NEWS FROM THE SECOND DISTRICTDear Friend, President Biden had an opportunity to strike the right notes and work with Republicans in a bipartisan manner on a robust COVID relief package to speed vaccination distribution among other items. I was hopeful that we could pass some bipartisan solutions. Unfortunately, President Biden is following House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s playbook and has decided that it’s going to be his way or the highway.
To add to the 42 unilateral Executive Actions the President has already undertaken without consulting Congress, Democrats are now using parliamentary tricks to push the next "COVID relief" package containing their wish list of liberal policies having nothing to do with our nation’s recovery from COVID. I would argue that many of their proposals will actually hurt our economy and further delay our recovery.
If we want to pass the best possible solutions for ALL Americans, we should consider a bipartisan approach, not a unilateral sweep.
Democrats in the House also took the unprecedented step last week to remove one of my Republican colleagues from her committee assignments. I voted against this measure. Many of the things that Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene said before being elected to Congress are abhorrent. The language she has used and wild theories she has spouted don’t belong in the American dialogue. However, Speaker Pelosi’s tenuous hold on the House majority does not forgive her actions in stripping the people of North Georgia of their representation by the Member of Congress they elected. It’s not right for House Democrats to override the will of her constituents. After all, a representative’s #1 duty is to represent their district.
Please read about my week below:
This Week on Capitol Hill
Legislative Updates
Coronavirus Updates
This Week on Capitol Hill
Honoring Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick
In addition to voting this past week, my colleagues and I paid our respects to Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, who laid in honor in the Capitol Rotunda. Officer Sicknick was a patriot and hero. I'm beyond grateful for his bravery and dedication while facing the senseless violence on Jan. 6th. His life was taken far too soon. May we never forget Officer Sicknick’s sacrifice and courage.
Checking In With The Florida National Guard
I had a great chat with Major General James Eifert this past week regarding the current Florida National Guard structure.
The National Guard has played an important role in our fight against COVID-19 and our district’s recovery following Hurricane Michael. Not only that but these brave men and women were in Washington, D.C. last month protecting our nation’s Capitol. Whether it’s helping with COVID-19 testing or easing the hurricane evacuation process, they stand ready to serve the state of Florida and the entire nation.
Thank you to all who serve in the Florida National Guard!
Important Tax Information From The IRS
The nation's tax season will start on Friday, February 12, 2021, when the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will begin accepting and processing 2020 tax year returns.
To speed refunds during the pandemic, the IRS urges taxpayers to file electronically with direct deposit as soon as they have the information they need. People can begin filing their tax returns immediately with tax software companies, including IRS Free File partners. These groups are starting to accept tax returns now, and the returns will be transmitted to the IRS starting February 12.
Tips for taxpayers to make filing easier
To speed refunds and help with their tax filing, the IRS urges people to follow these simple steps: - File electronically and use direct deposit for the quickest refunds.
- Check IRS.gov for the latest tax information, including the latest on Economic Impact Payments. There is no need to call.
- Those who may be eligible for stimulus payments should carefully review the guidelines for the Recovery Rebate Credit. Most people received Economic Impact Payments automatically, and anyone who received the maximum amount does not need to include any information about their payments when they file. However, those who didn’t receive a payment or only received a partial payment may be eligible to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit when they file their 2020 tax return. Tax preparation software, including IRS Free File, will help taxpayers figure the amount.
- Remember, advance stimulus payments are not taxable, and they do not reduce the taxpayer’s refund when they file in 2021.
Key filing season dates
There are several important dates taxpayers should keep in mind for this year’s filing season:
- January 15. IRS Free File opens. Taxpayers can begin filing returns through Free File partners; tax returns will be transmitted to the IRS starting February 12. Tax software companies also are accepting tax filings in advance.
- February 12. The IRS begins the 2021 tax season. Individual tax returns begin being accepted and processing begins.
- First week of March. Tax refunds begin reaching those claiming EITC and ACTC (PATH Act returns) for those who file electronically with direct deposit and there are no issues with their tax returns.
- April 15. Deadline for filing 2020 tax returns.
- October 15. Deadline to file for those requesting an extension on their 2020 tax returns.
How IRS Free File Online works
Each IRS Free File provider sets its own eligibility rules for products based on age, income, and state residency. However, for those who make $72,000 or less, they will find at least one product that matches their needs, and usually more. Some providers also offer free state preparation. Active duty military can use any IRS Free File product if their income was $72,000 or less.
Here’s a step-by-step overview of how to find the right Free File product:
- Go to IRS.gov/FreeFile.
- Use the “Free File Online Lookup” tool for help in finding the right product, or
- Review each offer by a provider by using the ‘Browse All Offers’ tool.
- Select a product.
- Follow links to the provider’s website to begin.
No computer? No problem. IRS Free File products support mobile phone access.
Legislative Updates
Letter to Homeland Security About The Border
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On Thursday, I joined my colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas expressing our concern at the recent Executive Orders signed by President Biden regarding immigration and border security. We simply cannot weaken security at our border and encourage non-U.S. citizens to enter illegally. It is in our best interest to resist the calls for an open border. Read the letter here. Coronavirus Updates
Recent Updates
- Bristol Myers Squibb and The Rockefeller University announced this week that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Bristol Myers Squibb has been granted a global exclusive license to develop, manufacture, and commercialize Rockefeller’s novel monoclonal antibody duo treatment that neutralizes the SARS-CoV-2 virus for therapy or prevention of COVID-19. Despite the increasing availability of the vaccines, there will continue to be patients who contract COVID-19 and will need treatment for their infection. While two companies have already received the Emergency Use Authorization for their monoclonal antibody treatments, the more teams working on new treatments, the better. Read more here.
- Florida has many sites providing the COVID-19 vaccine. Use the vaccine finder to find a site near you. Supplies are limited and appointments may be required. At this time, the vaccine is available for:
- Persons 65 years of age and older.
- Health care personnel with direct patient contact.
- Residents and staff of long-term care facilities.
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
| Constituent Casework Corner
When the Passport Agency put the wrong date of birth on their minor child’s passport, the family contacted my office to help get the error corrected. We were able to work with the Passport Agency to correct the error and issue a new passport in time for the family’s travel.
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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