The Ready Room

Dear John,

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.

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PROTECTING AMERICAN ENERGY SECURITY

A graphic for Protecting America's Strategic Petroleum Reserve from China Act

The Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) is a critical emergency asset meant to safeguard our nation during times of crisis. Unfortunately, the Biden Administration had irresponsibly sold off large portions of the SPR to foreign adversaries, including the Chinese Communist Party. To restore our national security and energy independence, I voted for the Protecting America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve from China Act to prohibit the sale of SPR oil to China and other hostile nations. We must ensure our emergency reserves are used for the American people—not leveraged against us.

LEADING THE CHARGE ON AI INNOVATION

Artificial intelligence is advancing at an unprecedented pace, which provides significant opportunities and complex challenges. Currently, the U.S. lacks a clear national strategy to serve as a global leader in this critical space, even as our adversaries pour resources into AI development. That’s why I cosponsored the CREATE AI Act, a bipartisan bill to make the National AI Research Resource permanent. This initiative will give universities, startups and researchers the tools and data they need to drive innovation safely and responsibly. Investing in American-led AI development is key to boosting our economy, strengthening national security and keeping the U.S. at the forefront of global innovation.

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HONORING OUR VIETNAM WAR VETERANS

On March 29th, our team was honored to attend the National Vietnam War Veterans Day ceremony, hosted by the City of Lakeland and the Polk County Veterans Council. This event marked the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War—a solemn and important milestone. U.S. Army Nurse Mary Jane (Giarrusso) Wilkin delivered a moving keynote address, whose service and words were a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made. As always, we remain deeply grateful to our Vietnam veterans and will never forget their service to our nation.

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Bill Seeks to Require Publishing Official Time Reports - FedSmith

Franklin Celebrates House Passage of Bill Countering Chinese Influence on American Colleges - Floridian Press

Florida Delegation Update - Floridian Press

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TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

What determines the number of U.S. senators each state gets?

A. Each state's population
B. the U.S. Constitution
C. Voter turnout in each state
D. Agreements among state legislatures

Last Week's Question

Which amendment in the Constitution states the president can only serve two terms?

A. 20th
B. 21st
C. 22nd - Correct answer
D. 23rd

It's an honor to represent you in Congress. 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,

Scott Franklin
Member of Congress

PROTECTING AMERICAN ENERGY SECURITY

LEADING THE CHARGE ON AI INNOVATION

HONORING OUR VIETNAM WAR VETERANS

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