NEWS FROM THE SECOND DISTRICT
Dear Friend,
This week, I was proud to see my bill "Supporting Veterans in STEM Careers Act" pass in the House and head to the President's desk. This legislation will offer much deserved employment and educational opportunities in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields for our veterans. I was also privileged to join fellow Florida Representatives to discuss human trafficking as Florida prepares to host the Super Bowl. I remain deeply opposed to House Democrats' efforts this week to undermine President Trump and his authority as our Constitutional Commander-in-Chief. I am vigilantly following developments on the Coronavirus and the steps we can take to better protect our citizens. And finally, I am excited to share news of the President's signing of the United States-Mexico-Canada agreement and the prosperity it will bring our nation.
Please read about my week below:Veterans STEM Bill
 This week, my legislation to help veterans build STEM careers passed the House of Representatives. The “Supporting Veterans in STEM Careers Act,” directs the National Science Foundation to develop a veterans’ outreach plan and publish data on veterans’ participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields in its annual “Indicators” report. The bill also updates the NSF Noyce Teacher Scholarship program, fellowship programs, and cyber grant programs to include outreach to veterans. Our service members should have every opportunity to succeed when they transition to civilian life. This important legislation ensures our government goes above and beyond to bring STEM career opportunities to our veterans. By increasing education and having veterans fill these 21st century jobs, we help keep our promise to those who serve and also maintain America’s competitive edge as a global technology leader.
Click the photo to view my full remarks. Florida Delegation Meeting on Human Trafficking
 Last Wednesday, I gathered with fellow members of the Florida Delegation to discuss human trafficking. As January was National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention month and as South Florida prepares to host the Super Bowl (where we see spikes in human trafficking cases), we received the benefit of hearing from panelists on how to fight this form of modern slavery. Florida is third in the United States for human trafficking reports and it is critical to understand the ways in which human trafficking occurs, methods to identify victims, and measures to support law enforcement and other industries and organizations who are committed to eradicating this egregious crime. I look forward to working with my colleagues to learn more about this increasingly prominent issue in the United States and in the communities that we call home.
Repeal of the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Terrorists (AUMF)
Last weekend, the United States Embassy in Iraq was attacked by mortar fire from Iranian backed militias, and on Friday House Democrats voted to remove President Trump’s ability to respond to such attacks. House Democrats are being complete hypocrites. While professing their concerns over national security, they want to strip our President’s and military’s ability to protect our nation and embassies against terrorists who are intent on killing Americans at every opportunity. There’s a reason the Constitution grants this authority to the President and not Congress. Democrats have proven the wisdom of that decision. This vote marks a new low for House Democrats regarding the safety of our service members and diplomats overseas.
United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement
 Last week, President Trump signed the United States-Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA) into law. The USMCA is a win for all American workers and brings balance, fairness, and modernization to our trade relationship with these nations. The USMCA is important to the state of Florida as we export $7.1 billions of dollars worth of goods to Mexico and Canada. It will simplify trade for our small businesses and improve labor conditions. It is an especially great win for our agriculture sector, as farmers will have greater access to exporting to these markets. In fact, with the USMCA signed into law, we expect American agricultural exports to increase by $2.2 billion. In addition,The Economic Council has estimated that the USMCA will add 1.2% to the 2020 U.S. GDP. I thank President Trump for promoting and signing this agreement and look forward to the economic growth and prosperity we will see as a result.
CoronavirusAs concern regarding the coronavirus grows, Members of Congress received an extensive brief last week by Directors at the Center for Disease Control, National Institute of Heath, Health and Human Services, Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security. We learned that the Coronavirus (2019-nCoV), has a shorter incubation period than first reported, which greatly enhances the possibility of stopping this disease by screening, early diagnosis, and diligent routine public health measures. Currently, we have specific 2019-nVoC medical screening at 20 U.S. entry points. The CDC & Border Patrol/TSA is already performing targeted screening on over 20,000 people a day coming into U.S. airports and ports.
In addition, the CDC is working diligently on a rapid point-of-care diagnostic capability that can be widely disseminated. They hope to have that developed in two weeks and disseminated shortly thereafter. The CDC also supports and participates in the mission of local public health clinics. The public health clinics are critical to point of care in general when faced with epidemics. We also enjoy assistance from multiple medically sophisticated nations actively screening all travels to/from China. These nations include Singapore, Australia, EU, UK, Canada, South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan to name a few. Four of the five cases thus far diagnosed in America were in persons who had personally travelled to Wuhan, China and were diagnosed by astute community physicians. It is worth saying, the American medical system works.
Our agencies on the front line of defense against any epidemic are proactive, diligent, and collaborative to ensure that Americans are kept safe and informed. The latest news and recommendations by the CDC can be found by visiting their website here or by calling 800-232-4636.
MOBILE OFFICE HOURS Members of my district staff will be hosting Mobile Office Hours in Marion County on Wednesday, February 5th. I encourage you to stop by to see how my office might be able to help you.Thank you for your continued energy and enthusiasm, as reflected in your letters and Facebook posts. If you haven’t already, LIKE my Facebook page. You can also follow me on Twitter @DrNealDunnFL2.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you in Congress!
Sincerely,
Dr. Neal Dunn
Member of Congress
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IN THE NEWS
Delayed 2019 Tax Forms?Are you missing critical forms needed to file and claim your tax refunds? The Internal revenue Service (IRS) is currently revising a number of forms to comply with recently enacted legislation. They will make them ready as soon as possible. Online versions of the forms will be available sooner and can be accessed on the IRS website by clicking here.
Constituent Casework Corner
After a Social Security Administration (SSA) error suspended the monthly benefits of their elderly parent in May of 2019 and the financial situation became dire, with the parent at risk of losing their home, my office was contacted. We were able to work with SSA to have the error corrected, the monthly benefits reinstated, and the retroactive benefits released within two weeks of being contacted.
Do you need help with a federal agency? Contact my office at 850-785-0812 or at www.dunn.house.gov
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