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.

CALLING FOR IMMEDIATE DISASTER ASSISTANCE

Florida growers are vital to our economy and feeding our nation. However, Hurricane Helene's catastrophic damage had a devastating impact on Florida's agriculture still reeling from hurricanes in 2022 and 2023. Our farmers need immediate recovery resources to continue providing food to over 100 million Americans in the East Coast when it’s needed most.

I joined my Florida colleagues in urging the Department of Agriculture to speed up assistance in the form of state block grants to expedite support for Florida’s farmers and agricultural producers. Click here to learn more. 

If you have been impacted by Hurricane Helene, click here to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. The deadline is November 27. 

STANDING WITH ISRAEL TO FIGHT IRAN'S NUCLEAR THREAT

Last week, Iran launched 180 ballistic missiles directly into Israel, threatening our ally's right to exist. Iran's terrorist regime is closer than ever to having enough fissile material to build a nuclear warhead and achieve their goal of wiping Israel off the map. That's why I'm demanding the Biden-Harris Administration drastically ramp up efforts to prevent Tehran from advancing its nuclear capabilities. The world must take these terrorists at their word before it’s too late. As the only democracy in the Middle East, we must continue to send a clear, unequivocal message: the U.S. stands with Israel. Click here to learn more.

LEGISLATIVE LANDING: RECAPPING IMPORTANT INITIATIVES FROM THE 118th CONGRESS

I'm fighting to advance commonsense initiatives that bolster our economy, hold the government accountable and improve our quality of life. As the 118th Congress wraps up, I'll resume our series highlighting critical legislative wins over the next several weeks. 

ENSURING FAIR CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATION

U.S. Census Bureau 2022 numbers estimate America has over 22 million noncitizens – unnaturalized foreign nationals – ineligible to vote in federal elections. However, they are still counted equally in the decennial census toward congressional district apportionment, undermining the voices of the American people. This unfairly distorts representation in the House and redirects billions of U.S. taxpayer dollars to states with sanctuary cities.

These allocations should only be based on the needs of American citizens, just as the Founders intended. I cosponsored and voted for H.R. 7109, to prohibit noncitizens from being factored into future congressional reapportionment. This ensures sanctuary cities don’t receive unfair influence in Congress. It passed the House 206 – 202 in May 2024 and awaits Senate action. Click here to learn more.

Test Your Knowledge #CivicsWithScott!

Where does Congress perform the majority of its work?

A. Floor votes
B. Committees
C. Sessions
D. Chambers

Last Week's Question

What act made Washington D.C. the permanent home of Congress?

A. Congressional Act
B. Representative Act
C. Legislative Act
D. Residence Act - 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