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.

Protecting Our National Security by Limiting Foreign-Owned Debt

Allowing adversaries like China to hold too much of our national debt puts our country in a strategically dangerous position. Last week, I re-introduced the National Debt is National Security Act, to limit how much national debt can be owned by foreign nations. The goal of this bill is to prevent foreign states from having undue leverage over U.S. interests, which impacts our national security. Specifically, the bill limits the cumulative debt held by foreign countries to 25 percent of total U.S. debt and limits any single foreign country from owning more than 5 percent. Click here to learn more.

Ensuring Transparency in the USDA

Last week in the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, we conducted our first oversight hearing of the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA). I questioned USDA Inspector General Phyllis K. Fong on the effectiveness of federal block grant programs to provide critical disaster relief quickly after hurricanes like Ian and Nicole. Proper oversight is critical given unprecedented increases in funding USDA has received over the last several years. Strengthening our agriculture industry starts by ensuring the USDA is honest and transparent. Click here to learn more and watch the hearing.

Congressional Art Competition is Still Open! 

Calling all high school artists! We are still accepting submissions for the 2023 Congressional Art Competition. The competition is open to all high school students in FL-18. The deadline for artwork is Friday, April 14th. The winner's work will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. This year's theme is "Florida's Heartland," which celebrates the unique history, culture, geography, and people of our beloved district. Click here to learn more. 

Test Your Knowledge #CivicsWithScott!

Who is the only Speaker of the House to become President of the United States?

A. James Madison    
B. Andrew Jackson    
C. Harry S. Truman
D. James K. Polk 

Last Week's Question

Which U.S. President has the most presidential vetoes?

A. Grover Cleveland   
B. Franklin D. Roosevelt - CORRECT ANSWER
C. Dwight D. Eisenhower   
D. Harry S. Truman

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