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.

MITIGATING THE WILDFIRE CRISIS AND WILDLAND FIREFIGHTER SHORTAGE

As the California wildfires rage on, Congress must act to improve how we predict, prevent and respond to the increasing number of these devastating disasters. Over 117 million acres of our nation’s forests are currently overgrown and fire-prone due to regulatory burdens, increasing the frequency and devastation of forest fires. That's why I voted for H.R. 471, the Fix Our Forests Act, to improve forest health and resiliency, expedite forest management activities on public lands and prioritize treatments in areas of highest risk of wildfire. I’m pleased this bill included two of my initiatives to modernize wildfire management and care for our brave federal firefighters and their families. This passed the House with broad bipartisan support and awaits Senate action. Click here to learn more.

PRIORITIZING BORDER SECURITY AND COMMUNITY SAFETY

Last week, the House voted on final passage of S. 5, the Laken Riley Act, which passed with bipartisan support and now heads to the President’s desk. This underscores Republicans’ commitment to securing the border and putting the safety and security of Americans first. The final version of the bill, amended by the Senate, is stronger and now covers a much broader swath of criminal illegal aliens. It requires the swift detainment and deportation of aliens who assault law enforcement or commit a crime that results in injury or death. We must protect our communities and uphold the rule of law, and this bill is a fantastic start. Click here to learn more.

ROOTING OUT CORRUPT AND POOR-PERFORMING BUREAUCRATS

Poor-performers and bad actors in the federal workforce should be immediately terminated – not allowed to clog the system by hiding behind a drawn-out process that wastes taxpayers’ time and money. Congress must ensure our federal workforce serves with integrity and reflects the highest values of public service. I cosponsored H.R. 687, the MERIT Act, to hold federal employees to a higher standard and make it easier for agency managers to hold workers accountable. Specifically, this bill repeals bureaucratic and time-consuming personnel procedures and streamlines the suspension and removal process. Click here to learn more.

Test Your Knowledge #CivicsWithScott!

In which of its seven articles does the Constitution create Congress?

A. Article 1
B. Article 2
C. Article 3
D. Article 7

Last Week's Question

Who was not present at the Constitutional Convention?

A. Benjamin Franklin
B. Thomas Jefferson - Correct answer
C. James Madison
D. George Washington

It's an honor and privilege to represent you in Congress. Please take a moment to fill out my latest constituent survey here. Your feedback helps me better represent you. 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