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.

U.S. HOUSE IS BACK IN BUSINESS 

After a change in leadership, the House is back in business. Change can be messy, especially in a democracy. But under our new Speaker Mike Johnson, our work on behalf of the American people continues. Last week, in the House, we passed two additional spending bills, bringing our total to seven. By comparison, the Senate has passed three. 

First, the Interior and Environment spending bill, which funds measures that protect hunting, fishing, and recreational activities, and includes pro-American energy polices that will return our nation back to energy independence. It also includes important Florida provisions to protect our Everglades and repeals the Biden Administration’s Waters of the United States (WOTUS) regulation, which hurts our farmers.

We also passed the Legislative Branch spending bill, which funds all of the United States Congress, staff, committees and all congressional operations including the Congressional Budget Office, the Government Accountability Office, U.S. Capitol Police and the Library of Congress. 

SUPPORTING OUR ALLY ISRAEL

Last week House Republicans also passed critical Israel aid and increased sanctions on Iran oil to defund their terrorist activity. Israel is one of our strongest allies and the ONLY democracy in the Middle East.

ENGAGING OUR YOUTH ON CYBERSECURITY

Last week, our team welcomed 130 students from across the district for an exciting cyber Capture the Flag (CTF) competition at Florida Southern College. Student competitors were divided into teams of four and presented with computer hacking challenges. The team that solved the most problems, captured the most flags and wins the tournament. Participating schools included: Moore Haven Middle-High School, Bartow High School, George Jenkins High School, Lakeland Christian School and McKeel Academy. Teams from McKeel Academy in Lakeland, Florida took the three top spots.

Test Your Knowledge #CivicsWithScott!
How many amendments does our U.S. Constitution have?

A. 23
B. 27
C. 15
D. 21
Check back next week for the answer!

Last Week's Question
Who was the longest serving Member of the U.S. Senate in American history? 

A. Sen. Strom Thurmond
B. Sen. Richard Shelby
C. Sen. Robert C. Byrd
D. Sen. Ted Kennedy

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