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.

STRENGTHENING VETERAN SERVICES & EMPLOYMENT PROTECTIONS

Congress must ensure those who served our nation receive high-quality VA services that put them and their families—not bureaucracy—first. They’ve earned and deserve nothing less. That's why I voted for H.R. 8371, the Dole Act, a vets-first package of 12 major initiatives to improve VA services, expand healthcare options, increase education opportunities and streamlining the benefits and claims process.

My bipartisan bill, H.R. 3943, the Servicemember Employment Protection Act, was also included. This measure ensures Reservists and Guardsmen returning from active duty are protected from discrimination or disadvantage in their civilian careers. 

Click here to learn more about the H.R. 8371. Click here to learn more about the H.R. 3943.

DISASTER TAX RELIEF FOR HURRICANES HELENE AND MILTON

Hurricanes Helene and Milton devastated communities across Florida and the Southeast, causing billions  in disaster-related expenses. Congress must help provide immediate relief to recovering families. That's why I cosponsored H.R. 10203, the Hurricane Milton and Helene Tax Relief Act, which:

• -Increases the charitable deduction cap for donations made toward relief efforts from 60% to 100% of adjusted gross income (AGI);
  -Allows taxpayers eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to use their 2023 income as the basis for their 2024 tax filings;
  -Increases the maximum penalty-free withdrawal limit from retirement accounts for disaster-related expenses from $22,000 to $100,000; and
  -Eliminates the 10% AGI threshold requirement for claiming casualty loss deductions.

This bill would complement H.R.5863, the tax relief bill I cosponsored last year to help those affected by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole. It passed the House in May 2024 and still awaits Senate action. Click here to learn more.

HOLDING FEMA ACCOUNTABLE

Central Floridians were horrified to learn a now-fired FEMA supervisor in FL-18's Highlands County instructed relief workers to skip homes with Trump signs while canvassing post-Hurricane Milton. This is unacceptable. It's FEMA's duty to serve all Americans regardless of political affiliation. I joined my colleagues to demand answers from FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and ensure all those responsible are held accountable.  Click here to learn more.

Test Your Knowledge #CivicsWithScott!

What is the primary way to end a filibuster?

A. 3/5 vote of those present in the Senate.
B. 2/3 vote of those present in both the House and the Senate.
C. 3/4 vote of those present in both the House and the Senate.
D. Majority vote of those present in the Senate. 

Last Week's Question

Which states have the fewest Members of Congress?

A. North Dakota, South Dakota, Alaska
B. Rhode Island and Hawaii
C. Alaska, Delaware, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont - Correct answer
D. Delaware and Hawaii

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