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.

SUPPORTING FEDERAL FIREFIGHTERS

Federal firefighters play a critical role in our nation’s emergency response network. Unfortunately, under current law, wildland firefighters forfeit their retirement benefits if they take more than three days away from service, regardless of extenuating circumstances. They should never be penalized for taking an extended absence to handle a family emergency or care for a newborn. This bad policy has contributed to severe personnel shortages. To increase recruitment and care for current talent, I introduced H.R. 10158 to extend these break-in-service retirement limits from three days to 24 months, providing flexibility to support these brave men and women. Click here to learn more.

PREPARING FOR DISASTER RESPONSE

FL-18 is home to over 5,000 farms that account for more than 20% of Florida's agricultural sales, or $2.1 billion. We must be prepared to help this critical industry recover quickly from natural disasters, especially after back-to-back storms like this hurricane season. Sadly, the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) employees are often inadequately trained to help producers navigate the disaster assistance process. That's why I introduced H.R. 8138 to direct the USDA to establish a training program to equip FSA employees with necessary skills to assist our agricultural community after a disaster. Click here to learn more.

CONSTITUENT CORNER

Are you experiencing delays with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)? Our office recently helped constituents with the approval of their work authorization. If you need assistance with USCIS or another federal agency, click here or call (863) 644-8215.

Test Your Knowledge #CivicsWithScott!

What does impeachment mean? Which body impeaches?

A. To accuse of wrongdoing. The U.S. Justice Department.
B. To accuse of wrongdoing. The U.S. House of Representatives. 
C. To convict of wrongdoing. The U.S. Senate.
D. To convict of wrongdoing. The U.S. Supreme Court. 

Last Week's Question

What is the primary way to end a filibuster?

A. 3/5 vote of those present in the Senate. - Correct answer
B. 2/3 vote of those present in both the House and the Senate.
C. 3/4 vote of those present in both the House and the Senate.
D. Majority vote of those present in the Senate.

It's 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