Freshman U.S. Rep. Scott Franklin, R-Fla., who served 14 years on active duty with the Navy and 12 years in the reserve, was named to the U.S. House Armed Services Committee.
A former Navy pilot who graduated from Annapolis and rose to the rank of commander, Franklin weighed in on his new assignment on Thursday.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to be named as a member of the House Armed Services Committee,” Franklin said. “My 26 years of experience and leadership in the United States Navy provided a great training ground to apply my skills as a member of this esteemed committee. Florida contributes a great deal to our nation’s military readiness, and it’s an honor for me to serve our military members in this capacity in Congress. I thank Ranking Member Mike Rogers and the Steering Committee for their confidence in selecting me to serve in this capacity.”
U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., who leads Republicans on the committee, said he was glad to have Franklin on it.
“I’m grateful for Rep. Scott Franklin’s years of service to our country in the Navy. His experiences bring a unique perspective to the House Armed Services Committee, and I’m looking forward to working with him to support our brave men and women in uniform,” Rogers said.
Franklin defeated U.S. Rep. Ross Spano, R-Fla., in the Republican primary last year and went onto win the seat in November. The new congressman represents parts of Hillsborough, Lake and Polk Counties in a district that leans to the GOP.
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
