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.

LOWERING COSTS & MAKING HEALTHCARE MORE TRANSPARENT

Lack of transparency and predatory hospital practices have increased prices and made it harder for Americans to receive the care they need. That's why I voted for H.R. 5378, the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act, which passed the House last week and awaits Senate action. This important bill:

• Increases price transparency throughout the health care system for patients;
• Lowers out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs;
• Expands access to more affordable generic drugs;
• Revives community health centers and training programs to recruit new doctors and serve rural areas. 
• It is also estimated to cut the deficit, saving taxpayers between $700 and $800 million.

ACCOUNTABILITY FOR ANTISEMITIC CONDUCT AT VA

Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) attorney Shekeba Morrad is still employed with the VA, despite posting a horrific video online mocking Israelis who are pleading with Hamas terrorists to return hostages.

I signed a letter with my House Veterans' Affairs Committee colleagues to VA Secretary Denis R. McDonough to demand the VA take immediate action to address the concerning allegations against Morrad. My colleagues and I call for a speedy investigation of Morrad and the VA to provide recommendations of disciplinary action. Read the full letter here. 

SUPPORTING THE FINAL PASSAGE OF THE FY2024 NDAA

As a retired Navy Commander, I know certainty for our military is critical to our national security. Providing for our common defense is also the one of the most fundamental constitutional duties members of Congress must fulfill. The threats our nation faces today from our adversaries, especially from the Chinese Communist Party, requires undisrupted defense funding. 

That's why I voted for the final passage of the FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to provide needed tools to counter an unchecked China and defend against threats from other adversaries. The FY2024 NDAA also ensures our troops maintain military dominance and provides the largest pay raise for our troops in over 20 years.

CONSTITUENT CORNER

Are you or your family having trouble with the immigration process? Our office can help. Reuniting families by guiding them through the visa process is one of the most rewarding ways our office serves. We recently helped a constituent obtain immigrant visas for his wife and stepdaughter.

If you need assistance getting in touch with USCIS or another federal agency, click here to submit your request or call (863) 644-8215.

Test Your Knowledge #CivicsWithScott!

Which state was the last state to officially recognize Christmas?

A. Massachusetts
B. California
C. New Mexico
D. Oklahoma

Last Week's Question

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

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

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