NEWS FROM THE SECOND DISTRICTDear Friend, This past week in Washington was a disorganized disaster. Fortunately, Democrats’ infighting has stalled President Biden’s socialist tax and spending spree, for now. I strongly encourage them to change course and look for bipartisan solutions so that we can finally do something positive for the American people.
Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats released additional information about their tax and spending spree framework, which continues to get worse. There are so many deeply troubling things in this package. Here are a few things that stuck out to me – - A cut to rural disproportionate share hospitals
- Imposes $2.1 trillion in tax increases on American families & job creators
- Weaponizes the IRS
- Funds abortions by ignoring bipartisan Hyde Amendment protections
- Gives tax breaks & handouts to the wealthy and corrupt – including fake news organizations and wealthy universities
- Impedes and bans domestic energy and mineral production, increasing our dependencies on resources supplied by OPEC, Russia, and China
- Includes provisions that promote amnesty for more than 8 million illegal immigrants
You can read more about this framework here.
The Democrats are out of control and have made it clear that their socialist wish list is more important to them than the well-being of our nation. The failed leadership is already costing families and small businesses more. How much more will the Democrats continue to take from the American people?
Please read about my week below:
What’s Happening on Capitol Hill
This Week in the District
Updates for Veterans
Coronavirus Updates
What’s Happening on Capitol Hill
Mandates are NOT the Solution
On Thursday, I was proud to stand with the Florida GOP Delegation to fight back against oppressive mandates, specifically vaccine mandates, that are negatively impacting hardworking Floridians - especially our health care professionals.
If we want to effectively conquer this pandemic without putting unnecessary strains on our workforce, we must consider natural immunity as an essential component of any policy discussion related to COVID-19.
Thank you to my other Florida colleagues for committing to standing up against big government and supporting sensible solutions!
You can watch the press conference here.
Increasing Access to T-Cell Immunity Testing
This past week, I introduced the COVID-19 Access to Testing and Support for Immune Response Research Act of 2021 (H.R. 5745), a bill that would increase access to T-cell immunity testing.
We have overwhelming scientific evidence indicating that prior infection with SARS-CoV-2 does result in substantial immunity. The Biden Administration, CDC, CMS, and NIH have refused to embrace this invaluable evidence and continue to push unnecessary mandates. This should not be a partisan issue.
If we are to truly “follow the science,” it’s time to acknowledge the evidence and increase access to immunity testing while also continuing to encourage vaccinations among those who do not have natural immunity.
Read more about the bill here.
This Week in the District
Disaster Loan Information
For residents of Taylor, Dixie, Jefferson, Lafayette, and Madison Counties - The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners, and renters in Florida of the Nov. 23 deadline to apply for physical damage disaster loans. Anyone in the declared counties with damages affected by the severe storms and flooding on Aug. 3 – 7, 2021, should apply for the low-interest disaster loan program. You can read more about this here.
The Brian Rust Show
On Friday, I joined the Brian Rust Show on News Talk 101 in Panama City to discuss the Democrats’ tax and spending spree, inflation, the border crisis, and COVID-19. You can listen to the episode here. My interview begins at the 87:30 mark.
Thank you, Brian, for inviting me on! It’s always a pleasure chatting with you.
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
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.
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration recently announced the authorization of single booster doses for the Pfizer, Moderna, and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccines. You can find more information about the boosters here. Please consult your doctor before getting a booster vaccine.
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 Rep. Dunn and FL Republicans back DeSantis’ anti-vaccine mandate push 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 8-11 weeks from the day an application is submitted to the day a new passport is received.
Expedite service (for an additional $60) can take 5-7 weeks from the day an application is submitted to the day a new passport is received.
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.
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.
If you would like to check on your passport status, click here.
Schedule an Appointment: To schedule an appointment, you can call the Passport Agency Customer Service Line (877) 487-2778 from 8:00AM to 10:00PM ET Monday through Friday (excluding federal holidays).
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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