NEWS FROM THE SECOND DISTRICTDear Friend, This past week, I focused much of my time addressing the current state of our federal health agencies. Many of the issues we faced a year ago are even worse today. Public confidence in our federal public health agencies is at an all-time low due to the poor messaging by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Biden Administration’s COVID response team.
Politically driven policies encouraging school closures and unnecessary masking have set our children back tremendously. This failure is evidenced by CDC’s own decision to lower the expectation for developmental milestones for children earlier this year, outraging pediatricians and speech pathologists. Fortunately, this is not impacting Florida quite like it is the rest of America. Thanks to Governor DeSantis, our children and teachers returned to “normal” a lot sooner than the rest of the country. Our federal health agencies could learn a lot from Florida’s handling of this pandemic.
This isn’t the only example of how the CDC, the Food and Drug Administration, and the National Institute of Health continue to fail Americans. Earlier this week, I sat down to discuss accelerated prescription drug approvals and the pathway to treatments with The Hill. Currently, our federal health agencies are fighting amongst themselves and holding up the approval and distribution of an Alzheimer’s drug. Americans need these reliable treatments and life-saving drugs. The current infighting paired with our federal health agencies’ multiple fumbles in the past year has caused the public to question their decisions - and rightfully so. If we are going to successfully accelerate approvals and get safe prescription drugs in the hands of Americans, our federal health agencies must put politics aside, work to get on the same page, and restore the public's trust. 
Please read about my week below:
What’s Happening on Capitol Hill
This Week in the District
Updates from Federal Agencies
What’s Happening on Capitol Hill
House Energy & Commerce Committee
This week, Health & Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra appeared before the House Energy & Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Health to justify and answer questions about President Bidens’s 2023 HHS budget proposal.
I have some serious concerns with the President’s FY23 Budget, which calls for more radical spending on progressive priorities that are out of touch with the American people. Additionally, this administration often changes rules and health guidelines on a whim to serve their interests and political goals. This is unacceptable.
When questioning Secretary Becerra, I expressed the need for a commitment to transparency to get our public health agencies back on track. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention needs to be more forthcoming about the data it is sitting on and the stakeholders who influenced, and continue to influence, their guidance. Click here to watch the hearing.
Meeting the 2022 Florida Teacher of the Year
Sarah Painter is a fifth-grade teacher at Eisenhower Elementary School in Clearwater, Florida. She was selected as the 2022 Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year from among nearly 185,000 Florida public school educators. Mrs. Painter will serve as the Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for Education, working to create greater public awareness of Florida’s outstanding teachers and elevating the education profession.
I told Mrs. Painter about the exceptional teachers we have throughout Florida-02 and relayed some of their concerns. I trust that Mrs. Painter will represent Florida teachers well.
This Week in the District
Congratulations, Eastern Shipbuilding Group!
The U.S. Coast Guard recently modified its current contract with Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) to begin construction of the fourth offshore patrol cutter (OPC).
This is outstanding news for Florida’s Second Congressional District! This OPC program generates hundreds of skilled jobs and provides economic benefits for thousands of families in our district. Additionally, this is a vital program for U.S. security and contributes to Florida’s commitment to economic opportunity.
I’d like to congratulate the Eastern Shipbuilding team. I know you will do an exceptional job, and I appreciate your contributions to our district.
Updates From Federal Agencies
Update from the IRS
The Internal Revenue Service recently reminded tax-exempt organizations that many have a filing deadline of May 16, 2022. Those that operate on a calendar year (CY) basis have certain annual information and tax returns they file with the IRS. These returns are: - Form 990-series annual information returns (Forms 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF)
- Form 990-N, Electronic Notice (e-Postcard) for Tax-Exempt Organizations Not Required to File Form 990 or Form 990-EZ
- Form 990-T, Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return (other than certain trusts)
- Form 4720, Return of Certain Excise Taxes Under Chapters 41 and 42 of the Internal Revenue Code
Click here for more information.
A Social Security Administration Update
The Social Security Administration (SSA) continues to welcome people back to their offices for in-person service with or without an appointment. As they help more people in person, SSA wants to highlight the best ways and times to access their services by phone or in person. Click here for more information.
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 Congressman Dunn speaks on Eastern Shipbuilding Group’s recent contributions to economic opportunity
Congressman Dunn says Aduhelm’s FDA approval ‘muddied the waters’ for future Alzheimer’s drugs Constituent Casework Corner
Don’t let an expired passport ruin your summer plans.
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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