NEWS FROM THE SECOND DISTRICTDear Friend, Twenty years ago, our nation experienced an unimaginable tragedy. On September 11th, we were reminded of what makes this country truly great – our resilience and unity. We haven’t seen much of that lately as news headlines have been far from positive and this nation is more divided than ever. It makes me nostalgic for the days following September 11th, 2001, a time where America came together. I’m hoping we’ll see that kind of unity again soon.
Please join me in praying for our first responders and the families who lost loved ones on that tragic day. Let us also pray for the future of this country. May we never again experience this kind of loss and may we never forget September 11th, 2001.
Please read about my week below: This Week in the District
What’s Happening on Capitol Hill
Updates for Veterans
Coronavirus Updates
This Week in the District
Bay County Remembers 9/11
Saturday morning, I had the privilege of joining the City of Panama City, the Panama City Police Department, our local fire departments, and the Bay County Sheriff’s Office in remembering the many lives we lost on September 11th, 2001. Thank you all who joined us! I’m grateful to have had a part in this beautiful ceremony. 
Mandates Are Not The Answer
This past week, President Biden announced a vaccine mandate for companies with 100 employees or more. The mandate will require employees to get vaccinated. If they do not, they will be subject to testing on a weekly basis.
I joined the GOP Doctors Caucus in issuing the following statement:
“For over a year, the GOP Doctors Caucus has been at the forefront educating the American people on the safety and efficacy of our COVID-19 vaccines and encouraging everyone to talk to their doctors to decide what is best for their personal situation. It is un-American for the federal government to mandate what personal health choices private businesses must require of their employees. Some have correctly perceived federal mandates as tyrannical. Personal health choices are just that, and private businesses should set their own policies. Health matters have generally been directed by the states; these new federal directives will and should be challenged. If this administration truly wants all Americans to receive the vaccine, it will immediately abandon this massive overreach and stop finding new ways to further politicize this virus. Here is the simple truth when seeking health information, Americans should not listen to politicians, cable news, or social media — talk to your doctor.”
While I recommend getting the vaccine, I do not believe mandates are the answer to this pandemic. Getting the vaccine should be up to you and your doctor — not the federal government.
Supporting American Heroes
On Saturday, I had the honor of meeting some of our veterans who were wounded in combat and their families at the Warrior Beach Retreat. The retreat was created by Philip and Linda Cope after their son was wounded in combat. The program is held in Panama City Beach, and aims to help these families re-connect, refuel, and regain a new sense of “normal” with their injured loved ones.
Between the pandemic and the withdrawal from Afghanistan, these veterans and their families have been through a lot physically and emotionally. I cannot thank them enough for their service and sacrifice. They are all heroes – including the families and caregivers – and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of a relaxing beach retreat.
Helpful Reminder from the IRS
The Internal Revenue Service reminds people that Sept. 15, 2021, is the deadline for the third quarter estimated tax payments. This generally applies to people who are self-employed and some investors, retirees, and those who may not normally have taxes withheld from their paycheck by their employers.
The U.S. tax system operates on a pay-as-you-go basis. This means taxpayers are to pay most of their tax during the year, as they earn or receive income. Therefore, individuals not subject to withholding may need to make quarterly estimated tax payments. Read more here.
What’s Happening on Capitol Hill
Helping Our Nation’s Veterans
I recently joined Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott and my Florida House Delegation colleagues in a letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland seeking answers regarding the SolarWinds cyber-attack of United States Attorneys’ Offices (USAO) in Florida.
The Department of Justice confirmed that the breach affected 80 percent of Microsoft email accounts used by USAO employees in New York but did not provide additional information on the extent of the hack or its effect on Florida USAOs or offices in other identified states. This announcement is alarming as USAO email servers contain highly sensitive information.
Over the last year, there has been a drastic increase in the number of cyberattacks against American businesses and governments. This is deeply troubling and must be properly investigated so we can ensure it does not happen again.
Read the full letter here.
Updates for Veterans
Do You Know Anyone In Afghanistan?
August 31st may have been the deadline to leave Afghanistan, but our work isn't done.
There are Americans and allies with pending Special Immigration Visas (SIVs) that have not been evacuated yet, and I will continue to work on their behalf.
If you have relatives, colleagues, friends, or loved ones currently in Afghanistan OR if you’re a veteran or service member in contact with an interpreter stuck in the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) process, please reach out to my office so we can try as best as we can to get them to safety.
Contact my office at 850-785-0812 or at www.dunn.house.gov
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
Coronavirus Updates
Get Vaccinated Floridians 12 and up are eligible to receive a 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.
Monoclonal antibody treatments
Early monoclonal antibody treatment saves lives. Antibodies help the immune system recognize and respond effectively to the virus. According to the treatment guidelines, monoclonal antibody therapy should be administered as soon as possible after diagnosis. Referrals are not required at any of the State of Florida monoclonal antibody treatment sites and treatment is available at no cost to patients.
If you or someone you know has tested positive for COVID-19, visit this link to find locations to receive monoclonal antibody treatment. For more information about the treatments, 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
| Constituent Casework Corner
A constituent who was recently awarded Social Security Disability Insurance contacted my office after waiting nearly fourteen months for their retroactive benefits. My office was able to work with the Social Security Administration to have the benefits promptly released.
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