Polk Times

Congressman Scott Franklin of Florida’s 18th district has expressed his support for the House passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which was approved with a vote of 231-196.

“China’s accelerating military buildup and the aggression of Iranian-backed terrorists in the Middle East highlight why America must pursue peace through strength on the world stage,” said Congressman Franklin. “This NDAA restores focus on lethality. It strengthens our posture in the Indo-Pacific and reinforces America’s commitment to Israel. The bill also makes long-overdue reforms to the Pentagon’s broken acquisition system, cutting red tape and moving innovative technologies to the fight faster so our forces can win on multiple battlefields. It also honors the men and women who bear the burden of service and sacrifice by delivering better pay and benefits. They have earned it, and this defense package makes clear America will stand firmly with them and their families.

Together, these changes will revitalize our industrial base, drive American innovation and ensure our warfighters maintain the edge needed to deter and, if necessary, defeat any adversary.”

Key provisions in this year’s NDAA include more than $20 billion in savings through reductions in unnecessary costs such as certain diversity programs, overlapping climate initiatives, and Pentagon overhead. The act reallocates these funds toward warfighting priorities.

Servicemembers are set to receive a 3.8% pay raise along with expanded access to health care, improved housing conditions, mental health resources, and better childcare options.

The legislation aims to streamline defense procurement processes by reducing decision timelines from nearly three years to as few as 90 days.

Strategic deterrence measures within the bill include advancing missile defense initiatives like Golden Dome, continued procurement of Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines, and accelerated nuclear modernization efforts.

In response to security concerns in Asia, support for Taiwan will continue alongside expanded joint exercises with allies. Investments are directed at advanced systems including hypersonics, artificial intelligence, and unmanned platforms intended to counter China’s military activities.

Support for Israel is addressed through funding authorizations for missile defense programs such as Iron Dome, Arrow, and David’s Sling while expanding cooperation against Iranian-backed threats.

Franklin has represented Florida's 18th district since 2021 after serving in the Florida House of Representatives. He was born in Thomaston, Georgia in 1964 and resides in Lakeland. Franklin graduated from United States Naval Academy in 1986 with a BA degree before earning another degree from Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University in 1994.