Scott Franklin. "For years, our producers have battled citrus greening, hurricanes, freezes and rising production costs while operating under a federal regulation written for a different era. This rule finally brings federal policy in line with today's agricultural realities by cutting unnecessary red tape, helping American growers get more value from the fruit they produce and reducing our reliance on imported orange juice. I'm grateful to Secretary Kennedy, Senator Moody, our Florida delegation and our citrus industry leaders for helping deliver this long overdue win for Florida agriculture."

The finalized rule was announced today in Lakeland by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Senator Ashley Moody, underscoring the importance of Florida's citrus industry and this long awaited regulatory reform.

“President Trump is ending an outdated regulation that forced American orange juice producers to rely on foreign imports and an obsolete sugar standard,” said HHS Secretary Kennedy. “We are cutting red tape, saving the industry more than $50 million each year, strengthening American supply chains, and creating a level playing field for U.S. citrus growers — all while maintaining the safety, quality, and taste Americans expect. That is America First policy, guided by gold-standard science.”

“When I heard an outdated FDA rule was threatening the survival of Florida’s great citrus growers, I immediately went to work—filing the Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act and meeting with the White House to expedite a solution. Today is proof that the juice was worth the squeeze. Florida’s citrus farmers are an integral part of Florida’s culture, and I will always fight to ensure they have the support they need to continue growing and making a living,” said Senator Ashley Moody. “Thank you to everyone who worked so cohesively to make this happen, including Sec. Kennedy, Rep. Franklin, Rep. Lee, Rep. Cammack, and our industry partners. This is a major win for our state.”

The federal Brix standard establishes the minimum level of naturally occurring sugar and soluble solids required for pasteurized orange juice. The previous 10.5 percent standard was established more than 60 years ago, long before citrus greening and repeated natural disasters fundamentally changed growing conditions in Florida. As a result, many healthy, marketable Florida oranges could no longer meet the outdated federal standard despite producing safe, high-quality juice.

Franklin has led congressional efforts to modernize the federal standard for several years after hearing directly from Florida growers and processors about the challenges created by the outdated regulation. He first introduced the bipartisan Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act in 2023, with Senator Marco Rubio introducing companion legislation in the Senate. Franklin reintroduced the legislation in 2025 with broad bipartisan support from the Florida congressional delegation, while Senator Ashley Moody led the companion bill in the Senate. He also authored an op-ed in the Tampa Bay Times highlighting the need to modernize the federal standard.

Franklin also advanced the effort through the appropriations process by securing language in the House Appropriations Committee's Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies funding bill directing the Food and Drug Administration to modernize the federal standard of identity for pasteurized orange juice. The report language directed the agency to complete its review considering the significant challenges facing Florida's citrus industry.

Earlier this year, the Food and Drug Administration proposed updating the federal standard to align with Franklin's legislation. Today's final rule delivers long awaited regulatory relief for Florida citrus growers, strengthens domestic orange juice production and ensures federal policy reflects the realities of modern citrus production.

This final rule reflects what can happen when Congress works directly with growers, processors and industry leaders to remove outdated regulations that no longer serve the people they intend to help.

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Franklin Votes To Advance FY27 National Security Appropriations Bill

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Scott Franklin today issued the following statement after passage of H.R. 8595, the Fiscal Year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act:

"The best way to protect the American people is to prevent threats from becoming conflicts. That requires more than the strongest military in the world. It also requires a foreign policy that strengthens our alliances, deters our adversaries and advances America's interests.

"This bill reflects that approach. It strengthens support for key allies, reinforces our position in the Indo-Pacific, invests in embassy security, provides additional resources to combat fentanyl trafficking and helps counter the growing influence of the Chinese Communist Party. It also strengthens oversight of foreign assistance to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and focused on advancing America's national security interests."

"America cannot afford to treat diplomacy as an open-ended commitment without accountability or measurable results. Protecting our national security requires making smart investments, setting clear priorities and ensuring every taxpayer dollar serves a strategic purpose. This bill directs resources toward our highest national security priorities, helping protect the American people, support our allies and deter our adversaries.

"As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I was pleased to help advance this legislation through committee and support its passage on the House floor. This marks the third FY27 funding bill the House has passed, and I look forward to continuing that progress as we consider the remaining funding bills.

"I urge my colleagues in the Senate to take up this bill, along with the first two appropriations bills already passed by the House, so we can complete the appropriations process on time. Returning to regular order brings greater transparency, accountability and certainty to the funding process, and that's how Congress should be doing its work."

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Franklin Highlights Completion Of Committee Work On All 12 FY27 Appropriations Bills

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Scott Franklin issued the following statement after the House Appropriations Committee advanced the Fiscal Year 2027 Defense Appropriations Act, completing committee action on all 12 annual spending bills:

“For too long, Congress has relied on continuing resolutions and massive year-end spending packages that limit transparency and prevent lawmakers from properly reviewing how taxpayer dollars are spent. Completing committee work on all 12 annual spending bills is an important step toward a more transparent and accountable funding process.

“These bills reflect the priorities that matter most to the American people. They strengthen our national defense at a time of growing threats around the world, support our service members and veterans, invest in aviation safety and critical infrastructure, provide certainty for agriculture producers facing natural disasters and foreign pressures and ensure essential government functions are funded responsibly.

“The world is more dangerous, and peace is preserved through strength. The Defense bill makes targeted investments to ensure our military remains the best-trained, best-equipped and most capable fighting force in the world. As a retired Naval Aviator, I understand firsthand that readiness matters. Providing our service members with the tools and training they need is one of Congress' most important responsibilities.

“As an appropriator, I have worked to ensure these measures make targeted investments where they are needed while exercising strong oversight and being good stewards of taxpayer dollars. Communities across FL-18 will benefit from policies that support agriculture, improve disaster preparedness, strengthen transportation and water infrastructure, and keep our economy moving.

“While there is still significant work ahead, the House has already begun considering these measures individually. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to complete the appropriations process and provide the certainty and accountability the American people deserve.”

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