Polk Times

Congressman Scott Franklin, representing Florida's 18th district and a member of the House Appropriations Committee, has announced his support for the recently passed FY 2026 Defense Appropriations Bill. A Navy veteran himself, Franklin emphasized that the bill marks a significant shift in priorities after what he describes as years of "misplaced priorities at the Pentagon."

Franklin stated, "This bill marks a much-needed course correction after years of misplaced priorities at the Pentagon. Under President Biden, defense dollars were steered toward social experiments and political agendas that obstructed military readiness and wasted taxpayer money. House Republicans are reversing that trend by restoring an America First strategy centered on discipline, lethality and mission success."

The legislation aims to strengthen the U.S. military by allocating funds for advanced technologies such as next-generation aircraft, hypersonic weapons, and missile defense systems. It also seeks to preserve existing platforms while advancing initiatives like the Golden Dome to maintain strategic superiority in air and space.

Florida is set to benefit from this bill through infrastructure upgrades and enhanced training capabilities designed to bolster military readiness within the state. The bill also addresses personnel issues by reducing station moves for service members and providing pay increases, including a 3.8 percent raise for all servicemembers.

Franklin further commented on his role in ensuring fiscal responsibility: "As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue fighting to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely — fully funding our national defense while cutting wasteful and bloated programs. This bill puts us back on the right track and strengthens our military to meet the threats we face from hostile nations."