Austin Scott

Rep. Austin Scott Applauds House Passage of H.R. 8884

Position: The release supports House passage of H.R. 8884, which would reauthorize through 2031 the Social Security Administration's authority to conduct demonstration projects within SSDI that let disabled beneficiaries work while ensuring voluntary participants' total income is not reduced.

WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Today, U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-08) and Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08) released the following statement after the United States House of Representatives passed H.R. 8884, the Removing Barriers to Work for Disabled Americans Act by a vote of 232-188: "The Removing Barriers to Work for Disabled Americans Act is about helping disabled Americans pursue opportunities without the fear of losing the benefits that help them live with dignity. This bill would allow the Social Security Administration to pursue scoped demonstration programs while ensuring voluntary participants' overall income is not reduced, giving disabled Americans the chance to build the future they want," said Rep. Scott. "I had the opportunity to take a constituent hunting several years ago who was a double amputee purple heart recipient. He shared with me the defeat as a husband and father wanting to work and take care of his family but being limited on what he can do without losing all benefits and hurting his family more." "The massive discrepancy between the 60 percent of Americans receiving Social Security Disability Insurance who say they want to work and the less than 1 percent who actually enter the workforce and successfully exit the program each year shows just how much the Social Security Administration's complex rules and regulations are failing to deliver for Americans living with a disability," said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08). "Representative Scott, in particular, has been a champion for so many Purple Heart veterans who could return to work if there were relief from the current restrictive work compensation rules. I commend him for restoring a pathway for millions of disabled individuals, including Purple Heart veterans. The Social Security Administration had this authority to test new pathways in the past, and it desperately needs it again, so we can slash the bureaucratic red tape and empower more individuals with disabilities to achieve the dignity of work. With passage of this bill, we can ensure government programs are lifting people up, not inadvertently holding them back." H.R. 8884 will reauthorize, through 2031, the Social Security Administration's (SSA's) authority to carry out demonstration projects within the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program. The bill also imposes requirements related to beneficiary income, project funding, and SSA reporting. Under the bill, SSA must ensure that an individual's participation in a demonstration project does not reduce their total income. Further, the bill specifies that administrative expenses related to demonstration projects must be paid from funds appropriated for administration. Read the full text of the legislation here. Permalink: https://austinscott.house.gov/2026/7/rep-austin-scott-applauds-house-passage-of-h-r-8884

Rep. Austin Scott on Floor Passage of FY27 NDAA

Position: Rep. Austin Scott states that the FY27 NDAA, which passed the House 216-212, strengthens military readiness, and he highlights 26 floor amendments he sponsored on Special Operations Forces, National Guard readiness, defense supply chains, Robins AFB missions, and cooperation with Poland.

WASHINGTON, D.C.-- U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-08), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), released the below statement upon the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passing out of the House of Representatives, this afternoon, by a vote of 216-212. "America's military must remain the strongest, best-equipped, and most capable fighting force in the world," Rep. Austin Scott said. "The amendments I sponsored strengthen our warfighters at Robins and Moody Air Force Bases, improve military readiness of our National Guard, modernize our defense enterprise, and reinforce the partnerships that are essential to deterring aggression. They reflect a commitment to ensuring our servicemembers have every advantage should they ever be called upon to defend our nation." Scott continued, "From protecting our Special Operations Forces and strengthening our defense industrial base to expanding cooperation with trusted allies like Poland and enhancing critical military capabilities, the amendments I have sponsored this cycle help ensure the United States is prepared to meet the security challenges of today and the threats of tomorrow." "Representative Austin Scott continues to be a leader on the House Armed Services Committee, advancing thoughtful reforms that strengthen our military and improve our nation's readiness. His amendments strengthen our military from the tactical level to the strategic level—supporting our Special Operations Forces, National Guard, defense industrial base, key allies, and critical warfighting capabilities such as the A-10. I appreciate his leadership and the significant contributions he made to this year's National Defense Authorization Act," said House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (AL-03). Representative Scott successfully secured adoption of 26 floor amendments that: Protect the identities of Special Operations Forces and other personnel involved in sensitive military activities. Strengthen intelligence and analysis of foreign defense-industrial supply chains supporting peer adversaries. Improve National Guard readiness by expanding counterdrug authorities and enhancing the National Guard's representation across the joint force. Preserve the E-11 Battlefield Airborne Communications Node mission at Robins AFB and authorize expanded procurement of P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. Improve expeditionary infrastructure and contested logistics through enhanced Seabee readiness. Codify the Joint Special Operations University as the Department of Defense's principal institution for special operations education, research, and professional development. Ensure deployed servicemembers are not charged for meals while serving aboard deployed or underway U.S. naval vessels. Expand U.S.-Poland cooperation through new military space and special operations partnership programs. Extend and modernize the Indo-Pacific Maritime Security Initiative through 2031. Increase funding for the Regional Defense Fellowship Program to strengthen security cooperation with allies and partners. Support military history, professional education, and institutional knowledge through statutory authorization of the Department of the Navy Library. Honor America's naval heritage by expressing the sense of Congress that future Navy ships should bear the names USS United States and USS Shangri-La. The Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act authorizes funding for the Department of Defense and establishes policies to strengthen the readiness, capabilities, and effectiveness of the United States Armed Forces. Permalink: https://austinscott.house.gov/2026/7/rep-austin-scott-on-floor-passage-of-fy27-ndaa

Reps. Austin Scott and Sanford Bishop Testify On H.R. 9416 Before House Committee on Natural Resources

Position: The representatives support redesignating the Ocmulgee Mounds as a National Park through H.R. 9416 and advancing the legislation to the President's desk.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representatives Austin Scott (GA-08) and Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement after testifying before the House Committee on Natural Resources regarding H.R. 9416, the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park Redesignation Act: "In Georgia's 8th Congressional District, and across the state, the Ocmulgee Mounds are a source of deep pride. Just as the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and Yellowstone reflect the heritage of their regions, the Ocmulgee River corridor represents one of the most important cultural landscapes in the Southeast. By redesignating the Ocmulgee Mounds as a National Park, we can ensure that this extraordinary history is recognized at the national level and shared with visitors from across the country and around the world. I'm proud of the bipartisan work that has brought us to this point, and I look forward to continuing our efforts to move this legislation all the way to President Trump's desk and establish Georgia's first national park," said Rep. Scott. "As our nation prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday this Saturday, it is vital that we preserve and protect our ancient history, including the stories of the indigenous peoples who lived here long before July 4, 1776," said Bishop. "Our bill today represents a small, albeit meaningful, step forward that will strengthen Ocmulgee and ensure that its cultural and religious sites are protected now and into the future." Watch Rep. Scott's full testimony here. Watch Rep. Bishop's full testimony here. Permalink: https://austinscott.house.gov/2026/7/reps-austin-scott-and-sanford-bishop-testify-on-h-r-9416-before-house-committee-on-natural-resources

Rep. Austin Scott on HASC Passage of FY27 NDAA

Position: Rep. Scott states that his amendments to the FY27 NDAA strengthen military readiness, preserve combat capabilities, modernize munitions and logistics, enhance combat casualty care, incorporate lessons from the war in Ukraine, and expand cooperation with allies, and he praises the bill as bipartisan.

WASHINGTON, D.C.-- U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-08), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), released the below statement upon the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passing out of committee last night by a vote of 44-12. The NDAA sets Department of Defense (DoD) policies and authorizes funding levels for defense programs. "The National Defense Authorization Act is the most bi-partisan legislation passed on an annual basis by Congress. It strengthens our commitment to ensuring that the United States maintains the most capable and advanced military in the world. My package of amendments strengthens U.S. military readiness, preserves critical combat capabilities, modernizes key munitions and logistics systems, enhances combat casualty care, incorporates lessons learned from the war in Ukraine, and expands cooperation with allies and partners. I am pleased with the work that has gone into crafting this legislation and I thank Chairman Rogers for his leadership," said Rep. Scott. "Congressman Austin Scott continues to be a champion for the people of Georgia's Eighth District. Because of his hard work, I am pleased to report that 50 of his amendments were adopted today during the House Armed Services Committee's markup of the Fiscal Year 2027 NDAA. His leadership and commitment to our nation's defense were evident in every provision he advanced," said Chairman Mike Rogers (AL-03) In addition to the 50 amendments adopted at the HASC markup of the FY27 NDAA, Rep. Scott had another 15 provisions that were included last month in the base text of the bill and accompanying report. Some of the amendments adopted at markup include: Prohibits the retirement, divestment, transfer, storage, or preparation for retirement of MQ-9 Reaper aircraft. Extends the prohibition on retirement of F-22 aircraft through September 30, 2032. Extends minimum fighter aircraft inventory requirements through October 1, 2035, and authorizes the Air Force to purchase F-15EX aircraft beyond the current program of record. Extends statutory protections against retirement, divestment, or sustainment reductions for EA-18G aircraft through September 30, 2032. Directs the United States Air Force to assess the feasibility, cost, schedule, and alternatives associated with restarting C-17 production. Permanently codifies the Joint Trauma System and requires Combatant Commands to maintain Combatant Command Trauma Systems. Adds the National Intelligence College to the statutory list of institutions comprising the National Defense University. Allows servicemembers with existing service obligations to participate in the Career Intermission Program and reduces the minimum participation period to one month. Encourages maximum aviation incentive pay after eight years of service and expands retention authorities through shorter commitments, higher bonuses, and greater assignment flexibility. Raises the procurement threshold for National Guard counterdrug equipment purchases from $15,000 to $25,000. Requires the development of a strategy to strengthen domestic production of advanced military prosthetic technologies critical to wounded servicemember recovery. Requires an assessment of how existing military humanitarian logistics authorities can support delivery of therapeutic nutrition commodities, food assistance, and medical supplies during humanitarian crises. Authorizes the Director of DPAA to submit an annual unfunded priorities list to Congress. Designates Fort Gordon, in Georgia, to Fort Shughart-Gordon to honor Medal of Honor recipients Master Sergeant Gary Gordon and Sergeant First Class Randy Shughart. Establishes a Department of Defense recognition program for military working dogs demonstrating exceptional service. Permalink: https://austinscott.house.gov/2026/6/rep-austin-scott-on-hasc-passage-of-fy27-ndaa

Rep. Austin Scott Introduces The Strengthening Health Outcomes For Federal First Responders Act During National Police Week

Position: Introduces legislation to amend title 5 of the U.S. Code to make ATF Certified Fire Investigators and National Response Team members eligible for a presumption that certain cancers are work-related, granting access to FECA benefits including disability compensation, medical coverage, and survivor benefits.

Washington, D.C— Today, U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-08) and U.S. Representative Jim McGovern (MA-02) introduced the Strengthening Health Outcomes For Federal First Responders Act, during National Police Week, aimed at ensuring Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) agents exposed to toxic chemicals while on the job, are eligible for federal benefits following their service. The legislation will amend title 5 of USC Code to add Certified Fire Investigators and members of the National Response Team, making these officers eligible for a presumption that certain cancers they contract were caused by their job as a federal agent for the ATF. This allows them to receive Federal Employee's Compensation Act (FECA) benefits covering federal employees who develop illnesses tied to workplace exposure. Benefits will include disability compensation, medical treatment coverage, and survivor and death benefits for families. "Our law enforcement officers, and their families, sacrifice to keep our communities safe. With the Strengthening Health Outcomes For Federal First Responders Act, we will ensure that federal agents, who contract illnesses while serving and protecting, will become eligible to receive benefits. We have an opportunity to show our appreciation for the work that these men and women do, and during National Police Week, we are doing that by covering them when they step out of the line of duty," said Rep. Scott. "ATF's Certified Fire Investigators and Response Team Members put their lives on the line every day, entering dangerous fire scenes to support criminal investigations and help bring perpetrators to justice," said Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association National President Mathew Silverman. "The Nature of their work consistently places them in toxic and carcinogen-filled environments where health risks are real. This legislation, championed by Representatives Scott and McGovern, closes a critical gap in federal employee occupational protections and reflects a basic principle: take care of those who face hazardous conditions in the line of duty." Permalink: https://austinscott.house.gov/2026/5/rep-austin-scott-introduces-the-strengthening-health-outcomes-for-federal-first-responders-act-during-national-police-week

Rep. Austin Scott Leads House Letter Urging Action on Mexican Specialty Crop Imports Ahead of USMCA Review

Position: Representative Austin Scott and 79 bipartisan House members urged the U.S. Trade Representative to adopt fair-trade measures against Mexican specialty crop imports as part of the 2026 USMCA review, citing concerns about differing production standards and competitive disadvantage for U.S. growers.

Washington, D.C— Today, U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-08) led a bipartisan group of 79 members of the U.S. House of Representatives in sending a letter to United States Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Jamieson Greer to emphasize the importance of fair-trade measures for the U.S. specialty crop industry. "America's growers and producers are the best in the world. Current Mexican trade practices have flooded our markets with products that are held to a lower production standard than those produced here by American farmers. The USMCA review process gives us an opportunity to reaffirm and recommit our support for domestic agriculture and the American farmer by forcing Mexico to play by the same rules if they want to import to the United States," said Rep. Scott. The letter urges the Administration to address the urgent crisis as unfairly traded imports from Mexico continue to undercut U.S. growers and creates a significant competitive disadvantage for American producers. The letter calls for improved trade measures, as part of the 2026 United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) review process, that protect the long-term viability of America's fruit, vegetable, and certain tree nut industries, and ensure continued access to domestically grown food. In the letter, the Members write: "Without measures to restore competitive balance, specialty crop production will increasingly move to foreign countries. We urge you to evaluate trade actions that can safeguard U.S. growers from unfair pressures from Mexico. This work is essential to maintaining U.S. competitiveness in the specialty crop sector and to ensuring Americans continue to have access to high-quality, domestically grown food—an issue fundamental to our national security." The following state, regional, and national organizations have endorsed the letter: American Farm Bureau Federation California Table Grape Commission Florida Blueberry Growers Association Florida Farm Bureau Federation Florida Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association Georgia Pecan Growers Association Georgia Watermelon Association Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission Oklahoma Pecan Growers Association South Carolina Small Fruit Association Southeastern Pecan Growers Association Texas Pecan Growers Association Vidalia Onion Business Council Washington Red Raspberry Commission Western Pecan Growers Association Permalink: https://austinscott.house.gov/2026/5/rep-austin-scott-leads-house-letter-urging-action-on-mexican-specialty-crop-imports-ahead-of-usmca-review

Rep. Austin Scott Applauds Final Passage of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026

Washington, D.C—U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-08), Vice Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, today issued the following statement after H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, passed out of the House of Representatives by a vote of 224 - 200, sending it to the Senate for consideration: "Our country's farmers and ranchers are currently experiencing years of high input cost, shrinking margins, and uncertainty heading into the growing season. Through House Republicans' work on H.R. 1, we achieved the first meaningful investment in the farm safety net since 2002, we brought integrity back to our nutrition programs, and we provided relief to our farming families through tax cuts. The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 builds on those accomplishments and completes the long-delayed Farm Bill process. This legislation modernizes trade and global food assistance, bolsters the future of American agriculture by improving access to farm credit, invests in broadband, child care, health care, workforce needs, and critical water infrastructure projects that strengthen our rural communities and give them much needed support for the years to come. This is a major win for America's growers, ranchers, and all of rural America." Permalink: https://austinscott.house.gov/2026/4/rep-austin-scott-applauds-final-passage-of-the-farm-food-and-national-security-act-of-2026

Rep. Austin Scott on Final House Passage of FY26 NDAA

Position: Rep. Scott supports the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act, which passed the House with his vote. He highlights provisions strengthening military readiness, providing service member pay raises, and supporting military installations in Georgia.

WASHINGTON, D.C.-- U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-08), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), released the below statement regarding S. 1071, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 312-112 with his support, sending it to the floor of the U.S. Senate, enroute to the President's desk for his signature. The NDAA sets Department of Defense (DoD) policies and authorizes funding levels for defense programs. "The entire state of Georgia plays a key role in implementing President Donald Trump's strategy of Peace Through Strength," Rep. Scott said. "The FY26 NDAA strengthens the U.S. military, provides a pay raise to our service members, saves taxpayer dollars, and enhances the quality of life for our warfighters and their families. I am proud of my work on this important piece of legislation to support our armed forces in their mission of defending the United States." Rep. Scott authored (13) different initiatives that will now become law following Senate passage and the President's signature: Extended the authority for an additional three years that would allow for retired members of the Armed Forces to be appointed to competitive or excepted service positions in the Department of Defense without a waiver. This will allow more retired military personnel to continue to serve our country as civilians at Robins Air Force Base. Extended the authority for depot working capital funds, like Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex (WR-ALC), to be used for unspecified minor military construction from September 30, 2025 to September 30, 2027. This will enable WR-ALC to continue to modernize their facilities. Delayed the full retirement of the A-10C "Warthog" aircraft, several dozen of which are based at Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, GA. The Scott amendment requires the Air Force to maintain a minimum of 93 A-10 aircraft in FY 26. The A-10C provides close air support and combat search-and-rescue capabilities unmatched by any other aircraft in the Air Force's inventory. Extended the intergovernmental support agreements (IGSA) pilot program until September 30, 2030. Moody AFB has benefitted greatly from partnership tools, particularly the IGSA. The agreements provide additional flexibility in some areas for the base and keeps funds local. Moreover, Moody enjoys tremendous support from the Lowndes County community and government to include three IGSAs signed between Moody and Lowndes County. Established a pilot program to provide service personnel with a voluntary option to enroll in a low-premium supplemental insurance plan to help protect against uncovered out-of-pocket expenses resulting from a cancer diagnosis in the family. Modified and extended annual reporting on military and security developments involving the Russian Federation to include Russia's strategic goals, force posture, and military spending. Authorized the Baltic Security Initiative to strengthen the armed forces of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania to deter Russian aggression, increase interoperability, and support modernization; Directed the Secretary of Defense to develop and implement a strategy by January 1, 2030, to eliminate the acquisition of computer displays by the Department of Defense from nations such as Russia or China; Established the United States Navy, Air Force, and Space Force Museum systems; Enhanced congressional oversight of the U.S. Africa Command to prohibit the use of funds to modify or combine the responsibilities or lower the rank of the Commander of any geographic combatant command until the Secretary of Defense submits a report to the congressional defense committees. Other provisions inserted by Rep. Scott included establishing minimum facility requirements for military working dogs and authorizing the Secretary of Defense to evacuate family pets of American citizens during emergency evacuations on a space available basis. Permalink: https://austinscott.house.gov/2025/12/rep-austin-scott-on-final-house-passage-of-fy26-ndaa

Rep. Austin Scott Applauds House Passage of H.R. 6019

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-08) today released the following statement applauding the passage of H.R. 6019: "Included in the Senate's version of the continuing resolution to reopen the government was a self-serving provision designed to enrich several sitting United States senators using taxpayer dollars. I condemned this provision in the Rules Committee and, before we voted to reopen the government and end a 43-day shutdown, introduced H.R. 6019, which will repeal the provision and ensure that it cannot be abused. While several of these senators have announced that they do not intend to sue the federal government, one continues to express his intent to do so, for tens of millions in taxpayer dollars. This is wrong, and it cannot be allowed to happen. I am grateful for House Republican leadership's quick work to schedule a vote on H.R. 6019, and I call upon the Senate to immediately take up and pass this legislation. Americans are tired of politicians using their power to grow their own wealth. I am proud the House voted 426 - 0 to repeal this language and will continue working to ensure that Congress serves the American people, not the other way around," said Rep. Scott Permalink: https://austinscott.house.gov/2025/11/rep-austin-scott-applauds-house-passage-of-h-r-6019

Rep. Austin Scott Reacts to Democrat-Forced Government Shutdown

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-08) today released the following statement regarding the Democrat-Forced Government Shutdown: "House Republicans did our job 13 days ago when we passed a clean continuing resolution to keep the government funded. Senate Democrats have made it clear that they are willing to risk the jobs and essential programs of Americans for no reason other than their hatred of President Trump. House Republicans will continue to fight this political malpractice every step of the way," said Rep. Scott. Permalink: https://austinscott.house.gov/2025/10/rep-austin-scott-reacts-to-democrat-forced-government-shutdown