Polk Times

Congressman Scott Franklin, who represents Florida’s 18th district in the U.S. Congress, voted in favor of the Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The measure passed the House of Representatives with a narrow margin of 214–213.

In a statement following the vote, Franklin said, “House Republicans are cutting waste and reprioritizing spending from every corner of the federal government. The Energy and Water bill is the latest step in that effort. It strengthens national security, restores American energy superiority and redirects federal spending to public priorities - not political agendas.”

Franklin highlighted several aspects of the bill, stating, “We are returning to an energy strategy built on independence and long-term security. This spending bill modernizes our nuclear infrastructure, hardens critical systems against foreign interference and blocks adversaries like China from accessing sensitive U.S. energy assets. It also eliminates funding for divisive, ideologically driven initiatives that undermine our institutions and weaken America’s ability to lead.”

He also noted specific benefits for Florida: “Florida stands to benefit directly from measures I’ve long supported. Continued funding for Everglades restoration will help improve water quality, protect South Florida’s drinking supply and support thousands of shovel-ready jobs. The bill also advances research into rare earth recovery from phosphate byproducts, a statewide effort that reduces reliance on foreign adversaries and helps rebuild secure American supply chains.”

Franklin added his commitment to future work: “I will keep working to ensure taxpayer dollars go to projects that protect our security, invest in critical infrastructure and deliver lasting value for the American people.”

Franklin has represented Florida’s 18th district since 2021 after succeeding Ross Spano. He previously served in the Florida House of Representatives (https://franklin.house.gov/about). Born in Thomaston, Georgia in 1964, Franklin currently lives in Lakeland (https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/F000478). He is a graduate of both the United States Naval Academy (1986) and Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University (1994).