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 OUR BEAUTIFUL BEACHES FROM DRILLING

Harmful drilling on our coasts would disrupt the diverse ecosystem and beauty of our waters. Our coastal regions contribute $760 billion to our nation's GDP and are home to 76% of the state's population. To protect Florida's economy and pristine beaches, I co-sponsored H.R. 6212, the PROTECT Florida Act, to extend the drilling moratorium in the Gulf of Mexico on oil and gas leasing, seismic testing, and exploration off the coast of Florida.

OUR SOUTHERN BORDER SAW RECORD HIGH ENCOUNTERS IN OCTOBER

U.S. Customs and Border Patrol revealed a staggering 240,988 encounters at our Southern Border in October. The Biden Administration is failing to protect our borders, endangering our communities and our national security. That's why we must act on border security ASAP. The House passed H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act of 2023, which secures America’s borders, ends “catch and release” and deploys new border and maritime security technologies at ports of entry. It also improves the asylum system, reduces incentives for illegal immigration and criminalizes visa overstays. The Senate needs to act now.

CONSTITUENT CORNER

Are you having trouble getting a hold of the IRS? Our office recently helped a Polk County resident resolve a tax payment error when the IRS failed to record a completed payment. If you need assistance solving an issue with the IRS or another federal agency, click here to submit your request or call (863) 644-8215.

Test Your Knowledge #CivicsWithScott!

Central Florida is home to the Seminole Tribe's Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum. What does this phrase mean?

A. "A site to see"
B. "A place to learn"   
C. "A treasured culture"
D. None of the above

Last Week's Question

When did Thanksgiving become a national holiday?

A. May 12, 1813
B. Jan 3, 1789     
C. Dec. 2, 1778
D. Oct. 20, 1864 - 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