NEWS FROM THE SECOND DISTRICTDear Friend, I’ve had a great week in the district, and it’s going to be difficult heading back to Washington D.C. next week. That said, many of you have approached me this past week to discuss our inflation and hiring crisis. Inflation is currently at a 13-year high and stores are having to close due to the lack of a workforce. In fact, 46% of business owners reported job openings that could not be filled.
This is a direct result of the Biden Administration’s unemployment expansion and reckless spending, and I’m afraid it will only get worse. Our district works tremendously hard and deserves to thrive. That’s why I know it’s important for me to head back to Washington to fight against the reckless spending and job-killing policies.
Please read about my week below:
This Week in the District
What’s Happening on Capitol Hill
Hurricane Season Update
Coronavirus Updates
This Week in the District
Champion of Patient Access
Thank you, Alliance for Patient Access, for selecting me as the 2021 Champion of Patient Access! Increasing the quality of your health care and improving patient access is a top priority for me. I'm grateful to be recognized for my work thus far, and I look forward to working with you all to improve health care.
Supporting Our Sheriffs
On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of joining Matt Dunagan on FSA Cast, the official podcast of the Florida Sheriffs Association. After recording the podcast episode, I stopped by Executive Director Steve Casey's office to chat about how I can help his organization and our sheriffs. Matt also gave me a brief tour of the FSA memorial, which is a must-see if you've never stopped by.
Our sheriffs and LEOs do a wonderful job protecting and serving. I'm grateful to have had a chance to show my support for them.
The podcast episode will be released in the upcoming weeks. I’ll post a link in the Dunn Dispatch and on Facebook once it’s out. 
Visiting the East Side of Florida-02
On Wednesday, I met with Florida State Representative Joe Harding at Sisters Place in Williston. I later stopped by Williston City Hall and met with Mayor Jerry Robinson and Council Members. I always enjoy my time in Williston. Thank you all for giving me a warm welcome! 
That afternoon, I visited the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, FL with Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association CEO Carol Dover and Vice President of Governmental Affairs Richard Turner. The largest equestrian complex in the United States is a world-class, multi-indoor and outdoor arena facility offering state-of-the-art amenities to accommodate numerous disciplines within the equine industry and more. Special thanks to Vinnie Card for the outstanding tour of the facility!
James Madison Institute’s Space Panel Discussion
On Thursday, I joined Dr. Dan Garretson, Founder & CEO of Global Fact Base, and Dr. Eli Dourado, Senior Research Fellow of James Madison Institute’s (JMI) Center for Growth and Opportunity, in a space panel discussion at JMI’s Florida Tech and Innovation Summit 2021.
Here in Florida, we have one of the most business-friendly environments in the world. Governor Ron DeSantis has continued to promote a pro-business climate here year after year. As we fight to keep Florida as the best state to live, work, and raise a family - we can only expect the space industry to continue to grow.
Space truly is humanity’s final frontier. Over the course of this century, and those that follow – we have the enormous opportunity to literally reach for the stars, and to take advantage of all of the advances in science and technology that come with it. If we keep emphasizing a pro-growth, pro-business climate, while also investing in STEM education for young people we can make this a reality.
Thank you, JMI, for inviting me to participate in this event! Hopefully, we can do this again soon.
Child Tax Credit Payment Information
On July 15, millions of American families automatically began receiving monthly Child Tax Credit payments from the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service. These payments are designed to cover half of the credit families will likely qualify to receive when they file their 2021 federal income tax return.
If you qualify and you previously filed your tax return, you don’t need to do anything. Payments will begin arriving automatically. If you think you qualify and haven’t filed, now is the time to take action.
Click here for more information.
Need To Renew Your Passport? READ THIS.
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 the 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.
What’s Happening on Capitol Hill
Early Detection Saves Lives
On Friday, I joined my colleagues Rep. Scott Peters (CA-52), Rep. Bobby Rush (IL-01), and Rep. Greg Murphy (NC-03) in introducing The FIND Act, a bipartisan bill that will increase access to new, advanced diagnostic tools that are used to identify cancers, cardiovascular disease, and neurological conditions.
An outdated payment bundle dis-incentivizes the use of the latest diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals and Medicare does not pay docs enough to invest in the newer technologies. Our bill will change the reimbursement framework.
Millions of Americans have missed vital screenings due to the COVID-19 lockdowns. The FIND Act will ensure that they have access to the best diagnostic tools when they reschedule their screenings. Early detection saves lives and we must do what we can to expand access to these life-saving tools.
Hurricane Season Update
Build a Disaster Kit
Do you have enough supplies for a potential storm?
As many of you know, getting supplies in the days leading up to the storm can be difficult. Now is a good time to look through your first aid kit, food and water supply, medications, and important documents to ensure that you have everything you need. The sooner you can prepare, the better.
Here is a helpful checklist to help you stock up.
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
A constituent contacted my office after taking the United States Coast Guard Captain's License Class, submitting the required paperwork to the National Maritime Center, and hearing nothing back. This put the constituent at risk of having the job offer rescinded. My office was able to work with all parties to have the paperwork processed allowing the constituent to keep the job offer.
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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