Franklin, Scott RSS Articles

Franklin Leads Florida Delegation Urging EPA Action To Support Citrus Industry

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18) led members of the Florida delegation in sending a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) urging timely, science-based review of emerging citrus rootstock technologies to combat citrus greening (HLB).

Florida’s citrus industry has faced steep declines due to HLB, compounded by recent hurricanes and freeze damage. Production has dropped by more than 90 percent from its peak, putting significant pressure on growers and limiting their ability to reinvest.

“Florida’s citrus industry has taken hit after hit, from greening to hurricanes to recent freeze damage, but growers are resilient and science is starting to move in the right direction,” said Congressman Scott Franklin. “Innovations like these rootstock technologies and other emerging tools are giving producers confidence that a solution to greening is finally here. Growers are ready to reinvest and replant, but they need EPA to complete its review and provide a clear path forward. Timely, predictable decisions will help keep momentum going, protect jobs and strengthen the future of this industry.”

“Thank you to Congressman Scott Franklin and Florida’s Congressional delegation for urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to approve emerging citrus rootstocks developed to bolster our nation’s fight against citrus greening disease,” said Matt Joyner, Executive Vice President and CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual. “Florida citrus growers have partnered with researchers for two decades to develop tools that combat citrus greening. With disease-tolerant rootstocks now available, we urge the EPA to enable their rapid deployment, enhancing disease tolerance, strengthening crop production and preserving Florida’s iconic citrus industry.”

“Florida’s citrus growers have endured decades of devastating losses from HLB, and the path forward depends on innovation,” said Jeb S. Smith, President, Florida Farm Bureau Federation. “Gene-edited rootstock technologies offer a promising, science-based solution to improve disease tolerance and restore confidence for growers looking to replant. We appreciate Congressman Franklin’s leadership and urge EPA to move forward with a timely review so these tools can get into the hands of producers who need them most.”

The letter highlights innovative rootstock technologies that improve HLB tolerance by targeting the plant’s existing biology. Growers are prepared to invest in more than 2.5 million new trees this year, but that depends on regulatory certainty and access to emerging tools.

Click here to read the full letter.

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Franklin Statement On DHS Funding Vote

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18) released the following statement after the House voted to advance a continuing resolution to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS):

“Tonight, the House voted to fund the entire Department of Homeland Security and support the men and women who protect our nation every day.

“The Senate’s proposal was inadequate. It left critical gaps, failed to support key personnel, and weakened core missions like border security, immigration enforcement and cybersecurity. It was not a serious path forward.

“Our approach is straightforward. Pay every DHS employee. Restore full operations. Ensure every mission, from securing the border to responding to disasters, has the resources it needs.

“As an appropriator, I will not accept funding national security halfway and defunding law enforcement. Partial security isn’t security at all.

“The House has done its job. Again. I urge the Senate to act and fully fund DHS.”

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Franklin, Amo Introduce Bipartisan Bill To Strengthen Ocean Monitoring And Improve Severe Weather Forecasting

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18), Chairman of the House Science, Space, and Technology Environment Subcommittee, and Ranking Member Gabe Amo (RI-01) introduced the NOAA Global Ocean Monitoring and Observing (GOMO) Research Act, bipartisan legislation to strengthen America’s ocean monitoring capabilities and improve forecasting for extreme weather events.

The bill establishes a research program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to enhance ocean data collection, improve coordination, and leverage advanced technologies to better predict severe weather and protect lives and property.

“Reliable ocean monitoring is vital for Florida, where our safety and quality of life depend on accurate forecasting,” said Chairman Scott Franklin. “Through NOAA’s Global Ocean Monitoring and Observing program, we can harness cutting-edge technology to collect and analyze global ocean data. Advanced ocean monitoring and analysis are essential to improve preparation for extreme weather and ensure our nation is equipped with the best information to protect lives and property.”

“From growing the Blue Economy to protecting communities from climate change, understanding the ocean is key to Rhode Island’s future,” said Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI). “The NOAA GOMO Research Act helps us deepen our understanding of the ocean and ensure we have the data to protect Rhode Island families from extreme weather and climate change. Science saves lives, and I will keep fighting so NOAA can continue its vital mission to protect our communities.”

The NOAA GOMO Research Act will:

Strengthen U.S. ocean observing and monitoring capabilities
Improve forecasting for hurricanes and other extreme weather events
Support research and development of advanced ocean technologies
Enhance coordination and accessibility of ocean data
Address critical gaps in ocean observation systems

This legislation builds on NOAA’s ongoing work to provide timely, accurate data that supports emergency preparedness, maritime safety, and coastal resilience.

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Franklin Statement Opposing War Powers Resolution On Iran

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 05:00:00 GMT

“For nearly five decades, the Iranian regime has sponsored terrorism, targeted American service members, threatened our allies, and openly called for the destruction of the United States and Israel. That reality has not changed.

“The War Powers resolution being considered by Congress sends a dangerous message in the middle of an ongoing operation. Forcing the United States to pull back in the face of Iranian aggression would signal weakness to Tehran, embolden the terrorist proxies it funds, and undermine the credibility of our deterrence across the region.

“Adversaries watch closely for signs of division or retreat in Washington. Passing this resolution would broadcast both. At a moment when Iran continues to destabilize the Middle East and pursue nuclear capability, Congress should be strengthening America’s resolve, not signaling hesitation.

“I oppose this misguided resolution. The United States must remain clear and unwavering: we will defend our forces, stand by our allies, and ensure Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon.”

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Statement From Congressman Franklin On The Death Of CPT Cody A. Khork

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 05:00:00 GMT

"I join our entire community in mourning the loss of CPT Cody A. Khork of Winter Haven, who was killed while serving our nation during Operation Epic Fury. He and five other American service members lost their lives in the attack after answering the call to serve and making the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country.”

"As a former Naval Aviator, I understand the weight of that sacrifice and the courage it takes to wear the uniform. Our nation is grateful for CPT Khork’s service and his commitment to defending our freedoms. Please join me in lifting up the Khork family, along with the families of the other service members lost, and their friends and fellow soldiers in prayer during this difficult time. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten."

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Statement From Congressman Scott Franklin On U.S. And Israeli Strikes On Iran

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

“For nearly five decades, the intentions of the Iranian regime have been clear. Since seizing power in 1979, its leaders have openly declared ‘Death to America’ and ‘Death to Israel,’ funded terrorist operations across the globe, attacked and killed hundreds of our service members, destabilized the Middle East, and worked relentlessly to expand their influence through violence and intimidation.

“Throughout my career in the United States Navy, and now as a Member of Congress, I have witnessed firsthand the evil of Iran’s regime and its role in destabilizing the Middle East, with the ultimate aim of destroying Western Civilization either directly or through its jihadist proxies, including Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis.

“From its inception, the Iranian regime has systematically executed terror attacks to the fullest extent of its capabilities. As their military capabilities have increased, so have the scope and scale of their attacks. We have every reason to take them at their word that, if given the opportunity, they would wipe Israel off the map and then come for America. That is why the United States has always been clear that Iran can NEVER be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon.

“Every American president since Ronald Reagan has made this point clear. Yet Iran has shown steadfast determination to advance its nuclear ambitions, despite the exhaustive diplomatic efforts of eight presidents. As President Trump stated so clearly in his message to the American people, ‘we can’t take it any longer.’ Nor should we.

“Our military is the most capable, disciplined, and lethal fighting force in the world. The professionalism, strength, and resolve of our service members are unmatched, and I have full confidence in their ability to execute any mission required to defend our nation. While there is certainly high risk in the operations we have witnessed today, the failure to act decisively when we have the chance is even more dangerous in the long run.

“It is important to underscore that our fight is not with the citizens of Iran. They have endured 47 years of oppression under a radical regime that denies them freedom, economic opportunity, and basic human rights. There can be no lasting peace in the region while the current regime remains in power, but we stand ready to support a future in which the Iranian people can live free from tyranny under leadership of their choosing.

“Peace through strength rings hollow without the resolve to use that strength when diplomacy fails. The enormous weight of President Trump’s decision to exercise that resolve cannot be overstated. May God grant him sound wisdom and judgment, safety for our fighting men and women, peace in our time, and His continued blessings for our great nation.”

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Franklin, Bishop Act to Strengthen Agricultural AI Research & Innovation

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Today, Reps. Scott Franklin (FL-18) and Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) reintroduced their Land Grant Research Prioritization Act, which would help give land grant universities dedicated access to existing U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant funding to enhance artificial intelligence (AI), mechanization and other research.

“Labor shortages, inflation, supply chain disruption, invasive diseases and extreme weather have created significant challenges for American agricultural producers,” Rep. Franklin said. “AI and other important research into mechanization, invasive species and aquaculture are promising solutions to keep growers economically competitive. At a time when growers in Florida and around the country need support, our bipartisan Land Grant Research Prioritization Act is a timely fix to boost US-grown food production and keep growers on the cutting edge. I thank Ranking Member Bishop for joining me in this important effort.”

“We rely on America’s farmers to produce the safest, most abundant, and affordable food, fiber, and materials. Yet they face many challenges such as supply chain resiliency, workforce capacity, input costs, coping with invasive species and pests, as well as the fallout of climate change. We must ensure that we are on the cutting edge of technology that can assist our farmers and producers,” said Rep. Bishop, Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee. “For over a century, land-grant institutions – like Fort Valley State University – have been at the forefront of research, development, and extension which has allowed U.S. agriculture to thrive. I am pleased to work with Congressman Franklin through this legislation to harness the power of our 1862 and 1890 land-grant institutions to explore how mechanized harvesting and artificial intelligence can help improve U.S. agriculture.”

“Authorization for USDA to fund research into agricultural applications for artificial intelligence is essential to the future of American farms. The land-grant universities engaged in first-rate science cannot deliver it at the speed necessary to keep us globally competitive without USDA support. Funding for AI-guided agricultural science will drive the innovation that keeps America globally competitive and not reliant upon other nations for its food supply,” said Dr. J. Scott Angle, Senior Vice President of Agriculture and Natural Resources, UF/IFAS.

“As the world’s population grows, it’s critical that agriculture is able to embrace new technologies that strengthen how we produce food, fiber, and fuel. This effort ensures that innovation remains central in research, particularly as emerging tools, including advanced data systems and advanced breeding approaches, create new opportunities to solve complex challenges. Expanding our focus on developing and evaluating these technologies ensures that producers have practical, science-based solutions they can trust.,” said Dr. Nick Place, Dean of the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES).

Specifically, this legislation updates USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture research priorities to allow land grant institutions to apply for competitive grants to support farm mechanization and agricultural artificial intelligence applications, invasive species and aquaculture research initiatives. The pair's bill will allow land grant institutions to continue to innovate and pioneer solutions to the challenges facing our nation's agricultural producers.

Read the full bill text here.

Franklin Issues Statement on the State of the Union Address

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Rep. Scott Franklin issued the following statement regarding President Donald Trump's State of the Union Address:

"President Trump outlined a vision centered on peace through strength, economic growth, and renewed opportunity for the American people. In Florida, we understand peace through strength is not just a slogan. It means supporting our servicemembers, strengthening our military readiness, and ensuring our defense industrial base remains second to none. A strong America deters conflict and protects our freedoms at home and abroad.

"The president’s commitment to tax relief and pro-growth policies is also critical for Florida families, small businesses, farmers, and retirees. Lower taxes and a stronger economy mean more opportunity, more jobs, and greater security for hardworking Floridians. There is more work to do, and I remain committed to advancing policies that keep Florida safe, grow our economy, support our farmers and expand opportunity across our communities."

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Franklin, Carbajal, Moody Reintroduce Temp Act To Expand Freeze Protection For Specialty Crop Growers

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Rep. Scott Franklin (FL-18) and Rep. Salud Carbajal (CA-24) today reintroduced the bipartisan Temperature Event Mitigation Policy (TEMP) Act, directing the Risk Management Agency (RMA) to research and develop an affordable crop insurance option to cover losses caused by cold exposure and freezes. The pair introduced the measure just days after prolonged freezing temperatures devastated Florida's specialty crop industry. U.S. Senator Ashley Moody (R-FL) is leading companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.

“Deep freezes can devastate Florida agriculture, which supplies much of America’s citrus, sugarcane, and other specialty crops,” said Congressman Franklin. “Growers across Florida are desperately working to recover from a recent damaging freeze. Despite being the backbone of our food supply, producers in Florida’s heartland still lack access to reasonably priced insurance that covers freeze events. Our bipartisan TEMP Act helps fill that gap by creating a temperature-based index policy that gives all specialty-crop producers a workable, affordable option when cold weather strikes. I thank Rep. Carbajal and my colleagues for joining me and Senator Moody for her leadership on this issue in the Senate.”

“Specialty crop growers on the Central Coast know all too well the devastation a single freeze can bring, yet existing crop insurance often fails to cover cold weather losses,” said Rep. Carbajal. “I’m co‑sponsoring the bipartisan TEMP Act to deliver an improved insurance option that shields specialty crops from cold weather losses. This legislation will give farmers in California and across the country the tools they need to safeguard their livelihoods.”

“While agriculture is a top driver of our state’s economy, many growers were recently left facing serious losses without access to affordable insurance options following the recent deep freeze,” said Senator Ashley Moody. “I’m proud to introduce the TEMP Act in the Senate, to examine possible solutions for our farmers to manage temperature-related risks while recovering when extreme cold weather hits.”

Specialty crop producers in Florida and California face steep challenges accessing comprehensive whole-farm insurance policies, with premiums often running thousands of dollars per acre. While some specific perils, such as wind, are insurable at reasonable rates, no comparable option exists to cover losses caused by freeze events. The recent freeze in Florida highlighted this gap, leaving many growers exposed with limited tools to manage risk. The TEMP Act directs RMA to develop an index-based policy that reflects actual temperature impacts, giving growers a practical tool to manage risk and recover more quickly after damaging cold spells.

“Recent record cold temperatures across Florida have had real impacts on farmers and growers statewide,” said Jeb S. Smith, President, Florida Farm Bureau Federation. "The Temperature Event Mitigation Policy Act would give producers a much-needed tool to manage freeze risk and protect their operations. Florida Farm Bureau Federation appreciates Senator Moody and Representative Franklin for advancing solutions that respond to the challenges farmers are facing right now.”

“FFVA appreciates the strong leadership of U.S. Representative Franklin, Senator Moody and members of the Florida Congressional Delegation in championing this important provision and for listening to the needs of Florida growers,” said Mike Joyner, President of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association. “A temperature‑based policy would give specialty crop producers a much‑needed risk‑management tool and strengthen their ability to recover from increasingly unpredictable weather.”

"Florida's citrus growers applaud Congressman Scott Franklin for reintroducing the Temperature Event Mitigation Policy (TEMP) Act, which seeks to expand meaningful risk management tools for specialty crop producers, like citrus, as recent winter storms have caused significant agricultural damage across Florida," said Matt Joyner, Executive Vice President and CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual. "Directing the United States Department of Agriculture's Risk Management Agency to develop a temperature-based crop insurance policy for freeze and cold exposure losses is critical to ensuring affordable, effective risk protection is available to growers who currently lack viable options."

House original cosponsors include: Reps. Carbajal (CA-24), Cammack (FL-03), Lee (FL-15), Steube (FL-17), Patronis (FL-01), Mills (FL-07), Fine (FL-06), Rutherford (FL-05), Buchanan (FL-16), Carter (GA-01), Soto (FL-09), Wilson (FL-24), Subramanyam (VA-10)

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Franklin Votes To End Partial Government Shutdown

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18) today voted in favor of a measure to end the partial government shutdown and reopen the federal government. The agreement funds five FY26 appropriations bills for the full year: Defense; Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education; Transportation and Housing and Urban Development; Financial Services and General Government; and National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs. It also provides short-term funding for the Department of Homeland Security while negotiations continue.

“Funding our military, protecting our national security, and keeping critical services operating is essential,” said Congressman Franklin. “The House previously passed full-year funding for the entire government. Yet Senate Democrats refused to fund Homeland Security, forcing the House to vote again on the same spending bills. This measure keeps the government open, protects paychecks, and prevents a longer shutdown. Funding the government is a constitutional responsibility. Now we must address Homeland Security funding (again), which includes FEMA, to keep our nation secure.”

Franklin noted the House previously passed all 12 FY26 appropriations bills and the Senate advanced the package with the exception of the Department of Homeland Security. The legislation has now been signed into law by the President.

The measure passed the House by a vote of 217-214.

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