The Ready Room

Dear 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.

Keep reading below for more updates:

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DELIVERING RESULTS: TURNING DEFENSE AND NATIONAL SECURITY REFORMS INTO LAW

This week, we conclude our special series on Trump executive actions that congressional Republicans have turned into law, turning promises into permanent policy. Our final focus shifts from restoring education to rebuilding America’s military strength and safeguarding our nation’s security.

Since the start of this Congress, we’ve delivered key reforms that reinforce our defense posture and protect the homeland. Through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), these executive actions are now enshrined in law, ensuring America's defense policies remain strong and enduring.

Defense & National Security executive actions now codified include:

Iron Dome for America – Establishes a next-generation missile defense shield to deter aerial threats and keep Americans safe;
Unleashing American Drone Dominance – Strengthens U.S. leadership in unmanned systems by cutting red tape and prioritizing American-made drones;
Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance – Rebuilds shipbuilding capacity, secures sea lanes and revitalizes our maritime industrial base; and
Clarifying the Military’s Role in Protecting the Territorial Integrity of the United States – Directs U.S. Northern Command to defend America’s sovereignty and territorial integrity against transnational threats.

These reforms reflect the central principle guiding American defense policy that peace is secured through strength. By investing in missile defense, drone technology and maritime capacity, we are securing American lives and American leadership.

Thank you for following along as we highlighted the key Trump executive actions that Congress has now locked into law with lasting results across energy, government efficiency, education, national security and more.

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ENCOURAGING SERVICE AND SUCCESS AT POLK COUNTY'S COLLEGE & CAREER FAIR

It was great to see more than 1,500 students attend the Polk County School Board’s College & Career Fair. The event brought together students from across the region with representatives from top institutions, including the United States Military Academy at West Point, the Air Force Academy and the Naval Academy. It was inspiring to see young Floridians explore opportunities for higher education and military service. As a Naval Academy graduate, I’m proud to see our next generation considering the call to serve our country.

For students interested in applying for a service academy nomination, applications are due by October 3, 2025, at 5:00 PM. They must be submitted through our office. Click here for the application.

THE 2025 CONGRESSIONAL APP CHALLENGE IS NOW OPEN

My office is now accepting submissions for the 2025 Congressional App Challenge. This nationwide competition gives middle and high school students the chance to showcase their creativity in STEM. It is a great opportunity for students to explore app development, gain coding experience and highlight their talents on a national stage.

The deadline to submit is October 30, 2025, at 12:00 PM. Students can register and start coding here. For more information, visit CongressionalAppChallenge.us or contact our district office at (863) 644-8215.

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

Who has the authority to recognize members to speak on the House floor during debate?

A. The Majority Leader
B. The Speaker of the House
C. The Clerk of the House
D. The Rules Committee Chair

Last week's question:

How many regular appropriations bills does Congress pass each year to fund the government?

A. 12 - Correct answer
B. 10
C. 6
D. 15

Please take a moment to complete my latest constituent survey here. Your feedback helps me better represent you. For more information or to sign up for my e-newsletter, please visit my website at franklin.house.gov.

Best regards,

Scott Franklin
Member of Congress

DELIVERING RESULTS: TURNING DEFENSE AND NATIONAL SECURITY REFORMS INTO LAW

ENCOURAGING SERVICE AND SUCCESS AT POLK COUNTY'S COLLEGE & CAREER FAIR

THE 2025 CONGRESSIONAL APP CHALLENGE IS NOW OPEN

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