NEWS FROM THE SECOND DISTRICTDear Friend, Florida has reached a major milestone in our fight against COVID-19. This past week, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that starting this Monday, vaccines will be available for Floridians 40 and over. Beginning on April 5th, vaccines will be available for those 18 and over. I know many of us are anxious to cross the finish line. We still have a lot of work to do, but we’re heading in the right direction.
If you’re still deciding on whether or not to get the vaccine, please know that the vaccines that have been approved are safe and more effective than the flu vaccine. These vaccines are the key to helping us return to the way of life we had before this pandemic. Please consider participating when April 5th rolls around. There are more details about pre-registration and finding vaccine locations below.
It’s been a busy week for the House Energy and Commerce Committee. We had several hearings this week about expanding health care coverage, infrastructure, energy, and the role of social media in society. I talk more extensively about that below. Looking ahead, I plan to get out in the district to talk to community leaders and constituents in the coming weeks. If you see me, feel free to stop and say “hello.” I’m very much looking forward to hearing from all of you.
Please read about my week below:
Update from Capitol Hill
This Week in the District
Coronavirus Updates Update from Capitol Hill
Energy & Commerce Committee Hearings
This past week has been a busy one for the House Energy & Commerce Committee. On Monday, the full committee met to discuss the future of our nation’s infrastructure and economy. Committee Leader Cathy McMorris Rodgers said it best: “For the economy to boom again, we should be lifting the regulatory burden.” Prior to the pandemic, our economy was booming because there was less government interference. If we want to boost our economy, the government must get out of the way of innovation. You can watch the hearing here.
On Tuesday, the Subcommittee on Health reviewed 18 bills geared towards expanding health coverage and lowering costs. While this is an issue I care deeply about, I do not agree with government-run health care. Americans should get the best quality of care for a reasonable price. More government is not the answer.
On Wednesday, the Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations met to discuss the recent grid failure in Texas. The Texas energy crisis should serve as an important example for policymaking for years to come. Firm & resilient baseload energy generation must be a priority for every state in the union. We need to make it easier to keep our existing nuclear reactors online as well as to construct new ones.
Thursday’s Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce hearing was the most publicized this weekend as we had the opportunity to speak with the CEOs of Facebook, Twitter, and Google. Social media has grown into a beast that negatively impacts our children, our elections, and our national security. My colleagues had a lot of wonderful questions about censorship and how social media is affecting our youth. I focused on national security.
We all recognize that China is not a good place to do business, evidenced by the fact that Facebook, Twitter, and Google products are banned there. But that has not stopped these companies from doing business with China. I am deeply concerned with Google’s pursuit of & investment in artificial intelligence (AI) research in China, which has been widely reported over the last few years. When I asked Google CEO Sundar Pichai if he can assure Americans that their personal data is not used in your AI collaboration with the Chinese Communist Party, he denied involvement with China… but Google has three AI research centers in China.
All in all, these companies continue to make promises to Congress to address our concerns, but they are empty promises. I hope that we can continue to keep a close eye on this issue as it has a much heavier impact on society than many realize. This Week in the District
FEMA to Assist with COVID-19 Funeral Assistance
In early April, FEMA will begin providing financial assistance for funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020 for deaths related to coronavirus (COVID-19) to help ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the pandemic.
To be eligible for COVID-19 funeral assistance, the policy states: - The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after Jan. 20, 2020 for a death attributed to COVID-19.
- If multiple individuals contributed toward funeral expenses, they should apply under a single application as applicant and co-applicant. FEMA will also consider documentation from other individuals not listed as the applicant and co-applicant who may have incurred funeral expenses as part of the registration for the deceased individual.
- An applicant may apply for multiple deceased individuals.
- The COVID-19-related death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories and the District of Columbia.
- This assistance is limited to a maximum financial amount of $9,000 per funeral and a maximum of $35,500 per application.
- Funeral assistance is intended to assist with expenses for funeral services and interment or cremation.
This is an opportunity that could help families who have lost loved ones to COVID-19. If you feel you may be eligible, you can read more about this here.
ICYMI - Updates from the IRS
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has begun issuing the third round of Economic Impact Payments. Please keep in mind that this process may take longer if your previous payments were not delivered via direct deposit. My team stands ready to help you should you have an issue; however, we ask that you allow ample time for payments to be sent out.
You can read more about this round of economic impact payments here.
Additionally, the IRS has announced that the federal income tax filing due date for individuals for the 2020 tax year will be automatically extended from April 15, 2021, to May 17, 2021. Even with the new deadline, the IRS urges taxpayers to consider filing as soon as possible, especially those who are owed refunds. Filing electronically with direct deposit is the quickest way to get refunds. Individual taxpayers do not need to file any forms or call the IRS to qualify for this automatic federal tax filing and payment relief. Coronavirus Updates
Recent Updates
This past week, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that beginning Monday, March 29, all individuals age 40 and older will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Beginning the following Monday, April 5, all individuals age 18 and older will be eligible to receive the vaccine.
I encourage you to pre-register for the COVID-19 vaccine. The State of Florida has partnered with Sharecare to provide an easy-to-use platform that will save your spot for your shot. Pre-register 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. 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
A constituent was contacted by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) regarding an overpayment. Despite the overpayment being an OPM error, OPM determined that there was a debt owed by the constituent and was going to withhold $500 of their monthly benefit. The constituent tried to work with OPM in having the debt waived, but they received no response. After contacting my office, we were able to have OPM look at the constituent’s file and review their waiver request. The constituent will pay the money back; however, they were very grateful that we were able to have OPM lower the monthly repayment amount to less than $200.
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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