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.

SPOTLIGHT: VETERANS HEALTHCARE

Those who bravely served our nation deserve a healthcare system that provides timely access to quality care. Our veterans should be able to choose the care that works best for them, whether inside or outside the VA. That's why I reintroduced my bill, the Ensuring Continuity in Veterans Health Act, which will eliminate red tape that disrupts VA benefits and remove any Biden Administration hurdles that forced veterans back into inconvenient healthcare options. It will also make it easier for veterans to receive timely access to personalized treatment and services regardless of where they live. I urge my colleagues to swiftly pass this critical measure. Click here to learn more.

PRESERVING BIG CYPRESS FROM FEDERAL OVERREACH

The Miccosukee Tribe and Gladesmen have responsibly used Big Cypress National Preserve (the Preserve) for generations. They understand how to protect the land better than federal bureaucrats. Yet, the National Park Service (NPS) managed approximately 25% of the Preserve as “wilderness” for several years without the consent of Congress. This designation is severely restrictive, blocking the Miccosukee from their sacred burial sites, limiting hunters from controlling invasive species and preventing Gladesmen and other locals from accessing the land. After months of pressure from my office, the NPS announced last November they would no longer manage the Preserve as wilderness. 

As part of my multi-pronged effort to protect the Preserve from federal overreach, I reintroduced the Big Cypress National Preserve Protection Act to block the NPS from ever managing or listing the Preserve as a wilderness area. While the Biden Administration reversed course on its harmful management practices last year, we must ensure no future administration can attempt a similar land grab. Click here to learn more.

CONSTITUENT CORNER: VALENTINES FOR VETERANS

Last week, I joined students from Highlands Grove Elementary School for “Valentines for Veterans” at the Lakeland VA Clinic. It was an incredible display of gratitude for those who sacrificed for our nation. I appreciate Principal Lyndsy Kulcher, Mrs. Joy Coleman and the bright students of Highlands Grove Elementary for coming together to deliver heartfelt messages for those who gave so much for our freedom. 

Test Your Knowledge #CivicsWithScott!

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 failed to prohibit states from implementing which of the following provisions:

A. Literacy tests
B. Interpreting the Constitution
C. Poll taxes
D. None of the above

Last Week's Question

Which of the following is NOT a specified power of Congress?

A. Establishing a uniform rule of naturalization
B. Regulating foreign commerce
C. Punishing piracy on the high seas
D. None of the above - Correct answer

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