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.

BLOCKING FEDERAL OVERREACH OF THE PRESERVE

I addressed the House Natural Resources Committee during a hearing on my bipartisan bill, H.R. 8206, which would protect Florida’s Big Cypress National Preserve (the Preserve) from federal overreach. This bill blocks a "wilderness designation" at the Preserve, an extreme protection that bans inhabitants, permanent structures and any motorized vehicle use. 

Such burdensome restrictions prevent the Miccosukee Tribe from accessing their sacred burial sites, prevent hunters from curbing the python population and greatly reduce locals’ access to this special land. Click here to view my remarks. Click here to watch my exchange with Talbert Cypress, Chairman of the Miccosukee Tribe who served as a witness at the hearing.

IMPROVING VETERAN HEALTHCARE IN RURAL COMMUNITIES

When a veteran files a disability claim, a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam is required to determine benefits and disability rating. Unfortunately, the nearly 4.4 million veterans living in rural areas often find it difficult to be examined in a timely manner. A temporary measure passed in 2020 allows exam providers to practice across state lines, which helps address this issue. 

However, the authority is limited to few categories of health professionals and is set to expire. To protect veterans and ensure this critical service does not lapse, I cosponsored H.R. 8881, the Rural Veterans' Improved Access to Benefits Act, to permanently allow exam providers to practice across state lines and expand the categories of providers who can perform cross-state disability exams. Click here to learn more.  

CONSTITUENT CORNER

Have you encountered slowdowns at USCIS or red tape with your visa application? Our office can help facilitate communication with the agencies involved in your case. Recently, our casework team helped three Cuban biologists with their time-sensitive visas. If you need assistance with an immigration matter, contact our office here or call (863) 644-8215.

Test Your Knowledge #CivicsWithScott!

How many signatures are on the Declaration of Independence?

A. 56
B. 64
C. 42
D. 51

Last Week's Question

The Statue of Liberty was a gift to the U.S. from which country?

A. Germany
B. England
C. Italy
D. France - 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