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.

Supporting Our Local Law Enforcement

The Polk County Police Memorial in Lakeland, Florida

Law enforcement works tirelessly to protect our communities. Unfortunately, many smaller departments lack the resources available to their larger peers. That’s why I voted for the Invest to Protect Act, a bill that provides federal grants to police departments with less than 125 law enforcement officers. This will help many of the smaller police departments across Florida. It passed the House and heads to the Senate for a vote. Click here to learn more.

Protecting Our Veterans from Scams

Last month, the PACT Act was signed into law, significantly expanding VA healthcare for veterans exposed to toxic burn pits. Unfortunately, it also created an opportunity for scammers to try to take advantage of veterans dealing with extended waiting periods created by an influx of new claims. The VA has seen an increase in PACT Act-related phishing (email), vishing (phone), and social media scams targeting veterans to access their PACT Act benefits or submit claims on their behalf. That’s why I co-signed a letter to Veterans Affairs Secretary Dennis McDonough requesting the VA use all available resources to protect veterans from scams.

Veterans should be cautious of anyone who guarantees a lucrative financial benefit or service. To report suspected fraudulent activity, please contact [email protected] or call 1-800-488-8244. Click here to read 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. Appointments to the service academies come 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 it is to attend these fine institutions. All candidates can 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 can help with your passport needs. Whether you need a passport renewed, replaced, or if it's your first time applying, we can assist. 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. *Of note - passports must be valid for six months beyond the date the traveler will depart the United States. Click here to learn more.

Constituent Corner

Jeffrey, a Lakeland veteran, reached out for help filing claims for Iraq burn pits and Camp Lejeune water contamination. My staff successfully obtained the info he needed. If you need assistance filing claims with the VA, we can help. Click here to learn more.

Test Your Knowledge #CivicsWithScott!

Which of these is NOT a cabinet-level position?

a. Secretary of Defense

b. Attorney General

c. National Security Advisor

d. Vice President

Last Week's Question

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

a. New Hampshire

b. Delaware

c. New Jersey

d. Florida - 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