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.

The Fentanyl Crisis Stems from Bad Border Policies

A U.S. Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue (BORSTAR) Agent, right, talks with a Border Patrol Agent (courtesy of U.S. CBP)

The ongoing fentanyl crisis is taking a horrific toll on our community and the nation. Unfortunately, the Biden administration’s border policies are obstructing U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) from doing their job and securing our border. As a result, cartels are smuggling fentanyl into our country at unprecedented rates. This crisis hits here at home, too. An estimated 1,540 people died of opioid overdoses in the Tampa Bay region in 2020. That's roughly four people per day, a 49.6% increase since 2019. We must empower CBP to secure our border and help them by resuming construction of the border wall. These important steps will help stop the influx of illegal drugs, halt human trafficking, and restore border security. For more information click here.

In the News

From left to right- Rep. Franklin (FL-15), Rep. Obernolte (CA-08), 

Rep. Panetta (CA-20), and Ed Bolen (President & CEO of National Business Aviation Association) from the Advanced Air Mobility Caucus launch event.

• Franklin and colleagues start the Advanced Air Mobility Caucus: Last week, I joined a group of bipartisan legislators to start the Congressional Advanced Air Mobility Caucus, which is designed to educate members of Congress and the public about new aviation technology and its benefits. To read more about the caucus click here.

Accepting Fall Internship Applications

The East Front of the United States Capitol in Fall
(courtesy of the Architect of the Capitol)

My Washington, D.C. and Lakeland offices are accepting applications for fall 2022 Congressional internships. This internship session runs from September 12th through December 16th. The deadline to apply is Friday, July 29th. For more information and to apply for an internship click here. Please share this information with any interested college students or recent graduates.

Is Your Passport up to Date?

Two United States Passports (courtesy of Canva)

Did you know that adult passports are valid for ten years but those for juveniles are only good for five? Don’t let an expired passport delay your travel plans! My office is happy to help you and your family with passport renewals. Call (863) 644-8215 or visit my website at franklin.house.gov to learn more.

Constituent Corner 

James Haley Veterans' Hospital in Tampa (courtesy of the VA)

Armando, a veteran from Tampa, needed assistance resolving an issue with the James Haley Veterans' Hospital. He contacted our office and we helped him resolve the matter. 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. We look forward to assisting you!

Test Your Knowledge #CivicsWithScott!

What does the President’s Cabinet do?

a. Creates the law

b. Advises the president

c. Commands the military

d. Vetoes legislation

Last Week's Question

In the case of a tied vote in the U.S. Senate, the deciding vote is cast by…

a. The president pro tempore

b. The Sergeant-at-Arms

c. The Senate majority leader

d. The vice president - Correct answer

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