Hello Friend,

Welcome to my e-newsletter, the Ready Room. As a retired Naval Aviator, the Ready Room is special to me because it’s where fellow aviators meet to brief and debrief missions. This is my weekly briefing to you on my mission in Congress. Please follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube for regular updates on how my team and I are working to serve you in Congress.

Presiding Over the U.S. House of Representatives

Last week, I had the distinct privilege of presiding over the House Floor as Speaker Pro Tempore. House members debated two bills during my time as Chair: H.J. Res. 42, a resolution to block Washington D.C.'s police reform bill and H.R. 734, the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act. Both bills passed the House later in the week. This unique experience reinforced my gratitude to serve on behalf of FL-18! Click here to learn more.

Women and Girls in Sports Deserve a Fair Playing Field 

Last week, I voted with my House Republican colleagues to stand up for our female athletes by supporting H.R. 734, the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act. This commonsense legislation protects the integrity and fairness of competition in women's sports. Sports give young women an opportunity to build confidence and learn the importance of teamwork. It's critical that we provide them the opportunity to succeed in their athletic endeavors.

Making NOAA an Independent Agency

Every hurricane season, Floridians rely on critical data provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to respond to emergencies. In the Science, Space and Technology Committee last week, we held a hearing to consider making NOAA an independent agency. I questioned former agency leaders on challenges facing NOAA and whether it would function better as a stand-alone agency, similar to NASA. Click here to learn more.

Constituent Corner 

Terri from Fort Denaud contacted our office to get her passport corrected. We provided an update from the National Passport Center and assisted in getting her passport adjusted and reissued.

With summer vacations fast approaching, make sure you check the status of your passport. If you are having problems with renewal or need your passport expedited, we can help! Click here to learn more.

Hosting Mobile Office Hours at Bartow City Hall

Calling all Bartow constituents! My team is hosting Mobile Office Hours at the Bartow City Hall on Wednesday, April 26th, 2023. We can help with a variety of constituent services, including the VA, Social Security, and more! Click here to register for an appointment.

Test Your Knowledge #CivicsWithScott!

Which Florida city is known as the "Venice of America"?

A. Saint Petersburg 
B. Orlando 
C. Miami 
D. Fort Lauderdale 

Last Week's Question

In what year did Spanish admiral Pedro Menéndez de Avilés discover St. Augustine, the oldest continuously occupied European-established settlement in the continental United States?

A. 1763
B. 1565 - CORRECT ANSWER 
C. 1620
D. 1845

I’m honored to represent you in Congress. For more information on constituent services, current legislation, and to sign up for my e-newsletter, please visit my website at franklin.house.gov. 

Best regards,

C. Scott Franklin
Member of Congress