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.

Remembering 9/11

Twenty-one years ago, our nation was brutally attacked by terrorists who sought to destroy American ideals. Nearly 3,000 Americans died on that fateful day and the world we previously knew was forever changed. While we will always remember those we lost, we also carry forward the resilience and strength we summoned as a country in the aftermath of the attacks. We are deeply grateful for the heroic efforts of our first responders and the thousands of young men and women that answered the call to deliver justice to our enemies.

Standing with our Friends in Taiwan


Rep. Franklin and Taiwanese President Tsai during a co-leading a congressional delegation visit to Taiwan.

Last week, I had the privilege to co-lead a bipartisan congressional delegation to Asia by members of the House Armed Services and Foreign Affairs Committees. The trip included visits to South Korea, Mongolia and Taiwan. While there, we met with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen to discuss mutual security interests. With China rising as a global threat, it’s important for like-minded nations to stand together to defend freedom and liberty. The U.S. and Taiwan share an unshakeable bond of friendship based on these beliefs and it was important to reiterate our partnership during our visit. 

In Remembrance of Queen Elizabeth II

The world mourns the loss of Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away last week at the age of 96. Newcomers to Central Florida may be unaware of Lakeland’s connection to Her Royal Highness. In 1957, she gifted a pair of swans to the city that have since proliferated to the extent that Lakeland is now known as “Swan City,” drawing visitors from around the world to see these majestic creatures. The Queen's kind overture to our community will never be forgotten. We send condolences to our British friends for their loss.

Service Academy Nominations Are Open

As your Congressman, I have the honor of nominating candidates to our nation’s service academies - the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Appointment to the service academies comes with the obligation to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. As a Naval Academy graduate, I know what an honor and privilege it is to attend these fine institutions. I encourage any interested candidates to apply by clicking here. Please note, the deadline to apply is October 7, 2022.

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 until November 1st and seeks to inspire and innovate efforts around STEM, coding, and computer science education. This nationwide contest 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. Register by clicking here.

Constituent Corner 

Sodonia, from Seffner, called our office requesting help with a VA benefits claim. Thanks to the hard work of our staff, her benefits claim was approved and she received her backpay last week. If you need assistance with the VA or another federal agency, contact my office by clicking here.

Test Your Knowledge #CivicsWithScott!

If the President, Vice President, and Speaker of the House are unable to serve, who becomes President?

a. Secretary of State

b. President Pro Tempore of the Senate

c. Attorney General

d. Secretary of Defense

Last Week's Question

On what year was the 27th Amendment, the last amendment to the Constitution, ratified?

a. 1992 - Correct Answer

b. 1789

c. 1971

d. 1865

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