NEWS FROM THE SECOND DISTRICT
Dear Friend,
We’re making steady progress in renewing, restoring, and rebuilding our great nation!
On Friday, the U.S. Department of Labor announced that the economy added 1.4 million jobs in August. This puts the unemployment rate below 10 percent for the first time since March. This is excellent news and a positive indicator that our country is recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our nation’s best scientists, doctors, and manufacturers are continuing to work around the clock through Operation Warp Speed to develop safe and effective vaccines and treatments for COVID-19. There are now 3 vaccine candidates in the final phase of clinical trials. This means that we may only be months away from a COVID-19 vaccine. We will only move forward with vaccines and treatments that are safe and effective. If a vaccine candidate isn’t safe, I assure you that it will not be approved.
This nation is heading in the right direction, and I remain committed to fighting in Washington, D.C. for your family’s health and safety.
Please read about my week below:
My Week in the DistrictCongressman Dunn Speaks at FFA Meeting
This week, I had the pleasure of speaking at the Florida Forestry Association’s Annual Meeting. In Taylor, Liberty, Nassau, Dixie, Putnam, Jefferson, Union, Lafayette, Madison, Calhoun counties, forestry makes up 10% of the OVERALL workforce. During the meeting, I updated the association on the FL Timber Recovery Block Grant and forestry efforts in Congress. I’m very proud of the industry’s resilience throughout the Hurricane Michael recovery process and COVID-19 pandemic.
Our nation’s foresters are our best environmental stewards. Their livelihood depends on smart and sustainable conservation practices. Hurricane Michael devastated the Panhandle but has given us opportunities to work on permanent fixes for the future. I am grateful for the help on the ground as we continue to secure relief for Florida’s foresters. We’ve seen real progress this year, and I am more confident than ever in the future of Florida’s forest industry.
I would also like to congratulate Lynette Griner of Usher Land and Timber, Inc. for receiving the FFA’s Above & Beyond award for her dedicated service. This is well-deserved! Lynette truly walks the walk and talks the talk on behalf of the timber community and has done many great things for our foresters. Thank you for all that you do!
Coronavirus UpdatesOperation Warp Speed
The AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine has entered Phase 3 – the final phase of clinical trials. There are now 3 vaccine candidates in the final phase of clinical trials. We may be only months away from a COVID-19 vaccine. Scientists and doctors are working around the clock to get this done for the American people. The United States secured 300 million of the first 1 billion doses of the vaccine that are being produced, ensuring Americans will have access to the vaccine if it’s safe and effective. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner has assured us that we will only move forward with vaccines and treatments that are safe and effective. Read more here.
Recent Updates
- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Assistant Secretary for Health, extended coverage under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (PREP Act) to licensed health-care practitioners prescribing or administering point-of-care COVID-19 tests. This will enhance the safety of nursing homes, assisted-living facilities, long-term care facilities, and other facilities where people congregate to receive care or education or to work. Read more here.
- The Trump Administration has awarded a contract for $760 million to Abbott for delivery of 150 million rapid, Abbott BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card Point of Care (POC) SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic tests to expand strategic, evidence-based testing in the United States. Testing will be potentially deployed to schools and to assist with serving other special needs populations. Abbott has the capability to scale up to meet the demand for antigen testing across the country and is the only known source that can immediately provide the required items to meet HHS’s urgent needs. The system uses a nasal swab and associated media placed on a strip that can detect COVID-19 and other viruses. Read more here.
- The Florida Department of Health (DOH), to provide more comprehensive data, releases a report on COVID-19 cases in Florida once per day. As of September 4th, 2020, data reported to DOH shows there has been a steady decline in the number of reported Florida resident deaths who were previously diagnosed with COVID-19. The fourth week of July compared to the fourth week of August, shows a 75 percent decrease in the average number of reported COVID-19 related deaths. Click here to see the data.
GREAT NEWS! Governor Ron DeSantis has lifted the ban on visitors at nursing facilities. Local facilities are looking forward to reuniting clients with their families.
Remember, as we reopen these facilities, please continue to practice the proper precautions. The staff has worked hard to protect residents and fellow staff members. Wear face masks, practice physical distancing, wash your hands, use hand sanitizer liberally, and stay home if you are feeling ill. Above all, be patient with staff members.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you in Congress!
Sincerely,
Dr. Neal Dunn
Member of Congress
|
IN THE NEWS
Constituent Casework Corner
A veteran contacted my office after years of waiting for the Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA) to review their claim. They received a denial but believed there was a mistake because the BVA didn’t review any of the extensive medical documentation provided. My office could not ask the BVA to change their decision; however, an inquiry could be submitted asking why the medical documentation was not reviewed. After submitting an inquiry, the BVA reviewed the veteran’s file, determined a mistake had been made and issued a fully favorable decision.
Do you need help with a federal agency? Contact my office at 850-785-0812 or at www.dunn.house.gov
|
No comments:
Post a Comment