ICYMI: Buchanan Details 2026 Agenda to Deliver for Florida Families in Sarasota Herald-Tribune Op-Ed

"2025 Was A Year of Promises Kept, and 2026 Will Be No Different."

WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan penned an op-ed in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune outlining his priorities for 2026 and his plans[NB1] to deliver results for the people of Florida's 16th District. Buchanan highlights his efforts to strengthen the economy, lower costs for families and seniors, expand access to health care, protect Florida's economy and support those who serve our communities.

"2025 was a year of promises kept, and 2026 will be no different. Republicans proved what can happen when elected officials deliver on the American people's mandate," writes Buchanan in the op-ed. "My priority remains advancing policies for the people of Florida's 16th District. That starts with the issues that shape everyday life, from taxes and health care to trade and public safety. Last year, we laid the groundwork, and now we'll continue fighting to put families, workers and seniors first."

Read the full op-ed here or below:

Congress Will Deliver for Florida Families in 2026

Vern Buchanan

2025 was a year of promises kept, and 2026 will be no different. Republicans proved what can happen when elected officials deliver on the American people's mandate.

My priority remains advancing policies for the people of Florida's 16th District. That starts with the issues that shape everyday life, from taxes and health care to trade and public safety. Last year, we laid the groundwork, and now we'll continue fighting to put families, workers and seniors first.

As Vice Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, I'm focused on strengthening the economy, lowering costs for families and seniors and ensuring the tax code rewards hard work, investment and American competitiveness.

Under the Working Families Tax Cuts, Americans will feel the impact during the 2026 tax season, with household refunds projected to increase by an average of $1,000. Republicans delivered no tax on tips, no tax on overtime and a doubled Child Tax Credit, all made retroactive to 2025 to provide immediate relief. Thanks to an enhanced senior deduction, nearly 88 percent of seniors will pay no taxes on their Social Security, providing financial peace of mind. We are also investing in the next generation through Trump Accounts, investment accounts established at birth to help children build long-term savings. Together, these reforms promote growth, stability and greater economic opportunity for American families.

Long-term economic success also requires addressing the rising cost of health care. The United States spends nearly $5 trillion a year on health care, straining families and employers nationwide. Nearly 90 percent of that spending is tied to chronic disease, underscoring the need for a health care system that prioritizes prevention over reaction.

In 2026, as Chair of the Health Subcommittee on Ways and Means, I'll keep pushing for prevention, value-based care and affordability. That includes expanding access to proven screenings through my Lung Cancer Screening and Prevention Act and Alzheimer's Screening and Prevention Act, as well as advancing "Food is Medicine" initiatives such as my Veterans Nutrition and Wellness Act. I'm also working to move our system from volume to value so providers are rewarded for outcomes, not the number of services provided. In addition, I'm focused on lowering costs for families through greater flexibility, including the Lowering Costs for Caregivers Act, which allows families to use tax-free health accounts to support loved ones. Building on my bipartisan reforms passed in the House, I'll work with my Senate colleagues to get them across the finish line so patients can receive care at home and employers have greater flexibility to cover preventive services. With one of the largest senior populations in the country, I've made it a priority to advance reforms that lower costs and expand access through earlier, smarter care for seniors and families.

Economic prosperity also depends on fair trade that works for American workers and producers. As a senior member of the Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, and former top Republican, I'll focus on strengthening trade agreements to open foreign markets for American-made products and expand export opportunities for Florida's farmers, manufacturers and small businesses. A key part of sustaining momentum will be ensuring upcoming discussions around reauthorizing the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement protect American workers while expanding access to foreign markets for American-made products. That includes advocating for seasonal tariff-rate quotas, so Florida growers can compete on a level playing field and employers have certainty to invest, hire and grow. Recent trade data shows that progress is possible with the United States trade deficit falling to $29.4 billion last October, its lowest level since 2009. Together, these efforts will support American jobs and strengthen Florida's economy.

Protecting Florida's economy also means protecting Florida's shores. I've long opposed offshore oil drilling along Florida's coastline because the risks to our tourism industry, fishing economy and marine ecosystems are far too high. That's why I led a letter with members of the Florida delegation to keep Florida's coasts off the table for offshore leasing. I'll continue fighting to protect Florida's coastline for future generations.

Economic growth and strong communities depend on public safety. Families and businesses cannot thrive without safe neighborhoods and respect for the rule of law. This year, I'll continue working to support law enforcement, strengthen border security and advance my Thin Blue Line Act to increase penalties on the criminals who attack law enforcement officers.

My commitment to our law enforcement extends to those who have served our country. With more than 90,000 veterans calling Florida's 16th District home, ensuring they receive timely, effective care remains a top priority. That's why I introduced the Veterans Mental Health Crisis Referral Enhancement Act and the Veteran Overmedication and Suicide Prevention Act to improve access to care and accountability. Our veterans kept their promise to America, and we have a responsibility to keep ours to them.

Honoring service does not stop with legislation in Washington. It's reflected in how my office serves the district every day, from programs like Valentines for Veterans and district award ceremonies honoring fire and rescue, law enforcement and educators to casework for constituents. In 2025, my team and I returned over $12 million in earned benefits, and we will work to deliver even more for constituents in the year ahead.

None of this happens without your trust, which I value deeply. In 2026, the work continues by building on progress, strengthening our economy and delivering results for Florida families.

Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.) is the Vice Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee and the Chair of the Health Subcommittee. Prior to serving in Congress, Buchanan was in business for over 30 years and chaired both the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce and Florida Chamber of Commerce.

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