NEWS FROM THE SECOND DISTRICTDear Friend, This past week, we received news that Pfizer and BioNTech SE announced that their COVID-19 vaccine candidate has proven to be 90% effective. This is outstanding news and a glimmer of hope for 2021. That said, there has been a lot of skepticism towards the vaccine. I promise you that a vaccine will not be approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) unless it’s proven to be safe & effective. The FDA is currently working on the approval process, but thanks to Operation Warp Speed, the vaccines are ready to be distributed throughout the country so we can get this life-saving vaccine out in an efficient manner.
I’m still in close communication with the White House regarding the investigation of mishandled election ballots. Let me be clear, this investigation is about making sure every eligible vote is counted properly. While I stand ready to work with whoever may be in the White House next year, we must make sure that this process was executed correctly.
Next week, I head back to Washington, D.C. to finish out the 116th Congress. While I’m looking forward to seeing my colleagues, I’m even more anxious to get back to fighting for you.
Please read about my week below:
This Week in the District
Coronavirus Updates
Legislative Updates
Good News in FL-02
This Week in the District
Proclamation of Appreciation for Bay Parkway
On Thursday, my Director of Constituent Services, Nicole Smith, and I were presented with a Proclamation of Appreciation from the Panama City Beach City Council for my office’s assistance in securing the Corps of Engineers permit for Bay Parkway.
The Bay Parkway will help relieve major traffic congestion and will also serve as a hurricane evacuation route. I’m happy that I could help with such a worthwhile project.
Thank you to the Panama City Beach City Council for this recognition!
Celebrating with Fellow Veterans
On Wednesday, my team and I had the privilege of joining some of my fellow veterans at the Bay County Board of County Commissioners & Veterans Council Wreath Laying Ceremony. I’m pleased that I had this opportunity to see some new faces and catch up with old friends.
As a veteran myself, ensuring that our nation’s veterans have the best care and opportunities is a top priority. If you’re a veteran in need of assistance with a federal agency, please reach out to my office at 850-785-0812 or at www.dunn.house.gov.
Coronavirus Updates
Operation Warp Speed
Pfizer and BioNTech SE announced that their COVID-19 vaccine candidate has proven to be 90% effective.
Pfizer entered into a purchase agreement with the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services to produce and distribute 100 initial vaccine doses and up to 500 million additional doses.
Thanks to Operation Warp Speed and the Trump Administration, if the Food & Drug Administration approves the Pfizer vaccine, we will have 100 million doses ready for distribution. Americans will be able to receive the vaccine free of cost. Read more here.
Recent Updates - As we approach the holiday season, we must take into consideration the proper precautions to protect ourselves, as well as our friends and family, from COVID-19. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has a helpful guide that can help with planning holiday events. NOTE - These considerations are meant to supplement—not replace—any state, local, territorial, or tribal health and safety laws, rules, and regulations with which holiday gatherings must comply. Read more here.
- As of Thursday (November 12th, 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 7.35 percent. Read more here.
Legislative Updates
GOP Doctors Caucus Condemns Gov. Cuomo
This past week, my colleagues in the Doctors Caucus and I condemned New York Governor Andrew Cuomo for his remarks regarding the Operation Warp Speed vaccine safety.
Governor Cuomo seems so desperate to prevent any progress that may occur under this administration that he is willing to disparage the credibility and independence of the scientists and doctors who are working around the clock to save lives. His comments that it is ‘bad news’ that the Pfizer vaccine is proving to be effective are both extremely sad and dangerous for the health of Americans.
It would be unethical to delay the distribution of a proven safe vaccine while Americans continue to succumb to the virus. The federal government is coordinating with state governments, tribal leaders, and private industry to ensure that a vaccine can be distributed swiftly to the American people once it is approved, and Americans should be confident that any vaccine developed under Operation Warp Speed will be safe and effective. Good News in FL-02 
Twenty-one-year-old Chris Nikic of Maitland, FL set the record Saturday during the annual IRONMAN event in Panama City Beach. Chris is the first person with Down Syndrome to complete an IRONMAN triathlon and has been added to Guinness World Records for the achievement. I hope that his perseverance and drive inspire you as much as it has me. Chris is truly a remarkable athlete. Read the full story 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 Hundreds attend Panama City Veterans Day celebration
Congressman Dunn Weighs in on Possible Federal Minimum Wage Increase Constituent Casework Corner
A veteran recently reached out for help with the Department of Veterans Affairs. The veteran has an extensive family history of colon cancer and needed a colonoscopy. However, the referral to have the procedure done by a community provider was delayed. We were able to work with the VA to get the referral processed promptly so the veteran could receive immediate care.
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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