NEWS FROM THE SECOND DISTRICT
Dear Friend,We are continuing to make great progress in the fight against COVID-19. On Friday, the U.S. Department of Labor reported that the U.S. economy added 1.8 million jobs in July. Additionally, the unemployment rate fell to 10.2%, down from 11.1% in June. This is steady progress. We still have a lot to do to continue rebuilding our economy; however, these numbers show that our hard work is paying off.
This week, President Trump took rebuilding our economy to the next level by signing an executive order that calls on federal agencies to purchase essential drugs and medical supplies in the U.S. For far too long, we’ve relied on our allies and other countries for medical supplies. Americans should not have to fear shortages of critical medicines or other supplies. This executive order will help the U.S. become more independent and will put us one step closer to renewing, restoring, and rebuilding our nation. You can read my full statement here.
Your safety is a top priority, and I will continue to fight for the resources and care you need.
Please read about my week below:
This Week in the DistrictMonday’s Tele Town Hall
Thank you, everyone, for joining my Tele Town Hall on Monday evening. I spoke with several constituents who had excellent questions about rural broadband and veteran benefits. Constituents were also concerned about our economy and how our area will recover from this pandemic. The Paycheck Protection Program was a great start and has helped many; however, recovery is going to take time. If you need assistance with economic impact payments, small business loans, or anything involving a federal agency, please reach out to my team. We want to help you.
Congressman Dunn on Fox & Friends First
This week, I joined Fox & Friends First to talk about Tropical Storm Isaias, Florida’s experience with hurricanes, and the next Coronavirus stimulus package. Thankfully, our area was spared; however, this storm served as a good reminder that we need to be prepared. Watch the full interview here.
Legislative UpdatesVeterans Affairs Committee
The month of August is a good time for Congressional committees to reflect on accomplishments and list additional goals they would like to achieve when Congress convenes in September. While COVID-19 has limited us, here’s a list of what Congress has done for our veterans during this pandemic:
✓ Provided beds, staff, personal protective equipment (PPE), tests, supplies, and other needed support to state, local, and tribal entities in almost every state and territory
✓ Deployed hundreds of doctors, nurses, and others to state-run veterans’ homes and private nursing homes to care for elderly veterans and other vulnerable Americans
✓ Hired over 11,000+ new employees to care for veterans during this emergency
✓ Expanded the availability of telehealth so veterans can continue to receive care while remaining safely at home
✓ Acted to protect GI Bill users whose schools transitioned online or closed
✓ Appropriated almost 20 billion dollars to care for veterans in VA medical facilities and in the community, support veterans who are homeless and/or living in state-run veterans’ homes, provide PPE and other supplies to VA providers on the front lines, and help expand telehealth and telework capabilities within VA.
I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished so far, and I look forward to continuing to fight on behalf of our veterans.
Coronavirus Updates
Recent Updates
- Operation Warp Speed: This week, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Department of Defense reached an agreement with Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson to produce millions of COVID-19 investigational vaccine doses. HHS Secretary Alex Azar said: “With the portfolio of vaccines being assembled for Operation Warp Speed, the Trump Administration is increasing the likelihood that the United States will have at least one safe, effective vaccine by 2021.” Read more here.
- On Friday, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) updated its Coronavirus Treatment Acceleration Program (CTAP) webpage with new metrics and FAQs. As of July 31, 570+ drug development programs are in the planning stages and 270+ trials have been reviewed by the FDA.
- Warning – Several instances have been reported regarding people receiving mysterious seeds in suspicious packaging that they did not order. PLEASE do not plant these seeds. We are still investigating what they are and why they were sent. Report the seed package to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Division of Plant Industry at 1-888-397-1517 or DPIhelpline@FDACS.gov. After reporting the seed package, an inspector from the FDACS Division of Plant Industry will contact seed recipients to schedule a safe, contactless collection of the seeds, packaging, and mailing materials.
- Effective August 17th – The Tyndall 325th Medical Group has announced that it will begin accepting electronic prescriptions for retirees. These prescriptions will have a one-week turnaround time. Read more here.
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 local business had three of its containers detained by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for random inspection. Even after providing CBP the requested documentation, the business was not given a timeframe on how long the inspection process would last. The business owners contacted my office because the vital components in those containers were needed to continue their operations. We were able to work with CBP to have all three containers inspected and released in about two weeks after 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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