Category: Dean Phillips

Rep. Dean Phillips Update: November 22, 2019

Hi Friends,

I’m dropping a line before my town hall meeting tomorrow to tell you a little more about my week. Here are the highlights…

LEADING ON CLIMATE ACTION

On Thursday, I helped to introduce the 100% Clean Economy Act of 2019 as an original co-sponsor. This science-based legislation sets a nationwide goal of achieving a 100% clean energy economy by 2050, an urgent deadline to avoid the most disastrous effects of climate change as outlined by the Fourth National Climate Assessment, the 2018 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPPC), and the Paris Climate Accords. The bill, which already has the support of more than 150 members of Congress, directs all federal agencies to immediately use their existing authorities to put the United States on a path towards a 100% clean energy economy, defined as net-zero climate pollution across all sectors. We must swiftly and justly transition to a clean energy economy that benefits all communities, creates good-paying jobs, and is in line with what the science demands, and this important legislation sets us on the right path.

CALLING FOR INNOVATION IN CONGRESS

I also had the opportunity to testify in front of the House Committee on Administration about why we must take every opportunity today to improve the House of Representatives for tomorrow. Sometimes it seems like Congress was designed to make collaboration and innovation difficult. That’s why I believe the technology, processes, and spaces in the House must be updated to inspire teamwork, keep up with innovations of the 21st century, and better serve the American people.

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Click here to watch my full testimony about pushing Congress into the 21st century

RESPONSIBLE OVERSIGHT

Speaking of Congress, it was an important week for the Constitution. I attended the historic public hearings in Washington, and as a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I’ve also attended several secure depositions. The process has been principled. I want you to know that Democrats and Republicans have access to the same information, the same witnesses, and members from both parties have been allowed to participate fully. We live in an era where too many people just read the headlines and not the articles – it is my responsibility to bear witness with my own eyes, to honor my oath to the Constitution, and to pursue the truth, no matter where it leads.

KICKING OFF A THANKFUL WEEK

I’m back in Minnesota for Thanksgiving and one of my first stops was to visit a kindergarten classroom at Success Academy in Bloomington this morning. Whether it’s the high schoolers who visit my office in Washington, or smiling kids in classrooms in Minnesota, nothing makes me happier than a conversation with the next generation of leaders. I encourage you to take some inspiration from these extraordinary kids about respect, inclusiveness, and the joy of learning.

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Click here for more photos of my visit to Success Academy today

I’m looking forward hearing questions and ideas from Minnesotans at my town hall meeting in Brooklyn Park tomorrow. I hope you can make it, and I challenge you to bring a family member, friend or neighbor who is new to the conversation!

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Click here to sign in early and get all the details on tomorrow’s town hall

Keep the faith and keep in touch,

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Dean Phillips
Member of Congress

Rep. Dean Phillips Testifies Before House Administration Committee About the Need to Modernize Congress

Phillips: “We must take every opportunity today to improve the House of Representatives for tomorrow”

 WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) testified before the House Committee on Administration about the undeniable need to modernize Congress. Phillips has been vocal about his belief that the technology, processes and spaces of Congress must be updated to inspire collaboration, keep up with innovations of the 21st century, and better serve the American people.

Last week, the House voted to extend the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress after Phillips led a bipartisan letter signed by 36 freshmen members of Congress to House leadership asking that the Select Committee be allowed to continue its work until the end of the 116thCongress.

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Click here to watch a video of Rep. Phillips’s testimony

Below are Rep. Phillips’s remarks as prepared:

Thank you for the invitation to offer testimony this morning. The Committee on House Administration plays a pivotal role in my top priority here in Congress: restoring trust in our government through reforms that put the American people back at the center of our system. Continue reading “Rep. Dean Phillips Testifies Before House Administration Committee About the Need to Modernize Congress”

Rep. Phillips Helps to Introduce 100% Clean Economy Act

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) helped to introduce the 100% Clean Economy Act of 2019 as an original co-sponsor. The science-based legislation sets a nationwide goal of achieving a 100% clean energy economy by 2050, an urgent deadline to avoid the most disastrous effects of climate change as outlined by the Fourth National Climate Assessment, the 2018 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPPC), and the Paris Climate Accords.

The legislation directs all federal agencies to immediately use their existing authorities to put the United States on a path towards a 100% clean energy economy, defined as net-zero climate pollution across all sectors, while remaining technology-neutral. By incentivizing solutions instead specific approaches, the 100% Clean Economy Act creates a competitive landscape for all technology aimed at combating climate change and cleaning up our environment.

“When it comes to our climate, habitat, and economy, we are living in an era of great opportunity – and great consequence,” said Phillips. “The leaders of tomorrow’s economy will be those who take climate action today. We must swiftly and justly transition to a clean energy economy that benefits all communities, creates good-paying jobs, and is in line with what the science demands. I am committed to ensuring that the United States remains a leader in climate change innovation, and I am proud to co-sponsor this important legislation to help our country transition to a 100% clean energy economy by 2050.” Continue reading “Rep. Phillips Helps to Introduce 100% Clean Economy Act”

Rep. Dean Phillips November 15 Update

Hi Friends,

Another consequential week is in the history books. Here’s what I was up to in Minnesota and in Washington –

HONORING OUR VETERANS

It has been said that America will remain the land of the free so as long as we are the home of the brave. This year, I spent my Veterans Day saluting the courage, service, and sacrifices of our veterans and their families. My father, Artie, lost his life in Vietnam in 1969 as a Captain in the US Army. As a Gold Star Son, it deeply saddens me that we have always found the means to send brave men and women off to war, but never seem to find enough resources to take care of those who make it home. In Congress, I’m working to fix that – on Veterans Day and every day. 

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It was a privilege to stand with elected officials as we thanked Minnesota veterans this week, click here to watch.

Continue reading “Rep. Dean Phillips November 15 Update”

Rep. Phillips Makes The Case For Carbon Pricing In Testimony Before Select Committee On Climate Crisis

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) testified before the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis about the urgent need for climate action. In Congress, Phillips is member of the New Democrat Coalition Climate Change Task Force and is a strong advocate for H.R. 763, the bipartisan Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act.

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Click here to watch Rep. Phillips’s testimony before the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis

Below are Rep. Phillips’s remarks as prepared:

Thank you for the invitation to offer testimony this afternoon on this urgent problem. Continue reading “Rep. Phillips Makes The Case For Carbon Pricing In Testimony Before Select Committee On Climate Crisis”