NEWS FROM THE SECOND DISTRICTDear Friend, It was announced this past week that Vice President Kamala Harris is FINALLY visiting the US-Mexico border 90+ days after President appointed her as the “border czar.” The only problem is VP Harris will be roughly 800 MILES AWAY from where Biden’s Border Crisis is occurring.
It’s clear that the Vice President and the rest of the Administration are not taking the issue seriously. We have droves of illegal immigrants coming into the country, many smuggling drugs. In fact, the 180,034 border crossings in May marked a new 21-year high. With crime rates at an all-time high, the Biden Administration should focus on securing the border and protecting the American people, not maintaining a façade that fits the Left’s radical agenda.
In other news, my Republican colleagues and I are continuing the fight to hold China accountable for the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve lost hundreds of thousands in the U.S. and millions worldwide. As evidence continues to build, it’s imperative we hold China responsible for the lives lost and the economic impact. You can read more about how House Republicans are tackling this issue below.
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
GOP Doctors Caucus on Holding China Accountable
On Thursday, I joined the GOP Doctors Caucus, House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.), and House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) in a press conference to discuss the mounting evidence that suggests COVID-19 originated from a leak at the Wuhan Institute of Virology.
There is mounting evidence that the pandemic started in a Chinese lab, and China covered it up. If that is the case, China is responsible for the deaths of nearly 600,000 Americans and millions worldwide. House Democrats still have not held a single hearing on the origins of COVID-19, and the World Health Organization has failed to investigate.
Next week, Republicans on the Select Committee on the Coronavirus Crisis will hold a hearing into the origins of COVID-19. We’ve invited many respected doctors, scientists, as well as Members of Congress, who have been investigating this on their own, to come forward and testify. Americans deserve answers, and House Republicans are committed to getting them.
You can watch the full press conference here.
House Energy & Commerce Committee
This past week, the House Energy & Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Health met to discuss how data can be used to create equity in the health system. While my Democrat colleagues on the subcommittee were focused on collecting data, my Republican colleagues and I were focused on how value-based frameworks like Medicare Advantage actually offer the resources to meet patients where they are and adjust to their needs. Patients shouldn’t be reduced to a data point; we must look at the whole person. Also, requiring physicians to collect more data will contribute to more burnout – which is already at an all-time high from the pandemic. Let’s put the needs of patients and physicians first and improve the quality of care.
This Week in the District
Meeting with FAMU’s Dr. Larry Robinson
This past week, I met with Florida A&M University’s President, Dr. Larry Robinson. We spoke about the path forward for returning students as well as students transitioning into the workforce following the pandemic. We also discussed the students’ remarkable resiliency with the help of faculty and staff. Things are looking up for the school as FAMU is not only able to provide COVID-19 testing on campus, but also to distribute the vaccine. I can tell that Dr. Robinson and his faculty are ready to welcome students back this fall, and I know the students are ready to be back.
Update on the Child Tax Credit payments
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has launched two new online tools designed to help families manage and monitor the advance monthly payments of Child Tax Credits under the American Rescue Plan. These two new tools are in addition to the Non-filer Sign-up Tool – announced last week – which helps families not normally required to file an income tax return to quickly register for the Child Tax Credit.
The two new tools are:
- The Child Tax Credit Eligibility Assistant which helps families determine whether they qualify for Child Tax Credit payments, and
- The Update Portal which helps families monitor and manage Child Tax Credit payments
The Child Tax Credit Update Portal is a secure, password-protected tool available to any eligible family with internet access and a smartphone or computer.
At present, the portal allows families to verify their eligibility for the payments and unenroll, or opt-out from receiving, the monthly payments so they can receive a lump sum when they file their tax return next year.
Coming soon, families will be able to use the Child Tax Credit Update Portal to check the status of their payments. In late June, people will be able to update their bank account information for payments starting in August. In early August, a feature is planned that will allow people to update their mailing addresses. Then, in future updates planned for this summer and fall, they will be able to use this tool for things like updating family status and changes in income.
The Child Tax Credit Update Portal is available here.
Frequently asked questions about the 2021 Child Tax Credit and Advance Child Tax Credit Payments are available here.
Resources and guidance about the 2021 Child Tax Credit and Advance Child Tax Credit Payments are available here.
Hurricane Season Update
Do you have a plan for your pets?
As you prepare for potential storms this hurricane season, please make a plan for your pets, too. Here are some helpful tips:
Get a Kit of Pet Emergency Supplies. Just as you do with your family’s emergency supply kit, think first about the basics for survival, particularly food and water.
Consider two kits. In one, put everything your pets will need to stay where you are for the storm. The other should be a lightweight, smaller version you can take with you if you and your pets have to get away.
Make a Plan for what you will do in an emergency. Plan in advance what you will do in an emergency. Be prepared to assess the situation. Think about what you have on hand to take care of yourself and ensure your pet’s safety during an emergency.
Be Prepared for what might happen. Some of the things you can do to prepare for the unexpected, such as assembling an emergency supply kit for yourself, your family, and your pets, are the same regardless of the type of emergency. However, it’s important to say informed and know what types of emergencies are likely to affect your region.
Read more about how to make a plan for your pets here.
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
Recent Updates A new observational study by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has begun to evaluate the immune responses generated by COVID-19 vaccines administered to pregnant or postpartum people. Researchers will measure the development and durability of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in people vaccinated during pregnancy or the first two postpartum months. Researchers also will assess vaccine safety and evaluate the transfer of vaccine-induced antibodies to infants across the placenta and through breast milk. Read more about this here.
Importantly, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) have finally turned their attention to T-Cell testing, also called Humoral Immunity. This is a far more relevant and accurate way to measure immunity to the Corona Virus family. It also remains accurate for many months to years. In the future, hopefully near future, we should readily be able to determine quite reliably the COVID immune status of our patients.
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
| IN THE NEWS As Congress returns to work Dunn talks border, Biden bills
Constituent Casework Corner
A lot of people have contacted my office about their pending passport applications. My team does everything we can to assist those who need their passports; however, you will likely face a delay in the upcoming months. Please review the information below from the Passport Agency about current processing times and tips to help you plan ahead.
What to Expect:
Mail delays are impacting when we receive passport applications for processing. Our processing times begin the day we receive your application, not the day you mail it.
Routine service can take up to 18 weeks from the day an application is submitted to the day a new passport is received. The 18-week timeframe includes up to 12 weeks for processing and up to 6 weeks for mailing times on the front and back end.
Expedite service (for an additional $60) can take up to 12 weeks from the day an application is submitted to the day a new passport is received. The 12-week timeframe includes up to 6 weeks for processing and up to 6 weeks for mailing times on the front and back end.
Our processing times (up to 12 weeks for routine; up to 6 weeks for expedite) do not include mailing times. Mail times vary and delays have been significant. PLAN AHEAD!
We suggest you:
Send your application to us via trackable mail, so you can track your application before it enters our system. This can be done whether applying at an acceptance facility or by mail.
Or
Pay an extra $17.56 for 1-2 day delivery for the return of your completed passport.
More about Status Updates: It may take up to 6 weeks from the day you submit your application until your status is “In Process.” During these 6 weeks, your application is delivered to a mail facility, your payment is processed, and your application is entered into our system. Even if your passport status update says, “Not Available,” your application and supporting documents are safely on their way to us. Check online for your passport status.
Use Self-Service Tools Online: Our call center is experiencing extremely high call volumes with longer-than-usual wait times. You can get your questions answered immediately by using one of the self-service tools available on our site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. What you see online is the same information that call center representatives can share with you by phone.
Planning to Travel? Apply Early! Apply at least six months before planned travel. Due to limited availability for urgent travel appointments, we cannot guarantee you can receive in-person service at a passport agency or center. We are prioritizing customers with life-or-death emergencies. Visit our Passport Agency and Center page to learn more.
Renew By Mail: Adults with 10-year passports can renew them by mail instead of appearing in person.
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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