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.

ENSURING SERVICES FOR AMERICANS

Last week, I supported the FY25 continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government open, safeguarding taxpayer dollars and protecting critical services for Americans without partisan “poison pills.” This spending measure saves taxpayers $13 billion, while also boosting defense by $6 billion and delivering the largest pay raise for junior enlisted troops in 40 years. It fully funds veterans’ healthcare, supports federal firefighters, enhances air traffic control and preserves essential programs like Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance for Women, Infants, and Children, or WIC. I’m glad House and Senate Republicans united to prevent a shutdown and keep the focus on advancing President Trump’s America First priorities.

CRACKING DOWN ON COVID FRAUD

Five years after COVID-19, the federal government is still working to hold fraudsters accountable and recover taxpayer dollars. While CARES Act unemployment programs provided critical relief, weak verification systems allowed scammers to steal an estimated $100 billion to $135 billion—yet only $5 billion has been recovered. Fraudsters exploited these programs through fake claims, misused PPP loans, counterfeit PPE sales and phishing schemes targeting vulnerable groups. That’s why I voted for H.R. 1156, the Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act. This bill strengthens fraud detection, enhances coordination between the Department of Labor, state agencies, and law enforcement and extends the statute of limitations to ten years to ensure bad actors are held accountable. The bill passed the House 295-127 and now awaits Senate action. Click here to learn more.

ESTABLISHING NATIONAL OSCEOLA TURKEY DAY

The Osceola turkey is a special part of Florida’s natural heritage. As one of five wild turkey subspecies in North America, it stands out with its distinct black wings accented by small white bands and dark, brown-tipped tail feathers. Named after Chief Osceola, a prominent Seminole leader of the 19th century, this unique bird thrives in Florida’s cattle pastures, orange groves, oak hammocks and swamplands. With only 100,000 Osceola turkeys left, it’s crucial to ensure their survival. That’s why I reintroduced a resolution to designate March 15th as National Osceola Turkey Day to celebrate this remarkable species, protect Florida’s wildlife and preserve our hunting traditions for generations to come. Click here to learn more.

REMINDER: CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION

Calling all high school artists in FL-18! Submissions for the 2025 Congressional Art Competition are due on Friday, April 11th by 5PM. This year’s theme is “Florida’s Native Wildlife" to celebrate the rich diversity of animals that call the Sunshine State home. As Co-Chair for this year’s competition, I encourage all eligible students to participate. I look forward to seeing the inspiring artwork that will soon adorn the People’s House. To learn more about this year's theme and requirements, click here.

Test Your Knowledge #CivicsWithScott!

What year did women in the United States earn the right to vote?

A. 1920
B. 1917
C. 1776
D. 1965

Last Week's Question

Chairs for congressional committees are generally chosen based on:

A. Standing
B. Region
C. Popularity
D. Seniority - Correct answer

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