NEWS FROM THE SECOND DISTRICTDear Friend, Democrats’ far-left policies have led to a massive breakdown in our global transportation network. I’m sure you’ve noticed the spike in your grocery bills and gas prices. Now, shelves are empty in stores and many products are delayed. This could affect the holiday season.
And what’s the Democrats’ response to this? - “Lower your expectations.”
I don’t know about you, but America should never lower its expectations. We should always strive for better; not settle.
The Biden Administration is failing our nation and it continues to get worse and worse by the day. The State of Florida, however, is prepped and ready to respond to this disaster. This past week, Governor DeSantis announced that Florida Seaports have open capacity and can handle more cargo to meet holiday demand. Our seaports are used to serving with 24-hour operations and have the unique geographical presence to accept diverted cargo from locations limited by supply chain delays and lost productivity. I’m extremely proud of our state, and I thank all of those who work at our ports and in transportation for going above the call of duty to help the nation.
Regular Americans are paying the price and experiencing the consequences of the Biden Administration’s failing economic and transportation policies. It is crucial that President Biden stops caving to his radical base and prioritizes the needs of hard-working families.
Please read about my week below:
What’s Happening on Capitol Hill
This Week in the District
Updates for Veterans
Coronavirus Updates
What’s Happening on Capitol Hill
Prostate Cancer Prevention Act
I recently introduced the Prostate Cancer Prevention Act (H.R. 5558), a bill that would reauthorize the prostate cancer research and prevention program previously established in the Public Health Improvement Act. Money from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) will be dedicated to conducting public health activities related to prostate cancer screening and prevention.
Early detection saves lives, and this program is essential to ensuring that prostate cancer can be detected and treated as soon as possible. In addition to this bill, I will closely work with the CDC to update this program. The better the program, the more lives we save.
Protecting Americans' Genomic Information Act
I also recently introduced the Protecting Americans' Genomic Information Act (H.R. 5515), a bill that directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to consult with the Director of National Intelligence, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, and other national security experts to ensure biomedical research funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and HHS involving gene sequencing and the collection of identifiable, sensitive information is conducted in a manner that considers national security risks. Additionally, the bill directs HHS to ensure NIH develops a comprehensive framework for assessing and managing national security risks.
The NIH has NO accountability and it unquestionably funded dangerous advanced biological research on Corona Viruses in China. Furthermore, Americans’ private genomic information should never fall into the hands of our adversaries. This bill will help put a stop to the NIH’s reckless actions.
This Week in the District
FEMA's Public Assistance Grant Funding
GREAT NEWS -- FEMA has approved an additional grant of $21,869,018 for the State of Florida to reimburse Bay County for its debris removal operations after Hurricane Michael in 2018.
Funding from FEMA's Public Assistance grant program will reimburse the county for removing 901,285 cubic yards of vegetative debris, 274,942 cubic yards of construction and demolition debris, 7,279 hazardous leaning trees, 2,460 hazardous hanging limbs, and 402 stumps from public roads, infrastructure, and rights of way, which posed a serious threat to public health and safety.
Read more here.
Child Tax Credit Update
Many of those not normally required to file a tax return (non-filers) have signed up for and received Advance 2021 Child Tax Credit payments. These individuals and families should receive up to half the amount of their estimated 2021 Child Tax Credit in the form of monthly payments that continue through December 15. However, to claim the other half of the credit, non-filers will have to file a 2021 tax return next year.
It’s not too late for those eligible to sign up for advance payments of the 2021 Child Tax Credit. But some will not sign up in time and to access the credit, they’ll need to file a 2021 tax return.
The IRS has provided resources and guidance on how government agencies, community groups, non-profits, and others can help underserved groups access the 2021 child tax credit. Those resources and guidance are available 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.
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration recently announced the authorization of single booster doses for the Pfizer, Moderna, and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccines. You can find more information about the boosters here. Please consult your doctor before getting a booster vaccine.
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
| IN THE NEWS Rep. Neal Dunn signs letter calling on the White House and CDC to consider natural immunity to COVID-19
Constituent Casework Corner
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 14 weeks from the day an application is submitted to the day a new passport is received.
Expedited service (for an additional $60) can take up to 10 weeks from the day an application is submitted to the day a new passport is received.
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.
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.
If you would like to check on your passport status, click here.
Schedule an Appointment: To schedule an appointment, you can call the Passport Agency Customer Service Line (877) 487-2778 from 8:00AM to 10:00PM ET Monday through Friday (excluding federal holidays).
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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