Congressman Scott Franklin

Today, I joined @SpeakerJohnson and a bipartisan group of House colleagues on the Capitol steps to recognize our nation’s veterans. During my 26 years in the Navy, I had the privilege of serving alongside some of the finest Americans I’ve ever known. Veterans Day is an opportunity to reflect on their service and honor the generations of Americans who have worn the uniform. 🇺🇸

Our annual Vet Fest is coming up on November 21! From 9 AM to noon at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, attendees can connect with organizations offering assistance with VA benefits, health care, mental health services and other valuable resources. Admission and parking are free. We hope to see you there!

On Veterans Day, we honor the men and women who answered the call to serve and the sacrifices they made in defense of our nation. To every veteran across FL-18 and throughout America: thank you for your service, your courage and your commitment to our country. 🇺🇸

Congratulations to @Jim_Jordan on his election as House Minority Leader! There’s important work ahead to rein in federal spending, strengthen our national security and advance policies that grow our economy and support American families. I look forward to working together to get the job done. 🇺🇸

Congratulations to Trinity Christian Academy of Lakeland on its grand opening. Access to reliable childcare is important for working parents, and this new addition will help meet that need while creating local jobs and providing more options for families in FL-18.

For 251 years, the U.S. Marine Corps has stood ready to defend our nation wherever duty calls. Today we honor the generations of Marines whose courage, discipline and service have built the Corps’ proud legacy. Happy Birthday to the United States Marine Corps. Semper Fi!

November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to recognize the history, culture and contributions of Native American communities across our country. For generations, Native Americans have helped shape the American story through military service, agriculture, business, public service and so much more. This month, we honor that legacy and the traditions that continue to strengthen communities today.

From the classroom to the lab, STEM skills are opening doors to new careers and helping America stay at the forefront of innovation. On #STEMDay, we celebrate the students and educators turning curiosity into discovery and preparing to tackle the challenges ahead.

Thank you to LTC Mark Milia, USA (Ret.) for his years of dedicated service on our Service Academy nomination board. The nomination process carries an important responsibility, and I appreciate the time, experience and judgment he's contributed to helping evaluate students seeking to serve our country. Board Chairman Col. Gary Clark, USAF (Ret.) presented him with a letter of appreciation recognizing his contributions to the board and commitment to the next generation of military leaders.

Congratulations to the students from across FL-18 who completed their Service Academy nomination interviews as part of the selection process. Over 40 years ago, I received a congressional nomination to the U.S. Naval Academy from then-Congressman Andy Ireland. I know firsthand the preparation, discipline and commitment this process requires, and I appreciate each of these students for their willingness to pursue a path of service to our country. 🇺🇸

Following my request to expand Florida's flooding state of emergency, @GovRonDeSantis has added several counties to the existing declaration, including Okeechobee, Glades and Hendry. I appreciate the Governor's action to ensure more communities impacted by flooding have access to the resources and assistance they need to recover. If you live in one of FL-18's six affected counties—DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands or Okeechobee—you can find local emergency management information and available resources at FloridaDisaster.org/disaster…

Great to be back at SunTrax in Auburndale to see the progress being made in advanced air mobility. Polk County has an important role to play in the future of aviation, with opportunities to attract new investment and create high-paying jobs. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Advanced Air Mobility Caucus, I'm working to advance this emerging industry and ensure Central Florida remains at the forefront of American aviation.

FL-18 is quickly becoming a hub for the next generation of aviation. I joined the Lakeland Economic Development Council for a panel on advanced air mobility, SunTrax and the work underway to safely integrate these new technologies into our national airspace. As Co-Chair of the Advanced Air Mobility Caucus, I’m focused on making sure federal policy keeps pace with innovation while supporting the investment, high-skilled jobs and training opportunities this industry can bring to Polk County.

Wishing everyone across FL-18 a safe and happy Halloween!

For Americans living with kidney disease, reliable access to dialysis treatment is essential. I met with DaVita Kidney Care to discuss challenges facing dialysis patients, federal policies affecting coverage and the importance of maintaining treatment options for patients across FL-18.

Having been a Rotarian for 25 years, I've always appreciated Rotary's commitment to service and strengthening our communities. It was good to join the Rotary Club of Auburndale to provide an update on our work in Congress and the issues impacting Florida families and businesses. Organizations like Rotary play an important role in bringing people together, supporting local needs and keeping our communities strong.

When emergencies happen, our first responders are the ones running toward the danger. On National First Responders Day, we thank the police officers, firefighters, EMTs and other emergency personnel who put service before self to keep our communities safe!

If there’s one fictional account that captures the essence of Florida’s roots better than any other, it would undoubtedly (IMHO) be “A Land Remembered,” by Patrick D. Smith. I met with Tampa native Todd Wiseman Jr., who is bringing Smith’s classic novel to the screen.  We discussed how much of it is being filmed right here in FL-18 and how the production will highlight Florida’s pioneer roots, cattlemen heritage and the people who helped build our state.  And as an added bonus, the actor who plays one of the starring roles is 12-year-old Colby Harrison from Wauchula. I’m thrilled to see this Florida “Genesis” story being brought to life by Floridians in Florida, introducing many to a significant part of our state's history that too few know.

Agriculture is a major part of Florida's economy, and FL-18 plays an important role in feeding families across our state and nation. Our team joined the Highlands County Farm Bureau's annual meeting to connect with local producers and discuss our continued work to support Florida ag. I appreciate their recognition of our office's efforts on behalf of the industry and the communities that depend on it.

The Medal of Honor represents the highest standard of courage, sacrifice and service to our nation. The Second Annual Florida Medal of Honor Memorial Gala brought together military leaders, veterans and supporters, including retired U.S. Army Colonel Mike Borders and Brigadier General Hector E. Pagan, to recognize our nation's most distinguished military heroes. Preserving their legacies and ensuring future generations understand the sacrifices made in defense of our freedoms is an important mission.