Rep. Scott Franklin: The Ready Room – October 20, 2021

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.

Opposing Reckless Spending

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A picture of the outside steps of the U.S. Treasury Department (Courtesy U.S. Treasury Department)

Last Tuesday, Speaker Nancy Pelosi recalled members of Congress to vote on a bill to increase our country’s national debt ceiling. While we do not want to default on debt that we owe, the costly $5 trillion in new spending congressional Democrats are trying to pass threatens the economic prosperity of our nation. I opposed this measure because it puts our country on a dangerous track by spending money we simply do not have. It jeopardizes our fiscal health by forcing our children to pay tomorrow for today’s reckless spending. We must make tough decisions on spending before Congress continues to put our country into further debt.

We Must Restore Accountability in Our Military

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U.S. forces board a Chinook helicopter in Afghanistan (Courtesy U.S. Department of Defense)

As a veteran and member of the House Armed Services Committee, I’m deeply troubled by the lack of accountability across the ranks in our military. The recent withdrawal from Afghanistan was an epic failure and tragically led to the death of 13 service members and countless Afghan civilians. Despite this horrible result, not a single leader at the Pentagon has been held accountable. We need accountability at the top levels of our military. Good order and discipline are critical to combat effectiveness and the safety and well-being of our military. It starts by holding every service member at every rank accountable for their actions. Click here to read more of my thoughts on this issue in my latest op-ed at the Lakeland Ledger.

Thank You, Farmers!

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Various pumpkins and other vegetables are put on display
at Kim’s Cabbage Patch 

Last Tuesday was National Farmers Day, which celebrates the hard-working farmers from across our nation. I’m grateful for the many farmers here in Central Florida who work tirelessly to provide for our country. Whether it is strawberries, citrus, cattle, or many other agricultural products, our farmers have produced a rich agricultural tradition we can all be proud of.

Happy Birthday, U.S. Navy!

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On October 13, 1775, the Continental Congress established a naval force to disrupt British sea power. 246 years later, the U.S. Navy continues to guard the seas and protect U.S. national security interests. As a former Naval Aviator, I am grateful to be part of the Navy’s incredible legacy and I look forward to celebrating many more birthdays to come. Happy birthday to all my fellow sailors!

Test Your Knowledge #CivicsWithScott!  

Which of the following cities did not serve as the Capitol of the United States?

a. Philadelphia

b. New York

c. Annapolis

d. Richmond

 

Last Week’s Question: What is the title given to the longest serving member of the House of Representatives?

a. President Pro Tempore
b. The Elder
c. Dean – Correct Answer
d. General Secretary

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,

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C. Scott Franklin