Happy New Year, Florida’s Second Congressional District! The House has a busy schedule set for 2024, and I’m feeling positive about what’s to come.
December was full of some very important votes that included many benefits to those throughout our district. For starters, my bill that would improve the Food and Drug Administration’s review process for generic medications was passed as part of the Lower Costs, More Transparency package. Branded drugs currently account for 82% of the total drug spending in the U.S., and Americans deserve options. With many households struggling with inflation, the more money we can help patients save, the better. I’m thrilled that Americans are one step closer to having ample access to safe, affordable medications!
Additionally, the House passed the FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The bill includes $252 Million for Natural Disaster Recovery Construction at Tyndall Air Force Base, $17 Million for the Tyndall Fire Station, a 5.2% increase in servicemember basic pay (the largest pay raise in over 20 years), a provision that protects current servicemembers and provides a path back to service for those discharged for not taking the COVID-19 vaccine, and full funding for the deployment of National Guard troops in support of Border Patrol activities at the southwest border. We must always take care of our service members.
With this said, the Senate did Americans a disservice by deceptively including a Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) extension in the NDAA. Allowing the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to illegally spy on Americans is unconstitutional and unfair to you. Fortunately, the FISA extension will only last until April 2024 – only a few months. I will be demanding a new FISA in April with guardrails that will prevent bad actors like the DOJ and FBI from persecuting Americans by illegally using this program for corrupt motives.
Thank you all for another year of representing this beautiful district in Washington, D.C.! May you all have a safe and prosperous New Year!
For regular updates about what I’m doing in Congress, visit https://dunn.house.gov, follow me on Twitter, Threads, Facebook, and Instagram at @DrNealDunnFL2. Visi
