NEWS FROM THE SECOND DISTRICTDear Friend, COVID-19 cases spiked nationwide over the last few weeks thanks to the Delta and Omicron variants. When Joe Biden ran for president, he promised the American people that he would “shut down” COVID-19 and that all Americans would “have access to regular, reliable, and free testing.” He failed to deliver on that promise.
In the Biden Administration’s effort to push the vaccines, they neglected to focus on more testing and treatments. This was a mistake. Now, you’re forced to wait in long lines for a test just so you can return to work, travel, or visit loved ones. And some of you cannot get tested due to the nationwide shortage. The Biden Administration refuses to consider the overwhelming evidence of T-Cell immunity which would help us better determine who is immune to COVID and who may be at greater risk.
Additionally, the Biden Administration’s limited distribution of life-saving monoclonal antibody treatments contributes to the rate of hospitalizations and the burden on our healthcare industry. You can read more about this issue below.
It’s simple, President Biden and his administration’s misguided policies are harming our economy and failing in shutting down the virus. I’m fighting for a more holistic approach to COVID-19 that keeps our country open while still delivering life-saving treatment to those who need it.
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
Fighting for More Life-saving COVID-19 Treatments
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This week, I, along with Senator Marco Rubio and Senator Rick Scott lead members of the Florida Delegation in urging the Biden Administration to end its heavy-handed allocation system for life-saving monoclonal antibody treatments (mAbs).
Cases of Omicron - while mild - are rapidly increasing throughout the state of Florida and our nation, and the Delta variant remains to be a more serious threat. The administration’s mAbs distribution policy continues to be shortsighted and burdensome on states and healthcare providers.
You can read the full letter here.
This Week in the District
Update from the Internal Revenue Service
Tax Season is right around the corner. Check out these helpful tips from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Tips for Tax Season
- Plan Ahead
- Choose a qualified and reputable tax preparer
Key Points:
The following two publications can help people get prepared and stay organized with tips for year-round tax planning. - Publication 5348, Get ready to file: Tax planning is for everyone. Taxpayers can use this publication to help them get ready to file their 2021 federal income tax return. Planning helps individuals file an accurate return and avoid processing delays that can slow their tax refund.
- Publication 5349, Year-round tax planning is for everyone: Life changes can affect taxpayers' expected refunds or the amount of tax they owe. These changes include things such as employment status, marital status, and financial gains or losses. Publication 5349 provides tips on developing habits throughout the year that will help make tax preparation easier. This resource also includes a checklist of items taxpayers should have on hand when filing their tax returns.
When choosing a tax professional, taxpayers should: - Remember: They are responsible for all the information on their return, no matter who prepares it.
- Check the IRS Directory of Preparers. While it’s not a complete listing of tax return preparers, it does include those who are enrolled agents, CPAs, and attorneys, as well as those who participate in the Annual Filing Season Program.
- Check the preparer's history with the Better Business Bureau. Taxpayers can verify an enrolled agent's status on IRS.gov.
- Ask about fees. Avoid tax return preparers who base their fees on a percentage of the refund or who offer to deposit all or part of their refund into their financial accounts.
- Be wary of tax return preparers who claim they can get larger refunds than others.
- Ask if they plan to use e-file.
- Make sure the preparer is available. People should consider whether the individual or firm will be around for months or years after filing the return. Taxpayers should do this because they might need the preparer to answer questions about the preparation of the tax return.
- Ensure the preparer signs and includes their preparer tax identification number. Paid tax return preparers must have a PTIN to prepare tax returns.
- Check the person's credentials. Only attorneys, CPAs, and enrolled agents can represent taxpayers before the IRS in tax matters. Other tax return preparers who participate in the IRS Annual Filing Season Program have limited practice rights to represent taxpayers during audits of returns they prepared.
Expedited EADs for Healthcare Workers
Effective immediately, if you are a healthcare worker who has a pending Employment Authorization Document (EAD) renewal application (Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization) and your EAD expires in 30 days or less or has already expired, you can request expedited processing of your EAD application.
To determine whether you are a qualifying healthcare worker, see this DHS advisory memorandum (“Healthcare / Public Health” section, pages 7-9). You should be prepared to provide evidence of your profession or current employment as a healthcare worker. If the evidence you provide is not sufficient, we may not accommodate your request for expedited processing of your Form I-765. Expedited processing means only that USCIS will process the application faster.
To request expedited processing, call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833).
Updates from Passport Services
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 fees, processing times, and tips to help you plan ahead.
The fee for a passport book has increased by $20 to cover increased security costs and compensation associated with passport adjudication, including fraud prevention. This fee increase supports modernization efforts to produce the most secure documents and allows us to provide a high level of service to the traveling public. For up-to-date passport fees, visit this page: https://travel.state.gov/passportfees.
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 charge) 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 extra 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM ET Monday through Friday (excluding federal holidays).
Updates for Veterans
Changes to the Visitation Policy at NF/SGVHS
NF/SGVHS has made changes to their COVID-19 visitation policy effective immediately. - COVID/Isolation Patients: Visitation restricted*.
- Acute/Critical Care Visitation for Non-COVID Patients: Visitation restricted*.
- Community Living Center (CLC): No visitors are permitted in the Community Living Centers.
- End of Life Visitation: End of Life exceptions may be granted on a case-by-case basis. Primary Medical Team will discuss the special protocols with the patient’s visitor and coordinate the visit.
- Visitors for Outpatient Appointments: Visitors for outpatient appointments, procedures, and within the Emergency Department will continue to be limited to one essential caregiver/support person for those needing assistance with physical or cognitive challenges.
- In addition, no visitors under 18 (including infants) are permitted into the facility (Exception: Under 18 allowed for Veterans receiving Family Therapy and breastfeeding mothers may bring their infant). Visitors/Adult Caregivers must comply with the universal masking policy and pass COVID-19 screening procedures.
- The health system is currently providing COVID-19 testing by *appointment only*.
For more information, click here.
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
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 Pfizer vaccine is authorized for persons aged 12 and up. The Moderna and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccines are authorized for persons aged 18 and up.
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration recently announced the authorization of single booster doses for the Pfizer, Moderna, and Janssen vaccines. You can find more information about the boosters here.
Please consult your doctor before getting a COVID-19 vaccine or booster.
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
| Constituent Casework Corner
A veteran’s primary care physician submitted a referral for their acupuncture treatment to be continued; however, after nearly two months, the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Community Care (OCC) still had not processed the referral. After the veteran contacted my office, we were able to work with OCC to have the referral processed promptly so the veteran could resume their treatment.
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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