NEWS FROM THE SECOND DISTRICTDear Friend,
This week, the House passed the final version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA is perhaps the most critical bill that Congress must pass each year, containing all policy changes related to national security. The passage of the bill is vital to the missions of our military installations, particularly to the rebuild of Tyndall AFB and the F-35 project.
The House and Senate’s compromise bill includes:
- A well-deserved 2.7% pay increase for our military
- An increase in military parental leave
- An expansion of the in-home childcare pilot program
- Improved support available to military families with special needs children
- A continuation of funding for the deployment of National Guard to the border
The bill also prohibits:
- The Department of Defense (DOD) from dishonorably discharging servicemembers that refuse the COVID-19 vaccine
- The DoD from providing any financial support to the Taliban
- The use of DoD aircraft to transfer frozen currency reserves or other assets to the Taliban
- It also reverses President Biden’s reckless cuts to our national security, restoring funding for shipbuilding, procurement, and missile defense.
The final bill does not include any provisions that infringe on 2nd amendment rights or aim to create an office of “extremism” within DOD- two goals that Democrats had been trying to include in this bill all year long.
This is a huge win for our military and veterans. They have sacrificed a lot to defend our nation and deserve our support.
Please read about my week below:
What’s Happening on Capitol Hill
Updates for Veterans
Coronavirus Updates
What’s Happening on Capitol Hill
Mandates are NOT the Answer
This past week, I joined several of my Republican colleagues in supporting a resolution under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) that will halt President Biden’s harmful mandate for virtually all healthcare employees. Last month, I cautioned that vaccine mandates will hurt our workforce, especially our health care industry. While I recommend getting the COVID-19 vaccine, I also believe that this is a decision to be made by you and your doctor – not the federal government.
The unnecessary strain on our health care industry is horribly shortsighted and will result in reduced access to care, which is the last thing we need right now. If we are to truly “follow the science,” we must shift the focus towards immunity testing and effective treatments. Oppressive mandates will do more harm than good.
House Energy & Commerce Committee
On Wednesday, the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Health held a hearing titled, “the Future of Biomedical Research: Translating Biomedical Research into Personalized Care.” Republicans on the committee used this opportunity to highlight the dangerous policies in the Democrats’ latest spending package that are killing jobs and delaying potential cures.
I used the opportunity to urge the committee to prioritize policies to bolster innovation. I also discussed the need for immunity testing, specifically T-cell immunity testing. T-cell testing will help many decide if they would like to get a COVID-19 vaccine or booster. It will also give us insight into natural immunity and how long it lasts. We have an amazing amount of technology and can accomplish a lot in a short time – Operation Warp Speed was proof of that. We are doing ourselves a huge disservice by not investing in T-cell testing.
On Thursday, the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce met to discuss holding Big Tech accountable. During the hearing, I emphasized that Congress has a responsibility to ensure that consumer data - which is currently collected by tech companies without adequate protections - does not fall into the hands of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). This is particularly timely as CCP state sponsored cyberattacks have increased dramatically in recent years, including a high profile attack on Microsoft’s exchange servers in March. I also highlighted my concerns with CCP’s influence on American companies that operate in China.
Your data should not fall into the hands of foreign or domestic bad actors. Congress must work to protect your privacy, and after this hearing, I think many of my colleagues agree.
Updates for Veterans
Important Update from GCVHCS
Due to supply chain and staffing shortages, the vendor contracted by the Government Publishing Office to provide printing services for the Department of Veterans Affairs is experiencing delays in printing and mailing notification letters to Veterans and claimants. The disruption may impact the ability of some claimants to meet required deadlines via written correspondence with the VA.
In response to the mailing delays and to protect the best interest of claimants, the Veterans Benefits Administration is extending its response period by 90-calendar days for claimants with letters dated between July 13, 2021, and Dec. 31, 2021.
If a claimant does not reply to a time-limited notification, such as, making an election of benefits or services, or reporting for a scheduled compensation and pension examination. VBA will not take adverse action to deny, reduce or terminate benefits and services unless: 1) the claimant is contacted and there is documentation of their right to respond; 2) the requested information has been received; or 3) the response period has lapsed.
VA and GPO are proactively working to quickly address the mailing delays. For questions on this matter, Veterans and claimants can contact VA at 800-827-1000.
Veterans who filed an appeal with the Board of Veterans’ Appeals can click here for information specific to Board correspondence, scheduled hearings at the Board, and receiving your Board decision.
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
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 Pfizer vaccine is authorized for persons aged 12 and up. The Moderna and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccines are authorized for persons aged 18 and up.
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration recently announced the authorization of single booster doses for the Pfizer, Moderna, and Janssen vaccines. You can find more information about the boosters here.
Please consult your doctor before getting a COVID-19 vaccine or booster.
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 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 8-11 weeks from the day an application is submitted to the day a new passport is received.
Expedite service (for an additional $60) can take 5-7 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM 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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