NEWS FROM THE SECOND DISTRICT
Dear Friend,
Last week, I returned to Washington, D.C. for legislative business. Americans across the country are getting back to work and our frontline workers have sacrificed their time and health through the duration of this pandemic. Over 70 House Democrats voted by proxy last week instead of returning to Washington to represent their constituents. There are several measures that we can employ to operate safely. The House has already instituted moderated floor procedures which allow only a certain number of members on the House Floor at a given time.
With rapid testing and an adequate stock of medications and supplies, there is no reason that the people's House cannot return to work. I will continue working with my colleagues on the issues that are most important to my constituents as well as urge the Speaker and House Democrats to allow for in-person legislative business.
Please read about my week below:
Coronavirus UpdatesRecent Updates
- The CDC recently released guidance for faith communities who are reopening. The federal government cannot mandate any standards, but simply asks our faith communities to consider implementing these guidelines as we continue mitigating the spread of COVID-19.
- HHS will issue $4.9 billion in relief funds for nursing homes. Nursing home residents are highly susceptible to serious health complications as a result of contracting COVID-19. President Trump and Congress have provided critical support and these additional funds will further aid nursing homes who have lost revenue or have significant expenses.
- The FDA announced that it will provide a SARS-CoV-2 "reference panel" for evaluating diagnostic tests for COVID-19. Reference panels are "panels" of tests that are used to identify certain antibodies. They serve as "performance validation steps" to ensure that we identify poorly performing diagnostic tests and develop accurate tests for infectious diseases. As a medical doctor, I am incredibly excited about this development.
Information on Serology Testing Serology testing refers to testing for COVID-19 antibodies. If you have been exposed to COVID-19, your body produces a circulating protein called antibodies as part of your immune response. It may take days to weeks from exposure to develop these antibodies, but they can indicate significant immunity to the virus. Many rumors have circulated about “reinfection” and “poor immunity” to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This is misinformation! There is no scientific literature confirming this and the sources that are in the blogosphere are highly suspect both in terms of science and intention. Due to funding from the CARES Act, antibody tests are available at no cost to all individuals regardless of coverage status. There are a few options available for testing. Ask your physician about LabCorp IgG (Immunoglobulin G) testing or Quest Diagnostics IgG testing. You may also find out if you have antibodies by donating blood through OneBlood. Visit their website here.
My Week in the District & Washington, D.C.
Florida Faith and Freedom CoalitionThe Florida Faith and Freedom Coalition recently hosted a conference call and discussed the state of our faith communities. I enjoyed hearing remarks by the incoming Florida House Speaker Chris Sprowls and the National Faith & Freedom Coalition Chairman, Ralph Reed. It was a pleasure to share a few points myself. Namely, the Trump Administration is doing great work to protect First Amendment rights. I am proud to support the President as he champions the First Amendment and our faith communities. Many thanks to Dr. Eric Criss, Chairman of the Florida Faith and Freedom Coalition for having me join.
Pelosi's Proxy Voting Scheme
Last week, House members returned to Washington, D.C. to vote on critical pieces of legislation. The American people are getting back to work and it is well-past time that Congress do the same. H. Res. 965 passed the House earlier this month and allows representatives to vote by proxy. This is NOT about protecting members of Congress from COVID-19. By design, it centralizes power in the Speaker's hands and is an unprecedented change in the way our government functions. Last week, over 70 House Democrats voted by proxy in an effort to make a political statement in support for the Speaker. They failed to represent their constituents in the way our Founders intended.
I joined Republican leadership in filing a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of proxy voting. The House of Representatives has always required that members cast votes on the floor of the Chamber. Historically, the House has worked through the Yellow Fever of 1793, the Civil War, the burning of the Capitol during the War of 1812, the Spanish Flu of 1918 and 9/11. My job is to serve the constituents of FL-02 and I intend to show up to work and do just that.
Click here to view my short video on proxy voting and the Leader's lawsuit against Speaker Pelosi.
Doctors Caucus Letter to Speaker Pelosi
The GOP Doctors Caucus sent the letter below to Speaker Pelosi, emphasizing that with the proper procedures in place, the House of Representatives CAN get back to work for the American people. This was last month - nothing has changed. The American people deserve better.
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Committee UpdatesHouse Veterans Affairs CommitteeLast Thursday, the House passed three Veterans Affairs Committee bills. These bills will increase veterans' cost-of-living adjustment for those who receive disability compensation, authorize the construction of new VA medical facilities and change a law that previously inhibited senior-level VA employees and officers from receiving their full pay. I was happy to see these bills come to the floor and look forward to passing additional legislation that will serve our nations' veterans.
Good News in FL-02Job Growth in Marianna
Catalyst Fabric Solutions in Marianna manufactures textile based products for home furnishing and apparel. The Catalyst Team recently applied for a FDA certification to produce COVID-19 protective gear including masks and gowns. Since April, Catalyst added 125 jobs and expects to hire more as the demand for protective gear increases. These positions include sewers, operators and packers. Catalyst urges anyone interested in a position to seek more information in person at 3595 Industrial Park Drive or through CareerSource Chipola. I am proud of innovative companies in FL-02 like Catalyst who are using their resources to help battle this pandemic as well as create more jobs in our district.
Click here to read the full article in the Jackson County Floridian.
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
Constituent Casework Corner
A single parent filed their tax return in January and still hadn’t received their refund four months later. With the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) call centers not being staffed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the constituent contacted my office when their financial situation became dire. After we contacted the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) and provided the constituent’s documentation to show they met the IRS hardship criteria, the return was processed and the refund issued.
Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday
Last Friday marked the beginning of the disaster preparedness sales tax holiday. Click HERE for a list of what is included.
Hurricane Season Preparation for Business Owners
Hurricane Season begins tomorrow, June 1st. The SBA announced that they will host a webinar on June 9th to prepare businesses owners for severe weather. Click here to register.
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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