NEWS FROM THE SECOND DISTRICT
Dear Friend,
The Trump Administration continues to demonstrate its commitment to fighting the Coronavirus on all fronts. Last week we recognized National Police Week and the great bravery and commitment of our law enforcement officers. While in the district, I was honored to visit and thank local police officers for keeping our communities safe. I also worked with my colleagues on the House Agriculture and Veterans Affairs committees to serve the farmers, ranchers, foresters, and veterans suffering from the economic shutdown.
While the Trump Administration fights to end this pandemic, help our small business owners, and protect the most vulnerable populations, Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats exploited this public health emergency for purely partisan politics. I traveled to Washington, D.C. at the end of the week and voted against the HEROES Act. This was a $3 trillion spending spree written behind closed doors by Speaker Pelosi and her staff with zero input from Republicans and almost no input from other members of her own party. It contained Speaker Pelosi's far-left wish-list items completely unrelated to the COVID-19 relief measures that our country desperately needs.
I voted no on her “HEROES” Act and also on H. Res. 965, a much more insidious and dangerous bill designed to let Ms. Pelosi control the entire operations of the House including committees, subcommittees, quorum counts, and floor votes in the U.S. House of Representatives via proxy. At first glance, this may seem like a potential way to mitigate the infection risk of Congress congregating. It is not! Voting by proxy disrupts the fundamental functions of the House, and many, perhaps most, Americans would not be properly represented. This is clearly not the Founders' intent. I am disappointed that House Democrats supported Ms. Pelosi in this grave change to the fundamental functions of our House of Representatives and chose party over country. I remain confident that we will beat this pandemic, return America to the world’s leading economy, and deliver the relief that our nation requires.
Please read about my week below:
Coronavirus UpdatesSpeaker Pelosi's Partisan Wish-ListThe House went into session last Friday to vote on what House Democrats tried to pass off as a noble Coronavirus relief package. However, Speaker Pelosi crafted this 1,800 page bill without any input from the vast majority of the members of the House from either party. Instead of targeting areas harmed by the pandemic and the quarantine to truly fight these problems and help struggling Americans families, she proposed funding every liberal policy on the Democrats' traditional agenda. She knows this bill will not pass in the Senate and is a complete waste of taxpayers’ money and time intended solely for partisan messaging for the election in November.Speaker Pelosi also seized on a plan to expand her power by imposing a proxy voting system supposedly to make the operations of the House “safer from the virus.” She rammed through a rule change in the House – requiring no vote in the Senate – that gives her office the ability to conduct remote committee, subcommittee, and general business of the House of Representatives, including quorum calls, by simple proxy vote of the majority. The result of this move is to centralize enormous power in the hands of the Speaker.This is a sweeping change to the most fundamental functions of the legislative branch of the Federal Government. This is easily the most far-reaching change to our government since the secession of the Southern states in 1860 and that change ended badly. It severely infringes on the minority's ability to represent their constituents or to be heard in any way at all. I believe the American people are tired of partisan politics, and especially tired of foul trickery intended to misinform and disenfranchise them. They want relief from their economic suffering now, and they want their voices to be heard. Please click here to watch my video on Speaker Pelosi's bills.
Recent Updates
- The Trump Administration is leading a robust effort to enlarge and strengthen our testing capabilities by:
- sending $11 billion to states and territories to meet
testing needs as outlined by their governors
- funding the NIH's RADx Program, a "Shark Tank for
Testing" with $25 billion, the largest and busiest
Angel investment fund in the world, attracting a
huge response from great minds all over the world
- working with retail stores and local pharmacies to
increase testing access, and
- ensuring that manufacturing companies are
producing enough testing supplies.
- The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) issued 92 emergency use authorizations (EUAs) for testing allowing Americans more access to tests and faster results.
- The CDC shared specific guidance for restaurant owners who are deciding how to safely reopen businesses.
- The SBA released detailed instructions for small businesses owners how to access and use a PPP loan. Individuals may use the Capital Access Financial System (CAFS) to research their loan file.
- Health and Humans Services (HHS) provided $15 million for 5 different health workforce programs to educate providers on how to expand tele-health capabilities.
My Week in the DistrictLetter to Elon Musk
Last week, I sent a letter to Elon Musk encouraging him to consider moving Tesla operations to FL-02. The Governor of California is reopening parts of his state, but ordered Tesla's Fremont factory to remain closed. Our state and district welcome innovators and recognize the value that an organization like Tesla brings. We have much to offer Tesla in return as well.
Celebrating National Police Week
.jpg "Law_Enforcement_Week_Photo_(1).jpg")
National Police Week recognizes the sacrifices our law enforcement officers make to protect and serve our community every single day. Our police officers put themselves in harm's way to ensure our security. They work to prevent crime and equip us with the knowledge required to maintain our own vigilance and safety. We owe them our sincere thanks. Last week, I traveled to several local law enforcement offices to express my appreciation for the many ways they keep us safe.
Committee UpdatesHouse Agriculture Committee
Republican members of the House Agriculture Committee recently hosted a conference call. We discussed China and their culpability in, and response to, the COVID-19 crisis. It is abundantly clear that they behaved irresponsibly and that America along with the rest of the free world has become far too dependent upon supply chains that run through China. While we are not yet able to conduct committee business in person, I appreciate the opportunity to have these critical discussions with my colleagues so that we may continue working for you.
Last week I joined Rep. Buddy Carter (GA-02) and several other colleagues in sending a letter to leadership. We requested the inclusion of the Forest Recovery Act in future COVID-19 recovery legislation. Hurricane Michael caused significant losses to our forest communities. The economic downturn caused by the Coronavirus has exacerbated this. Current law provides no means to recover the value of destroyed timber. The Forest Recovery Act would help our communities by allowing landowners to deduct the fair market value of timber destroyed by natural disasters.
House Veterans Affairs CommitteeMembers of the House Veterans Affairs Committee participated in our weekly conference call with Secretary Wilkie to discuss what the VA is doing to care for our veterans, as well as how the committee can assist. The entire VA Health system came through this pandemic with flying colors and we should all celebrate their excellent response. As a reminder, May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Many of our veterans suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or experience other negative effects on their mental health. It is important that we understand and support those who are forever changed by the roles they assumed in combat to protect our freedom. If you are the friend or family member of a veteran who is suffering, visit the Veteran Crisis Line website. You may also visit the Department of Veterans Affairs' page for Help for Veterans.
Good News in FL-02Spreading Kindness at Haven Hospice
Last week, I was pleased to hear that women in Mayo, FL are sewing and embroidering face masks for the Haven Hospice Community. Haven serves several counties, including our constituents in the Suwannee Valley. The women sewing these masks partnered with a local graphic company, A3 Graphics, to embroider "Haven Strong" logos on the masks. Our friends in Mayo are working around the clock to provide face masks to Haven's volunteers and community partners. Haven volunteers have coupled these masks with homemade cards for Haven patients. When times are hard, our community only grows closer and it is a privilege to witness.
Click here to read the full article from the Lake City Reporter.Thank you for your continued energy and optimism, as reflected in your letters and Facebook posts. I have been approached by innumerable people who told me that the PPP and other facets of the CARES Act saved their businesses. Thank you for your input and please keep my office informed of your experiences, both good and bad, with government in these unprecedented times. 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
|
 Last Friday, Tyndall Air Force Base conducted a flyover with two T38 Talons, one F22 Raptor and one F35 Lightning to honor our essential workers.
Moody AFB also conducted a flyover over Tallahassee to honor healthcare workers.
IN THE NEWS
Constituent Casework Corner
With the Social Security Administration offices closed to the public because of the COVID-19 pandemic, a constituent who needed to enroll in Medicare was incredibly concerned when they couldn’t reach anyone on the phone after trying for over two weeks. After contacting my office, the constituent received a call the same day and had a phone appointment scheduled for the following week.
Do you need help with a federal agency? Contact my office at 850-785-0812 or at www.dunn.house.gov
|
No comments:
Post a Comment