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.

Protecting Florida Orange Groves

Florida's citrus industry plays a critical role in supporting our economy. Unfortunately, unfair trade imbalance, citrus greening and recent hurricanes have taken a toll on this industry. Some farmers find it beneficial to sell their land to developers because they cannot overcome continued challenges. Not only is Florida's heritage and culture closely tied to agriculture, but our national economy needs this vital commodity. That's why last week, I introduced H.R. 2942, the Conservation Reserve Program Amendments Act with Representative Darren Soto (FL-9) and Senator Marco Rubio. This critical bill will protect Florida orange groves by making them eligible to enroll in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), a federal initiative designed to protect vulnerable farmland. Amending the CRP to include Florida's citrus groves gives our farmers needed time to rehabilitate their crops and continue our state's long tradition of providing domestically sourced orange juice. Click here to learn more.

Responsibly Addressing our National Debt  

Our federal government places limits on overall spending by passing a debt “ceiling,” similar to a credit card limit. Primarily due to inflation and the overall growth in the size and scope of government, the debt ceiling limit must be raised occasionally to ensure we don't default on obligations already incurred. As has usually occurred in conjunction with previous debt ceiling increases, House Republicans insist on finding ways to reduce spending going forward. Without bipartisan action by Congress and the President, the U.S. Treasury advises we will start to default on our debt obligations as early as next month. Since President Biden and the Senate have expressly refused to negotiate, my House Republican colleagues and I passed H.R. 2811, the Limit, Save, Grow Act. This bill responsibly addresses the debt ceiling, halts runaway government spending and implements measures to curb inflation. It accomplishes these objectives while ensuring Veterans, Medicare and Social Security programs are strengthened and preserved. It will also grow our economy and save taxpayers $4.5 trillion over ten years. Click here to learn more.

Strengthening the US-South Korea Alliance

Last week, Congress welcomed South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to address the American People at the Capitol. He was the first South Korean President to address Congress in over a decade. It was an honor to hear President Yeol highlight the 70-year partnership between our took countries. I look forward to strengthening our alliance in the years to come. Click here to learn more. 

Constituent Corner 

Sheila from Avon Park contacted our office for help getting her passport renewed. We contacted the National Passport Center and assisted in getting her passport reissued.

With summer vacations around the corner, make sure you check your passport's expiration date. If you are having problems with renewal or need your passport expedited, we can help! Click here to learn more.

Test Your Knowledge #CivicsWithScott!

What Florida city's name was decided by a coin toss? 

A. Saint Petersburg 
B. Orlando 
C. Miami 
D. Tampa 

Last Week's Question

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

A. Saint Petersburg 
B. Orlando 
C. Miami 
D. Fort Lauderdale - CORRECT ANSWER 

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