Scott Franklin

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This month, we recognize those battling breast cancer, honor the survivors and remember the lives lost to this terrible disease. Early detection saves lives. I encourage women across FL-18 to stay informed, schedule regular screenings and take charge of their health.

Polk State College plays an important role in preparing students for careers and meeting the workforce needs of our growing region. I met with President Stassi Kamoutsas to hear about his first 90 days leading the college and his vision for what comes next. We discussed workforce training, expanding educational opportunities and how @PolkState can continue building strong pathways from the classroom to good-paying careers across FL-18 and beyond.

It was great to spend time with the @FLSouthern Moccasin Battalion and talk with the next generation of Army leaders as they prepare to commission next spring. For 75 years, Florida Southern’s ROTC program has trained officers for the Army, Army National Guard and Army Reserve. As a retired Naval Aviator, I always appreciate the opportunity to hear from young men and women who have chosen a path of service to our country.

For 251 years, the U.S. Navy has stood watch around the world, defending our nation and protecting freedom at sea. As a retired Naval Aviator who served 26 years, I’m grateful for the generations of Sailors who answered the call and those who continue to serve today. Happy Birthday to the United States Navy!

America’s farmers put in the work every day to keep food on our tables and communities across the country moving. On National Farmers Day, we recognize the men and women whose long hours, resilience and dedication sustain our nation. Thank you to the farmers across Florida’s Heartland and beyond who keep America growing.

Today we recognize Columbus Day and the enduring spirit of exploration that has shaped our nation for generations. https://t.co/1bFSvNjVQs

Florida Poly is leading the way in preparing students for high-demand careers and building the workforce of tomorrow. It was great to showcase the incredible work happening at @FLPolyU to @Sonderling47 during a roundtable focused on connecting education with the evolving needs of employers. His visit also marked the first time Florida Poly hosted a sitting U.S. Secretary of Labor.

🚨 I just sent a letter to @USDA and @CommerceGov demanding immediate action as sulfur shortages and rising costs force American fertilizer plants to cut production. Last month, I led Florida's congressional delegation in raising the alarm. Now, jobs, local businesses and farmers are paying the price. The Administration must move beyond reviewing this crisis and deliver a coordinated plan to secure sulfur supplies, remove costly barriers and get production back on track.

The new Lakeland Senior Hub is bringing resources, wellness and community together under one roof for seniors across Polk County. The 44,000-square-foot facility has already engaged 74 businesses and nonprofits to help connect folks with services, education, physical activity and one another. It’s great to see another resource in FL-18 focused on helping seniors stay active, informed and connected.

Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18) today sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick demanding immediate, coordinated federal action to address the sulfur supply and cost crisis already threatening domestic fertilizer production. With phosphate producers already cutting operations and idling facilities, Franklin warned continued delays threaten American jobs, Central Florida businesses, farm profitability and put the nation's food security at risk. “American fertilizer producers are cutting production now due to the high cost of sulfur needed to convert phosphate rock into fertilizer. Farmers and workers cannot afford more delays,” said Congressman Scott Franklin. “This crisis reaches beyond the plant gates to the machine shops, contractors, truckers and small businesses that support Florida’s phosphate industry. Reviewing the problem is not enough. The Administration must secure additional sulfur suplies, remove federal barriers driving up costs and protect the domestic production we already have. Food security is national security.” In the letter, Franklin called on USDA and Commerce to: Designate a senior official to coordinate the federal response and provide an action plan with specific steps and implementation timelines. Work with domestic suppliers, Canada and other reliable trading partners to increase sulfur supplies available to U.S. producers. Resolve transportation, storage and handling constraints and remove unnecessary federal barriers increasing costs or limiting availability. Accelerate eligible projects that expand sulfur recovery and logistics capacity or restore curtailed fertilizer production. Evaluate existing emergency authorities, including the Defense Production Act, and identify any additional authorities or appropriations needed from Congress. Sulfur is used to produce sulfuric acid, an essential input in phosphate fertilizer manufacturing with no readily available substitute in the production process. According to the Florida Phosphate Council, the industry generates an estimated $5 billion in economic impact in the Tampa region. In Polk County and across Central Florida, phosphate operations support equipment suppliers, machine shops, maintenance contractors, transportation providers and other local businesses. Prolonged production cuts threaten supplier orders, contract work and workers’ paychecks, with ripple effects throughout the local economy. The crisis also threatens to deepen financial pressure on American farmers. According to an American Farm Bureau Federation survey, 70 percent of respondents could not afford the fertilizer they needed. Further production cuts risk tightening supplies, increasing costs and making the United States more dependent on foreign fertilizer producers. Last month, Franklin led members of Florida's congressional delegation in urging President Trump and Secretary Lutnick to address rising sulfur costs and supply disruptions. He also joined the bipartisan effort that helped secure phosphate's inclusion on the U.S. critical minerals list in 2025. Read the full letter here.

The Annual Okeechobee Farm Bureau meeting was a good opportunity to hear directly from local farmers and recognize the work they do to keep agriculture strong in our community. I appreciate the recognition from @FlaFarmBureau as a supporter of Florida agriculture and will keep working to stand with the farmers and ranchers who help feed our state and nation.

A reliable water supply is critical to FL-18’s continued growth. At the Polk Regional Water Cooperative’s Southeast Wellfield Project, @GarneyConstruct is helping build the infrastructure needed to deliver millions of gallons of clean drinking water each day to communities across the county. We had a good discussion about Garney’s employee-ownership model and the opportunities it creates for workers. Giving employees a stake in the company they help build rewards hard work and allows them to share in its long-term success.

Florida’s citrus growers are continuing the fight against citrus greening, and that work takes everyone. Our team joined growers and industry leaders from across FL-18, including longtime citrus policy leader Rick Dantzler, fourth-generation grower Jim Snively, Frostproof nursery owner Phillip Rucks, @Sen_Albritton, @FLCitrusMutual and the Citrus Research and Field Trial Foundation team. By sharing research, resources and firsthand experience from the grove, we can keep working toward a stronger future for Florida citrus.

Three years ago today, Hamas carried out the deadliest terrorist attack in Israel’s history, murdering nearly 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostage. Today, we remember the innocent lives taken on October 7th and the families forever changed by that horrific day. We stand with the people of Israel and remain committed to confronting terrorism and antisemitism wherever they appear.

(1/2) Americans should be able to trust that science informing federal policy is based on sound research, not politics or predetermined outcomes. Today, I introduced the Establishing Gold Standard Science Act to codify key provisions of President Trump’s Gold Standard Science agenda and strengthen transparency, accountability and scientific integrity at EPA. ⬇️

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.

(2/2) Thank you to my colleagues for joining me as cosponsors: @JayObernolte @repdarrellissa @RepHaridopolos @RepKeithSelf @TXRandy14 @RepMcCormick @RepWebster @RepChuck @RepEllzey @repvanepps @RepPatHarrigan @RepJimBaird

Please join me in praying for everyone affected by this morning’s crash involving a Polk County school bus in Winter Haven. Thank you to the first responders on the scene. Please avoid the area as we await more information.

Enjoyed attending the Lakeland Economic Development Council’s monthly meeting and hearing from recent Graduate Medical Education (GME) graduates. This community effort helps attract, train, and retain doctors to address our primary care shortage. We’re grateful these new physicians have chosen to call Lakeland home and care for our community.

A pretty stark reminder of what’s at stake. America was built on individual liberty, free enterprise and limited government. We should be strengthening the principles that made America exceptional, not tearing them down.

Options for Women PHC is doing important work to support mothers, strengthen families and protect unborn children across our community. Their Vision for Life luncheon was a chance to recognize that work and the lives they’re helping change. Over the past year alone, they report helping save more than 596 children’s lives. Thank you to everyone at Options for Women PHC for all you do!

Every child deserves a chance at life. I’ve consistently fought to protect the unborn and oppose taxpayer funding for abortion. I also reintroduced the Prohibiting Abortion Industry’s Lucrative Loopholes Act to close loopholes allowing abortion providers to profit from fetal tissue. I’m proud to maintain an A+ rating with @sbaprolife and will continue fighting to defend life.

We recently joined Highlands County Sheriff Paul Blackman, Major Darin Hood, State Rep. Kaylee Tuck and Sen. Erin Grall for a tour of the Sheriff’s Office’s new facility. It was a good opportunity to see the new space firsthand and hear more about the department’s work and priorities. Thank you to Sheriff Blackman and his team at @HighCoSheriff for all they do to keep Highlands County safe.

The Annual Region VI SWAT Team Challenge brought together over a dozen law enforcement agencies, including departments from Highlands, DeSoto and Collier Counties. Congratulations to the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office on taking the overall win! The competition was a strong display of the training, teamwork and professionalism these men and women bring to serving their communities every day.

The Hardee County Chamber of Commerce’s monthly meeting highlighted the work local organizations are doing to support businesses and strengthen the community. It was a great opportunity to recognize the men and women helping employers grow, connect with resources and create new opportunities for families across the county. Thank you for the work you do to keep Hardee moving forward!