NEWS FROM THE SECOND DISTRICTDear Friend,
This past week, I joined forces with my colleagues to get assistance for our farmers and our veterans. In one letter, we urged the Office of the United States Trade Representative to negotiate with the Government of India to lower the tariff on U.S. pecan exports. In another letter, my colleagues and I supported a Senate provision that would expand access to prescriptions for TRICARE beneficiaries. Veterans and our military, as well as our farmers, make up a significate part of the district. They deserve the best chance to thrive and the best care.
We’re also approaching deadlines that may affect you. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program – Plus (WHIP+) for 2018 and 2019 losses is Friday, October 30th, 2020. Additionally, the Internal Revenue Service announced that the deadline to register for an Economic Impact Payment (EIP) is now November 21, 2020. You can read more details about those deadlines below.
If you need assistance meeting these deadlines or with a federal agency, please do not hesitate to contact my office. We are here to help you. As we move closer to finishing out the year, I’m going to keep fighting for the resources you need. Our area has endured setback after setback, and I’m committed to getting our district and our country back on track.
Please read about my week below:
This Week in the District
Legislative Updates
Coronavirus Updates This Week in the District
Rep. Dunn Joins Bloomberg’s Balance of Power
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On Thursday, I had the privilege of joining David Westin on Bloomberg's Balance of Power to discuss our nation's response to COVID-19 and what issues matter most to Floridians.
You can watch the full interview here.
USDA Announces WHIP+ Deadline
The USDA announced that the deadline to submit applications for the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program – Plus (WHIP+) for 2018 and 2019 losses is Friday, October 30th, 2020.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the program, WHIP+ compensates producers for losses due to hurricanes, floods, snowstorms, tornadoes, typhoons, volcanic activity, drought, excessive moisture, and wildfires occurring in calendar years 2018 and 2019 -- this includes Hurricane Michael.
For more information about who is eligible for the program and whether you had possible losses in 2018 and 2019, please visit the farmers.gov WHIP+ webpage. If you need assistance with submitting your application, call or email my office. We want to help you.
Economic Impact Payment Request Extension
The Internal Revenue Service announced that the deadline to register for an Economic Impact Payment (EIP) is now November 21, 2020. This new date will provide an additional five weeks beyond the original deadline.
The IRS urges people who don’t typically file a tax return – and haven’t received an Economic Impact Payment – to register as quickly as possible using the Non-Filers: Enter Info Here tool on IRS.gov. The tool will not be available after Nov. 21.
Special note: This additional time into November is solely for those who have not received their EIP and don’t normally file a tax return. For taxpayers who requested an extension of time to file their 2019 tax return, that deadline date remains Oct. 15.
Click here for more information.
Legislative Update
Agriculture Committee
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I’ve joined my colleagues in writing a letter to the Office of the United States Trade Representative regarding the ongoing negotiations with the Government of India. American pecan producers have faced many challenges due to rising imports from Mexico, Chinese tariffs, natural disasters like Hurricane Michael, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The current high tariff (36 percent) that India charges on pecan imports makes it difficult for American producers to compete in this important market. Our letter requests that the tariff be lowered.
Joining this initiative was a no-brainer for me. Florida is one of the 15 pecan growing states and would greatly benefit from the tariff being lowered or removed. Rural America and our district have taken enough economical hits. I’ll continue to work with whoever I can to get this tariff lowered.
Veterans Affairs Committee
Last week, I joined my colleagues in another letter supporting a Senate National Defense Authorization Act provision that would allow TRICARE beneficiaries to obtain prescriptions at local pharmacies rather than mail order or in person at a Military Treatment Facility (MTF).
Our veterans deserve to have the best care. Many of our veterans would benefit from this provision tremendously.
Coronavirus Updates
Operation Warp Speed
Operation Warp Speed is following science to develop a safe, effective vaccine. Our world-class researchers and public health experts are leading the fight against COVID-19.
Currently, two vaccine candidates – AstraZeneca and Janssen – Phase 3 trials are on hold pending a review by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). This is proof that the FDA is taking its job seriously and will only approve a vaccine if it is shown to be safe.
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) announced a $31 million agreement with Cytiva to expand the company’s manufacturing capacity for products that are essential in producing COVID-19 vaccines. This capacity expansion will help Cytiva respond to the demand for COVID-19 vaccine consumables and hardware products without impacting on current manufacturing output.
Despite the small setbacks, the Trump Administration is determined to find a safe and effective vaccine that can be distributed efficiently. I still feel very confident in the progress we’ve made.
Recent Updates - While we look forward to a vaccine for Covid-19, there’s no better time than now to take advantage of the flu vaccine. It’s the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones. Unlike Covid-19, most of us have general knowledge about flu season and the flu—a respiratory disease that can lead to serious illness, hospitalization, or death. But like Covid-19, flu shares many of the same symptoms: fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle pain or body aches and headache. I echo the HHS in encouraging everyone to get their flu shot this year. Learn more here.
- As of Thursday (October 15th, 2020) data reported to the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration showed that the number of COVID-19 positive Florida residents that are currently hospitalized is down more than 70 percent since July. The Florida statewide positivity rate for new cases is 5.20 percent. Read more here.
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
| IN THE NEWS Florida Voters Care Most About Economy, Says Rep. Dunn Constituent Casework Corner
Do you need assistance filing a claim or applying for grants following Hurricane Sally or Hurricane Michael? We can help you with federal agencies like FEMA. Contact my office at 850-785-0812 or at www.dunn.house.gov
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