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 COMMUNITIES AND HOLDING CRIMINALS ACCOUNTABLE

The Biden Administration’s failed border policies have ceded our border to the drug cartels, unleashing a fentanyl crisis and a wave of violent crime across the country. This must end. 

Last week, I voted for several key bills to mitigate this manufactured crisis and ensure accountability for criminal illegal immigrants:

• H.R. 5585, the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act, imposes criminal penalties and enforces deportation for illegal immigrants who evade U.S. Border Patrol agents or other law enforcement officers.
• H.R. 6679, the No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists Act, creates grounds for inadmissibility and removability of illegal immigrants who participated in the October 7th terror attacks on Israel and members of Hamas and the Palestinian Liberation Organization.
• H.R. 6976, the Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act, requires illegal migrants who were convicted of driving while impaired to be deported.
• H.R. 6678, the Consequences for Social Security Fraud Act, requires that illegal immigrants who are convicted of, or admit to committing social security or identification document fraud, will be barred from immigration benefits and be deported.

STRENGTHENING U.S. MARITIME POWER AGAINST CHINA AND IRAN

With China's ongoing intimidation tactics in the South China Sea, and the recent Iranian-backed Houthi attacks on naval and commercial vessels in the Red Sea, it is critical that America maintains maritime dominance. However, our aging maritime infrastructure must be upgraded to defend against China and Iran. 

That's why I joined several House and Senate colleagues in urging President Biden to strengthen U.S. maritime power by establishing an interagency maritime policy director, invoking the Defense Production Act to grow domestic shipbuilding and infrastructure, and reducing our dependence on China.

CONSTITUENT CORNER

Are you planning to travel abroad soon? Check your passport and make sure it’s up to date. It can take several weeks to update a passport, so plan ahead! 

Reminder to parents traveling with children – passports for those under 16 expire within five years. Minors over the age of 16 with an expired passport must apply separately on their own behalf to obtain a new adult passport. They cannot renew their existing passport. 

Our office can help you navigate delays or secure an update on your passport. If you need assistance with the State Department's Passport Office, or another federal agency, click here to submit your request or call (863) 644-8215.

Test Your Knowledge #CivicsWithScott!

What does the phrase "insure domestic tranquility" in the Preamble of the Constitution mean?

A. Give land to the homeless
B. Fight wars on foreign soil
C. Keep the homeland at peace
D. Provide citizens with insurance

Last Week's Question

Which of the following was a weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

A. The government did not have a separate judicial branch. - Correct answer
B. The states could not print their own currency.
C. The president was able to spend taxes freely.
D. The government had too much power over trade.

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