Austin Scott

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

Rep. Austin Scott on Floor Passage of FY26 NDAA

Position: Rep. Scott supported passage of the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act, which he states strengthens U.S. military capabilities, enhances support for servicemembers and their families, and advances defense policy priorities including support for Baltic allies and military heritage preservation.

WASHINGTON, D.C.-- U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-08), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), released the below statement H.R. 3838, the Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026, passed the U.S. House of Representative by a vote of 231-196 with his support. 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 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." "Once again, I want to thank Congressman Austin Scott for being a steadfast voice for our servicemembers and their families as a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee. Throughout the entire FY26 NDAA cycle, his leadership has been vital in my efforts to produce a bi-partisan bill to ensure our warfighters have the resources and support they need to defend our nation. Congressman Scott is always fighting to take care of the men and women who wear the uniform, said Chairman Mike Rogers (AL-03). "We are deeply honored by Representative Austin Scott's amendment, adopted by the House, which aims to establish a formal Air Force and Space Force Museum System under Title 10. This landmark provision, including the recognition of the National Museum of the United States Air Force and the potential for additional museums like ours at Warner Robins, ensures the enduring legacy of our Airmen and Guardians. The criteria for designation and closure, along with support for public-private partnerships, will strengthen our ability to educate, preserve, and engage the community. This is a historic step forward for our mission and heritage preservation. We look forward to watching this provision progress in Congress, said Daniel Rhoades, President and CEO of the Museum of Aviation Foundation. Rep. Scott had 10 initiatives included in the base text of the bill, 18 amendments adopted during the HASC markup of the FY26 NDAA, and another 9 adopted on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. Amendments adopted on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives authored by Rep. Scott include language that: Establishes a system of official Air Force and Space Force museums within the Department of the Air Force; Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of the Navy should name an aircraft carrier USS United States; Authorizes the Baltic Security Initiative to strengthen the armed forces of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania to deter Russian aggression, increase interoperability, and support modernization; Adds Young Marines, Naval Sea Cadet Corps, and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary to the list of youth and charitable organizations eligible to receive assistance from the Department of Defense; Enables the Chief of the National Guard Bureau to be eligible to be appointed Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Requires each company with $1 billion of revenue or greater seeking a contract with DOD to provide data relating to the numbers of veterans hired in the past 12 and 36 months and that number still with that company 12 and 24 months after hiring - to focus on veteran hiring AND retention; Directs 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; Prohibits the Secretary of Defense from entering into, renewing, or extending a contract or other agreement for the procurement of organic light emitting diode (OLED) display technologies that are fabricated in a foreign adversary, by a foreign adversary entity, or by a covered OLED display technologies company. Permalink: https://austinscott.house.gov/2025/9/rep-austin-scott-on-floor-passage-of-fy26-ndaa

Rep. Austin Scott on House Rules Committee Resolution to Responsibly Release Epstein Files

WASHINGTON, D.C.-- U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-08) released the following statement on his vote to advance a House Resolution to publicly release certain documents, records, and communications related to the investigation of Jeffrey Epstein: "I was proud to sponsor and support this Resolution which will require the release of credible information, protect whistleblowers and victims of sexual abuse, and finally shine a light on the full details of everyone involved in the despicable acts connected to Jeffrey Epstein. The American people deserve the truth and the victims deserve to be protected, not used as a political stunt as they have been all week," said Rep. Scott. Permalink: https://austinscott.house.gov/2025/7/rep-austin-scott-on-house-rules-committee-resolution-to-responsibly-release-epstein-files

Rep. Austin Scott on HASC Passage of FY26 NDAA

Position: Rep. Scott supports the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act, which strengthens military capabilities, enhances support for servicemembers and their families, and includes provisions benefiting Georgia military installations including Robins and Moody Air Force Bases.

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 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passing out of committee last night by a vote of 55-2. The NDAA sets Department of Defense (DoD) policies and authorizes funding levels for defense programs. "Georgia's military installations play 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 and enhances the quality of life for our warfighters and their families. I am proud to have several amendments included that support our military in their mission of defending the United States." "Congressman Austin Scott has been a steadfast voice for our servicemembers and their families as a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee. In the FY26 NDAA, his leadership ensures our warfighters—especially those serving at Robins and Moody Air Force Bases and the more than 20,000 reservists and guardsmen across Georgia—have the resources and support they need to defend our nation. Congressman Scott is always fighting to take care of the men and women who wear the uniform, said Chairman Mike Rogers (AL-03). Rep. Scott had 18 amendments adopted during the HASC markup of the FY26 NDAA and another 10 were included in the base text of the bill. Some of the bill language provisions authored by Rep. Scott include: PROVIDING FOR CURRENT AND FUTURE NEEDS AT ROBINS: The Chairman's mark of the FY 26 NDAA contained two provisions that were championed by Rep. Scott throughout the drafting of this bill. First, Section 1102 of the bill 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. Furthermore, included in the bill was an extension of 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. "Once again Congressman Scott delivers for Robins AFB! These two provisions are critical to ensure access to talent and to shore up aging infrastructure for the missions at Robins," said Retired Brig Gen John Kubinec, President and CEO of the 21st Century Partnership. Rep. Scott authored an amendment to delay 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 96 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. "Prematurely retiring the A-10 would create a combat readiness gap in the timeline for replacement of A-10s with the F-35s. This premature retirement also impacts operational continuity of all the AIRMEN who will be involved in transitioning to the F-35. Congressman Austin Scott's amendment minimizes operational risk and ensures a safe, timely and effective transition from the A-10 to the F-35 for AIRMEN and our Air Force," Dr. Lucy R. Greene, PhD., Community Supporter and Emeritus Member of the Air Combat Command Commanders Group. Also included was an amendment sponsored by Rep. Scott that would extend 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. This important piece of legislation marked up by the House Armed Services Committee also included the following provisions by Rep. Scott: 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. Renamed Fort Gordon in Augusta, GA as Fort Shughart Gordon. MSG Gary Gordon and SFC Randy Shughart were two Delta snipers that fought and died in the October 1993 Battle of Mogadishu. They were both posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor and their names deserved to be linked forever in history. Strengthened deterrence against Russia in the Baltics by requiring the Secretary of Defense to identify and mitigate obstacles to the deployment of HIMARS platforms and munitions among Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania in crisis scenarios. 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. Expanded training of partner and allied forces to include space domain awareness. Enhanced congressional oversight of the U.S. Africa Command. Other provisions inserted by Rep. Scott included establishing minimum facility requirements for military working dogs, authorizing the Secretary of Defense to evacuate family pets of American citizens during emergency evacuations on a space available basis, and enhancing the preservation and commemoration of our nation's naval heritage. Permalink: https://austinscott.house.gov/2025/7/rep-austin-scott-on-hasc-passage-of-fy26-ndaa

Rep. Scott Applauds Final Passage of the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-08) released the following statement regarding the final passage of the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act out of the House of Representatives: "The House of Representatives just sent the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act to President Trump's desk with my support. This legislation delivers historic tax relief for workers, middle-class families, farmers, and small businesses. OBBBA stops the threat of a 24% tax increase on the average taxpayer in Georgia, while ending Democrats' radical green handouts. The legislation doubles small business expensing which will help our local businesses hire more workers and grow operations. It also provides major relief for the American farmer with the first reference price increases since 2014. I am pleased that we were able to work quickly to ensure that Congress and President Trump can get much needed relief to America's farmers, veterans, and taxpayers," said Rep. Scott. Permalink: https://austinscott.house.gov/2025/7/rep-scott-applauds-final-passage-of-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-act

Rep. Austin Scott Applauds House Passage of One Big Beautiful Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-08) today released the following statement after House passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act: "Early this morning, the House passed One Big Beautiful Bill with my support. This legislation includes the first updated reference prices for our farmers since 2018, which is a huge and overdue relief for the agricultural industry. Vital tax relief for all Americans was in this legislation, including my provision to give some tax relief to combat-disabled Purple Heart recipients so they are not penalized for re-entering the workforce by giving them a one-year tax credit to make up for any loss of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits that they are entitled to. This bill is a victory for America's farmers, veterans, and taxpayers, and I urge the Senate to pass it quickly," Rep. Scott said. Permalink: https://austinscott.house.gov/2025/5/rep-austin-scott-applauds-house-passage-of-one-big-beautiful-bill