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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 VETERANS' ACCESS TO COMMUNITY CARE

In 2018, Congress directed the VA to create the Veteran Community Care Program (VCCP). As a fellow veteran, I understand the need for flexibility in this program, which allows veterans to see private medical providers outside the VA. Unfortunately, repeated calls to shrink the VCCP threaten to force many veterans back into the VA. To prevent the VA from abruptly terminating coverage for veterans currently receiving care outside the VA, I introduced H.R. 9146, the Ensuring Continuity in Veterans Health Act, which will:

Require the VA consider “continuity of care” when deciding what’s in a veteran’s “best medical interest;”
Prevent disruptions for veterans receiving specialized treatments from community care providers, such as mental health care;
Allow veterans to continue accessing community care for services they already receive; and
Provide veterans with the most convenient providers.

Click here to learn more.

A WIN FOR FLORIDA'S WATERWAYS

From our economy, to recreation and the safety of our communities, Florida’s success depends on the health of our waterways. Last week I voted for H.R. 8812, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), a strong bill that cuts burdensome regulations and streamlines critical water projects that protect our communities and bolster our economy. This year's WRDA will help expedite important FL-18 projects I championed, including:

The Lake Okeechobee Watershed Restoration Project;
The Western Everglades Restoration Project; and
The Lake Okeechobee Component A Reservoir or LOCAR study.

Click here to learn more.

GRAND OPENING OF LAKELAND'S VA CLINIC

Last Friday, I was honored to deliver the keynote address at the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new, state-of-the-art VA Outpatient Clinic in south Lakeland. The larger facility, which opened in May, will help 23,000 Central Florida veterans get the care they need. The new facility will increase veteran access to primary, home-based and mental health care, audiology, physical therapy, vision care and more.

If you need help enrolling in the VA or filing a claim, contact a county Veterans Service Officer. If you need help with an issue at the VA, our office can help. Contact us online or call at (863) 644-8215.

Test Your Knowledge #CivicsWithScott!

If the president cannot get an agenda adopted by Congress, which of the following techniques can be used to appeal directly to the people of the United States?

A. A veto threat
B. An executive order
C. A signing statement
D. A bully pulpit

Last Week's Question

Which of the following is a limit on a president’s ability to issue executive orders?

A. Congress can pass a law nullifying the president’s order. - Correct answer
B. Executive orders expire at the end of the calendar year and must be reissued continuously to remain in effect.
C. Executive orders are always subject to review by the Supreme Court before taking effect.
D. A governor can issue a contradictory executive order that negates the president’s executive order within a state.

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

Key Social Media Posts

@Congressman Scott Franklin I’m saddened to learn of the passing of my friend and fellow Naval Aviator, Captain Jack Davenport at the age of 102. Fair winds and following seas, shipmate. I’ll join on your wing overhead in time, but Godspeed and CAVU til then. #greatestgeneration

@RepFranklin As the summer Olympics begin, we wish Auburndale’s very own Monae’ Nichols the best of luck as she represents Team USA & FL-18! #Paris2024

@RepFranklin The FY25 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies budget bill has passed the House!

After months of hard work in the House Appropriations Committee, I’m pleased my initiatives to preserve Florida’s waterways and protect Big Cypress were included. This is a big win for FL-18!

@RepFranklin Director Cheatle resigned a week late and for the wrong reasons.

Now it's time to establish the bipartisan task force and get answers for Americans.

@RepFranklin The @SecretService’s sole mission is to protect our nation’s leaders and foreign dignitaries. Director Cheatle failed in this important duty. Failed actions must have consequences. She should resign.

@RepFranklin #OnThisDay 55 years ago, man took his first step on the moon. I vividly remember attending the Apollo 11 ticker-tape parade in Houston as a child. It sparked an avid interest in space and aviation. As we set our sights on the moon once more, our space program will hopefully inspire a whole new generation of Americans.