NEWS FROM THE SECOND DISTRICTDear Friend, This past week reminded me of how fortunate we are to have outstanding first responders in the Sunshine State. In Surfside, FL, several rescue crews from all over the state, including some from our district, traveled to the Surfside Towers to rescue as many people as they could. Unfortunately, the mission was moved from a rescue mission to a recovery mission, but many of the rescue teams refused to abort their mission. These heroes are determined to help as many as they possibly can, and I cannot thank them enough.
We also saw our first responders and law enforcement jump into action as Hurricane Elsa moved its way into the east side of Florida’s Second Congressional District. I’m grateful that the storm wasn’t as bad as it could have been; however, there was still a considerable amount of flooding and wind. Thankfully, our first responders were ready and willing to help whomever they could.
Time and time again, no matter the disaster, you’re always right there ready to assist. Thank you all for your selflessness and commitment to serving your communities!
Please read about my week below:
This Week in the District
What’s Happening on Capitol Hill
Hurricane Season Update
Coronavirus Updates
This Week in the District
An Exciting Day in Port St. Joe
On Thursday, I had the privilege of speaking at the Eastern Shipbuilding Group’s grand opening of their Port St. Joe location. Afterward, Brian and Joseph D’Isernia gave me a tour of one of their new Staten Island ferries before the two ships leave for New York. Eastern Shipbuilding has an outstanding operation and this new facility is great news for Gulf County. Port St. Joe has been through a lot in the past few years, and this new facility is exactly what the town needs to help revive the local economy. Thank you to everyone who played a part in making this grand opening happen!
.jpg "esgjuly2021(2).jpg")
Blood Donors Needed
Summer is a historically challenging time to collect blood but what makes this summer different is that hospitals are responding to an atypically high number of traumas and emergency room visits requiring lifesaving blood products. Additionally, patient surgeries previously delayed by the pandemic have resumed depleting the nation’s blood supply.
If you are able to participate, please schedule an appointment to give blood or platelets as soon as possible to end this severe blood shortage.
Need To Renew Your Passport? READ THIS.
A lot of people have contacted my office about their pending passport applications. 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 processing times and tips to help you plan ahead.
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 up to 18 weeks from the day an application is submitted to the day a new passport is received. The 18-week timeframe includes up to 12 weeks for processing and up to 6 weeks for mailing times on the front and back end.
Expedite service (for an additional $60) can take up to 12 weeks from the day an application is submitted to the day a new passport is received. The 12-week timeframe includes up to 6 weeks for processing and up to 6 weeks for mailing times on the front and back end.
Our processing times (up to 12 weeks for routine; up to 6 weeks for expedite) do not include mailing times. Mail times vary and delays have been significant. PLAN AHEAD!
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 an extra $17.56 for 1-2 day delivery for the return of your completed passport.
More about Status Updates: It may take up to 6 weeks from the day you submit your application until your status is “In Process.” During these 6 weeks, your application is delivered to a mail facility, your payment is processed, and your application is entered into our system. Even if your passport status update says, “Not Available,” your application and supporting documents are safely on their way to us. Check online for your passport status.
Use Self-Service Tools Online: Our call center is experiencing extremely high call volumes with longer-than-usual wait times. You can get your questions answered immediately by using one of the self-service tools available on our site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. What you see online is the same information that call center representatives can share with you by phone.
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.
What’s Happening on Capitol Hill
The Veterans In Parks Act
Recently, I supported a bipartisan bill that would give veterans and Gold Star families free lifetime access to public lands, and active-duty military free annual passes. The America the Beautiful Pass provides access to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including national parks, national forests, and wildlife refuges. This includes some of the country's most iconic natural treasures, ranging from Acadia National Park to the Redwood National Forest. The Veterans In Parks (VIP) Act would allow all veterans, active-duty service members, and Gold Star Families to visit national parks and public lands free of charge. In 2020, the Trump administration made the America the Beautiful annual pass free for veterans and Gold Star Families. However, this benefit for veterans has never been put into law and could be undone by a future administration. The VIP Act would turn these free annual passes into lifetime passes, as well as codify the annual passes for current service members. These can then be converted into lifetime passes once they leave the military. Our brave men and women in the military have fought for this land and this is a great way to thank them for their service and sacrifice. Read more about this bill here.
Hurricane Season Update
Build a Disaster Plan .png "Screenshot_(64).png")
Need a disaster plan for your family or business? Do you have a family member with special needs? The Florida Division of Emergency Management is now offering a FREE and easy-to-use tool to generate a disaster plan. This is a quick and effective way to make sure you’re prepared before the next storm. Click here to generate your plan now.
Coronavirus Updates
Get Vaccinated Floridians 12 and up are now eligible to receive any COVID-19 vaccine as prescribed by the Food and Drug Administration. The Pfizer vaccine is authorized for persons age 12 and up. The Moderna vaccine is authorized for persons age 18 and up. 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.
Traveling This Summer?
With Summer approaching, many of you may be considering a vacation. For the updated guidelines for domestic travel, click here. For global travel, 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
| 
No comments:
Post a Comment