NEWS FROM THE SECOND DISTRICTDear Friend, The latest jobs report confirms what my colleagues and I suspected. President Biden and the Democrats’ far-left policies are slowing down America’s economic recovery. The August jobs report fell well short of economists’ expectations adding only 235,000 jobs in August compared to an expected 720,000. Additionally, we have 10.5 million job openings, yet 8.4 million Americans remain unemployed. This is the weakest jobs report of Joe Biden’s presidency.
President Biden failed leadership is running our country into the ground. In addition to the abysmal jobs report, the Biden Administration left thousands behind in Afghanistan this past week – including American citizens. President Biden was even bold enough to make the deeply flawed claim that withdrawal from Afghanistan was an "extraordinary success.” Thirteen dead service members and hundreds of Americans stranded behind enemy lines are not what I’d call a “success.” It’s an abject FAILURE.
We’re less than a year into this Administration and at no point has President Biden taken responsibility for his actions. The Democrats must be held accountable for what they are doing to this country. The American people – and our military – deserves better.
Please read about my week below:
This Week in the District
What’s Happening on Capitol Hill
Updates for Veterans
Coronavirus Updates
This Week in the District
Early Treatment Saves Lives
On Monday, I joined Governor DeSantis in sharing the success stories of the monoclonal antibody treatment. This treatment is a game-changer for those who have tested positive for COVID-19, and I hope that the increased accessibility will help reduce hospitalizations statewide.
A huge thank you to Governor Ron DeSantis and state officials for working to make this treatment more accessible. We’re fortunate to now have multiple safe and effective vaccines and treatments. The more accessible they are, the more lives we save.
Florida Forestry Association’s Annual Meeting 
On Thursday, I had the honor of speaking at the Florida Forestry Association's Annual Meeting Awards Breakfast. This is a great group full of fine folks dedicated to preserving what makes our district great. It’s important to me to hear from Florida foresters about what is working and what they need from me and my colleagues in Washington. Thank you all for everything you do! And thank you for having me!
What’s Happening on Capitol Hill
Speaker Pelosi’s Spending Spree
Last week, I told you about the framework the House passed for a $3.5 trillion spending package. Democrats will use a process known as “reconciliation” for this package. In other words, they will only need the majority vote in the Senate – 50 Senators and the Vice President will break the tie. This will make it easier for the Democrats to pass their spending bill.
I joined the House Energy and Commerce Committee Republicans in sending a letter to Chairman Frank Pallone ramping up pressure for the Majority to “commit to regular order and a robust, open, and transparent process on any matters the Committee on Energy and Commerce considers to meet its reconciliation instructions.” It’s important to us that this process be conducted fairly so you can see where your money will go and how this will impact you.
Read the letter here.
Helping Our Nation’s Veterans
I recently joined Senator Marco Rubio and several of my House colleagues in express our increasing concern over the growing backlog of constituents’ requests for military records at the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC).
Since mid-March 2020, the NPRC has been closed, with few exceptions, for weeks and months at a time due to COVID-19. The August 2, 2021 decision to significantly reduce operations comes amid a backlog of more than 500,000 routine records requests from constituents for copies of discharge documents, official military personnel files, and service treatment records.
We appreciate the situation the NPRC faces given the volume of records that are paper files, and which can only be accessed by on-site staff. That is why the NPRC must be open and operational to serve our nations’ veterans who need information only the NPRC can provide. You can read our letter here.
Updates for Veterans
Do You Know Anyone In Afghanistan?
August 31st may have been the deadline to leave Afghanistan, but our work isn't done.
There are Americans and allies with pending Special Immigration Visas (SIVs) that have not been evacuated yet, and I will continue to work on their behalf.
If you have relatives, colleagues, friends, or loved ones currently in Afghanistan OR if you’re a veteran or service member in contact with an interpreter stuck in the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) process, please reach out to my office so we can try as best as we can to get them to safety.
Contact my office at 850-785-0812 or at www.dunn.house.gov
Pledge to End Veteran Suicide
The North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System (NF/SGVHS) in collaboration with the Northeast Florida Fire Watch Council, and the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic will host the second annual virtual Pledge to Prevent event on Friday, September 10, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. The virtual event will feature keynote speaker, Frank King (The Mental Health Comedian) and my colleague Congressman, John Rutherford (FL-04). - The virtual Pledge to Prevent event will be hosted via Webex. You can access the virtual event by clicking here.
- From the homepage of the Webex site (where the event is hosted) enter access code: 199 473 4962 in the text box, then enter password: NFSGVHS573! and select join now. If the event has not yet started, the “join now” button will appear dimmed.
- To join the event by phone dial: 1-404-397-1596, then enter the access code: 199 473 4962 followed by the # key.
- Click here if you experience difficulties joining the virtual Pledge to Prevent event.
Help is available. You are not alone.
If you’re a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, there are caring, qualified VA responders standing by to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, anonymous, confidential resource that’s available to anyone, even if you’re not registered with VA or enrolled in VA health care. Call 800-273-8255
Coronavirus Updates
Get Vaccinated Floridians 12 and up are eligible to receive a 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.
Monoclonal antibody treatments
Early monoclonal antibody treatment saves lives. Antibodies help the immune system recognize and respond effectively to the virus. According to the treatment guidelines, monoclonal antibody therapy should be administered as soon as possible after diagnosis. Referrals are not required at any of the State of Florida monoclonal antibody treatment sites and treatment is available at no cost to patients.
If you or someone you know has tested positive for COVID-19, visit this link to find locations to receive monoclonal antibody treatment. For more information about the treatments, 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 Congressman Dunn shares horror stories coming out of Afghanistan
Congressman Dunn excited about Tyndall AFB future Constituent Casework Corner
A veteran contacted my office after waiting nearly nine months for the Department of Veterans Affairs to schedule their diagnostic mammogram with a community provider. We were able to work with the VA to schedule the appointment quickly after we contacted them.
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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