FLORIDA - DUNN DISPATCH 03/08/2020

NEWS FROM THE SECOND DISTRICT Dear Friend, Last week, I introduced the Veterans Prostate Cancer Treatment and Research Act. I also spoke to the Florida Peanut Federation at their 4th Annual Banquet. In Washington, D.C. I had great meetings with county officials from the district. The Veteran Affairs Committee held a hearing and I was honored to meet with veteran groups. As we enter into the week ahead, I remain vigilant in monitoring COVID-19 developments. Please read about my week below: Veterans Prostate Cancer Treatment and Research Act  Last week, I introduced the Veterans Prostate Cancer Treatment and Research Act (H.R. 6092). After everything our veterans experience while serving, the last thing they should be faced with is yet another enemy – prostate cancer. The key to overcoming prostate cancer is early detection. Veterans deserve a system that streamlines the pathway from early detection to successful treatment. It also directs the VA to open up opportunities for veterans to participate in the many new promising trials and therapies for advanced disease. This bill is a solid step forward to save fellow veterans lives and defeat this deadly adversary. Florida Peanut Federation Banquet I recently had the pleasure of addressing the Florida Peanut Federation at their 4th Annual Banquet in Lake City. The Florida Peanut Federation does important work to ensure that our peanut farmers can succeed. As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I enjoyed the opportunity to connect with the Florida Peanut Federation and share what we are working on in Washington, D.C. as well as hear about their priorities.   Meeting with County OfficialsLast week, I met with Washington, Gulf and Marion County officials in my Washington, D.C. office. Each county has unique interests and we discussed a variety of topics including disaster recovery funds, infrastructure needs and transportation. I enjoyed meeting with our local commissioners and administrators and I look forward to continuing to work with them.  Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing On Tuesday, the House Veterans Affairs' Health Subcommittee heard from witnesses about the VA’s steps to meet the needs of our aging veteran population. Many of our veterans devoted the prime of their lives to defending our freedoms. It is our duty to ensure that they are taken care of now. Our elder veterans who have disabling conditions require accessible care and resources. For our most vulnerable veterans, that care is provided by caregivers or family members who also require support and resources and it is critical that we provide this. I look forward to continuing to monitor the VA’s progress in further developing long-term care for our veterans and their support systems. Meeting with Veterans of Foreign Wars Last week, I met with Florida members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). As a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee and a veteran myself, it is a special privilege to meet with veterans and hear about legislation that is important to them. We discussed critical legislation, implementation of the MISSION Act, and recovery efforts for VFW posts in our district affected by Hurricane Michael. I always enjoy meeting with our nation's veterans and am deeply gracious for their sacrifice. Coronavirus/COVID-19 Update The Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act (H.R. 6074), which provides $8.3 billion in emergency funding for the U.S. response to COVID-19, passed in the House last Wednesday. I worked closely with the Trump Administration to properly assess this outbreak, and I’m pleased that this bill will provide all funds necessary to appropriately respond. These funds will expedite certification and distribution of diagnostic tests, development of treatments and vaccines, and production of protective medical supplies. This is just one of the actions taken by the Trump administration’s COVID-19 Task Force and reflects the most robust response to an epidemic in history. [Click on the photo above for information on how to keep your family safe] 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  I enjoyed meeting with the Florida Gulf Coast Paralyzed Veterans of America chapter. Thank you for your service to our country. IN THE NEWSVeterans' Health Bill Promotes Comprehensive Prostate Cancer Care Program Goodbye, handshake. Hello, elbow bump? Greets to avoid during the coronavirus outbreak Constituent Casework CornerThe Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) sent all Medicare recipients a new card with the added security feature of only listing their new Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MIB). With pharmacies now only processing prescriptions using a person’s MIB, a constituent was very concerned when they still hadn’t received their card and, after several phone calls with the Social Security Administration (SSA) with no results, they contacted my office. We were able to work with SSA and have the card reissued the same day the inquiry was filed. Do you need help with a federal agency? Contact my office at 850-785-0812 or at www.dunn.house.gov     Washington D.C. Office316 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Tel: (202) 225-5235 Fax: (202) 225-5615 Panama City Office840 W. 11th St. Suite 2250 Panama City, FL 32401 Tel: (850) 785-0812