Congressional Spotlight: Representative Dean Phillips

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SEATTLE, Washington — Representative Dean Phillips of Minnesota’s 3rd Congressional District has been fighting to end global poverty since he was first elected to office in 2018.

Congressman Dean Phillips is a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, as well as a member of two subcommittees: the Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Civilian Security and Trade and the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations. As a member of these committees, Phillips has made it a priority to co-sponsor legislation to enact true change. Among the numerous anti-poverty bills he has co-sponsored, two stand out as being especially impactful in protecting vulnerable groups and stimulating local economies in developing countries.

Anti-Poverty Legislation

One of the bills Phillips supported was the Youth, Peace and Security Act. The bill, which is still in committee, aims to help young people become more involved in the peacemaking process. Around 50% of people affected by the conflict in unstable regions are young people under the age of 20. Ultimately, the bill tries to rectify this problem by supporting youth civil-society organizations through additional funding as well as appointing someone to oversee the implementation of a U.S. strategy to support such groups. The goal of the bill is to help give power to today’s young people that are advocating for peace. As the next generation, youths can help communities torn by violence to rebuild over time. Continue reading.