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.

REINING IN OUT-OF-CONTROL SPENDING

President Biden's proposed budget for 2025 is a liberal wish list that would add trillions to our national debt over the next decade. We must rein in reckless spending NOW for the sake of our children and grandchildren.

The only way to control spending is to force the federal government to operate under a balanced budget. I cosponsored H.J. Res. 113, a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution that requires the federal government to:

• Streamline the budget balancing process;
• Provide flexibility for inevitable fluctuations during various business and economic cycles; and
• Allow a two-thirds majority of Congress to approve deficit spending in times of emergency.

RAMPING UP OIL SANCTIONS ON IRAN

Iran uses its oil revenue to fund Hezbollah and Hamas, who continue to terrorize our strongest ally, Israel. Their oil sector is heavily sanctioned by U.S. and other governments. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is responsible for investigating transnational crimes, like Iran’s oil sanction violations. However, a lack of resources makes it difficult for HSI to seize illicit oil shipments. That's why I cosponsored H.R. 6201, the Iranian Sanctions Enforcement Act, to equip HSI with critical funding and tools necessary to enforce these sanctions on Iran.

CONSTITUENT CORNER

Having trouble getting assistance from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) this tax season? Our office recently helped a constituent track down delayed federal tax returns. If you are having trouble getting a response from the IRS, we can help. To contact our office for federal agency support, click here or call (863) 644-8215.   

Test Your Knowledge #CivicsWithScott!

How did the Voting Rights Act of 1965 affect the political process in the United States?

A. It enforced the Fifteenth Amendment, prohibiting racial discrimination in voting.
B. It enforced the Nineteenth Amendment, protecting the right of women to vote.
C. It extended suffrage to U.S. citizens, allowing 18-year-olds to vote.
D. It extended suffrage to U.S. citizens, allowing 21-year-olds to vote.

Last Week's Question

What has the most power in a confederal system?

A. City governments
B. International associations
C. State governments - Correct answer
D. Businesses

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