NEWS FROM THE SECOND DISTRICTDear Friend, Tomorrow marks four years since Hurricane Michael landed in our district. As I watch our neighbors in Central and South Florida assess the damage and recover what they can from Hurricane Ian, I’m reminded of how complicated the response and recovery process was in the days following Hurricane Michael. Fortunately, their experience with FEMA and other agencies will be easier because of what we learned and fixed in the past four years. Something positive came out of the heartache and destruction we experienced, and for that I am grateful.
Sadly, the one thing that didn’t change is the rush to politicize a disaster. The Democrats wasted no time in accusing Florida Republicans of not supporting disaster funding because we voted against the Continuing Resolution passed last week. This information is inaccurate.
The truth is that FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund was sufficiently funded for the response. Once the damage is assessed, Congress must pass a CLEAN supplemental bill that will benefit those impacted by the storm. CLEAN, meaning without liberal Democrat pork barrel spending on unnecessary pet projects. That is why I joined members of the Florida Delegation in a letter to the House Committee on Appropriations requesting the prioritization of an emergency supplemental appropriations package in response to the destruction of Hurricane Ian. This package should not include items unrelated to the storm.
If Governor DeSantis and our Administration can successfully work together to provide aid for Floridians, then Congress should put politics aside to pass good bills. Not packages with hidden pork that do more to help the liberal agenda than the people of Florida.
Please read about my week below:
Top Reads of the Week
A Recap of My Week
Updates from Agencies
Top Reads of the Week
WMBB (PANAMA CITY): DEA warns about “Rainbow Fentanyl” drug ahead of Halloween
TALLAHASSEE DEMOCRAT: How to avoid getting scammed while you're recovering from Hurricane Ian
THE HILL: Federal investigators indicate they have enough to charge Hunter Biden: report
A Recap of My Week
Visiting with the Next Generation
On Friday, I stopped by Marianna Middle School and Roulhac Middle School in Chipley to speak to the students. I enjoyed telling them about my role in Congress and what inspired me to run for office, as well as answering their questions. It was an honor to meet these classes. They certainly have bright futures ahead of them.
Here’s What I’m Supporting
I cosponsored Congressman Emmer’s resolution that would recognize the 50th Anniversary of National Hunting and Fishing Day (H.R. 1387).
I signed Representatives Latta’s, Bilirakis’, and Joyce’s letter urging President Biden to reject the state of California’s request for a waiver from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to allow the implementation of the state’s newly approved regulation, which would require all new light-duty vehicles to be 100% electrified by 2035. This rule would prohibit automakers from selling new vehicles that contain conventional internal combustion engines.
I also joined House Committee on Agriculture Republican Leader Glenn “GT” Thompson’s letter to Comptroller General Dodaro requesting a Government Accountability Office review of foreign investment in U.S. farmland and its impact on national security, trade, and food security. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, foreign ownership and investment in U.S. agricultural land nearly doubled over the past decade (2010- 2020).
Updates From Agencies
Hurricane Ian Resources for Veterans Hurricane Ian caused incredible destruction, leaving millions to grapple with the devastating impact and loss of life. Veterans and their families in regions affected by Hurricane Ian can access VA resources and benefits to get the support they need after a natural disaster.
One of the first places you can visit to receive help and resources is your state’s VA Regional Benefits Office. You can look up your office’s hours of operation, services, and location on our facilities locator webpage.
Click here for more resources.
IRS: Significant Increase in Texting Scams
The Internal Revenue Service warned taxpayers of a recent increase in IRS-themed texting scams aimed at stealing personal and financial information.
So far in 2022, the IRS has identified and reported thousands of fraudulent domains tied to multiple MMS/SMS/text scams (known as smishing) targeting taxpayers. In recent months, especially in the last few weeks, IRS-themed smishing has increased exponentially.
Learn more 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
In February of this year, an elderly constituent came to my office for help with their Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) situation. After Hurricane Michael, they were awarded repair assistance on their home that was heavily damaged. After several months of back of forth, FEMA notified them they were ineligible for the funds as FEMA did not believe the home was their primary residence at the time of the storm. Through months of work done by my staff that culminated in an oral hearing with a FEMA adjudicator, FEMA acknowledged their mistake, cancelled the repayment requirement, and refunded all payments made since the debt was called in full.
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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