NEWS FROM THE SECOND DISTRICT
Dear Friend,Last week, I shared that I tested positive for COVID-19. I am grateful to report that I am well and like you, am continuing to follow the CDC's guidelines. As we navigate this time together, we have learned more about the virus and what will be needed to slow its spread. President Trump has deployed the greatest minds and resources for fighting this virus and aiding our economy. Congress has passed laws to the same effect, including measures like the Paycheck Protection Program, which is in dire need of additional funds. I discuss this futher and provide additional information below. I look forward to keeping you updated on COVID-19 in weeks to come and I emphasize a message of hope: we will overcome this pandemic, together.
Please read about my week below:
Joining Fox & Friends
 Last week, I joined Fox & Friends and discussed COVID-19 in our state. It is important to note that while there was a spike in cases, our mitigation strategies are working and the number of new cases decreases daily. Robust and accessible testing will be critical as we progress. I am incredibly grateful for my own recovery from COVID-19 and am encouraged by the increasing amount of information we have on this virus and how it behaves.Here's What We're Doing:
 Our doctors, nurses and healthcare workers stand on the front lines of our fight against COVID-19 every day. We are seeing hospitals inundated with patients, shortages of major resources for healthcare providers, and sickness among our healthcare workers themselves. It is critical to provide our healthcare system and every individual involved with administering patient care the support they need and the foresight to anticipate what they will require in weeks to come. As a doctor myself, I take personal interest in what is being done for my fellow healthcare providers. Below, please find a few ways our healthcare system is being supported during this time.
• CARES Act Provider Relief Fund
$100 billion was allocated to hospitals and providers through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act Provider Relief Fund. $30 billion of this was immediately distributed to eligible providers, allowing for quick relief and the ability for hospitals to continue operating. In Florida, 21,808 providers and systems benefitted from these funds. The remaining $70 billion will be used for areas in particular need.
• Expansion of Accelerated & Advanced Payments ProgramThe Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services (CMS) expanded their Accelerated & Advanced Payments Program to additional Medicare providers and suppliers. The program operates by providing funds for healthcare providers while a Medicaid or Medicare claim is processing. This lessens the financial burden on healthcare providers and allows them to focus on patient care.
• FDA - Decontaminating N95 RespiratorsThe FDA recently issued a second "Emergency Use Authorization" for a sterilization system for N95 respirators. Hospitals will now be able to reuse N95 respirators after they undergo a specific sterilization cycle, to ease the burden of shortages.
• FCC - COVID-19 Telehealth Program As part of the CARES Act, $200 million will fund the Federal Communication Commission (FCC)'s COVID-19 Telehealth Program. These funds will be used to purchase telehealth supplies, broadband connectivity, and additional needs. This allows healthcare providers to connect with their patients virtually and keeps hospital beds open for the most critically ill.
Thank you to all those who are caring for our COVID-19 patients and working to mitigate the spread of this virus.
Thank You, Lineworkers!
 Last week, we recognized National Lineman Appreciation Day. Time and time again our lineworkers have come to our rescue. After Hurricane Michael hit our district, they worked incredibly hard to get our communities back up and running.They deserve our sincere thanks and recognition. Paycheck Protection ProgramWhen the CARES Act was passed last month, I was optimistic that Congress was going to put Americans first during this difficult and unprecedented time and commit to save our small businesses with the Paycheck Protection Program. This program has allowed small businesses to apply for loans and continue providing payroll to their employees - we now need additional funding for this program. Unfortunately, Speaker Pelosi and Senator Schumer are more concerned about funding government programs that are already funded rather than renewing a vital lifeline for our nation’s small businesses. I find it alarming that some of my peers are holding hostage essential funding that has now run dry. Now is not the time to play politics. We must put the well-being of this nation first.What Can You Do? As we continue fighting COVID-19, it is important to continue practices such as social distancing and wearing masks in public, and it is also critical to incorporate new ways of combating this illness. Click on the photo above to read the Food & Drug Administration (FDA)'s updated list of what you can be doing to fight this pandemic.
Some of these measures include:
• Reporting fraudulent COVID-19 tests, vaccines and
treatments
• Donating blood (Donor centers are low and/or have
reduced operations)
• Donating plasma (If you have recovered from COVID-19,
this could help save future COVID-19 patients)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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Constituent Casework CornerMy office has seen an increase in the number of requests for assistance with having tax refunds released from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Based on the number of Americans currently facing a financial hardship, I recommend calling my office to discuss the documentation you will need to provide my office for assistance before we can contact the IRS on your behalf.
Economic Impact PaymentsIf you would like to check on the status of your Economic Impact Payment, click here. The IRS just introduced the Get My Payment program, which allows you to track your payment and provide your bank account information if needed.
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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