I’m truly honored and humbled to be endorsed by Governor Ron DeSantis for Polk County School Board District 3. We have work to do Polk County! Our students, parents, and staff deserve the best! 
#votenolte #polkcountyschoolboarddistrict3 #August23rd.
Florida high school students applying for the state’s college and vocational school scholarship program will be able to substitute paid work experience for volunteering under a bill signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday.
Students who apply for the Bright Futures program starting in the next school year will be able to fulfill the volunteer requirement by working 100 hours. During a bill signing ceremony at Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, DeSantis said the change will help low-income families whose teenagers need to work.
The scholarships are awarded to students who attain high grade=point averages and test scores. They receive various amounts based on what level they achieve.
In the 2020-21 school year, the state distributed about $650 million to about 120,000 students – an average of $5,400 each.
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The Red Flag Laws by Democrats and RINOs are not meant to stop crime. They are only meant to take guns from legal gun owners.
Earlier this month a group of bipartisan senators reached an agreement on principle for gun legislation which includes ‘red flag’ laws. The Senate voted 64-34 to advance the gun control bill Tuesday evening (June 21)
11 Republicans (aka RINOs) joined the Democrats and bowed to their demands.
Republican Senators John Cornyn of Texas, Thom Tillis and Richard Burr of North Carolina, Roy Blunt of Missouri, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Susan Collins of Maine, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Rob Portman of Ohio, Mitt Romney of Utah and Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania and Mitch McConnell of Kentucky are so far on board with the gun control legislation.
“Republicans refused to include proposals in Tuesday’s compromise that were sought by President Joe Biden and Democrats to ban assault weapons or raise the minimum age for buying them, prohibit high-capacity magazines or require background checks for virtually all gun sales.” -AP reported.
Schumer said he wants the senate to vote on the legislation this week before lawmakers begin a two-week recess for Independence Day.
AP reported:
Nine days after Senate bargainers agreed to a framework proposal — and 29 years after Congress last enacted a major measure curbing firearms — Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., told reporters that a final agreement on the proposal’s details was at hand.
The legislation lawmakers have been working toward would toughen background checks for the youngest firearms buyers, require more sellers to conduct background checks and beef up penalties on gun traffickers. It also would disburse money to states and communities aimed at improving school safety and mental health initiatives.
“I think we’ve reached agreement,” Murphy said. “And just we’re dotting the I’s and crossing the T’s right now. I think we’re in good shape.”
The senators did not initially say how they’d resolved the two major stumbling blocks that had delayed agreement on the plan’s legislative language.
One was how to make abusive romantic partners subject to the existing ban that violent spouses face to obtaining guns. The other was providing federal aid to states that have “red flag” laws that make it easier to temporarily take firearms away from people deemed dangerous or to states that have violence intervention programs.
A reporter for ABC asked Senator Cornyn about the gun control legislation and how it felt being booed at the Texas GOP convention.
Cornyn said he didn’t mind being booed because he supports people’s First Amendment rights. But apparently Cornyn doesn’t support Second Amendment rights.
14 Republican Senators voted to advance the 80-page gun control bill:
Roy Blunt
Richard Burr
Shelly Moore-Capito
Bill Cassidy
Susan Collins
John Cornyn
Joni Ernst
Lindsey Graham
Mitch McConnell
Lisa MurkowskiRob Portman
Mitt Romney
Thom Tillis
Todd YoungBy Cristina Laila
Gateway Pundit Published June 21, 2022
Shared by:
Peter M. Feaman, RPOF National Committeeman
The Republican National Committee unveiled a new ad highlighting the “multitude of crises” faced by Americans as Democrats focus on a prime-time show trial over a roughly three-hour riot from 18 months ago.
The ad begins with the horrifying footage of chaotic scenes at the Kabul airport when scores of desperate Afghans chased American airplanes on the tarmac amid the U.S. withdrawal last summer.
“You cannot defend the execution here, this has been a disaster,” says an unnamed voice in the background who is former Obama Adviser David Axelrod.
The ad continues with emphasis on the border crisis, high inflation, baby formula shortages, soaring gas prices, and a new crime wave all while Democrats schedule prime-time hearings on the events of Jan. 6, 2021.
“Pelosi’s committee is partisan and illegitimate,” RNC Communications Director Danielle Alvarez told The Federalist, in a point of frustration over the probe operating absent of Republican appointments for the first time in House history.
“Instead of investigating the radical who placed a pipe bomb outside the RNC’s headquarters on January 6, tonight’s hearing is nothing more than political theater,” Alvarez added. “Americans want Congress to focus on the most pressing crises created by Biden and Democrats — record gas prices, the worst inflation in 40 years, empty shelves, and rising crime — not conduct a political circus in prime time.”
Last week, Gallup revealed that Americans’ confidence in the economy is at its lowest point since 2009 while the public copes with inflation at its fastest pace in four decades and rapidly rising gas prices at the same time. On Thursday, soaring gas prices reached a new record and will soon eclipse a nationwide average of $5 per gallon in the coming days if not Friday.
Seventy-seven percent of Americans, meanwhile, disapprove of Congress’ job performance in its highest disapproval since 2016, according to a Monmouth University poll from May. More than 2 in 5 Americans, or 44 percent, believe “too much is being made” of the Capitol riot and that “it’s time to move on,” in another survey from Quinnipiac out in January.
In March, Democrats on the House’s sham Jan. 6 Committee desperate to change the narrative ahead of an already hostile election cycle to the president’s party conceded to The Washington Post their work was all about the midterms.
“They hope their recommendations to prevent another insurrection will be adopted, but also that their work will repel voters from Republicans who they say helped propel the attack,” the Post reported.
To spearhead the dramatic production of Thursday’s Capitol Hill soap opera, the Select Committee recruited former ABC News President James Goldston.
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.
The Biden Administration MUST End Their War on Domestic Energy
Gas prices have doubled since President Biden took office, hurting the pocketbooks of all Americans. Instead of lowering costs by unleashing America’s domestic energy supply, the Biden administration pursues Green New Deal policies while begging The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) cartel to pump more oil. Restricting American energy production and leaning on foreign adversaries is not a viable solution to our energy crisis. The answer to America’s energy needs is to ramp up domestic oil production to lower costs and create jobs here at home.
In the News
Want a Flag Flown Over the U.S. Capitol?
U.S. Capitol (courtesy of Canva)
My office can help you purchase flags that are flown over the United States Capitol. These flags are great gifts to honor special events or commemorations. All flag purchases include a dedication message, which can be personalized for a particular person, event, or organization. For more information, click here .
Constituent Corner
Plaque on Veterans Administration office building (courtesy of Canva)
Sue helped her neighbor Larry contact our office for assistance with the VA. We were able to ultimately help Larry obtain his military discharge papers (DD214) so he can apply for VA benefits. If you need help with a federal agency, please call our Lakeland office at (863) 644-8215 or visit my website at franklin.house.gov .
Do you want updates on my work in Congress?
Follow me Facebook by clicking here or on the image below. This is the best way to stay up to date on news from my office.
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
Republican National Committee
State Legislation Highlights
States currently in Session: Arizona, California, Delaware, Louisiana, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
States in Regular Session throughout the year: Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania
States Sine die: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
Arizona
Last week, Governor Ducey signed SB1013, SB1170, SB1260, SB1362, and SB1460.
On May 27, Governor Ducey voted HB2617 , which would have required county recorders to cancel the voter registration of a person for whom the county recorder receives and confirms information that the person is not a U.S. citizen, has been issued a driver license or nonoperating license in another state or is otherwise not a qualified elector; and outlined notice requirements prior to cancelling a person’s voter registration. It also would have required the Secretary of State and a county recorder to compare the voter registration database with prescribed databases.
Louisiana
The Louisiana legislature passed and Governor Edwards signed HB359, which prohibits implementation of federal election directives and guidance. HB359 also prohibits the spending of federal money for elections, under certain conditions.
Massachusetts
Last week, four Democrats signed off on SB2924, a compromise that would shorten the time a voter must register prior to an election from 20 days, to 10 days, and permanently codifies the mail-in and expanded early voting options made available during the pandemic. The two Republicans on the Conference Committee did not sign off on the compromise.
Michigan
Last week, Sen. McCann introduced Senate Joint Resolution P, which would allow 17-year-olds vote in a primary election if they will be 18 and eligible to vote by the date of November’s general election.
New York
The New York State Assembly passed SB1046E , the “John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of New York” or “NYVRA”, which establishes rights of action for denying or abridging the right of any member of a protected class to vote, provides assistance to language-minority groups, requires certain political subdivisions to receive preclearance for potential violations of the NYVRA, and creates civil liability for voter intimidation. The legislation was transmitted to Governor Hochul for signature.
North Carolina
The North Carolina State Senate introduced several election-related legislation, including:
Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Senate passed SB573, which removes the county residency requirement for poll watchers, allowing Pennsylvania residents from any county to become certified poll watchers anywhere in the state. A House panel advanced a bill barring county officials from soliciting or accepting non-government funding for elections.
The Federal Election Commission (FEC) issued an interim final rule removing 11 C.F.R. § 109.10(e)(1)(vi) to conform with the decision in Citizens for Responsibility & Ethics in Wash. v. FEC, 316 F.Supp.3d 349, 423 (D.D.C. 2018), aff’d by Citizens for Responsibility & Ethics in Wash. v. FEC, 971 F.3d 340, 356 (D.C. Cir. 2020). The interim final rule provides further guidance on donor disclosure for groups paying for political advertisements.
FEC Reminder: June is a busy time for primary elections, which can trigger additional reports for quarterly filers and for those making election-related communications. If you make independent expenditures or electioneering communications in connection with primary elections, you may have special reporting obligations.
Arizona
In August, a lawsuit, Mi Familia Vota v. Hobbs, was filed in AZ challenging SB1485, which removes voters from the permanent mail ballot list if a voter does not vote by mail in two straight election cycles; and SB1003, which requires voters to “cure” signature-less ballots by 7PM on Election Day. The RNC and the NRSC intervened to defend the laws. Defendants filed a motion to dismiss on November 18, and discovery is underway. On March 14, Mi Familia Vota filed a notice with the court stating that it did not intend to seek a preliminary injunction prior to the 2022 midterms. A hearing on the defendant’s motion to dismiss was held on June 7.
Two lawsuits were filed challenging HB2492, which requires proof of citizenship for individuals who register using a federal form required by the National Voter Registration Act. Any voter who cannot satisfy the requirement will be ineligible to vote for president or by mail. On May 12, the RNC, the Republican Party of Arizona, and Mohave and Gila County Republican Parties moved to intervene in the two lawsuits to defend HB249. The Democratic National Committee and the Arizona Democratic Party also plan to file a lawsuit challenging the law.
Florida
In June, the RNC and NRSC were granted intervention in all four lawsuits challenging provisions of SB90, Florida’s 2021 election reform legislation. On March 31, the U.S. District Court permanently enjoined multiple provisions of SB90 including the required registration disclaimers for third party voter registration organizations (§ 97.0575(3)(a)), registration delivery provisions for third party voter registration organizations (id.), drop box regulations (§§ 101.69(2)-(3)), and line warming provisions (§§ 102.031(4)(a)-(b)). Defendants, including the RNC and NRSC filed a notice of appeal on April 7, and a stay request with the 11th Circuit on April 11. On May 6, the 11th Circuit granted the defendants’ stay request, leaving in effect provisions previously struck down by the lower court and rejecting the district court’s order to put Florida under “preclearance” for ten years.
Georgia
In July, the RNC, NRSC, NRCC, and GA GOP were granted intervention in eight lawsuits, including the U.S. Department of Justice’s lawsuit against the State, challenging provisions of SB202 . Previously, the court denied motions to dismiss for lack of standing and on the merits, filed by the RNC, other Republican organizations, and Republican lawmakers in Georgia in eight of the lawsuits. In December, the court denied the motions to dismiss filed by the State, RNC, NRSC, NRCC, and the GA GOP. The court considered the plaintiffs’ request for a preliminary injunction at a hearing on June 9 and 10. In the 9th case challenging SB202, the court dismissed the case without prejudice for failure to serve the defendants.
On May 2, a group of liberal organizations sued Georgia’s Election Board regarding absentee ballot applications. In Georgia, an absentee ballot must be signed with pen and ink. The groups seek declaratory and injunctive relief, requesting the court find that the so-called Pen and Ink rule violates the Civil Rights Act and to enjoin its enforcement.
A federal lawsuit, filed back in 2018 by liberal voting rights groups, is in the middle of its trial in Georgia. The state began its defense today. The plaintiffs argue the State’s “exact match” registration rules and additional absentee ballot requirements, put in place by SB202, violate the Constitution and the Voting Rights Act.
Iowa
The RNC, Iowa GOP, NRCC, and NRSC were granted intervention to defend against a lawsuit challenging provisions of SF413 and SF568. The trial set for March 21 was pushed back in light of discovery disputes between the Iowa legislature and plaintiffs. On March 16, the Iowa Supreme Court granted certiorari to resolve these discovery disputes.
Michigan
In 2019, activist groups challenged Michigan elections laws that restrict paid voter transportation services and out-of-state organizations assisting voters with absentee ballot applications. The RNC and MIGOP were granted intervention in the case. The district court initially granted an injunction that prohibited Michigan from enforcing its voter transportation restriction, but the 6th Circuit reversed . On March 21, the RNC and other Republican groups filed a motion for summary judgment and asked the district court to dismiss the suit. On March 29, Uber filed an amicus brief on behalf of the activist groups.
Montana
In April 2021, the Montana Democratic Party and activist groups sued the State over its election integrity measures, which include elimination of Election Day voter registration, types of voter ID permitted, and paid ballot harvesting. On April 6, 2022, a Montana state court temporarily suspended enforcement of these laws. The case has been appealed to the MT Supreme Court . On May 17, the MT Supreme Court granted the defendant’s stay of the preliminary injunction. Update: On June 9, 2022, Restoring Integrity and Trust in Elections (RITE) filed an amicus brief on behalf of state.
Nevada
On April 14, a lawsuit was filed in Clark County alleging that Nevada failed to offer “meaningful observation” during the 2020 election cycle and that the state does not have a plan in place to provide this in the upcoming elections. A similar case was brought in Washoe County, but was dismissed by the district court judge.
New York
The RNC, NRCC, and New York State Republican Committee filed a motion to intervene in a case brought by Democrats challenging NY ballot rejection practices. On May 13, the court granted the RNC’s motion to intervene and a preliminary injunction hearing was held on June 27.
In January, the RNC and NY GOP, leading a broad bipartisan coalition of officeholders and concerned citizens, including Congresswoman Malliotakis and naturalized citizen voters, sued Mayor Eric Adams, the New York City Council, and the New York City Board of Elections in state court over the “Non-Citizen Voting Law,” which illegally allows non-citizens to vote in city elections. The complaint is available here. The NYC Board of Elections has since requested that the State review the law and issue an opinion on its legality. The case was assigned to Judge Ralph Porzio. Oral arguments in the case were held on June 7.
Pennsylvania
In January, Republican David Ritter, a candidate for Judge of the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas, appealed the County Board of Elections 3-0 decision to count 261 challenged mail-in ballots that were undated or improperly dated. On November 30, 2021, the Court of Common Pleas of Lehigh County denied Ritter’s appeal and ordered the county Board to include the 261 mail-in ballots in its canvass. The case was then appealed to the Commonwealth Court which, in a 2-1 decision , reversed and remanded the case concluding that the 257 ballots that do not contain a date must be set aside and not counted in the Municipal Election. Democrat candidate Zachary Cohen filed an appeal with the PA Supreme Court. The PA Supreme Court denied the appeal.
In January, five voters who failed to date their ballot sued the Lehigh County Board of Elections in federal court to have their undated votes counted. Both Ritter and the losing candidate in the election intervened. The County Board agreed to not certify the election while the litigation was pending. The lawsuit alleges violations of the Civil Rights Act and the 14th Amendment. On March 16, the district court granted Ritter’s motion for summary judgment and ordered that the undated ballots should not be counted. Plaintiffs appealed. After the district court declined to delay certification, the 3rd Circuit issued a temporary injunction preventing the county Board from certifying. On April 1, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a statement of interest in the case. On May 20, the 3rd Circuit ruled that the date requirement was immaterial and ordered that the undated ballots be counted. On May 23, Ritter filed a stay request with the 3rd Circuit which would allow him to file a cert petition with the Supreme Court. The Third Circuit denied the stay request and then SCOTUS granted an administrative stay. Update: The stay was vacated by the U.S. Supreme Court in a 6-3 decision with Justices Alito, Thomas, and Gorsuch dissenting. The U.S. District Court accordingly ordered Lehigh County Board of Elections to count the undated ballots in accordance with the 3rd Circuit’s decision.
U.S. Senate candidate David McCormick filed suit in state court seeking an order for all counties to count undated ballots cast in last week’s primary. The PA Commonwealth Court granted the injunction and instructed County Boards to segregate the ballots and report two tallies to the Secretary of the Commonwealth. A King’s Bench application was also made on the same issue to the PA Supreme Court, which denied the suit. After dropping out of the recount, McCormick filed for voluntary discontinuance or dismissal for mootness with the Commonwealth Court. The Court granted the discontinuance but declined to vacate the order. On June 9, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court granted a discontinuance of the PAGOP’s and RNC’s appeal.
In May, Democrat voters filed suit against the Lehigh and Northampton County Boards of Elections alleging the election officials declined to count those ballots due to noncompliance with the Secrecy Envelope Rule or the Election Day Receipt Deadline. The RNC and Republican Party of Pennsylvania have moved to intervene. Update: On June 7, the RNC and Republican Party of Pennsylvania’s motion to intervene was granted.
On March 8, the PA Supreme Court heard oral argument on the challenge to Act 77, which established no excuse absentee voting in PA. This was an appeal of a January 28 Commonwealth Court ruling that struck down Act 77, holding it violated the PA Constitution. Under PA law, the Commonwealth Court ruling was automatically stayed but the court subsequently terminated the stay effective March 15. The termination of the stay was appealed to the PA Supreme Court, which reinstated the stay, effective until the conclusion of the case. A link to the oral arguments can be found here.
On February 11, the RNC sued PA’s Bucks County Board of Elections for its refusal to provide records related to how it counts absentee ballots.
Tennessee
On June 3, a Nashville court ruled that the Tennessee Republican Party’s executive committee violated the state open meetings act when it removed Robby Starbuck from the ballot for the 5th Congressional Republican primary. The judge ruled that Starbuck should be restored to the ballot. Update: On June 10, 2022, Tennessee Supreme Court ruled the lower court erred in granting Starbuck an injunction that put him back on the ballot.
Texas
The U.S. Department of Justice sued the State of Texas and the Texas Secretary of State, challenging certain provisions in the recently enacted election integrity bill: SB1. The DOJ claims the law violates Section 208 of the Voting Rights Act and Section 101 of the Civil Rights Act. The RNC, NRCC, NRSC, and Dallas and Harris County Republican Parties moved to intervene in the DOJ suit and others challenging SB1. The court denied the party committees’ motion to intervene, and the party committees promptly appealed the ruling to the 5th Circuit. The U.S. Department of Justice actively opposed the party committees’ intervention. On March 25, the 5th Circuit ruled that the Republican committees were entitled to intervention as of right and ordered the district court to grant intervention to the committees. The RNC and other party committees re-filed for intervention, which was granted by the district court on May 13. On May 24, the court denied the plaintiffs’ motion to dismiss.
The 5th Circuit, in two similar cases challenging various provisions of the Texas election code, directed the lower court to dismiss the Secretary of State from the case because he was not a proper defendant.
Vermont
In September, the RNC sued the cities of Montpelier and Winooski over their new town charters that allow non-citizens to vote in their municipal elections. The lawsuit also raises important concerns about how the laws will be implemented and whether non-citizens will end up on the same voter registration lists used for state-level and federal elections. The RNC is joined in the suit by the Vermont Republican Party and several concerned Vermont voters. A hearing on the motion to dismiss in the Montpelier litigation was held on March 31. On April 1, the Montpelier court granted the defendants’ motion to dismiss , finding the plaintiffs have standing, but under its interpretation of Vermont Supreme Court precedent, was required to dismiss the case. The RNC and other plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal on April 29. The hearing on the motion to dismiss in the Winooski case is set for June 27.
Wisconsin
In Teigen v. WEC, the WI Circuit Court ruled that absentee ballot drop boxes are not permitted under Wisconsin law and ordered the Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) to retract its instructions on the use of drop boxes. WEC appealed the ruling. The court also denied a request to stay the ruling for the February 15 primary while the defendants pursue an appeal. The Court of Appeals granted petition to bypass; thus, the WI Supreme Court will hear argument on the case. The WI Supreme Court denied a stay motion that would have allowed absentee drop boxes through the April 5 election; accordingly, drop boxes located outside of local clerks’ offices will be illegal and no one other than the voter will be allowed to return an absentee ballot. On March 23, the RNC, NRSC, and Republican Party of Wisconsin moved to file an amicus brief in support of Teigen. The WI Supreme Court heard merits arguments on the case on April 13.
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.
Celebrating Those Who Gave All in Defense of Liberty
Sailors at funeral at Arlington Cemetery (courtesy of the US Navy)
America continues to be a beacon of freedom and democracy in the world, but we must never forget the cost of making it so. Every Memorial Day, we recognize that the freedoms we enjoy were secured through the selfless acts of many men and women who willingly laid down their lives to protect and defend our great nation. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee and a veteran, I am honored to work on behalf of our service members and Gold Star families who have sacrificed so much on our behalf.
Blocking the Removal of IRGC as a Foreign Terrorist Organization
American and Iranian Flags (courtesy of Canva)
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism. It is responsible for the deaths of countless innocent people and at least 600 U.S. troops. Earlier this year, it was reported that the Biden administration was considering removing the IRGC from the Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) list as part of its nuclear negotiations with Iran.
I led a letter, joined by 86 of my House colleagues urging the Biden administration to reconsider this dangerous move. I’m pleased to report the Biden administration has abandoned plans to remove the IRGC from the FTO list. Our efforts played a key role in this decision. I will continue to support policies that protect our national security and our allies.
In The News
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Constituent Corner
Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington, D.C. (courtesy of Canva)
Arnaldo from Clermont was having trouble obtaining his records from a local Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital. After several failed attempts to contact the VA, he reached out to our office for assistance. We helped him receive his records. If you need help with a federal agency, please call our Lakeland office at (863) 644-8215 or visit my website at franklin.house.gov .
Do you want updates on my work in Congress?
Follow me Facebook by clicking here or on the image below. This is the best way to stay up to date on news from my office.
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
