Franklin, Scott RSS Articles

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Congressman Scott Franklin today welcomed the final federal rule modernizing the nation's outdated standard of identity for pasteurized orange juice, the culmination of his years long bipartisan effort to update a decades old regulation and support Florida's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“President Trump is ending an outdated regulation that forced American orange juice producers to rely on foreign imports and an obsolete sugar standard,” said HHS Secretary Kennedy.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“When I heard an outdated FDA rule was threatening the survival of Florida’s great citrus growers, I immediately went to work—filing the Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act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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Franklin Statement On House Passage Of FY27 Agriculture Appropriations Bill

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Scott Franklin issued the following statement after the House passed the Fiscal Year 2027 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act:

"I’m pleased the House advanced our FY27 Agriculture spending bill. As Vice Chair of the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommitteerepresenting the largest agriculture district east of the Mississippi, I've seen firsthand the challenges facing American agriculture and the importance of maintaining a strong domestic food supply.

“This legislation strengthens agricultural research and animal and plant health programs that help producers stay competitive and protect our food supply from threats like avian influenza and New World Screwworm, which was just detected this week in Texas. It also supports rural communities, strengthens food safety efforts and takes meaningful steps to address foreign ownership of American farmland and strengthen oversight of transactions involving adversaries like China, Russia, North Korea and Iran.

“In Central Florida, agriculture isn't just an industry, it's a way of life. The men and women who produce our food face significant challenges. Rising costs, foreign competition, invasive pests, animal diseases, severe weather and burdensome regulations all threaten their ability to remain competitive. A strong domestic food supply is essential to our economic security, national security and way of life.

“I’m encouraged a second FY27 appropriations bill has passed the House, taking another step toward restoring regular order. With nine of twelve appropriations bills already approved by the full committee, Congress is making steady progress funding the government through a more transparent and accountable process while keeping taxpayer dollars focused on core priorities."

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Franklin, Cammack, Scott, Moody Introduce Florida Freeze Disaster Assistance Act To Support Florida Growers

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18) and Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-03) today introduced their bipartisan Florida Freeze Disaster Assistance Act, which would provide $3.5 billion in disaster assistance to help Florida’s agricultural producers recover after the devastating freeze in January 2026. Franklin and Cammack were joined by a majority of the Florida Congressional Delegation. Senators Scott (R-FL) and Moody (R-FL) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

“Florida agriculture operates differently than much of the country, and our disaster response policies need to reflect that reality,” said Congressman Scott Franklin, Vice Chair of the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee. “When a severe freeze hits Florida, many specialty crops and multi-year commodities face years of production losses, replanting costs and long-term financial impacts. Too often, growers are forced into a slow, one size fits all federal process that fails to reflect the realities of Florida agriculture. My legislation is an America First farm policy that ensures our growers stay in business, strengthening our domestic food supply and reducing dependence on foreign producers.”

"Food security is national security. Right now, Florida's farmers need us to deliver," said Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-03). "As the only Floridian on the House Agriculture Committee, I've seen up close what this freeze did to our growers. Whole crops gone. Families who don't know if they can plant again. In March, I led our delegation in urging Secretary Rollins to grant Commissioner Simpson's disaster declaration request, and we got it done. This bill puts Florida in charge of its own recovery instead of waiting on Washington. I'm proud to work with Congressman Franklin to deliver the relief our farmers need."

“Florida farmers and ranchers produce the best food in the world, but this freeze has been tough for them, and the entire agriculture industry,” said Senator Rick Scott. “Our state feeds families and creates jobs across the country. Put simply, everyone needs relief here, and that’s why I’m proud to lead this bill in the Senate alongside my fellow Floridians in the House. Our farmers and ranchers are resilient; they will bounce back. It’s time to provide them with the assistance they need to do that.”

“While lots of Floridians experienced the historic freeze earlier this year, our farmers were especially hard hit with significant damage to many of their crops,” said Senator Ashley Moody. “I’m glad to see this important legislation that provides emergency funding to deliver disaster assistance through State-administered block grants. I will continue fighting to ensure our farmers have what they need to succeed when it comes to feeding Florida and the rest of the nation.”

“I want to thank Florida’s congressional delegation for advancing the Florida Freeze Disaster Assistance Act and its much-needed relief for Florida’s farmers and growers, who are still recovering from some of the most devastating freezes our state has ever experienced,” said Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson. “I am also grateful to President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins for their unprecedented support for America’s farmers, especially in times of crisis. This funding will provide critical assistance to help impacted producers recover, replant, and continue doing what they do best — feeding families across the state, the nation, and around the world. Understanding that Food security is national security, we stand ready to administer these federal block grant funds and ensure assistance reaches Florida producers as quickly as possible.”

"Florida's farmers and ranchers were hit by a devastating freeze earlier this year that caused more than $3 billion in agricultural losses across our state," said Jeb S. Smith, President, Florida Farm Bureau Federation. "This legislation is a critical step toward delivering timely, flexible relief to the producers who feed our communities and keep our rural economies strong. We appreciate Congressman Franklin and Congresswoman Cammack's leadership in advancing a block grant approach that will allow Florida to respond quickly and efficiently to the unique needs of our growers. We urge Congress to act swiftly to ensure our farmers have the support they need to recover and continue producing."

“Florida’s strawberry growers experienced catastrophic losses from this year’s historic freeze during the peak of our production season,” said Kenneth Parker, Executive Director, Florida Strawberry Growers Association. “Many family farms suffered extensive crop damage, lost revenue, and increased recovery costs that threaten the long-term viability of their operations. The Florida Strawberry Growers Association strongly supports Congressman Scott Franklin and Congresswoman Kat Cammack’s efforts to provide critical freeze disaster assistance to Florida agriculture. This legislation will help ensure growers can recover, continue feeding America, and preserve the economic strength of our state’s vital specialty crop industry.”

“Florida’s growers were hit hard by the historic freeze events earlier this year, and timely relief is critical to help them recover, replant, and keep feeding families across our state and the country,” said Mike Joyner, President of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association. “The Florida Freeze Disaster Assistance Act is an important step toward delivering that support. While disaster assistance can never fully make up for the losses growers suffer when a crop is destroyed, it can provide the resources they need to move forward and produce again. We appreciate Reps. Scott Franklin and Kat Cammack for their leadership in standing with Florida agriculture and advancing a solution to help growers recover and plan for the season ahead.”

“Florida’s citrus industry was among many of the state’s commodities impacted by freezing temperatures earlier this year, and we appreciate the leadership of Representatives Scott Franklin, Kat Cammack and Senator Rick Scott in introducing the Florida Freeze Disaster Assistance Act,” said Matt Joyner, Executive Vice President and CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual. “This legislation supports the urgent needs of the nation’s agricultural producers by creating a clear pathway to expedite disaster assistance through state block grants and strengthening the resilience of our nation’s food supply.”

Specifically, the Florida Freeze Disaster Assistance Act would:

Provide $3.5 billion in emergency supplemental funding to the USDA to deliver aid through state-administered block grants
Help compensate producers for losses of revenue, quality and production caused by freeze and cold weather events
Cover prevented planting and damage to trees, bushes and vines & explicitly includes compensation for multi-year crop losses
Direct assistance to counties that received USDA freeze disaster designations issued on March 4, 2026
Require states to request assistance funding through USDA

Earlier this year, Florida experienced statewide sub-freezing temperatures for multiple nights during the state’s winter growing season. This impacted a wide range of commodities, including citrus, strawberries, blueberries, sugarcane and other specialty crops, many of which can experience catastrophic damage after just a few hours of freezing temperatures. Florida agriculture has experienced catastrophic production losses, significant quality reductions and damage to trees and plants that will affect future growing seasons, and Florida’s overall economy. According to preliminary estimates from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), losses exceeded $3.2 billion.

Franklin is actively engaged with growers, commodity groups and federal agencies in the aftermath of this year’s freeze. This bill is part of his broader efforts to make longer-term reforms to disaster response and USDA risk management tools for Florida producers. Earlier this Congress, Franklin introduced the TEMP Act to develop a temperature index policy producers can buy to help them recover from freeze and cold weather events. This bill passed the House as part of the 2026 House Farm Bill and was included in the FY27 House Ag Appropriations bill, which is due for floor consideration this week.

Original cosponsors include: Rep. Jimmy Patronis (FL-01); Rep. Neal Dunn (FL-02); Rep. John Rutherford (FL-05); Rep. Randy Fine (FL-06); Rep. Cory Mills (FL-07); Rep. Mike Haridopolos (FL-08); Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09); Rep. Maxwell Frost (FL-10); Rep. Daniel Webster (FL-11); Rep. Gus Bilirakis (FL-12); Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13); Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14); Rep. Laurel Lee (FL-15); Rep. Vern Buchanan (FL-16); Rep. Byron Donalds (FL-19); Rep. Lois Frankel (FL-22); Rep. Jared Moskowitz (FL-23); Rep. Frederica Wilson (FL-24); Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25); Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (FL-27); and Rep. Carlos Gimenez (FL-28).

Supporting Organizations include: Florida Farm Bureau; Florida Citrus Mutual; Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association; Florida Strawberry Growers Association; Florida Sugar Cane League; Florida Tomato Exchange

Read the full bill text here.

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Franklin Statement On House Passage Of FY27 MilConVA Funding Bill

Fri, 15 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18) today issued the following statement after House passage of the Fiscal Year 2027 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act:

“Supporting our service members, veterans and military families is a critical responsibility of the federal government. This bill helps ensure those commitments are met. It ensures our troops have the facilities and support they need while improving care and services for the men and women who served our country.

“The bill also includes several priorities I worked to advance, including resiliency improvements at the U.S. Naval Academy to address recurrent flooding that threatens infrastructure, disrupts operations, and impacts the training environment for future naval officers. It also strengthens research and treatment efforts for veterans battling Parkinson’s disease and ALS, expands access to advanced cancer treatment and clinical trials, and continues modernization across the VA system, including cybersecurity protections and emerging technologies that improve early detection and patient care.

“The legislation also fully funds veterans’ healthcare and benefits, strengthens mental health and suicide prevention programs. Importantly, it also protects veterans’ Second Amendment rights by preventing the VA from sharing theirinformation with the FBI without due process and a judicial determination.

“As an appropriator, I was pleased this bill passed the House with bipartisan support. That’s an important step toward funding the government on time and improving accountability in the process.”

Franklin Announces 2026 U.S. Service Academy Appointments

Thu, 14 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18) announced two students from Florida’s 18th Congressional District have received appointments to U.S. Service Academies for the Class of 2030.

Reagan Hohnstreiter of McKeel Academy received an appointment to attend the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, while Carter Young of Geneva Classical Academy received an appointment to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Each year, Members of Congress nominate qualified students from their districts to attend the nation’s service acaemies, which prepare young men and women to serve as officers in the United States Armed Forces.

More than 40 years ago, as a student at Lakeland High School, Congressman Franklin received a nomination to the U.S. Naval Academy from former Congressman Andy Ireland.

“As a Naval Academy graduate and former Naval Aviator, I understand the level of commitment and discipline it takes to pursue this path,” said Congressman Scott Franklin. “Receiving a service academy appointment is a significant achievement that reflects years of hard work, leadership, and a willingness to serve something greater than yourself. Reagan and Carter have already distinguished themselves through their character and dedication, and I’m confident they will represent FL-18 and our nation well as they answer the call to serve.”

Students interested in applying for a future nomination through Congressman Franklin’s office can learn more here.

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Franklin Statement On Farm, Food, And National Security Act

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Scott Franklin issued the following statement on today’s vote to advance the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026:

“Our agriculture sector has been operating under short-term extensions of a farm bill that’s nearly a decade old. That uncertainty makes it harder for producers to plan, invest and stay competitive. This bill is a step toward restoring long-term stability.

“It strengthens the farm safety net and expands access to credit and risk management tools at a time when input costs remain high and margins are tight. It also makes targeted investments in specialty crops, which are critical to Florida’s economy, supports export markets, and updates rural development and research programs to better reflect where today’s agricultural landscape.

“Importantly, this legislation also includes provisions I’ve worked to advance, including the TEMP Act and standing disaster block grant authority. For states like Florida, where hurricanes and freezes are a regular part of life, speed of relief matters. These reforms will help get assistance out faster and gives states more flexibility to respond when producers need it most.

“After years of short-term fixes, this is a meaningful step toward a more reliable, modern farm policy. I supported advancing this bill and will continue working to ensure it delivers for Florida producers and rural communities.”

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Franklin Applauds EPA Approval Of New Tool To Combat Citrus Greening And Support American Growers

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18) applauded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) approval of a new citrus rootstock designed to help trees defend against citrus greening disease, a bacterial infection that has devastated Florida’s citrus industry and significantly reduced production over the past two decades.

The newly approved rootstock, CarriCea T1, provides citrus trees with better protection against disease at the source while reducing the need for conventional pesticide applications. The breakthrough offers growers a practical, science-based tool to replant, recover, and rebuild one of Florida’s most important agricultural industries.

“Florida citrus growers have been on the front lines of this fight for years and need tools that actually work in the field,” said Congressman Scott Franklin. “This approval gives them a stronger foundation to replant, protect their crops, and turn the corner. It’s a smart, science-driven step that supports our farmers, strengthens our food supply, and helps keep this industry alive for the next generation.”

“A secure, abundant food supply keeps Americans healthy and fuels economic growth, which is why we're using gold-standard science to put safe, innovative tools in the hands of our farmers,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. “CarriCea T1 helps protect American citrus, supports a nutritious food supply, and lets growers rely less on conventional pesticide applications. That’s a win for farmers and a win for American families.”

Citrus greening has caused production losses of more than 90 percent from its peak, placing significant strain on growers across Florida and threatening a critical component of the nation’s domestic food supply.

Franklin has led efforts in Congress to push for timely, science-based review of emerging agricultural technologies, including urging federal agencies to provide a clear and predictable regulatory path forward for citrus innovations. Today’s approval marks meaningful progress in those efforts and provides renewed optimism for growers looking to invest in new trees and restore production.

The EPA’s action reflects a broader commitment to advancing innovative solutions that support American agriculture, reduce regulatory uncertainty, and equip farmers with the tools they need to succeed.

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Franklin Statement On FISA Section 702 Extension

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Scott Franklin issued the following statement on the extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA):

“The threats facing our country aren’t theoretical—they’re active, evolving and increasingly complex. From China, Russia and Iran to terrorist networks, our adversaries are constantly working to coordinate attacks, target our servicemembers overseas, and probe for vulnerabilities here at home, whether that’s cyberattacks, espionage or threats to critical infrastructure.

“As a veteran who has spent my career focused on national security, I’ve seen firsthand how critical timely, accurate intelligence is to staying ahead of those threats. Section 702 is a foreign intelligence tool used to track targets overseas, and it has helped identify terror plots, disrupt foreign surveillance efforts, and provide early warning of threats before they reach our shores.

“Just as important, Americans expect their privacy and constitutional rights to be protected, and that must remain a priority. Section 702 cannot be used to target American citizens, and any U.S. person information collected is incidental, meaning it arises when a foreign target is communicating with or about someone in the United States. That information is tightly controlled, access is limited, and its use is restricted to legitimate foreign intelligence purposes, not monitoring Americans.

“Congress has strengthened these guardrails with clearer standards, enhanced oversight by the Department of Justice, and regular audits to ensure this authority remains focused on foreign threats while protecting Americans’ civil liberties. After weighing the national security risks alongside the safeguards in place, I believe maintaining this authority is necessary to keep Americans safe while upholding the privacy rights we value as a nation. That’s why I supported this extension.”

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