Franklin, Scott RSS Articles

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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Franklin Honors 2026 Congressional Art Competition Winners

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18) recognized some of FL-18’s most talented students at the 2026 Congressional Art Competition awards ceremony.

A total of 67 students submitted artwork representing seven schools and three counties across Florida’s 18th Congressional District. The annual competition, sponsored by the U.S. House of Representatives, showcases the artistic work of high school students.

“FL-18 is home to some incredibly talented students, which was reflected in the submissions we received,” said Congresman Franklin. “Each piece demonstrated both creativity and a real investment of time, discipline, and perspective. It’s encouraging to see how thoughtfully these students approached the theme and brought their own experiences to the canvas. I appreciate the teachers and families who continue to support and challenge them and look forward to seeing where their talents take them next.”

This year’s theme, “Happy 250th Birthday, America,” inspired a wide range of thoughtful and creative pieces. Thank you to Daryl Ward, Executive Director and Chief Curator at the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art at Florida Southern College, for assisting in selecting the winners.

Winners include:

First Place: Caryss Silva, “Thread of the Land” (Gouache), Harrison School of the Arts
Second Place: Sophia Hayat, “What We’ve Accomplished within 250 Years” (Acrylic), Harrison School of the Arts
Third Place: Miria Mendez, “The American Way” (Pencil), Okeechobee High School Freshman Campus

Honorable Mentions:
Emily Webb, Daniel Sharik, Jonah Jenks, Sarahy Rivas, Andrea Roblero, Sara Carrigan, Arianna Kerr, Eli Martinet, Isabella Adams, and Layla Sierra

Caryss Silva’s first-place artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year, and she will be recognized during a national reception in Washington, D.C.

Photo 1: First Place – Caryss Silva, “Thread of the Land” (Gouache), Harrison School of the Arts
Photo 2: Second Place – Sophia Hayat, “What We’ve Accomplished within 250 Years” (Acrylic), Harrison School of the Arts
Photo 3: Third Place – Miria Mendez, “The American Way” (Pencil), Okeechobee High School Freshman Campus

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Photo 2:

Photo 3:

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Franklin, Babin, Mccormick Lead Oversight Letters Seeking Transparency And Objectivity From National Academies

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18), Chairman of the House Science, Space and Technology Subcommittee on Environment, joined House Science, Space and Technology Committee Chairman Brian Babin and Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight Chairman Rich McCormick in leading two oversight letters to Dr. Marcia McNutt, President of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), seeking answers regarding transparency, conflicts of interest, committee balance, and the integrity of taxpayer-supported scientific advisory work.

The first letter requests records and information regarding NASEM’s fast-tracked report on greenhouse gas emissions, including whether private funding, internal policies, and committee composition influenced findings presented to federal policymakers. The second letter raises concerns about the NASEM Committee on Attribution of Extreme Weather and Climate Events and Their Impacts, including whether committee members’ outside affiliations may create conflicts of interest or undermine public confidence in the objectivity of its work.

As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Environment, Franklin has prioritized oversight of how federal agencies use scientific analysis, environmental modeling, and risk assessments to make decisions affecting taxpayers, energy policy, disaster preparedness, and economic growth.

“Taxpayer-funded science should be rooted in facts, transparency, and the highest standards of integrity,” said Chairman Scott Franklin. “When federal agencies rely on findings developed by the National Academies and other advisory bodies to support costly regulations, Americans deserve to know those findings were developed objectively and without political bias or special-interest influence. These letters are about restoring accountability and ensuring science serves the public, not an agenda.”

The letters request documents and responses related to NASEM’s conflict-of-interest policies, committee member selection, funding sources, transparency practices, and safeguards to ensure a balanced range of viewpoints on issues with major public policy consequences.

Click here to read the greenhouse gas letter.
Click here to read the attribution science letter.

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Franklin, Amo Lead Bipartisan Bill To Improve Federal Risk Analysis And Protect Taxpayer Dollars

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18), Chairman of the House Science, Space and Technology Subcommittee on Environment, and Congressman Gabe Amo (RI-01), the subcommittee’s Ranking Member, today introduced the Advancing Consistent and Credible Use of Risk Assessment Tools and Evaluation (ACCURATE) Act. This bipartisan bill creates a federal commission to help ensure federal agencies use more consistent, credible, and transparent private-sector risk tools when spending taxpayer dollars. Congressman Max Miller (OH-07), who championed the bill in the previous Congress, is joining as an original cosponsor.

“Federal agencies are making significant decisions about disaster response, infrastructure, and insurance using private-sector risk tools, but too often there is no consistent standard for how those tools are evaluated,” said Chairman Scott Franklin. “The ACCURATE Act brings greater transparency and accountability to the process by establishing clear guidelines for how these tools are reviewed and used. This is about making sure federal decisions are based on sound, reliable data and taxpayer dollars are being spent wisely.”

“From Superstorm Sandy to this year’s Blizzard of ’26, Rhode Islanders are no strangers to the dangers of extreme weather,” said Congressman Gabe Amo. “The ACCURATE Act ensures federal agencies rely on sound, reliable data to assess risk. Thanks to Chair Franklin, our commonsense, bipartisan bill brings together government and industry to better protect lives, property, and livelihoods.”

“Safeguarding taxpayer dollars is always a top priority,” said Congressman Max Miller. “I am proud to support this legislation to protect communities. Accurate forecasting and effective disaster response are vital for millions of Americans from all backgrounds, and it is critical to strengthen how the federal government assesses hazard risk tools. This bill marks important progress, ensuring wise use of tax dollars to address one of life’s most unpredictable forces: the weather.”

“The American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) applauds Congressman Scott Franklin on the introduction of the Advancing Consistent and Credible Use of Risk Assessment Tools and Evaluation Act (ACCURATE Act),” said Sam Whitfield, American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA)’s Senior Vice President of Federal Government Relations. “This legislation would establish a commission to bring together public‑ and private‑sector experts to help strengthen the reliability, transparency, and consistency of hazard risk assessment tools used by federal agencies. Ensuring the reliability and accuracy of hazard risk data and models is vital to rural and urban communities, industries, and emergency responders nationwide who rely on these tools to help safeguard lives, properties, and critical infrastructure.”

“Accurate and reliable weather models and forecasts are vital to insures for determining the risk of severe weather and pricing coverage as accurately as possible,” said Jimi Grande, NAMIC Senior Vice President – Federal & Political Affairs. “NAMIC applauds Rep. Franklin for his leadership in introducing the Advancing Consistent and Credible Use of Risk Assessment Tools and Evaluation (ACCURATE) Act to enhance federal weather data. Protecting our homes and communities starts with understanding the risks we face, and as Americans encounter increasingly severe and unpredictable weather, the need for quality data has never been more apparent.”

“With severe weather events increasing in frequency and intensity, it is more important than ever to ensure the weather data and risk models communities, businesses, and government officials at all levels rely on is reliable and accurate,” said BuildStrong America Executive Director Natalie Enclade. “BuildStrong America applauds Representatives Scott Franklin (R-FL) and Gabe Amo (D-RI) for leading the charge on this timely and important issue.”

The ACCURATE Act directs the Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology to establish a Commission on Hazard Risk Assessment Tools to improve how the federal government evaluates hazard risk tools purchased from the private sector. The Commission will recommend standards, methodologies, and procurement best practices to make these tools more consistent, credible, and transparent. The Under Secretary will review those recommendations and determine whether to adopt them for federal use.

Specifically, the Commission will:

• Review the private-sector hazard risk assessment tools federal agencies use;
• Recommend standards for data inputs, model assumptions, and validation of model outputs;
• Develop best practices for evaluating and procuring those tools; and
• Report to Congress on federal use of these tools and the effectiveness of recommended standards.

This bill builds on the model of Florida’s Commission on Hurricane Loss Projection Methodology, which is nationally recognizedfor improving the accuracy and transparency of forecasting tools used in insurance and emergency planning. It demonstrates how similar standards can be applied at the national level.

Developed with input from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the legislation has also received support from the American Property and Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA), National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC), and BuildStrong America, reflecting broad industry recognition of the importance of establishing clear standards for how the federal government evaluates and uses hazard risk assessment tools purchased from the private sector.

Click here for the full bill text.

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Franklin, Panetta Introduce Bipartisan Bill To Improve Timely Access To Veteran Care

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Rep. Scott Franklin (R-FL) and Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) reintroduced the bipartisan Scheduling for Community Health and Easy Data to Understand for Legislators to Evaluate Services (SCHEDULES) Act to ensure timely treatment for veterans seeking specialty care at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) is leading companion legislation in the Senate.

“As a veteran, I’ve seen firsthand the sacrifices our service members make, and our responsibility to them doesn’t end when they leave the uniform,” said Congressman Scott Franklin, House Military Construction/VA Appropriations Subcommittee member. “Too often, referrals to community care still come with delays. This bill sets a clear standard and ensures veterans get timely care, whether at the VA or close to home."

“Far too often, veterans face lengthy delays to receiving the care they need, especially in rural communities,” said Rep. Panetta. “Our bipartisan bill would establish a national timing standard between referrals and appointments at VA facilities so that veterans in the 19th Congressional District and beyond can reliably and quickly secure support and make informed decisions about their care. I will keep working across the aisle to remove needless barriers and provide veterans with timely access to VA services.”

“Our veterans and servicemembers deserve to know that they won’t face unnecessary delays in their healthcare,” said Senator Rick Scott. “The SCHEDULES Act ensures the VA provides timely, responsive care and will help hold them accountable through transparent standards and public reporting requirements. Our government and VA must stand ready to support veterans at every stage of their lives – our nation’s heroes deserve nothing less.”

In 2020, the VA updated its specialty care scheduling process, including a requirement that community care appointments be scheduled within seven days of a referral. But GAO found VA medical centers are less likely to meet that standard for veterans referred to community providers than for care delivered inside the VA. More importantly, the VA still has no clear benchmark for how long a veteran should wait to actually receive care after that appointment is scheduled. For veterans relying on community care, that means more uncertainty, less accountability, and too often, longer delays getting the care they’ve earned.

The SCHEDULES Act addresses these gaps by requiring the VA to:

Establish a standard timeline for care from the moment a referral is entered until the veteran is seen for the related issue
Report to Congress quarterly on progress implementing the new standard
Provide transparency through performance metrics and rankings for each VA facility

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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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