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.

Opposing Taxpayer-Funded Student Loan Bailouts

Last week, the Biden administration announced an extremely expensive student loan bailout. This likely illegal handout will forgive up to $10,000 of student loan debt for Americans earning less than $125,000 per year and up to $20,000 of loan debt for lower income borrowers. It will come at the expense of Americans who either paid off student loans or didn’t take out loans in the first place. An early estimate by the Wharton Budget Model reports it would add up to $519 billion to the federal deficit over the next decade, which will further increase and prolong our record high inflation problem. There are many ways to address the high cost of college and the student loan debt crisis, but the Biden administration's actions only exacerbate the bad policies that got us here in the first place. Click here to read my entire statement.

Honoring Our Fallen in Afghanistan

One year ago, the Biden administration made the fateful decision to engage in an unconditional withdrawal of our forces from Afghanistan. In the midst of this chaos, 13 of our servicemembers were killed in a suicide bombing while attempting to aid civilians in the evacuation. Let us take a moment to remember their service and sacrifice. Congress has a duty to investigate the decisions made at the highest levels which led to these deaths. My colleagues and I intend to get answers and ensure accountability. Please join me in honoring our fallen servicemembers:

Army Staff Sergeant. Ryan C. Knauss

Navy Hospitalman Maxton W. Slovak

Marine Corps Lance Corporal Dylan R. Merola

Marine Corps Lance Corporal Jared M. Schmitz

Marine Corps Corporal Humberto A. Sanchez

Marine Corps Lance Corporal David L. Espinoza

Marine Corps Corporal Hunter Lopez

Marine Corps Corporal Daegan W. Page

Marine Corps Lance Corporal Rylee J. McCollum

Marine Corps Sergeant Nicole L. Gee

Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Darin T. Hoover

Marine Corps Sergeant Johanny Rosario Pichardo

In the News

• Biden administration cancels Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Disinformation Governance Board: In the wake of reports that DHS was planning to monitor the speech of Americans through a “Disinformation Governance Board.” I was joined by 190 of my colleagues in demanding answers on the creation of this board. This "Ministry of Truth" was put on hold and finally officially cancelled last week. This is a major victory for free speech and a step in the right direction against the politicization of federal agencies. Click here to read more.
• Rep. Franklin interviewed on the Hugh Hewitt Radio Show: I joined radio host Hugh Hewitt to discuss news of the day last Tuesday. Click here to listen to my segment.

Congressional App Challenge 

Do you know a middle or high school student with a great app idea? We want to hear about it. Registration for the 2022 Congressional App Challenge is open. This challenge seeks to inspire, include, and innovate the efforts around STEM, coding, and computer science education. This nationwide effort allows students to compete by creating an app for desktop/PC, web, tablet, mobile, raspberry Pi, or other devices. The Challenge is open to all middle and high school students in the 15th Congressional District of Florida. Pre-register by clicking here.

Constituent Corner 

Robert filed his tax return with the IRS earlier this year, but did not receive his refund. After contacting our office, my staff made an inquiry with the Taxpayer Advocate Service on his behalf and he received his refund in July. If you need help with the IRS or another federal agency, contact my office by clicking here.

Test Your Knowledge #CivicsWithScott!

Which of the following cities did not serve as the national capital prior to the establishment of Washington, D.C.?

a. Annapolis

b. New York

c. Philadelphia 

d. Boston

Last Week's Question

Who was the first Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA)?

a. Bill Nye

b. Al Gore

c. Ralph Nader

d. William Ruckelshaus - 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