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.

Holding Pentagon Officials Accountable for Racially Divisive Comments

Bird's eye view of the Pentagon building near Washington, D.C. (Courtesy of U.S. DoD)

Last week, a Fox News article uncovered racially divisive comments made by Kelisa Wing, the Department of Defense Education Activity Chief of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Among these comments was a 2020 tweet in which Ms. Wing said "I'm exhausted with these white folx in these [professional development] sessions this lady had the CAUdacity [Caucasian audacity] to say black people can be racist too." In response, I co-led a letter with 21 of my colleagues to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin expressing serious concern over Ms. Wing's rhetoric and demanding answers as to why she was placed in such a sensitive role given her past comments. Comments like these are divisive and toxic and have no place in our military. Click here to learn more.

Addressing the Military Recruitment Crisis 

Soldiers take position in a field (Courtesy of Canva)

The U.S. military is on track for one of its worst recruitment years in recent history. Military readiness is impacted when recruitment is down. But the Biden administration is doubling down on a flawed COVID-19 vaccine mandate with more than 100,000 troops at risk of discharge. The risk posed by a small percentage of unvaccinated servicemembers is less problematic than the risk of losing experienced service members. That’s why I joined my colleagues to demand answers on how the potential discharge of these service members will impact our military and how many exemptions have been granted. Click here to learn more.

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.

Is your passport travel ready? We can help!

With the holidays right around the corner, our office stands ready to help you with your passport needs. Whether you need a passport renewed, replaced, or if it's your first time applying, we can help. Note that passports issued for persons 16 or older are valid for ten years, while those issued for minors under age 16 are only valid for five years. Also, as a general rule, passports must be valid for six months beyond the date the traveler will exit the United States. Click here to learn more.

Constituent Corner

Plaque outside the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Mike, a retired U.S. Army soldier, was having trouble scheduling an exam with the VA. Our staff was able to assist him in scheduling an appointment by reaching out on his behalf. If you're a veteran and need assistance with the VA, my office stands ready to help. Click here to learn more.

Test Your Knowledge #CivicsWithScott!

Which of the following states was NOT one of the 13 original colonies?

a. New Hampshire

b. Delaware

c. New Jersey

d. Florida

Last Week's Question

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 - Correct Answer

c. Attorney General

d. Secretary of Defense

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