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.

THE DEADLIEST OPIOID CRISIS NEEDS TO BE REVERSED

Last year, Florida state experienced over 5,900 reported fatal overdoses from opioids. Overall, the U.S. suffered 109,680 overdose deaths. Fentanyl laced with xylazine, known as "tranq," is a powerful tranquilizer that is flying under the radar and making this crisis even more deadly. 

Synthetic opioid research is important now more than ever as this fatal cocktail is tragically claiming the lives of more Americans each day. That's why I cosponsored and voted for H.R. 1734, the TRANQ Research Act, to learn more about how to detect and prevent overdoses from these emerging synthetic opioids. The House and Senate both passed this bill, which now heads to the President's desk.

OPPOSING EPA OVERREACH

President Biden's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is attempting to ride roughshod over Americans' right to choose what type of car they own. Allowing the EPA to pursue policies that ban the combustion engine not only stifles consumer choice, it also makes us more reliant on China for specialized manufacturing and the critical minerals necessary to make EVs. 

That's why I voted for H.R. 4468, the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act, which prohibits the EPA from mandating the use of any specific technology or ban vehicles based on a vehicle’s engine type. Americans can’t afford to pay the price for the EPA's green and electric vehicle mandates. The House passed H.R. 4468 last week. It now awaits Senate action.

REMEMBERING GLADES COUNTY COMMISSIONER DONNA STARTER LONG

Glades County Commissioner Donna Storter Long passed away earlier this month after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Long was a devoted public servant for nearly two decades after being appointed to the Glades County Commission in 2004 by former Governor Jeb Bush. 

Commissioner Long's passionate leadership reverberated throughout her community as she consistently stood up for the betterment of Glades County, and her mentorship influenced all those who knew her. May Donna rest in peace. She will be deeply missed. 

Test Your Knowledge #CivicsWithScott!

Which House Speaker began the tradition of having a Capitol Christmas Tree?

A. John W. McCormack
B. Sam Rayburn
C. Tip O'Neill
D. Joseph W. Martin Jr.  

Last Week's Question

Which Florida woman became the first woman to vote in any southern state?

A. Marjory Stoneman Douglas
B. Roxcy Pearl O'Neal Bolton  
C. Julia DeForest Tuttle
D. Zena B. Dreier - Correct answer

It is an honor and privilege to represent you in Congress. Please take a moment to fill out my latest constituent survey here. Your feedback helps me better represent you. 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