NEWS FROM THE SECOND DISTRICTDear Friend, Tomorrow is Independence Day, and I cannot help but sit back and reflect on how fortunate we are to live in this country. This holiday is so much more than barbecues and fireworks – it’s about the birth of the greatest nation in the world and the freedoms we’re guaranteed thanks to our Founding Fathers’ perseverance. It’s because of them we have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and we must do whatever we can to preserve that.
Our Supreme Court does an exceptional job protecting our Constitutional rights. In the past two weeks, they protected the lives of innocent babies, our right to keep and bear arms, and our right to worship freely. Additionally, their most recent ruling limits the power of the Executive Branch. I’m grateful for the work they’re doing, and I look forward to returning to Washington to do my part in protecting your rights.
May we all take time this weekend to appreciate the freedom and liberty that comes with being an American. And may we remember the lives sacrificed to protect our country.
Please read about my week below:
Top Reads of the Week
A Recap of My Week
Updates from Agencies
Top Reads of the Week
PANAMA CITY NEWS HERALD: High gas prices take toll on budgets of Bay's first responders. How they're being frugal.
LAKE CITY REPORTER: Open for learning: FGC officially unveils Quinn and Keith Leibfried STEM Building
DEFENSE NEWS: Coast Guard selects Austal to build Offshore Patrol Cutters over incumbent Eastern Shipbuilding
FOX NEWS: High school football coach scores big win at Supreme Court over post-game prayer
A Recap of My Week
Fighting for Economic Opportunity
This past week, the U.S. Coast Guard announced that it will not award Eastern Shipbuilding Group with the second phase of its Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) program. This decision was a mistake. Eastern Shipbuilding is known for quality products, and the Coast Guard knows this.
I am very concerned the foreign company awarded the contract lacks experience in building steel vessels. This will ultimately cost taxpayers more money, and further delay these ships from entering service to protect our nation’s shores.
After all our district has been through, this news is especially disappointing. But like always, we’ll overcome this. My office is investigating how the decision was made and how we can help the men and women who are impacted by this mistake. Additionally, I will continue to fight for more economic opportunities for the people of Florida’s Second Congressional District.
SCOTUS West Virginia v. EPA Decision
The U.S. Supreme Court made another great decision regarding the Environmental Protection Agency’s regulatory authority. As of Thursday, the EPA cannot pass sweeping regulations that could impact industries without congressional approval. In other words, the Court limited how far the executive branch can go in forcing new environmental regulations. This is exactly what the Supreme Court is for – keeping the Executive Branch in check. This decision also benefits our electric cooperatives, farmers, and many more.
Bills I’m Supporting
The Stop Wrongs to Our Kids’ Educational (WOKE) Meals Act (H.R.8206) – The bill would prevent the United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) from implementing an interpretation of anti-discrimination based on sex laws under Title IX of Education Amendments of 1972 to include “sexual orientation and gender identity.” If the Biden Administration implements its new view of the law, USDA would have the authority to prevent federal funding for K-12 meal assistance at schools that refuse to allow transgender students to play on their preferred sports team or use their preferred bathroom.
Updates From Agencies
Veterans Town Hall
Announcement About Pending Tax Returns
My office has received many requests for assistance with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the need for pending tax returns to be processed and refunds immediately released. When you submit a privacy release form authorizing my office to engage with the IRS on your behalf, we highly recommend you also provide my office with evidence of financial hardship so we can advocate for the IRS to prioritize your return. If you have any questions, please call my office at 850-785-0812.
Updated Passport Processing Times
Traveling abroad? Please review the current processing times and requirements for passports. If you need a passport renewal or a new passport, I encourage you to apply as soon as you possibly can. Click here for more info.
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 single parent faced with severe financial constraints from an unforeseen medical emergency with one of their children recently contacted my office for help with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The IRS still hadn’t released their refund after nearly four months. We were able to work with the Taxpayer Advocate Service to have the constituent’s return flagged as dire need, processed, and their refund released.
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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