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Representative in Congress, District 18

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Representative in Congress, District 18

Photo of Scott Franklin

Scott Franklin

Currently represents District 18

No bio available for this candidate

Thinking for yourself matters

Position on major issues

Abortion and reproductive policy

Official statement

As a devout Christian, I will continue to fight for religious freedom for every American. I will also continue to support basic Judeo-Christian values such as protecting human life. Congress has a sacred duty to speak up for those who can’t speak for themselves. As a father and staunch defender of the unborn, I will continue every effort to defend life and speak on behalf of the voiceless.

franklin.house.gov ·

Scott understands the importance of faith, family, and personal responsibility. He is proudly pro life and has backed that commitment with action. In Congress, Scott has voted to uphold the Hyde Amendment to ensure taxpayer dollars are not used to fund abortions. He has also supported the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, requiring infants born alive receive the same level of care as any other child. Scott has consistently supported policies that defend religious liberty and protect the right of Americans to live out their faith without government interference. He believes the First Amendment is foundational and must be protected.

votescottfranklin.com ·

Agriculture and rural policy

Official statement

.R. 662, the Block Grant Assistance Act – This bill ensures the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) can provide needed relief to agriculture producers devastated by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole. It gives the Agriculture Secretary needed authority to provide block grants to Florida to assist producers affected by recent hurricanes. It passed the House and is now awaiting action in the Senate.

franklin.house.gov ·

Official statement

.R. 1750, the Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act – This bill would adjust the required level of sugars/solids content (Brix standard) in not-from-concentrate pasteurized orange juice from 10.5 percent weight of orange juice soluble solids to 10 percent. Fine-tuning the Brix standard will provide our citrus growers flexibility without sacrificing quality. By adjusting this standard, growers can produce orange juice with more domestically grown fruit, making them less reliant on foreign juice needed to meet the current standard. While a .5% Brix standard change is indistinguishable in taste, it has a powerful impact on production.

franklin.house.gov ·

He is a strong advocate for Florida agriculture, working to protect farmers and ranchers from devastating weather events, reduce regulatory burdens, and ensure a stable and secure food supply.

votescottfranklin.com ·

Official statement

After my first term in Congress, I worked to secure a seat on the House Appropriations Committee, where I am on the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration. In this role, I’m fighting for Florida’s agriculture priorities. Agriculture is a vital part of our Florida economy and the lifeblood of many of our rural communities. Our farmers, ranchers, growers and producers not only feed the nation and the world, but also create thousands of jobs that strengthen our local economy. Florida’s citrus industry plays a critical role in our state’s economy and FL-18 contains 70% of Florida’s citrus production. Unfortunately, unfair trade imbalances, invasive diseases and hurricanes have taken a toll on the industry. Some growers have been forced to sell their lands for development because they cannot overcome continued challenges. That’s why I introduced legislation to bring needed relief to our agriculture producers and protect our citrus industry including:

franklin.house.gov ·

Official statement

.R. 2942, the Conservation Reserve Program Amendments Act – This critical bill will protect Florida citrus groves by making them eligible for enrollment in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), a federal initiative designed to protect vulnerable farmland. Amending the CRP to include citrus groves gives Florida growers needed time to rehabilitate their groves and continue our state's long tradition of providing domestically sourced orange juice.

franklin.house.gov ·

Artificial intelligence

Official record

Cosponsored AI OVERWATCH Act

Oct 1, 2026 · Source: Congress.gov

Cosponsored AI Security and Innovation Act

Jun 18, 2026 · Source: Congress.gov

Voted Yes on AI for Main Street Act

Jan 20, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

Cosponsored CREATE AI Act of 2025

Apr 2, 2025 · Source: Congress.gov

Civil rights and freedoms

Official statement

The First Amendment of the United States Constitution gives all Americans the right to practice his or her religion – or no religion – without persecution or oppression from the government. As a devout Christian, I will continue to fight for religious freedom for every American.

franklin.house.gov ·

Criminal justice and policing

Official record

Voted Yes on National Fraud Enforcement Division Act of 2026

Sep 16, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

Voted Yes on GUARD Act

Sep 15, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

Cosponsored Stopping Harmful and Outrageous Torts Act

Sep 14, 2026 · Source: Congress.gov

Cosponsored Firearm Access During Shutdowns Act

Sep 14, 2026 · Source: Congress.gov

Cosponsored Federal Firearms Licensee Protection Act of 2025

Sep 14, 2026 · Source: Congress.gov

Economy, jobs and wages

In Congress, Scott is fighting to rein in out of control federal spending, exposing and eliminating fraud, reducing the regulatory burden on small businesses, and creating an environment where American companies can grow and compete. He supported the Working Families Tax Cut, delivering real relief to seniors and working families and helping Americans keep more of what they earn.

votescottfranklin.com ·

Scott is also focused on strengthening domestic manufacturing, securing supply chains, and unleashing American energy to drive down costs and create jobs. Franklin is working to restore economic stability, expand opportunity, and ensure the American Dream remains within reach.

votescottfranklin.com ·

Official statement

As a businessman, I believe in lowering taxes, reducing wasteful spending and eliminating excessive regulations in order to create jobs and stimulate economic growth. As Florida and our nation continue to address the challenges of COVID-19, we must work to strengthen our economy and the businesses that have been devastated by this pandemic. As a former commissioner for the City of Lakeland, I opposed tax hikes and fought to cut wasteful government spending. As we continue to work on economic recovery, I will work to find areas to cut wasteful spending and excessive regulations that burden the small businesses that drive our economy.

franklin.house.gov ·

In Congress, Scott is pushing back against reckless spending that has driven our national debt past $38 trillion and fueled inflation that is hitting Florida families at the grocery store, the gas pump, and everywhere in between. He opposes efforts to raise taxes on families and small businesses, expand federal control over healthcare, and impose heavy handed regulations that crush American industry. Scott is also working with President Trump to reverse these policies and get our economy back on track. He supported the Working Families Tax Cut, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill, which delivers real relief to seniors and working Americans, including expanded tax deductions and policies that help families keep more of what they earn. He believes government should empower opportunity, not dependency. That means lower taxes, less regulation, secure supply chains, and a strong, competitive private sector.

votescottfranklin.com ·

Official record

Voted Yes on Retire through Ownership Act

Sep 16, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

Education

Official record

Voted Yes on Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act of 2026

Sep 3, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

Voted Yes on No Aid for Ghost Students Act of 2026

Jun 10, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

Voted Yes on Stopping Indoctrination and Protecting Kids Act

May 20, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

Voted Yes on Territorial Student Access to Higher Education Act

Mar 4, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

Voted Yes on Pregnant Students’ Rights Act

Jan 22, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

Elections and voting

Energy

Scott is also focused on strengthening domestic manufacturing, securing supply chains, and unleashing American energy to drive down costs and create jobs. Franklin is working to restore economic stability, expand opportunity, and ensure the American Dream remains within reach.

votescottfranklin.com ·

He is working to lower costs for families, unleash American energy, support small businesses, and roll back the red tape that stifles growth and innovation. He is also committed to securing the border, rebuilding our military, and standing strong against threats from China, Iran, and other adversaries.

votescottfranklin.com ·

Official record

Voted Yes on Ratepayer Protection Act

Sep 16, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

Voted Yes on Protecting Domestic Mining Act of 2025

Sep 2, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

Voted Yes on HEATS Act

Apr 23, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

Environment and climate

Official statement

.R. 2942, the Conservation Reserve Program Amendments Act – This critical bill will protect Florida citrus groves by making them eligible for enrollment in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), a federal initiative designed to protect vulnerable farmland. Amending the CRP to include citrus groves gives Florida growers needed time to rehabilitate their groves and continue our state's long tradition of providing domestically sourced orange juice.

franklin.house.gov ·

Families and social services

Official record

Cosponsored Bipartisan Social Security Commission Act of 2026

Sep 15, 2026 · Source: Congress.gov

Voted Yes on Removing Barriers to Work for Disabled Americans Act

Jul 23, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

Voted Yes on Stop Child Care Scams Act of 2026

Jun 3, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

Voted Yes on Clergy Act

Apr 27, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

Voted Yes on Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act

Jan 21, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

Firearms policy

As a gun owner, Scott understands the right to protect yourself, your family, and your property is fundamental. In Congress, he has consistently opposed efforts to undermine that right and has supported legislation that protects access to firearms for responsible citizens. Scott has voted to protect Americans from federal overreach that would restrict lawful gun ownership, and he is committed to ensuring that any policies related to firearms respect constitutional protections and due process. He also recognizes the important role hunters and sportsmen play in conservation and outdoor traditions that are deeply rooted in Florida’s way of life.

votescottfranklin.com ·

Government reform

He is also focused on strengthening America’s defense posture, securing the border, restoring fiscal discipline in Washington, and holding the federal government accountable to taxpayers.

votescottfranklin.com ·

Official record

Voted Yes on LACA

Aug 31, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

Voted Yes on Putting Patients First by Strengthening Provider Accountability in FECA Act

Jul 20, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

Cosponsored Chloe Cole Act of 2026

Jul 14, 2026 · Source: Congress.gov

Healthcare

In Congress, Scott is pushing back against reckless spending that has driven our national debt past $38 trillion and fueled inflation that is hitting Florida families at the grocery store, the gas pump, and everywhere in between. He opposes efforts to raise taxes on families and small businesses, expand federal control over healthcare, and impose heavy handed regulations that crush American industry. Scott is also working with President Trump to reverse these policies and get our economy back on track. He supported the Working Families Tax Cut, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill, which delivers real relief to seniors and working Americans, including expanded tax deductions and policies that help families keep more of what they earn. He believes government should empower opportunity, not dependency. That means lower taxes, less regulation, secure supply chains, and a strong, competitive private sector.

votescottfranklin.com ·

Official record

Cosponsored ASAP Act

Sep 10, 2026 · Source: Congress.gov

Cosponsored Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2025

Aug 31, 2026 · Source: Congress.gov

Cosponsored Essential Caregivers Act of 2026

Aug 27, 2026 · Source: Congress.gov

Cosponsored BRAIN Act

Jul 20, 2026 · Source: Congress.gov

Housing

Official record

Voted Yes on Whistleblower Protection Act of 2025

Sep 15, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

Cosponsored Restoring Equal Opportunity Act

Feb 9, 2026 · Source: Congress.gov

Voted Yes on 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act

Feb 9, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

Cosponsored VALID Act of 2025

Oct 10, 2025 · Source: Congress.gov

Immigration

He is working to lower costs for families, unleash American energy, support small businesses, and roll back the red tape that stifles growth and innovation. He is also committed to securing the border, rebuilding our military, and standing strong against threats from China, Iran, and other adversaries.

votescottfranklin.com ·

He is also focused on strengthening America’s defense posture, securing the border, restoring fiscal discipline in Washington, and holding the federal government accountable to taxpayers.

votescottfranklin.com ·

Official record

Voted Yes on Secure America Act

Jun 9, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

Cosponsored Northern Border Security Enhancement and Review Act

May 19, 2026 · Source: Congress.gov

Infrastructure and transportation

Official record

Voted Yes on Water Resources Development Act of 2026

Sep 16, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

Voted Yes on Improving Travel for American Families Act

Jul 13, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

Voted Yes on ALERT Act

Apr 14, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

Voted Yes on Defending American Property Abroad Act of 2026

Mar 27, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

Local control

National security and foreign policy

Official statement

We are in an era of Great Power Competition with China and Russia, coupled with threats from rogue regimes in Iran and North Korea. We must provide the necessary resources to ensure we have the best equipped and most lethal fighting force on the globe. Our military solely exists to provide for our common defense by being prepared to fight and win wars, if called upon to do so. Our service members should never be used for social experiments or to advance a political agenda.

franklin.house.gov ·

Official statement

Our service members should never be used for social experiments or to advance a political agenda. As a member of the Armed Services Committee in my first term, I secured several key provisions in the Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). These provisions include:

franklin.house.gov ·

Official statement

In the 118th Congress, I now serve on the House Appropriations Committee. In this capacity, I will continue to support a strong military well-equipped to face the challenges of the 21st century. I will also work to ensure fiscal discipline when national security and defense spending priorities come to the full committee and House floor for a vote.

franklin.house.gov ·

He knows from experience peace is not maintained through rhetoric, it is secured through strength, readiness, and resolve. That means a military that is fully funded, properly equipped, and never asked to do more with less. In Congress, Scott is pushing back against policies that weaken our military or distract from its core mission. He is focused on restoring readiness, strengthening the defense industrial base, and ensuring our service members have the training, equipment, and support they need to succeed. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee and the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee, Scott is directly engaged in funding the infrastructure, modernization, and resources required to support our military who keep America safe and honor our commitments to them. With growing threats from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, this is not the time for hesitation or half measures. Scott Franklin is committed to a clear principle: peace through strength, backed by action, not words.

votescottfranklin.com ·

But Florida agriculture faces real and growing challenges. Recent freezes and severe weather have devastated citrus and other specialty crops, placing enormous strain on producers who are already operating on thin margins. These events are not just setbacks, they are existential threats to family operations and the long term future of our domestic food supply. A strong domestic food supply is critical to our national security and economic stability, especially in times of uncertainty. That is why in Congress, I am working to ensure our agriculture industry remains strong, resilient, and globally competitive. As Vice Chair of the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, I am focused on delivering real support for our producers. That includes advancing disaster assistance through block grants to ensure resources reach Florida farmers quickly and efficiently, supporting citrus recovery efforts, investing in research and disease mitigation, and pushing for policies that reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens. I will continue fighting to ensure our farmers, growers, and ranchers have the tools they need to recover, rebuild, and succeed, and to keep Florida agriculture thriving for generations to come.

votescottfranklin.com ·

Taxes and government spending

Washington has a spending problem and the American people are paying the price. With more than $38 trillion in debt, reckless tax and spend policies are driving inflation, hurting families, and putting our country on an unsustainable path. Scott is fighting to cut wasteful spending, rein in government, and restore accountability in Washington.

votescottfranklin.com ·

On the House Appropriations Committee, Scott is on the front lines of the fight to control federal spending and ensure taxpayer dollars are used responsibly. He is pushing back against bloated government programs and fighting for policies that strengthen our economy and protect our freedoms.

votescottfranklin.com ·

Official statement

In the 118th Congress, I now serve on the House Appropriations Committee. In this capacity, I will continue to support a strong military well-equipped to face the challenges of the 21st century. I will also work to ensure fiscal discipline when national security and defense spending priorities come to the full committee and House floor for a vote.

franklin.house.gov ·

In Congress, Scott is fighting to rein in out of control federal spending, exposing and eliminating fraud, reducing the regulatory burden on small businesses, and creating an environment where American companies can grow and compete. He supported the Working Families Tax Cut, delivering real relief to seniors and working families and helping Americans keep more of what they earn.

votescottfranklin.com ·

Official statement

As a businessman, I believe in lowering taxes, reducing wasteful spending and eliminating excessive regulations in order to create jobs and stimulate economic growth. As Florida and our nation continue to address the challenges of COVID-19, we must work to strengthen our economy and the businesses that have been devastated by this pandemic. As a former commissioner for the City of Lakeland, I opposed tax hikes and fought to cut wasteful government spending. As we continue to work on economic recovery, I will work to find areas to cut wasteful spending and excessive regulations that burden the small businesses that drive our economy.

franklin.house.gov ·

Technology and privacy

Official record

Cosponsored AI OVERWATCH Act

Oct 1, 2026 · Source: Congress.gov

Cosponsored FRONTIER Act

Jul 23, 2026 · Source: Congress.gov

Voted Yes on Sunshine Protection Act of 2025

Jul 14, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

Cosponsored AI Security and Innovation Act

Jun 18, 2026 · Source: Congress.gov

Voted Yes on Lulu’s Law

May 20, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

Veterans

He knows from experience peace is not maintained through rhetoric, it is secured through strength, readiness, and resolve. That means a military that is fully funded, properly equipped, and never asked to do more with less. In Congress, Scott is pushing back against policies that weaken our military or distract from its core mission. He is focused on restoring readiness, strengthening the defense industrial base, and ensuring our service members have the training, equipment, and support they need to succeed. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee and the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee, Scott is directly engaged in funding the infrastructure, modernization, and resources required to support our military who keep America safe and honor our commitments to them. With growing threats from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, this is not the time for hesitation or half measures. Scott Franklin is committed to a clear principle: peace through strength, backed by action, not words.

votescottfranklin.com ·

Animals and wildlife

Emergency management

Official record

Cosponsored Post-Disaster Protection Act

Aug 13, 2026 · Source: Congress.gov

Voted Yes on Weatherizing Infrastructure in the North and Terrorism Emergency Readiness Act of 2025

Jul 13, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

Voted Yes on TRUE Accountability Act

Jun 8, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

Voted Yes on Enhancing Stakeholder Support and Outreach for Preparedness Grants Act

Nov 19, 2025 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

Cosponsored FEMA Act of 2025

Nov 7, 2025 · Source: Congress.gov

Pages we use for this candidate

Voting and sponsorship record

795 votes (Yea: 699, Nay: 48, Aye: 43, Not Voting: 5), 507 sponsorships.

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