NEWS FROM THE SECOND DISTRICTDear Friend, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to start an unprovoked war with Ukraine is a direct threat to democratic values and the entire free world. This will not stop with Ukraine. Putin has made it clear that his endgame is to restore the days of the Soviet Union.
Targeted sanctions and exports controls are a good start; however, we must also increase the defensive strength of our NATO allies to improve their ability to confront Russian forces. Additionally, the United States must return to the days of energy independence that we achieved under the Trump Administration and encourage our European allies to end their reliance on Russia.
The Biden Administration’s failed handling of the withdrawal from Afghanistan, alongside restricting our nation’s energy production, has emboldened not only Russia, but also China. To add to that, President Biden’s vaccine mandates are putting pressure on our military readiness. These decisions have directly affected our economy and our national security.
To counter President Biden’s mishandlings, when my colleagues and I passed the National Defense Authorization Act of 2022, we included a provision that requires the Department of Defense to establish uniform procedures under which service members may be exempted from the Department’s vaccine mandate. We have yet to see evidence of this being implemented. A letter has been sent out requesting an update on the implementation. Now more than ever, we need our best men and women on standby in case things take a turn for the worst.
How the U.S. handles this conflict and tension with Russia matters. Our adversaries in China and across the world are closely watching America’s response. We must show strength and unity in the face of this unhinged Russian aggression.
Let me close with something positive – the Ukrainian people have shown great courage this week. Many have stayed behind to fight back - even Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is staying behind to protect his country. I deeply admire their dedication and fearlessness. That said, please keep this country in your prayers. They’re going to need all the support they can get going forward.
Please read about my week below:
This Week in the District
What’s Happening on Capitol Hill
Updates from Federal Agencies
This Week in the District
Congratulations, Sruthi Sentil & Ananya Mundrathi
I want to take a moment to congratulate our 2021 Florida-02 Congressional App Challenge winners, Sruthi Sentil and Ananya Mundrathi. These brilliant young women submitted their NutriFun app that is designed to educate youth on the importance of nutrition to ensure that future generations maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Users can search for healthy recipe ideas that include ingredients they can find at home. They can also look up a variety of foods to learn more about their nutritional value. Additionally, the app includes a chatbot feature that allows users to ask questions about health, fitness, and wellness.
Congratulations to you both! This is a great app and I look forward to seeing more wonderful things from you in the future. 
Investing in Women’s Health
I joined Ascension Sacred Heart and local officials in celebrating the ribbon cutting of the second diagnostic women’s center in the Panhandle. The new center will offer some of the newest technology used to detect the early stages of breast cancer.
Thank you to everyone who made this possible! Early detection saves lives, and I hope increased access to care will encourage more in our community to receive their annual screenings.
Meeting with Former Congressman Don Fuqua
I recently had the pleasure of chatting with former Congressman Don Fuqua who represented Florida-02 from 1963-1987. Don has an impressive background. He served in the United States Army Medical Corps during the Korean War and was a member of the Florida House from 1959 until 1962. Don is a wealth of knowledge not only when it comes to farming and public service, but also aerospace technology. He served as a member of the Advisory Committee on the Future of the U.S. Space Program, which provided advice to the NASA administrator on NASA’s programs and policies. He later served as President of the Aerospace Industry Association from 1987 to 1998.
I’m always amazed by the incredible people we have throughout our district and by the leaders who came before me. Thank you, Congressman Fuqua, for your kindness and hospitality! It was truly an honor.
What’s Happening on Capitol Hill
The HELPER Act
Our law enforcement officers, teachers, paramedics, EMTs, and firefighters play a critical role in our communities. They’ve been especially invaluable throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. I recently cosponsored The HELPER Act, a bill that establishes a program administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide mortgage assistance to law enforcement officers, elementary and secondary school teachers, firefighters, or other first responders. This is a great way to show appreciation for their selflessness and sacrifice. Read more about the bill here.
Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act
I also recently signed onto the Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act, a bill that would allow sick children in the Medicaid program to be promptly seen by an out-of-state provider, such as a pediatric specialist.
Here’s why this is important - If a child from Florida who is on Medicaid was sick and had the opportunity to go to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Missouri for treatment, this bill would allow the St. Jude-based providers to quickly enroll in Florida Medicaid so they can treat the child.
This currently can take weeks, if not months, and many of these patients don’t have that much time. Read more about the bill here.
The Veteran Education Empowerment Act
I cosponsored another great bill, the Veteran Education Empowerment Act, that would reauthorize and amend a grant program to help institutions of high education establish, maintain, and improve veteran centers. Eligible uses of the grant would also include carrying out instruction services for student veterans.
I’ve had the privilege of visiting the Florida State University (FSU) veterans group. Grants like this would not only help their program grow, but it will also help other schools in our district and throughout the state of Florida better serve our veteran population. Read more about the bill here.
Updates From Federal Agencies
Important Update from the IRS
This year, many people who don’t need to file a tax return should consider doing so to take advantage of certain child-related tax credits available only to those who file a 2021 return.
The credits, available to all eligible filers, are: - An expanded Child Tax Credit: Families can claim this credit, even if they received monthly advance payments during the last half of 2021.
- An increased Child and Dependent Care Credit: Families who pay for daycare so they can work or look for work can get a tax credit worth up to $4,000 for one qualifying person and $8,000 for two or more qualifying persons.
- A more generous Earned Income Tax Credit: The American Rescue Plan boosted the EITC for childless workers. There are also changes that can help low- and moderate-income families with children.
For more information, click here. You can also watch this YouTube video to learn more about tax credits for families.
Updated Passport Services and Processing Times
The State Department recently made some changes to passport services and issued updated processing times. Click here for more info.
Please remember to apply early for your U.S. Passport. Read more below. .png "Screenshot_(330).png")
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 contacted my office for help with their disability insurance after spending nearly three years fighting with the Social Security Administration. When they were finally approved for the insurance, an error in the system prevented them from accessing their Medicare benefits. We were able to work with both the Social Security Administration and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to have the issue promptly resolved.
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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