NEWS FROM THE SECOND DISTRICTDear Friend, Let me start by wishing all the fathers throughout our district a Happy Father's Day. For me, being a father and a grandfather is the best job title I've ever had. My father taught me what it means to be a leader, and I hope what I've learned and taught my sons will continue to be passed down for generations to come. Being a father, or a parent, in general, can often be a thankless job. I would like for you to know that I appreciate you. 
On Thursday, the U.S. Supreme Court announced that they will let the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare) stand despite its unconstitutionality. This decision is disappointing. Over the last several years, we have seen how detrimental Obamacare has been on this country. Americans deserve better treatments, lower costs, and increased transparency. It’s now on Congress to pass patient-centered reforms that actually lowers costs and increases the value of care for hardworking Americans throughout the country.
In other health-related news, I recently led a letter to the U.S. Health & Human Services (HHS) Secretary urging him to invest in and pursue vigorous new research and development of effective anti-viral medicines against SARS CoV-2 and other Corona viruses. HHS is not prioritizing this research, and it is limiting our treatment options. As a medical professional, I find this deeply troubling. You can read more about this letter below. Lastly, please join me in praying for the family of Mayor Kevin Begos and the citizens of Apalachicola. I received news this weekend that Mayor Begos passed away. Kevin was an outstanding leader in his community, as well as in Florida’s Second Congressional District. He will be greatly missed.
Please read about my week below:
What’s Happening on Capitol Hill
This Week in the District
Hurricane Season Update
Coronavirus Updates
What’s Happening on Capitol Hill
Supporting American Energy
On Thursday morning, I had the honor of joining Anthony Livanios and U.S. Energy Stream at their Washington Oil & Gas Forum. During my speech, I expressed the importance of this industry nationwide and I also talked about the vital role of Congress in catalyzing energy transition. If we want our economy to thrive, we must prioritize energy independence. The Biden Administration has focused more on helping Russian energy than American energy – this is unacceptable. This American industry needs to know that we are in their corner.
Thank you, U.S. Energy Stream, for hosting me! I’m looking forward to meeting with all of you again soon.
COVID Vaccines & Therapeutics
On Tuesday, the House Energy & Commerce’s Subcommittee on Health met to review the success of the COVID-19 vaccines and what we need to eradicate and prevent COVID-19 going forward. During the hearing, I emphasized the importance of focusing on T-cell immunity; specifically, a test that measures individual patients’ immune status vs SARS CoV-2 whether due to vaccination or prior infection. This data would be beneficial to the scientists who are currently determining if a booster shot will be necessary going forward. This information is vital as we move into the next phase of COVID clinical decisions.
Additionally, I recently led a letter to the new U.S. Health & Human Services (HHS) Secretary, Xavier Becerra, urging him to invest in and pursue vigorous new research and development of COVID-19 therapies, I.E. broad-spectrum anti-viral medications including those that can help with variants.
For a bit of background, therapeutics are needed to combat COVID for several reasons including variants, uncertainties about vaccines, and the potential need for boosters. Congress appropriated $6.05 billion in the American Rescue Plan to be dedicated to finding more therapeutics; however, the money was not allocated fully for this purpose. In addition, there have been indications from HHS that they are halting the review of new therapeutic candidates, thus limiting our options.
Expanding treatments for COVID-19 and other viruses must be prioritized. We need more tools to combat deadly viruses. You can read the full letter here.
Supporting Florida Farmers
I recently joined my colleagues Rep. Al Lawson (FL-05) and Rep. Vern Buchanan (FL-16) in reintroducing the Defending Domestic Product Production Act. This bipartisan bill will provide fairness and relief to our seasonal producers that suffer losses year after year due to unfair foreign trade practices.
The Florida Delegation remains united on this issue. We co-sponsored this bill in the 116th Congress, and we wrote to USTR Lighthizer about this issue in 2019 resulting in field hearings being held last fall and the subsequent U.S. International Trade Commission investigations of blueberries, strawberries, and bell peppers, and squash and cucumbers.
Florida farmers contribute a great deal to our state and the economy. They need our support in Washington.
This Week in the District
Catching Up with Preston Scott
On Tuesday, I was a guest on WFLA’s The Morning Show with Preston Scott. During the interview, we discussed what’s currently going on in Congress, inflation, the hiring crisis, and more. You can listen to the show here. That said, I join in the third hour so if you would like to skip straight to the interview, it begins at the one hour and 4-minute mark. Thank you, Preston, for having me! It’s always a great time chatting with you.
Rebuild Florida Update
The last day for homeowners to begin an application for the Rebuild Florida Housing Repair and Replacement Program is June 16th. All applications need to be submitted and completed by June 30th.
The program, managed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), provides long-term assistance to repair, rebuild, or replace Hurricane Michael-damaged homes that serve as primary residences of eligible Florida families, as well as eligible rental homes.
For more information, please visit RebuildFlorida.gov.
Hurricane Season Update
Let’s Get Prepared
As you and your family prepare for potential storms this Hurricane Season, make sure to factor in the following hazards: - STORM SURGE - A hurricane can produce destructive storm surge, which is water that is pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds. This advancing surge combines with the normal tides to inundate normally dry land in feet of water. The stronger the storm, the higher the storm surge.
- INLAND FLOODING - In the last 30 years, inland flooding has been responsible for more than half the deaths associated with tropical cyclones in the United States.
- HIGH WINDS - Hurricane-force winds can destroy poorly constructed buildings and mobile homes. Debris such as signs, roofing material, and small items left outside become flying missiles in hurricanes.
- TORNADOES - Hurricanes can produce tornadoes that add to the storm's destructive power. Tornadoes are most likely to occur in the right-front quadrant of the hurricane.
You can follow me on social media for real-time updates about evacuations, closures, & more federal resources. For more information about how to prepare for a storm, click here.
Coronavirus Updates
Get Vaccinated
Floridians 12 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 12 and up. The Moderna vaccine is authorized for persons age 18 and up.
I encourage you to schedule an appointment 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. Schedule your appointment 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.
Traveling This Summer?
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.
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
After years of suffering from an un-diagnosable condition, a veteran’s primary care physician put in a referral for them to see an infectious disease specialist at Emory University Hospital; however, the Department of Veterans Affairs denied the request. After the veteran contacted my office, we were able to work with the VA to have the referral re-reviewed and it was approved.
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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