NEWS FROM THE SECOND DISTRICTDear Friend, With tomorrow being Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, I encourage you to take time to reflect on the positive changes inspired by this incredible American. It is because of his dream and perseverance that this country changed for the better. We should all strive to continue Dr. King's work and make a difference, not just this weekend but every day. I hope that you and your family have a safe holiday weekend. This week, the House passed articles of impeachment charging President Trump with “incitement of insurrection.” I have grave concerns with several statements Donald Trump made on January 6, 2021; however, the most important thing this country needs right now is healing. A second impeachment attempt fails that test. The Senate will not begin their trial until after President Trump leaves office. Therefore, the second impeachment is taking the time we could be using to address COVID-19 relief and other major issues affecting this nation.
Now, it has come to my attention that there may be some protests or gatherings in the coming weeks. I said this on social media and I want to say it again -- we have a Constitutional right to assemble; however, we have a duty as Americans to only do so in a safe, non-violent and respectful manner. President-elect Biden will soon take office and it is time for us to move forward and welcome a peaceful transition of power.
In other news, I’m excited to announce that I have been appointed to the House Energy & Commerce Committee. This appointment will give me a platform to prioritize healthcare reform, America’s energy independence, and tech innovation. You can read more about the committee and how this benefits our district below.
Please read about my week below:
This Week in the District
Legislative Updates
Coronavirus Updates
This Week in the District
Amazon to build a new facility in Jackson County
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Jackson County will be part of Amazon's massive expansion plans to build small operation hubs as the global e-commerce giant is slated to build a new last-mile delivery site in Marianna.
Zach Gilmore, Director of Business Development with the Jackson County Economic Development Council, has confirmed that Amazon will be operating a last-mile delivery facility at 3529 Russell Road in Marianna, Florida.
This is exciting news for the area! Jackson County was hit hard by Hurricane Michael in 2018. This will be a great opportunity to boost the local economy and bring in new jobs.
Read more here. Eligible PPP expenses now deductible
On Jan. 6, 2021, The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service issued guidance allowing deductions for the payment of eligible expenses when such payments would result (or be expected to result) in the forgiveness of a covered loan under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
The guidance, Revenue Ruling 2021-02 PDF, reflects changes to the law contained in the COVID-related Tax Relief Act of 2020, enacted as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 which was signed into law on December 27, 2020.
Revenue Ruling 2021-02 obsoletes Notice 2020-32 and Revenue Ruling 2020-27. The obsoleted guidance disallowed deductions for the payment of eligible expenses when the payments resulted (or could be expected to result) in forgiveness of a covered loan.
IRS News Release 2021-04, issued Jan. 6, 2021, conveyed the above information. A copy of the news release and guidance (revenue ruling) is attached. Legislative Updates
House Energy & Commerce Committee
I am honored and humbled to serve this nation and Florida’s Second Congressional District on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. The Committee is at the forefront of innovation in the healthcare, energy and technology sectors, and we must enact policies to allow American entrepreneurship to thrive for decades to come.
As a doctor, I’m passionate about lowering our health care costs and finding commonsense solutions that will strengthen the doctor-patient relationship.
Additionally, we must sustain America’s energy independence and leverage our research assets to spur tech innovation. You have also reached out to me about expanding rural broadband infrastructure to help with the rise in remote work and telehealth. These priorities will not only strengthen our economy and help grow our district but as we saw through Operation Warp Speed, they can save lives. I’m grateful for this incredible opportunity to serve on one of the oldest committees in Congress, and I look forward to using this platform to improve the quality of life for my constituents.
Read more about the House Energy & Commerce Committee here. Coronavirus Updates
Recent Updates
- This week, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) posted a new webpage, Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions. Questions cover specifics, such as what data did the FDA review when deciding whether to authorize the vaccine for emergency use, how well the vaccine prevents COVID-19, and more.
- A web-based COVID-19 outpatient treatment locator maintained by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is now available to assist healthcare providers and patients in finding potential locations for treatment with monoclonal antibody therapeutics. These medicines are authorized for emergency use in treating patients with mild or moderate COVID-19 who are at high risk of developing severe symptoms and requiring hospitalization. Read more here.
- The FDA alerted clinical laboratory staff and health care providers that genetic variants of SARS-CoV-2 may lead to false-negative results with molecular tests for SARS-CoV-2. The Letter to Clinical Laboratory Staff and Health Care Providers includes important information about potential false-negative results with molecular tests, including:
- Details on the effect of genetic variants on test
performance.
- Recommendations for clinical laboratory staff and
health care providers.
- Actions the FDA has taken.
- Instructions for reporting problems with a test. 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 Congressman Neal Dunn appointed to House Energy & Commerce Committee, looking to lower healthcare costs
Congressman Dunn joins Florida lawmakers in asking Operation Warp Speed to increase state’s vaccine allotment
Congressman Dunn co-sponsors Congresswoman Maria Salazar’s FORCE Act to keep Cuba on state sponsors of terrorism list Constituent Casework Corner
A veteran contacted my office after the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) denied their request for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to purchase a home. The VA claimed the veteran didn’t serve long enough in the military to qualify. We were able to work with the VA to have the records reviewed. It was determined that the veteran was denied erroneously so the COE was issued allowing the veteran to purchase their home.
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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