Category: Dean Phillips

What’s the big idea? 4 proposals to reform America’s immigration system

We cannot let divisive rhetoric prevent us from working toward a compassionate immigration policy that lives up to the ideals of the American Dream.

What one reform if adopted by the federal government would move the nation forward in addressing the challenges and opportunities of immigration to the United States?

Focus on areas of agreement

Rep. Fred Upton: America has long been the land of opportunity for millions of immigrants who have enriched our communities and contributed to our economy. As a nation of immigrants, Democrats and Republicans must come together on bipartisan reforms to fix our broken immigration system.

One thing is certain — we cannot let divisive rhetoric prevent us from working toward a compassionate immigration policy that enforces our laws, supports our agricultural community and farm laborers, and lives up to the ideals of the American dream.

Reps. Phillips, Cline Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Fight Lobbyist Influence in D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN) along with Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA) introduced legislation to reduce the influence of lobbyists and provide greater transparency into who is influencing our political process. The Lobbying Disclosure Reform Act would limit the ability of former members of Congress to influence the legislative process from the shadows, modernize lobbying data to make it more accessible to Americans and provide multiple reforms to strengthen enforcement. 

Rep. Phillips said, “I am on a mission to restore Americans’ faith in our government, which begins with reducing the corrupting influence of special interest money in our political system. Lobbyists spent nearly $3.5 billion to influence our elected leaders last year. As the Congress continues to grapple with the response to the COVID-19 crisis, spending trillions of taxpayer dollars in the process, our constituents deserve know which interests are in the room.” 

Rep. Cline said, “At the core of this bipartisan bill is the public’s right to know. Americans are dissatisfied with the way things get done in Washington, and updating the LDA with these common-sense provisions is a strong step to modernizing our lobbying laws and placing more power in the hands of the people rather than the lobbyists.” 

Continue reading “Reps. Phillips, Cline Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Fight Lobbyist Influence in D.C.”

Minnesota Rep. Dean Phillips wins primary

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Rep. Dean Phillips won the Democratic primary in Minnesota’s 3rd District on Tuesday as he looks to clinch a second term in November.

The first-term Democrat won with 91 percent of the vote after 96 percent of precincts had reported, according to The Associated Press. He beat out Democratic rival Cole Young.

Phillips defeated then-Rep. Erik Paulsen (R-Minn.) by more than 11 points to flip the seat for Democrats. Continue reading.

As Pandemic Derails Economy, Rep. Phillips Proposes Tax Relief for Startups to Spur Innovation

WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN) introduced a bipartisan bill in the House of Representatives to provide tax relief to startups that are ineligible for other types of business aid passed by Congress in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Phillips’s IGNITE American Innovation Act will allow small and mid-size businesses that weren’t able to utilize the CARES Act tax provisions to monetize up to $25 million accumulated tax assets. In addition, the bill will provide a bonus in tax assets generated by research and the development of products that will prevent, diagnose, and treat COVID-19. Phillips is leading the bill with Congresswoman Jackie Walorski (R-IN).

“I’ve had the privilege of getting to know some extraordinary Minnesota innovators and entrepreneurs as a Congressman and over the course of my career in business,” said Phillips. “Smaller startups and growth companies are unique business models and have to compete against large corporate incumbents – that’s challenging under regular conditions, and even more so during this time of economic uncertainty. These businesses make up large share of new jobs, and we must do more to ensure we have an even playing field so that entrepreneurs and innovators can continue to provide opportunities for the next generation of American workers.”

Specifically, the bill would: Continue reading “As Pandemic Derails Economy, Rep. Phillips Proposes Tax Relief for Startups to Spur Innovation”

Rep. Dean Phillips August 3 Virtual Town Hall

Dear Neighbors,

Yesterday, more than 5,000 Minnesotans joined the conversation on my fourth Dial-In with Dean, and more than 150 people shared ideas, questions, and criticisms. Dr. Michael Osterholm, the Director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, joined in for a discussion about the pandemic and our government’s response, including the potential fourth COVID-19 relief package. If you were unable to join us last night, you can catch up here:

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Click here to listen to our conversation Continue reading “Rep. Dean Phillips August 3 Virtual Town Hall”

Rep. Dean Phillips TeleTownhall with Dr. Osterholm

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Dear Neighbors,

I’m checking in as COVID-19 cases are surging, mask mandates are going into effect, and Congress is debating another relief package. I know that Minnesotans have questions and concerns about how we’re going to get through this pandemic as healthy, economically sound, and prepared for the future as possible. That’s why I’m inviting YOU to join my fourth free and open-to-the-public Dial-In With Dean by calling 855-927-0897 on Monday, August 3rd at 6:15 pm CST.

We’ll be joined by Dr. Michael Osterholm, an outstanding epidemiologist and Director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota. Together, we’ll answer your questions, talk through your criticisms, and gather your feedback about Minnesota – and America’s – response to the pandemic. Continue reading “Rep. Dean Phillips TeleTownhall with Dr. Osterholm”

Newhouse, Phillips Lead Bipartisan Letter to Protect Small Business Expenses in COVID-19 Package

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Reps. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and Dean Phillips (D-MN) led a bipartisan letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Leader Kevin McCarthy, urging the inclusion of provisions to ensure small businesses can maximize their funding from Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) in the next COVID-19 relief package.

In the letter, lawmakers request the inclusion of legislation like the FIRST Act, which would provide relief to small businesses across the country who are utilizing PPP funding by allowing them to deduct ordinary business expenses paid with PPP funds.

“Contrary to Congressional intent, the IRS issued guidance prohibiting companies from taking tax deductions for these expenses,” wrote the lawmakers. “As the House continues to discuss another round of legislation to support our constituents during the COVID-19 pandemic, we must address this important matter and reassert Congressional intent of the PPP. We respectively request the inclusion of legislation like the FIRST Act in any further COVID-19 package.” Continue reading “Newhouse, Phillips Lead Bipartisan Letter to Protect Small Business Expenses in COVID-19 Package”

Rep. Phillips Successfully Adds Eight Amendments to Improve the 2021 Defense Bill

Phillips secures amendments to modernize national security, support military families, bolster crisis preparedness, stabilize international relationships

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) joined a bipartisan majority in the House that voted to pass theFY2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for the 60th consecutive year. The defense bill responds to the global COVID-19 crisis by creating a Pandemic Preparedness and Resilience National Security Fund, takes steps to build a more inclusive and diverse military, gives our servicemembers a 3% pay raise, explores the national security implications of climate change, and improves oversight and transparency.

“Representation begins with listening, but it also requires action. I’m pleased to see so many amendments that will improve the lives and security of Minnesotans, and all Americans, are on their way to becoming law,” said Phillips.“Against the backdrop of a global health crisis, and as our country grapples with our history of systemic racism, Congress put our shared national security over partisan politics to fulfill our constitutional obligation to ‘provide for the common defense.’ This is the type of patriotism and collaboration Americans expect from their elected leaders.” Continue reading “Rep. Phillips Successfully Adds Eight Amendments to Improve the 2021 Defense Bill”

Phillips Improves Support for Gold Star Military Families with Bipartisan Defense Bill Amendment

WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) announced today that his bipartisan plan to support Gold Star Families has been added to the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The “Cheryl Lankford Memorial to Improve Assistance for Gold Star Spouses and Other Dependents” amendment will help keep bereaved military families from slipping through the cracks and ensure that dependent children can easily access the benefits they are owed.

When a military member dies, the surviving family is visited by a Casualty Assistance Officer who advocates for the family, answers questions, logs complaints, and assists with processing benefits. However, if a Gold Star Spouse dies and leaves behind dependent children, the military does not provide any help at all. Phillips’s amendment would provide, at the request of the children or guardian, a Casualty Assistance Officer to support eligible dependents if the spouse of a deceased servicemember also passes away. Continue reading “Phillips Improves Support for Gold Star Military Families with Bipartisan Defense Bill Amendment”