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.

Franklin Secures Key Provisions in 2023 House Defense Bill

A helicopter flies past USS Carl Vinson (courtesy of the U.S. Navy)

Last week in the House Armed Services Committee, during a 16 hour process, we amended and passed the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This critical bill authorizes policies and funding for the Department of Defense (DOD). I was pleased to secure key provisions to enhance the DOD’s cybersecurity, modernize the force, and fund the new KC-46 refueling tanker program. This funding will provide our troops with the best weapons, training, and equipment available as we work to counter threats from adversaries like Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. It also includes a 4.6% pay increase for our troops as well as a one-year inflation offset for all ranks below E-5. To learn more about the NDAA provisions, click here.

In the News

• Franklin Responds to Dobbs v. Jackson Supreme Court Opinion:  Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling on Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade and returned jurisdiction on abortion back to the states.  This landmark Supreme Court decision rights a fifty year wrong in defense of life. Roe was a clear overreach by the Court. Our nation was founded on a fundamental principle that we are endowed by our creator with the inalienable right to life—a right that must be protected. To read the entire statement click here.
• Franklin demands answers from the State Department on plan to appoint a Special Representative to promote Critical Race Theory: Last week, I joined 37 of my Republican colleagues in a letter to Secretary Blinken demanding answers from the State Department over their plan to appoint a Special Representative for Racial Equity and Justice. We are concerned with a heavy focus on divisive ideologies when the mission of the State Department is “to represent America’s foreign policy abroad, and to advance the interests and security of the American people." To read the full letter click here. For recent coverage of this letter click here.
• Franklin votes to protect Second Amendment rights: Last week, I voted against S. 2938 because it would infringe upon the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens while doing little to deter violent crime. We must focus on preventing crimes by at-risk individuals without burdening constitutional rights. That means enforcing existing gun laws and increasing resources and funding for mental healthcare. To read my full statement click here.

Need a Flag for a Special Occasion?

East Front of the U.S. Capitol Building looking North to South (courtesy of the Architect of the Capitol)

Did you know my office can provide flags flown over the U.S. Capitol? Flags are a great way to honor a special event or commemoration. All flag purchases include a dedication message, which may be personalized. For more information, click here.

Constituent Corner 

James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital in Tampa, FL (courtesy of the VA)

John, a veteran from Lakeland, was having trouble contacting the VA to claim his disability benefits. After reaching out to my office, we worked with the VA to secure his disability benefits. If you need help with a federal agency, please call our Lakeland office at (863) 644-8215 or visit my website at franklin.house.gov.

Test Your Knowledge #CivicsWithScott!

What year did Ponce De León land in Florida?

a. 1513

b. 1523

c. 1775

d. 1665

Last Week's Question

Tampa was first founded as which fort?

a. Fort King

b. Fort Brooke - Correct answer

c. Fort Cypress

d. Fort Hillsborough

I’m honored 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,

C. Scott Franklin
Member of Congress