Franklin, Scott RSS Articles

Franklin Introduces Establishing Gold Standard Science Act To Restore Transparency and Accountability To EPA's Scientific Advisory Process

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Rep. Scott Franklin (FL-18), Chairman of the House Science Committee’s Environment Subcommittee, today introduced the Establishing Gold Standard Science Act, legislation to strengthen transparency, accountability and scientific integrity in the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) scientific advisory process.

“Americans should be able to trust that science informing federal policy is based on sound research, not politics or predetermined outcomes,” said Congressman Scott Franklin. “That means research should be transparent, independently verifiable and repeatable, with conflicts of interest disclosed and the full weight of the available evidence considered. This bill puts safeguards in place at EPA to help restore public confidence that decisions affecting our economy, communities and families are grounded in a scientific process the American people can trust.”

At the center of the legislation are new standards for EPA’s Science Advisory Board, which provides independent scientific advice to the agency. The bill would strengthen conflict-of-interest and disclosure requirements, require the Board to consider the full weight of scientific evidence and ensure different and dissenting scientific viewpoints are considered as part of the advisory process. Those provisions track the substantive safeguards described in the original release.

The legislation also codifies key provisions of President Trump’s May 2025 Restoring Gold Standard Science executive order at EPA, including greater transparency, consideration of the weight of scientific evidence, open scientific debate and safeguards against conflicts of interest. The executive order established government-wide standards intended to improve the transparency, rigor and reliability of federally conducted and funded science.

The bill builds on Franklin’s work as Chairman of the Environment Subcommittee overseeing federal science policy. During a July House Science Committee hearing with White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Michael Kratsios, Franklin discussed strengthening public confidence in federal scientific advisory processes and ensuring policymakers have reliable evidence to inform their decisions.

“Federal decisions should be informed by credible, reliable, and impartial scientific evidence,” said Congressman Jay Obernolte (CA-23). “The Establishing Gold Standard Science Act will help ensure the EPA follows rigorous, transparent scientific practices, acknowledges uncertainty, and considers the full weight of the available evidence.”

“Americans deserve to know that decisions made by their government are based on science, not politics,” said Congressman Mike Haridopolos (FL-08). “The Establishing Gold Standard Science Act will strengthen transparency and accountability at the EPA by ensuring its scientific advice is based on reliable evidence, free from conflicts of interest, and open to rigorous debate. I’m proud to support this legislation and help restore trust in the scientific process.”

“Washington has gotten far too comfortable telling Americans to ‘trust the science’ while asking them not to look too closely at who funded it, who influenced it, or what evidence was left out,” said Congressman Harrigan (NC-10). “I’m cosponsoring the Establishing Gold Standard Science Act because trust is earned through transparency. Put the financial interests on the table, keep paid lobbyists out of decisions they stand to benefit from, make room for dissenting evidence, and let the strongest science win. When federal decisions can reshape entire industries and hit families directly, ‘trust us’ isn’t good enough.”

“Americans deserve to know that when decisions are made, they're based on sound science,” said Rep. Weber (TX-14). “The Establishing Gold Standard Science Act brings much-needed transparency and accountability to the science behind EPA's decisions by shining a light on conflicts of interest. Good science starts with honest discussion and rigorous scrutiny. I'm proud to join Rep. Franklin in setting the gold standard and making informed decisions that help American families thrive.”

“I am proud to cosponsor Rep. Scott Franklin’s Establishing Gold Standard Science Act, which will hold those conducting scientific reviews within the federal government to a higher standard of accountability,” said Rep. Van Epps (TN-07). “In the past, we’ve seen the federal government weaponize so-called scientific findings against Americans and stifle American innovation. This legislation will help ensure government policy is grounded in rigorous, credible science—not unproven theories or political agendas.”

“As Chairman of the Environment Subcommittee, Congressman Franklin has been a consistent advocate for using Gold Standard Science to develop regulations,” said Chris Jahn, President and CEO of the American Chemistry Council. “We appreciate his leadership and work on legislation that will promote scientific transparency and accountability at the EPA. The end result will be better policy that helps protect the environment and public health while ensuring the competitiveness of American manufacturers.”

“There have long been significant problems with the use and dissemination of science at the EPA,” said Daren Bakst, Director of the Center for Energy and Environment and Senior Fellow at the Competitive Enterprise Institute. “Too often, there is little transparency and sound science is rejected in favor of achieving desired policy outcomes. Rep. Franklin should be commended for introducing important legislation that will help address and shed light on science integrity problems at the agency and will lay the foundation for even more reforms in the future.”

Specifically, the Establishing Gold Standard Science Act would:

Require EPA’s Science Advisory Board to consider the full weight of scientific evidence in its advice and recommendations.
Promote the open exchange of ideas and consideration of different and dissenting scientific viewpoints.
Prohibit federally registered lobbyists from serving on the Science Advisory Board.
Strengthen conflict-of-interest and recusal requirements for members whose work, financial interests or affiliations are directly involved in matters before the Board.
Require members to disclose relevant financial relationships, government grants, professional activities and other potential conflicts and keep those disclosures updated.
Require EPA to report relevant Science Advisory Board membership and disclosure information to Congress.
Establish a process for investigating scientific misconduct and removing members found responsible.
Require EPA to establish a scientific-integrity training program for agency employees.

Franklin serves as Chairman of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee’s Environment Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction over environmental research and development.

Original cosponsors include: Reps. Jay Obernolte (CA-23), Darrell Issa (CA-48), Mike Haridopolos (FL-08), Keith Self (TX-03), Randy Weber (TX-14), Daniel Webster (FL-11), Rich McCormick (GA-07), Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), Jake Ellzey (TX-06), Matt Van Epps (TN-07), Pat Harrigan (NC-10) and Jim Baird (IN-04).

Supporting organizations include: Competitive Enterprise Institute and American Chemistry Council

Read the full bill text here.

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Franklin Statement On House Passage Of Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia And Iran Act

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18) issued the following statement after supporting House passage of H.R. 5334, the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026:

“Russia continues to finance its war in Ukraine through energy exports while relying on countries that help Moscow evade sanctions. That money allows Russia to strengthen its military and continue waging hostilities.

“Using America’s economic strength to cut off that funding is commonsense national security. This bill increases pressure on Russia’s energy and financial sectors and imposes consequences on countries that continue major purchases of Russian energy or help Moscow get around U.S. sanctions. It also maintains important sanctions against Iran.

“A stronger Russia has more resources to challenge the United States and our allies, while Iran continues to fund terrorism and threaten American interests. Making it harder for our adversaries to finance those activities reduces their ability to threaten Americans, our service members and our allies.

“I’m pleased to see this bill pass both the House and Senate and head to President Trump’s desk for his signature.”

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Franklin Statement On House Passage Of Water Resources Development Act

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18) issued the following statement after House passage of H.R. 9497, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026:

“Water management isn’t an abstract issue in Florida. Decisions involving Lake Okeechobee, the Everglades, flood control and our coasts directly affect our communities, agriculture, environment and economy. WRDA is one of the most important tools Congress has to set priorities for the Army Corps and keep critical water infrastructure projects moving.

“This bill advances several major Florida priorities. It moves the Central Everglades Planning Project and Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir forward, supports continued work on Lake Okeechobee and strengthens federal support for beach renourishment and flood-risk reduction. It also includes reforms to Corps project delivery and coordination so important projects aren’t held up by unnecessary delays.

“As a member of the Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee, I’m focused on making sure these priorities have the resources and direction needed to move from authorization to construction. Congress can authorize important projects, but we must also ensure the Corps can execute them efficiently and keep long-term work on schedule.

“Florida’s water challenges require sustained attention. Restoring the Everglades, managing Lake Okeechobee, protecting communities from flooding and maintaining our coasts are long-term commitments. The House has done its work, and I urge the Senate to act quickly so we can move WRDA forward and get these critical Florida water priorities across the finish line.”

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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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