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 Air Traffic Controllers

As a career Naval Aviator and general aviation pilot, air traffic controllers (ATCs) have saved my bacon on a number of occasions. Our country has a shortage of ATCs and the problem is getting worse. Currently, they are punished for their willingness to work as contract controllers beyond the FAA’s mandatory retirement age of 56 by docking their retirement annuities. Instead, we should encourage them and appreciate their initiative by protecting the retirement benefit they have already earned. I spoke in support of our ATCs during a recent Committee on Oversight and Reform markup hearing on H.R. 1283, the CONTRACT Act. This bill would encourage veteran ATCs to continue to work by removing financial penalties on their retirement benefits if they serve as contract controllers. Click here to watch my remarks.

Protecting Military Family Access to Local Pharmacies

The Defense Health Agency, which oversees medical benefits for the military, is poised to move forward with a contract that could potentially prevent military members and their dependents from accessing more than 15,000 pharmacies. Many of these pharmacies are small, independent businesses serving local communities. Losing this access would pose a convenience risk and in extreme cases, a health risk to our military community. That’s why I joined 47 of my colleagues from both sides of the aisle calling on the Department of Defense to protect access to local pharmacies. Click here to read the full letter.

Traveling for the holidays? Our office can help!

Traveling abroad for the holiday season? Before you leave, be sure to check your passport's expiration date. Passports are valid for 10 years if issued at age 16 or older and five years if issued when you were under 16. Many foreign countries also require that your passport be valid for another six months in order to be admitted. Our office can help expedite passport services. Call us at 863-644-8215 or click here to learn more.

Hurricane Ian Disaster Relief is Available

Those impacted by Hurricane Ian can apply for federal assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA). Our office can help with the application process. Click here to learn more about available resources. Visit my website to learn how we can assist.

Test Your Knowledge #CivicsWithScott!

Which president established a doctrine in December 1823 prohibiting further colonization of the Americas by Europe?

A. Andrew Jackson
B. John Quincy Adams
C. James Monroe
D. Abraham Lincoln

Last Week's Question

Which president declared that the last Thursday in November would be commemorated as Thanksgiving Day?

A. George Washington
B. Abraham Lincoln - CORRECT ANSWER
C. Thomas Jefferson
D. Teddy Roosevelt

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