NEWS FROM THE SECOND DISTRICT
Dear Friend,
This week, I’ve had time to reflect on past tragedies and how we continuously overcome every trial thrown at us. As many of you know, Friday was the 19th anniversary of September 11th. We’re also a few weeks away from the second anniversary of Hurricane Michael. Both events changed our lives in many ways. However, despite the pain we all felt, we persevered.
That’s what makes me so proud of this country and our district. When tragedy strikes, we unite and we’re unstoppable. This sense of pride is something I’ll take back to Washington, D.C. when the House returns this week for the legislative session.
The people of our district, our veterans, our farmers, our first responders, our teachers, and our families will be at the forefront of my mind as we work to rebuild our great nation. I look forward to working with my peers to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and develop sensible solutions to boost our economy. But most of all, I look forward to representing you and making sure your voice is heard.
Please read about my week below:
This Week in the DistrictCensus 2020: Make It Count
 Did you know that Florida has been undercounted in the Census for the past two cycles?
The Census affects funding for schools, healthcare, block grants, businesses relocating to the area, and representation. We cannot afford to be miscounted this year.
As of the end of August, Florida’s Second Congressional District has a self-response rate of 52.7%. We currently have one of the lowest self-response rates in the state.
Let’s step up our game and make sure we are all counted by September 30th. Fill out your Census here.
Legislative Updates
Veterans Affairs Committee
On Thursday, the House Veterans Affairs Committee held a legislative hearing to examine 31 bills. My bill, HR 6092, was included in the hearing. The Veteran’s Prostate Cancer Research and Treatment Act directs the VA to create a national clinical pathway for prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. Prostate cancer is the #1 cancer diagnosis at the VA and it is vital that these veterans receive the best and most cutting-edge treatment possible.
The VA Serious Mental Illness Act, HR 8108, which I recently introduced with Representative Tom Malinowski (NJ-7) was also included in the hearing. This bill would require the VA to develop new clinical guidelines for severe mental illness.
The other legislation we reviewed focused primarily on mental health care and suicide prevention. I am satisfied with the array of bipartisan proposals examined and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to pass legislation that supports our veterans.
Coronavirus UpdatesOperation Warp Speed
Our nation’s best scientists, doctors, and manufacturers are working around the clock through Operation Warp Speed to develop safe and effective vaccines and treatments for COVID-19 – the key to restoring our way of life and rebuilding our economy.
Over 85 million tests have been performed so far. The good news is that new cases are steadily declining. Since the July 24th peak, the U.S. has seen a more than a 37% decrease in 7-day averages of new cases. Testing turn-around times are also getting faster. Last week, 94% of commercial lab tests were completed within 3 days or less and 98% were completed within 5 days.
Recent Updates
- IRS will mail letters to 9 million Americans who typically don’t file federal income tax returns, that may be eligible for but have not registered to claim an Economic Impact Payment. Recipients are urged to use the “Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info” on IRS.gov by October 15 to receive their payment by the end of the year.
The letter includes eligibility information and how to claim an Economic Impact Payment. Mailings will begin on September 24.
To help address fraud concerns, a copy of the letter is available on IRS.gov. Those unable to access the Non-Filers tool may submit a simplified paper return following the procedures described in the Economic Impact Payment FAQs on IRS.gov.
The registration deadline for non-filers to claim an Economic Impact Payment through the Non-Filers tool is Oct. 15, 2020. People can also wait until next year and claim it as a credit on their 2020 federal income tax return by filing in 2021. Beginning two weeks after they register, people can track the status of their payment using the Get My Payment tool, available only on IRS.gov.
- As part of the U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s effort to protect consumers, the agency issued a warning letter jointly with the Pharmacy Plus, Inc. dba Vital Care Compounder for selling unapproved products with fraudulent COVID-19 claims. The company sells “COVID PACK” and “COVID ‘POSITIVE’ PACK” products with misleading claims that the products can mitigate, prevent, treat, diagnose, or cure COVID-19 in people. There are currently no FDA-approved products to prevent or treat COVID-19. FDA requested that Pharmacy Plus, Inc. dba Vital Care Compounder immediately stop selling these unapproved and unauthorized products. Consumers concerned about COVID-19 should consult with their health care provider.
Recently, southwestern Louisiana and southeastern Texas saw extensive damage from Hurricane Laura. The pain and heartache felt by the people who lost their homes, businesses, and even loved ones is something our area knows all too well. I’m proud of the groups and individuals in our district who stepped up to help these people, just as Louisiana and Texas stepped up to help us following Hurricane Michael. Hutchison Beach Elementary helped put together “comeback coolers” with supplies to help people impacted by Hurricane Laura. Inspired by the generosity they saw following Hurricane Michael, a Tallahassee couple lead a supply run for Hurricane Laura victims as a way of paying it forward. A young man in Cottondale organized a pet food drive for hurricane victims. These are just a few stories of the incredible acts of selflessness we’ve seen throughout the district. Thank you for all that you’ve done and continue to do to help our friends in Louisiana and Texas.
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
After being on oxygen for years, a constituent no longer had the strength to use the large e-cylinder oxygen tanks. They contacted my office after trying to work with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for over 6 months to have their prescription for a portable oxygen concentrator approved. We were able to provide CMS with the required documents they needed to approve the prescription, and the constituent received their portable oxygen concentrator.
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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