Plot Summary:To push through the America Works bill, Frank searches for legal provisions to support it, attempting to use the 'emergency' definition in the Stafford Act to fund the bill. Although Frank believes unemployment causes social instability and threatens corporate health, which he deems 'emergencies,' his lawyers are skeptical. Frank can't afford to wait; with the bill stalled in Congress, he decides to pilot it in Washington D.C., hoping that once the public sees its benefits, Congress will yield to public pressure. Chief Barney Hall, who secretly assisted Frank during the Peter Russo incident, has been promoted to D.C. Mayor. Mayor Hall also wants to boost employment for his re-election campaign and is willing to support America Works. They agree to set up tents on Capitol Hill on Independence Day for the unemployed to register, making sure the entire nation sees how many people need work. With Mayor Hall's support, the next step is to secure funds for employment subsidies. Frank personally visits the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), demanding the use of disaster relief funds under the Stafford Act. The FEMA director believes hurricane season is approaching and the funds should be reserved for hurricane disaster defense, arguing that waiting for congressional appropriations would be too late. Frank ignores this, forcibly transferring the relief funds. Dunbar is campaigning with speeches across the country. To boost her reputation, she arranges a TV interview with Corrigan's gay husband, who was arrested in Russia, demanding the current administration pressure Russia to release Corrigan. The entire process criticizes the Frank-led U.S. government for avoiding the issue, indeed winning Dunbar many votes. To counter Dunbar's attacks, Frank plans to control public opinion by piloting America Works in D.C. Frank also decides to have Jackie run for election, initially opposing him and America Works to siphon off some of Dunbar's votes, then changing her stance to join Frank's campaign. Frank aims to create an impression that Jackie is moved by the success of America Works and switches allegiance. House of Cards Season 3 Episode 5 TVmao. Mayor Hall begins executing Frank's plan with fanfare, declaring a state of emergency in Washington and requesting billions from FEMA to put the unemployed back to work. Frank simultaneously announces at a White House press conference that the unemployed can register for jobs in D.C., guaranteeing employment. Claire's peacekeeping resolution, however, faces a setback. Israel temporarily changes its mind due to Russia's threat to sell weapons to Iran, forcing a delay in the vote on the resolution. Seth dismisses Telegraph reporter Ayla, only to attract a more formidable figure: Ayla's mentor, Kate Baldwin. Kate quickly receives information from disgruntled cabinet members about Frank's actions: to control FEMA, he fired the dissenting Homeland Security Secretary and learned from FEMA that Frank forcibly diverted disaster relief funds for employment subsidies, disregarding the potential massive losses and casualties from an impending hurricane. The publication of these two headline stories infuriates Frank. If Dunbar exploits these bombshells, it would be a significant blow to Frank. To regain control of the narrative, Frank must intensify his promotion of America Works. Without enough money for advertising, he decides to find a famous writer to write a book for him, indirectly promoting America Works. Dunbar doesn't want her campaign strategy to fail at the starting line, so she seeks out Doug. Doug senses Dunbar's lingering suspicion and, to prove his competence, recommends Joe, an excellent but controversial foreign policy expert. Joe analyzes the Middle East situation, pointing out that the peacekeeping force resolution and the arrest of American Corrigan are related events. He advises patience: if Frank wins this gamble, he will be famous forever; if he loses, he can be accused of using dangerous diplomatic means and appointing an inexperienced wife, which would be his downfall. Joe's insights greatly benefit Dunbar. House of Cards Season 3 Episode 5 TVmao. Claire attempts to lobby the Russian Ambassador to the UN to stop selling weapons to Iran, but the ambassador is an experienced diplomat with accurate situational judgment, making Claire clearly no match. Frank's diversion of disaster relief funds draws joint opposition from both parties in Congress. In the Oval Office, Frank meets with Democratic leader Burch and Republican leader Mendoza. He offers concessions on the relief funds, but on the condition that America Works proceeds to a congressional vote. This condition is unacceptable to both parties, and the President formally declares war on Congress. Meanwhile, Claire needs Frank's support to send troops to the Jordan Valley to win over Israel. Frank decides to bypass Congress and use an executive order to deploy troops. Since the gloves are off, a few more scratches won't matter. With U.S. troops deployed, Israel will stand with the U.S. in supporting the peacekeeping resolution, a crucial bargaining chip with Russia. Russia is compelled to invite the U.S. President for a return visit and promises to release Corrigan during the visit. Doug approaches Dunbar. By now, Dunbar is thoroughly impressed with Doug's abilities. Doug presents a doctor's diary, detailing multiple abortions by Claire, not just the one she publicly admitted to on TV. After Dunbar reviews it, Doug retrieves the diary. Dunbar now has a trump card against Frank. Frank invites author Thomas to the White House, explaining his desire for a book about a poor young man's journey to the pinnacle of success through hard work, with Frank himself as the prototype. Thomas recognizes this as political propaganda and, not specializing in such articles, agrees to write it in his own way, free from interference. On Capitol Hill, FEMA sets up recruitment tents, with long lines of job seekers queuing day and night. Amidst the Independence Day fireworks, everyone seems to glimpse a new hope.