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.

BUDGET BATTLES IN WASHINGTON


For decades, Congress has habitually waited until the eleventh hour to pass a massive year-end budget bill to fund the government. This leaves no time to read or amend the text. When Republicans assumed the majority in January, we committed to transparency in the budget process by passing each funding bill individually.  

It's a tall order considering the last time the House passed all 12 appropriations bills was 1996. By the end of the fiscal year – September 30th – the House had passed four of the spending bills that account for 70% of the discretionary budget. The Senate hasn’t passed a single spending bill. To keep the government open while we finished our work, on Friday I voted for a 30-day stop-gap resolution that cut spending by 30% and included our bill to secure the border. Sadly, 21 Republicans voted with all Democrats, and it did not pass.

On Saturday, I opposed a 45-day Continuing Resolution that failed to secure the border or cut government spending. However, it did pass and was signed into law. We must use this extension to pass the remaining single subject bills. I’m committed to do everything in my power to complete our work and ensure we’re not back in this same place 45 days from now. 

SECURING OUR BORDER
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Despite his claims of a secure southern border, the Biden border crisis is still breaking records. In August alone, a staggering 304,162 illegal immigrants attempted to cross our border, bringing the total to 6,500,000 since President Biden took office. That's more than the total population of Wyoming, Vermont, Alaska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Delaware, Rhode Island AND Washington, D.C. - COMBINED.  That's unacceptable. These "open border" policies are permitting a literal invasion of our country and threaten our national security. Click here to learn what we’ve done to secure the border.

PROTECTING STUDENT ACCESS TO SCHOOL LUNCH

Last May, the USDA announced it would interpret the word “sex” more broadly in Title IX to include “sexual orientation and gender identity.” These new guidelines could result in cuts to federal funding for student lunches at schools without specific LGBTQ+ policies in place. The Biden White House does not have the authority to unilaterally take this action. That’s why I introduced a bicameral resolution of disapproval to prevent the USDA from taking this action. There is a senate companion as well.  Click here to learn more.

Test Your Knowledge #CivicsWithScott!

Which Amendment to the United States Constitution determines POTUS may only serve two terms?

A. 17
B. 4 
C. 22
D. 11

Last Week's Question

It is commonly known the Vice President is next in line for the Presidency, but who is fifth in the line of succession?

A. Attorney General
B. Secretary of State 
C. National Security Advisor
D. Secretary of the Treasury - 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