United States Congressman Austin Scott

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

Thu, 120 Apr 2026 12:00:00 EST

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.”

###

Rep. Austin Scott Announces 2026 Congressional Art Competition

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 12:00:00 EST

Tifton, Ga.—U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-08) today announced that his office is taking submissions for the 2026 Congressional Art Competition.

All high school students (9-12th grade) who reside in or attend school in the Eighth Congressional District are encouraged to participate.

The winning entry will be displayed in the United States Capitol for a year alongside artwork from every congressional district across the country. Artwork submitted must be original in concept, design, and execution, no larger than 26” x 26” x 4”, and can be in the form of paintings (oil, acrylics, watercolor, etc.), drawings (pastels, colored pencil, pencil, charcoal, ink, markers), collage (must be two dimensional), prints (lithographs, silkscreen, block prints), mixed media, computer-generated art, or photography.

All artwork must be framed and submitted by April 17th at one of the following drop-off locations:

Rep. Scott’s District Office in Warner Robins: 120 Byrd Way, Suite 100, Warner Robins, GA

Rep. Scott’s District Office in Tifton: 127-B Central Ave N, Tifton, GA

Artwork that is submitted on a canvas does not require framing; however, it must have hooks affixed for hanging.

This year, all the entries from across the district will be displayed at the Syd Blackmarr Art Center in Tifton, Georgia, for an exhibit and awards ceremony in early May.

To learn more about the Congressional Art Competition, visit here.

For more information or questions, please contact Charles White at (229) 376-8061 or email charles.white@mail.house.gov.

Rep. Austin Scott on Final House Passage of FY26 NDAA

Wed, 344 Dec 2025 12:00:00 EST

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.

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

Wed, 323 Nov 2025 12:00:00 EST

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

###

Rep. Austin Scott Reacts to Democrat-Forced Government Shutdown

Wed, 274 Oct 2025 12:00:00 EST

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.

###

Rep. Austin Scott on Floor Passage of FY26 NDAA

Wed, 253 Sep 2025 12:00:00 EST

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.

###

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

Fri, 199 Jul 2025 12:00:00 EST

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.

Rep. Austin Scott on HASC Passage of FY26 NDAA

Wed, 197 Jul 2025 12:00:00 EST

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.

SUPPORTING MISSIONS AT MOODY:

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.

###

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

Thu, 184 Jul 2025 12:00:00 EST

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.

###

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

Thu, 142 May 2025 12:00:00 EST

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.

###

Rep. Austin Scott Announces 2025 Congressional App Challenge

Thu, 128 May 2025 12:00:00 EST

WARNER ROBINS, Ga.-- U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-08) today announced the start of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge. This annual, nationwide competition engages students’ creativity and encourages their participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

"Over the years, many talented students in our district have showcased their advanced skills during the Congressional App Challenge, and I look forward to seeing what participants come up with this year," Rep. Scott said.

The Congressional App Challenge allows students to compete with peers throughout their congressional district by creating and exhibiting an original software application, or “app,” for web, PC, tablet, mobile, or other platforms of their choice.

The Congressional App Challenge is open to all middle and high school students in Georgia’s Eighth District. Students can form teams, and those entering the competition must submit their app to CongressionalAppChallenge.us by October 30, 2025.

The winner will be chosen by a panel of expert judges, featured on the Congressional App Challenge website, and displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building.

More information can be found here.

###

Reps. Austin Scott, Sanford Bishop, Senators Jon Ossoff, and Rev. Warnock Reintroduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Establish Ocmulgee Mounds as Georgia’s First National Park & Preserve

Wed, 85 Mar 2025 12:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C.-- U.S. Representatives Austin Scott (GA-08) and Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), alongside U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock, reintroduced the bipartisan Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve Establishment Act, which would establish the Ocmulgee Mounds and surrounding areas in Middle Georgia as Georgia's first National Park and Preserve.

"Establishing the Ocmulgee Mounds and surrounding areas as Georgia's first National Park and Preserve remains a top bipartisan initiative for all lawmakers and stakeholders involved," said Rep. Austin Scott. "The Ocmulgee Mounds are of invaluable cultural, communal, and economic significance to our state, and I am committed to keeping this initiative moving forward."

“I am proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing this bipartisan bill. By establishing the Ocmulgee Mounds as Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve, we are highlighting over 17,000 years of history and culture as well as welcoming people from across the country to enjoy Georgia’s natural beauty,” said Rep. Bishop. “Elevating the status of and expanding this site to a national park and preserve will raise awareness about it, increase public hunting and fishing grounds, encourage more visitors to our area, and boost the local economy.”

“We made unprecedented progress last Congress toward creating Georgia's first ever National Park,” Senator Ossoff said. “I look forward to working alongside Congressman Scott, Senator Reverend Warnock, Congressman Bishop, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, and local leaders to successfully establish Georgia's first national park.”

“Ocmulgee Mounds is a living testament to our intertwined histories and a robust source of economic and cultural vitality, so I’m proud to continue supporting the bipartisan, bicameral efforts to establish Ocmulgee Mounds as Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “I want to thank Congressmen Scott and Bishop for their yearslong efforts on this in the U.S. House, as well as Senator Ossoff for his leadership. Local leaders and everyday Georgians have been waiting for Congress to act and now is the time. Working together, we can prove what is possible when we put politics aside to serve the people of Georgia.”

The House bill is cosponsored by 11 other members of Georgia’s Congressional Delegation: Representatives Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (GA-01), Brian Jack (GA-03), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson (GA-04), Nikema Williams (GA-05), Lucy McBath (GA-06), Rich McCormick (GA-07), Mike Collins (GA-10), Barry Loudermilk (GA-11), Rick Allen (GA-12), David Scott (GA-13), and Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA-14).

The area is the ancestral home of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and has been inhabited continuously by humans for over 12,000 years. American Indians first arrived in the area during the Paleo-Indian Period hunting Ice Age mammals. Around 900 CE, the Mississippian Period began, and Muskogean people constructed mounds for meeting, living, burial, agricultural, and other purposes, many of which remain today and would be encompassed in the new U.S. National Park and Preserve.

“The Muscogee (Creek) Nation remains steadfast in our support of the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve Bill. The opportunity to make the historic Ocmulgee Mounds a national park is so important to us because we have been included, we have been shown the respect of collaboration, and because of that we can feel confident that the living history that will be told here is authentic and has the power to elevate Georgia forever. We are thrilled to continue offering our support for this legislation every step of the way,” said David Hill, Principal Chief of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.

“I cannot overstate the importance of this legislation to our region, state, and country. Tens of millions of private dollars have been leveraged to conserve the precious cultural and ecological resources of the Ocmulgee Corridor and this bipartisan legislation allows us to continue to grow the middle Georgia economy, protect our national security interests at Robin Air Force Base, expand hunting and fishing access, and authentically preserve some of the most culturally significant sites in the country," said Seth Clark, Macon Mayor Pro Tempore and Executive Director of the Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve Initiative. "We’re grateful for the continued bipartisan dedication of the Georgia delegation. And call for the swift passage of this legislation this year so that we can continue our stewardship of this landscape and our economy.”

“Preserving the undeveloped lands within the Ocmulgee River Corridor is critical to safeguarding Robins Air Force Base from incompatible land use, ensuring we can sustain our national security missions,” said Brig. Gen. John C. Kubinec, USAF (ret), President/CEO of 21st Century Partnership. “This park and preserve will also provide our military members and their families with valuable opportunities for outdoor recreation and leisure, enhancing their quality of life while strengthening the economic vitality of Middle Georgia.”

“Establishing Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve at Ocmulgee Mounds will serve as a robust form of economic development for Middle Georgia while conserving the site’s important series of ecological and cultural assets. Representatives Austin Scott and Sanford Bishop with their bipartisan leadership and admirable partnership with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation have assembled a broad statewide coalition including chambers of commerce, hunters and anglers, and conservation organizations working to pass this legislation. The formal process of creating a National Monument out of the Ocmulgee Old Fields formally began in 1933, when the Macon Junior Chamber of Commerce purchased the sites and requested their protection. Today, through the leadership of the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce and other local leaders, we are one step closer to making that a reality. The Georgia Chamber is proud to support Representatives Scott and Bishop’s legislation to create Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve, after almost a century of civic advocacy," said Chris Clark, CCE, President and CEO of the Georgia Chamber.

“The Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce has long seen the national and park and preserve designation as a top congressional priority. Getting this done this year is vital to the economic viability and stability of middle Georgia. Being home to Georgia’s first and only national park and preserve will create a better business climate, allow for lower taxes, and create thousands of good paying, sustainable jobs. Our members have marshaled tens of millions of dollars in preparing middle Georgia for the passage of this legislation and as we have for almost a century, we and the greater middle Georgia business community fully support and call for getting it done this year," said Jessica Walden, President and CEO of the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce.

The full text of the legislation can be found here.

###

Rep. Austin Scott Supports Continuing Resolution to Avoid Government Shutdown

Tue, 70 Mar 2025 12:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-08) today released the following statement after supporting H.R. 1968, the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act.

“I supported the continuing resolution to keep our government open today. Our fiscal year starts October 1st, and we need to immediately start the appropriations process for the next fiscal year so we don’t end up in this situation again," Rep. Scott said.

###

Rep. Austin Scott Responds to President Trump's Joint Address to Congress

Tue, 63 Mar 2025 12:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-08) today released the following statement after attending President Donald J. Trump’s Joint Address to Congress:

"President Trump has delivered on his promise to secure our borders and halt the flow of deadly fentanyl and cartels into our country. His administration is also exposing and eliminating tax dollar abuse. I look forward to continuing to work with the administration to advance national and global security."

###

Rep. Austin Scott Recognizes Congressional App Challenge Winners

Fri, 52 Feb 2025 12:00:00 EST

WARNER ROBINS, Ga.-- U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-08) recently announced the Eighth District's 2024 Congressional App Challenge Winners at a ceremony at Houston County High School.

Houston County High School students Micheal Do and Hieu Tran won first place with their app Signify, which generates a real-time translation of American Sign Language (ASL) to English.

"I am always blown away by the creativity and talent of our young constituents, and I congratulate our App Challenge winners on their amazing accomplishment," Rep. Scott said. "I encourage all students to participate in the upcoming app challenge this year!"

Signify collects images through a video recording using a mobile phone camera. It then utilizes a machine learning model that has been trained using hundreds of images to track a person's finger and hand movements using sign language. It then compares these new gestures with the gestures it was trained on to classify and output the translation of the sign in English.

Signify will be featured on the U.S. House of Representatives website and displayed in an exhibit in the U.S. Capitol Building alongside winners from other participating Congressional Districts across the country.

The first runner-ups were Lowndes High School students Aarin Dave and Aarav Dave with their app Redove, which utilizes extended reality (XR) technology to immerse long-term or isolated hospital patients into a world that provides a sense of freedom or familiarity.

The Congressional App Challenge is an annual, nationwide event intended to engage students' creativity and encourage their participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. This competition allows students to compete with peers throughout their own Congressional District by creating and exhibiting their software application, or "app," for web, PC, tablet, mobile, or other platforms.

All current middle and high school students (6-12th grade) residing in or attending school in the Eighth Congressional District are encouraged to start planning for the 2025 Congressional App Challenge. Students may compete as individuals or in teams of up to four as long as two of the teammates are eligible to participate in the district. More details will be announced this Spring.

Additional details can be found on Rep. Scott's website or by contacting Rep. Scott's Warner Robins office at (478) 971-1776.

###

Rep. Austin Scott Announces 2025 Congressional Art Competition

Fri, 38 Feb 2025 12:00:00 EST

TIFTON, Ga.—U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-08) today announced that his office is taking submissions for the 2025 Congressional Art Competition.

All high school students (9-12th grade) who reside in or attend school in the Eighth Congressional District are encouraged to participate.

This year, all the entries from across the district will be displayed at the Syd Blackmarr Art Center in Tifton, Georgia, for an exhibit and awards ceremony on May 4, 2025, at 2:00pm.

All artwork must be framed and submitted by April 18th at one of the following drop-off locations:

Rep. Scott’s District Office in Warner Robins: 120 Byrd Way, Suite 100, Warner Robins, GA

Rep. Scott’s District Office in Tifton: 127-B Central Ave N, Tifton, GA

To learn more about the Congressional Art Competition, visit here.

For more information or questions, please contact Charles White in the Tifton District Office at (229) 376-8061 or email charles.white@mail.house.gov.

###

Rep. Austin Scott Renamed Vice Chair of Ag Committee and Chairman of the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 12:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C.-- U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-08) was renamed the Vice Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee and the Chairman of the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit for the 119th Congress.

"I'm honored to continue serving as Vice Chair of the House Agriculture Committee under Chairman GT Thompson's leadership," Rep. Scott said. "I look forward to working with the Trump Administration and my colleagues in Congress to pass a Farm Bill that works for production agriculture and to rectify many of the policies that make it more difficult for the best stewards of our land to do their jobs."

Rep. Scott will also continue serving on the House Armed Services Committee, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and the House Rules Committee in the 119th Congress.

###

Rep. Austin Scott Celebrates President Trump’s Inauguration

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 12:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C.- U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-08) today released the following statement after attending President Donald J. Trump’s Inauguration:

“Congratulations, President Trump! It was an honor to attend his Inauguration today, and I look forward to working with a Commander in Chief who will put America’s economic and national security first.”

###

Rep. Austin Scott Supports Mike Johnson for House Speaker

Fri, 03 Jan 2025 12:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C.-- U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-08) today voted for Rep. Mike Johnson (LA-04) to serve as the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.

"Mike Johnson is a good man, a good friend, and the best person to lead the House. I proudly supported him for Speaker today, and I have full faith in his leadership this Congress," Scott said.

###

Rep. Austin Scott Votes Yes on the American Relief Act

Fri, 355 Dec 2024 12:00:00 EST

WASHINGTON, D.C.-- U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-08) today voted in favor of the American Relief Act and released the following statement:

"I voted again in support of our farmers receiving critical disaster relief, economic assistance, and a Farm Bill extension. I also voted to keep our government open, which I believe is in the best interest of our country," Rep. Scott said.

The full text of the American Relief Act can be found here.

###