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.

BORDER CROSSINGS HIT 6.2 MILLION

The Biden Administration quietly released the newest Customs and Border Protection (CBP) report over the weekend. Nearly 270,000 illegal immigrants attempted to cross our southern border in September alone. That brings the total to a staggering 6.2 million encounters since President Biden took office. Border security is national security and a fundamental responsibility of our federal government. For more on steps I've taken to secure the border, click here.

REDUCING HIGH PRICES & GROWING OUR ECONOMY

The President claims Bidenomics is making it easier to make ends meet. However, the numbers say otherwise. Americans between 21 and 64 now say their biggest economic priority is used to be saving for retirement. Now their top worry is if they can pay their monthly bills. Since President Biden took office, food prices have increased by 20.6%, average rent is up 17% and energy costs are 26% higher. 

I'm working to find commonsense solutions that grow our economy:

• Cut inflation-causing spending in my work on the Appropriations committee;
• Voted to reduce job-killing red tape and rein in overreaching government;  
• Voted for H.R 1, to lower energy costs and make America energy independent again.

REDUCING OUR RELIANCE ON CHINA

Last week I addressed a group of Florida business leaders to discuss reducing our reliance on China for critical goods and products. The pandemic exposed how dependent the United States has become on China and other foreign adversaries for everything from pharmaceuticals to semiconductors and critical minerals. We must shore up our critical supply chains, invest in American manufacturing and keep our nation competitive. 

Important to FL-18, the largest agricultural district in Florida, I joined Rep. Kat Cammack to cosponsor H.R. 4059, which designates phosphate and potash as critical minerals.  This will increase domestic mining, providing relief for growers who rely on products made with these minerals.  It will also strengthen our vulnerable critical supply chains from global events and the whims of bad actors like the Chinese Communist Party.

Test Your Knowledge #CivicsWithScott!

In what year was Florida admitted to the Union? 

A. 1875
B. 1845
C. 1804
D. 1900

Last Week's Question

Which U.S. Vice President was sworn in after President Abraham Lincoln's assassination in 1865? 

A. Lyndon B. Johnson
B. James Buchanan
C. Chester Arthur 
D. Andrew Johnson - 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