NEWS FROM THE SECOND DISTRICTDear Friend, Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats are prioritizing power grabs over national security. This past week, the House voted in favor of granting Washington, D.C. statehood. While Democrats are arguing that this is about representation, it’s clear that this is nothing more than an unconstitutional attempt to give Democrats more power.
Additionally, a bill was introduced that would increase the number of justices on the U.S. Supreme Court. Current Justice Stephen Breyer and the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg both warned against increasing the size of SCOTUS. Justice Breyer pointed out that this could potentially risk public confidence in the court, and I agree with him. Even a young Joseph Biden who was serving in his second term as a senator referred to such a proposal as a “bonehead idea.” But the Democrats are not concerned with public trust and representation. It’s all about power.
Meanwhile, we have a public health and national security crisis down at our southern border and the Left refuses to address it. The Biden Administration isn’t even following its own COVID-19 policies when it comes to processing and releasing illegal aliens apprehended along the southern border.
These power grabs must stop. Americans want four simple things: to go back to work, back to school, back to health, and back to normal. Let’s focus on representing America, not on power grabs.
Please read about my week below:
What’s Happening on Capitol Hill
This Week in the District
Coronavirus Updates
What’s Happening on Capitol Hill
FEMA Loan Interest Payment Relief Act
This past week, I introduced the FEMA Loan Interest Payment Relief Act (H.R. 8701) with Congressman Darren Soto (Florida-09). My bill would require the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to reimburse local governments and electric cooperatives for interest incurred on loans used to restore essential functions after natural disasters. The interest paid on emergency loans is often a cost passed on to taxpayers and ratepayers alike.
Our local governments and electric cooperatives have waited years for full reimbursement of Hurricane Michael-related costs from FEMA. Local governments and electric co-ops take out loans to restore services; however, while they’re waiting for the funding, they incur interest. These interest payments are costing them millions of dollars. We can't have them on the hook for that. I also believe that my bill will incentivize the federal government to obligate these funds in a timelier manner moving forward.
Cosponsoring the WINGMAN Act
I recently signed on as a cosponsor for the WINGMAN Act. This bill would streamline the process for our veterans to resolve our benefit claims. Many of you have called my office and were assisted by my constituent services team.
The WINGMAN Act grants certified staff access to files they already have permission to possess and review but eliminates the burdensome step of having to use the Veterans Administration as a middleman to receive them. While my team already does a wonderful job, this bill would make it faster and easier for them to help you.
Doctors Caucus Letter to Speaker Pelosi
On Wednesday, the GOP Doctors Caucus sent a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi regarding the current dysfunction with the unconstitutional proxy voting and virtual hearings. Most members of Congress have been vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19 and it is safe for us to meet in person again. As medical professionals, we trust the science and believe that it’s time to let us resume business as usual. You can read a copy of the letter here.
This Week in the District
Update from the Internal Revenue Service
This past week, the Internal Revenue Service reminded taxpayers to check their tax returns for common errors that could delay refunds or otherwise affect normal processing. Click here to learn ways to avoid tax return slipups as the May 17 due date gets closer.
COVID-19 Vaccines for Veterans
The North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System (NF/SGVHS) continues its efforts in providing COVID-19 vaccination services to anyone who served in the military, their caregivers and spouses, and some other beneficiaries.
On Friday, the Jacksonville VA Outpatient Clinic moved its COVID-19 Vaccination clinic to a new off-site leased location at Timuquana Market Place, 5150 Timuquana Road Suite 6, Jacksonville, FL 32210. All vaccinations will continue to be done by appointment only.
For a list of vaccination locations or information on how to book an appointment, click here.
Coronavirus Updates
Get Vaccinated
Floridians 16 and up are now eligible to receive any COVID-19 vaccine as prescribed by the Food and Drug Administration. The Pfizer vaccine is authorized for persons age 16 and up. The Moderna vaccine is authorized for persons age 18 and up.
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.
Recent Updates - With Summer approaching, many of you may be considering a vacation. For the updated guidelines for domestic travel, click here. For global travel, click here.
- The National Institutes of Health will fund a large, randomized, placebo‑controlled Phase 3 clinical trial to test several existing prescription and over-the-counter medications for people to self-administer to treat symptoms of COVID-19. The ACTIV-6 trial aims to provide evidence-based treatment options for the majority of adult patients with COVID-19 who have mild-to-moderate symptoms and are not sick enough to be hospitalized. 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 Congressman Dunn and Florida Delegation Reacts to Chauvin Verdict
Constituent Casework Corner
A veteran’s surviving spouse reached out to my office after the National Personnel Record Center (NPRC) hadn’t processed a request for their late spouse’s DD-214, a document that confirms service and is needed for military funeral honors. With the funeral fast approaching, we were able to submit an urgent request to NPRC and get the DD-214 released.
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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