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.

Fighting Human Trafficking in Florida

Last week, I hosted a human trafficking roundtable with more than 50 professionals from 37 different organizations to discuss solutions to end human trafficking and protect victims of this deplorable practice. Ending human trafficking requires collaboration from all segments of our community. Bringing together stakeholders from the public and private sector helps us better understand the problem to develop solutions. I am grateful to each participant for their contributions to end this scourge on society. Click here to learn more.

Honoring our Future Military Leaders  

Last week, I hosted our FL-18 Service Academy Appointment Recognition Dinner where we celebrated 10 students who received appointments to attend one of our nation's Service Academies. Please join me in congratulating the following students:

Lelyn Kirby - U.S. Naval Academy
Eliza Long - U.S. Naval Academy 
Jadon Looney - U.S. Naval Academy
Ryan Mothershed Cases - U.S. Naval Academy
Gabriella Diedrich - U.S. Air Force Academy
Simeon Rate - U.S. Air Force Academy
Teri Smith - U.S. Air Force Academy
Troy Miller - U.S. Air Force Academy
Sierra Dace (not pictured) - U.S. Air Force Academy
Cayden Cork - U.S. Military Academy at West Point

I wish these remarkable young men and women the very best as they embark on their journey to serve America. Click here to learn more.

Congratulations Winners of the 2023 Congressional Art Competition!

Please join me in congratulating the winners of the 2023 Congressional Art Competition:

1st Place - Kathia M. Pietri Fraticelli
2nd Place - Taylar Rosado
3rd Place - Annalise McGuirt-Phillips

This year's theme was "Florida Heartland," which celebrates the unique history, culture, geography and people of our beloved district. I thank each of the talented artists who participated in the competition. I'd also like to thank the art teachers and families who supported them throughout the process. 

Kathia will be recognized in an annual awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., where her artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. Great job! Click here to learn more.

Constituent Corner 

Beth from Avon Park contacted our office to check on the status of her passport renewal application. We contacted the National Passport Center and assisted in getting her passport renewed.

Planning an international vacation this summer? Make sure you check your passport's expiration date. If you have problems with renewal or need your passport expedited, we can help! Click here to learn more.

Test Your Knowledge #CivicsWithScott!

What Florida city was aviator Amelia Earhart's last U.S. stop before disappearing in 1937? 

A. Orlando
B. Hialeah 
C. Tampa
D. Fort Lauderdale  

Last Week's Question

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

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

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