NEWS FROM THE SECOND DISTRICTDear Friend, I believe a strong, well-funded military is essential to ensuring the safety of all Americans. Sadly, Congress’ reliance on continuing resolutions for the past few months is hurting our military and weakening our defense.
This past week, I spoke at the Air Force Summit to military and government officials, business executives, and contractors about defense spending, what Florida has to offer the defense industry, and the Tyndall AFB rebuild. When I touched on defense spending, I noted how dangerous continuing resolutions can be. Russia and China pose major threats right now, and we’ve put our nation in a vulnerable position by continuously kicking the can down the road.
I don’t say any of this to scare you; I say this to raise awareness. This is about your safety, and it is my duty to ensure that you, your family, and your community are out of harm’s way.
I ultimately voted in favor of the continuing resolution this week to avoid an even more costly government shutdown. However, I am hopeful that President Biden and Congressional Democrats will work with Republicans and finalize a bipartisan omnibus spending deal that will strengthen our national defense.
Please read about my week below:
This Week in the District
What’s Happening on Capitol Hill
Updates for Veterans
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This Week in the District
The Brian Rust Show
On Monday, I joined my friend Brian Rust on his radio show to discuss the Chinese Communist Party, the Olympics, Russia, securing our southern border, our current fentanyl epidemic, and more. You can listen to the show here. My interview begins at the 86:30 mark.
Chatting with Palm Bay Prep Academy Civics Class
Recently, Mr. Brian Bassett, a Civics teacher at Palm Bay Prep Academy in Panama City, was dared by his students to call my office. They did not believe that Mr. Bassett could reach their local congressman. I was happy to prove the students wrong. Thank you, Mr. Bassett, for reaching out and for chatting with me about the legislative branch and my role in Congress. And thank you for showing your 7th-grade class that their representative is a phone call away!
Supporting Women’s Weightlifting in Gulf County
On Thursday morning, I had the honor of leading the Pledge of Allegiance at the FHSAA Women’s Weightlifting State Championship held at Port St. Joe High School. Congratulations to everyone who competed! There was some real talent and skill displayed. Making it to the state championship is a major accomplishment and we are all very proud of you for coming this far.
Visiting Liberty County
On Thursday afternoon, I stopped by the Liberty County Clerk's Office to meet with Clerk of Court Daniel Stanley and Sheriff Buddy Money. We discussed infrastructure and funding needs, as well as opportunities for economic growth. I always enjoy my time out in Liberty County. Thank you all for the warm welcome!
What’s Happening on Capitol Hill
The Protecting Family & Small Business Tax Cuts Act
This past week, I cosponsored a bill that would make the 2017 Trump tax cuts permanent for individuals, families, and small businesses.
The Protecting Family and Small Business Tax Cuts Act would: - Make permanent the doubled standard deduction of $12K for those filing single and $24K for jointly filed returns
- Make permanent the doubled child tax credit of $2K including full refundability of $1400
- Maintain the mortgage interest deduction at $750K
- Maintain the State and Local Tax deduction at $10K
- Maintain the Medical Expense Deduction to allow the deduction of qualified expenses that exceed 7.5 percent of an individual’s Annual Gross Income
- Provide a 20 percent tax deduction for small businesses
What does this mean for you – More take-home pay, more jobs, and a stronger economy.
Addressing Major Health Policy Issues
I recently joined my Republican colleagues in a letter urging Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra to abandon and re-propose the Nation Coverage Determination to provide for reasonable access to FDA-approved Alzheimer’s treatments for a broader population of Medicare beneficiaries, including Americans suffering from other neurological diseases and medical conditions such as Down Syndrome.
I also joined a letter urging President Biden and HHS Secretary Becerra to accept that COVID-19 has become endemic, recognize that current heavy-handed government interventions are doing more harm than good, and immediately begin the process to unwind the Public Health Emergency so our country can get back to normal.
Updates for Veterans
VA establishes new threshold for reporting debt
The Department of Veterans Affairs recently amended the procedures for reporting debt to consumer reporting agencies. These revisions change VA’s minimum requirements for reporting debt. The rule also provides an opportunity for relief and helps Veterans experiencing financial hardship.
What does this mean for you - These new changes will result in a 99% reduction in unfavorable debt reported to consumer reporting agencies, thus reducing financial distress for Veterans.
Read more 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
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 recently needed to go overseas to support their elderly parents when their stepmother fell ill. They contacted my office to assist with their pending passport application. We were able to work with the National Passport Center to have their passport expedited. Their passport was promptly issued, and they were able to travel overseas to help their parents through this difficult time.
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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