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.

PRAYING FOR OUR NATION

This weekend's assassination attempt on President Trump was a horrific act that must be condemned in the strongest terms. In this political climate, we must ensure our political discourse remains peaceful. We must never let our policy disagreements devolve into evil-spirited attacks or violence.

Beyond our differences, we are always Americans first.  It is my sincere hope Americans will join me in prayer for our nation. I am glad President Trump is doing well, and I pray for the victims and families of Saturday's senseless violence.

HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE FINISHES ALL 12 ANNUAL BUDGET BILLS

Last week, the House Appropriations Committee approved six more appropriations bills. This completes the committee's work on ALL 12 annual budget bills. This rare feat hasn't been accomplished since 1997.  

Four of the 12 bills have already passed the House. The remaining bills will come to the floor in the next few weeks. Read below for more information on key provisions in each bill.

AGRICULTURE/FDA BUDGET BILL -- Standing Up for Our Producers & Supporting Rural Communities 

• Includes my initiative to require the FDA to complete pilot programs before implementing costly new Food Traceability regulations;
• Provides $61 million for the Citrus Health Response Program;
• Encourages the USDA to lower the BRIX standard for pasteurized orange juice to help Florida citrus growers survive;
• Includes $15,000,000 for the Animal Health Technical Services account to help ranchers comply with proposed new electronic ear tag rule; 
• Includes $105 million for ReConnect, a program to help provide rural Americans with broadband; and
• Cracks down on foreign land purchases by adversaries like China.
  

COMMERCE JUSTICE & SCIENCE BUDGET BILL -- Investing in American Research & Supporting Law Enforcement

• Invests in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, quantum and advanced manufacturing;
• Protects U.S. research from Chinese theft;
• Supports the Artemis program to advance American leadership and counter China’s malign ambitions in space;
• Enhances multi-agency efforts to combat transnational organized crime and reduce the availability of illicit drugs like fentanyl;
• Supports law enforcement, preserving robust funding for grants that assist state and local law enforcement agencies; and
• Increases oversight and makes important reforms at the DOJ/FBI.

LABOR, HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES BUDGET BILL -- Helping American Communities & Workforce

• Includes my initiative to prohibit funds from being used to carry out the Department of Labor's new regulation allowing temporary agricultural (H-2A) workers to unionize;
• Increases funding for charter schools to support students and families seeking better schooling options;
• Increases funding for career and technical education, supporting programs for non-degree-seeking/vocational students; and
• Increases funding to help state and local communities combat substance abuse.
  

INTERIOR BUDGET BILL -- Curbing Federal Overreach & Protecting Our Environment 

• Includes my initiative, Section 158, to prevent funds from being used to designate or manage Florida’s Big Cypress National Preserve as wilderness; 
• Includes my initiative, Section 492 to restore Florida’s 404 Program and critical statewide water projects, like hurricane damage repairs and Everglades National Park revitalization;
• Helps rebuild American energy independence; and
• Reins in the EPA and defunds job-killing regulations.

ENERGY & WATER BUDGET BILL -- Safeguarding American Energy Leadership

• Includes $2.1 billion to support the operational nuclear naval fleet;
• Ends the pause on new liquified natural gas exports by removing the Energy Department's role in the application review process;
• Prohibits modifications to nationwide permits critical for oil and gas development; 
• Invests in critical minerals extraction technologies, reducing our reliance on foreign countries; and
• Safeguards energy and technology assets from being used by foreign adversaries, like Russia and China.

TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING & URBAN DEVELOPMENT BUDGET BILL -- Making Smart FAA Reforms & Assisting Those In Need

• Includes my initiative to reduce in-air aircraft collisions by directing the FAA to study the costs associated with requiring two-way radios in every aircraft;
• Protects aircraft owner/operator personal data;
• Counters Chinese influence in autonomous vehicle manufacturing;
• Renews all currently-leased rental assistance vouchers and all housing for the elderly and disabled; and
• Responsibly funds homeless assistance grant programs.

PROTECTING CONSUMER CHOICE

President Biden's Department of Energy (DOE) released efficiency rules on home appliances that drive up costs and reduce reliability in favor of their extreme climate agenda. According to DOE's own analysis, their efficiency rules could increase upfront costs for refrigerators and freezers by 25% and dishwashers by 28%. That's why I voted for H.R. 7637 and H.R. 7700 to block the Secretary of Energy from enforcing energy efficiency standards for refrigerators, freezers and dishwashers that are costly to Americans and do not result in significant energy savings. These measures passed the House and await Senate consideration.

CONSTITUENT CORNER

Congratulations to FL-18’s Army Corporal Frank A. Blish, Jr., who received several long-overdue medals last week. His awards include the Bronze Star Medal for his service during WWII. The medals were presented by Retired USMC Major General, James A. “Hammer” Hartsell, who serves as the Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs. Thank you for your service to our great nation!

Test Your Knowledge #CivicsWithScott!

Under our Constitution, most powers belong to the states. Which of the following is one power that is not primarily left to the states and is instead mostly a federal responsibility?

A. Provide education
B. Provide police protection
C. Protect the public health
D. Defend against foreign invasion

Last Week's Question

How many signatures are on the Declaration of Independence?

A. 56 - Correct answer
B. 64
C. 42
D. 51

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