Dean Phillips 4 , CD3 DFL

With Russia Ascendant, Phillips Bill Proposes New Arctic Ambassador to Fight Climate Change and Enhance National Security

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) introduced the Arctic Diplomacy Act of 2021, legislation that would establish a United States Ambassador at Large for Arctic Affairs. The newly created Arctic Ambassador would work with partner nations to maintain peace and stability while encouraging environmentally sustainable natural resource management and economic development. The bill would also mandate an Arctic Region Security Policy to bolster U.S. diplomacy, advance principles of good governance, and enhance resilience capacities to combat climate change and increased militarization.

Earlier today, the Russian Federation began its two-year term as chair of the influential Arctic Council, the international body dedicated to promoting cooperation in the region. In light of that development, it is more important than ever that the United States play an active role in Arctic diplomacy – and a dedicated Arctic ambassadorship would make that aspiration a reality. Furthermore, as the climate crisis continues to intensify, the Ambassador for Arctic Affairs will be needed to promote sustainable development, reduce carbon emissions, and strengthen resilience in the Arctic Region.

Phillips Presses Climate Envoy Kerry About Permitting for Transnational Pipelines

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) sent a letter to Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry asking the Biden Administration to clarify its policy regarding cross-border pipelines and to explain how the permitting process can mitigate the risks pipelines pose to tribal sovereignty and our natural environment.

After hearing from concerned Minnesotans about the Enbridge Line 3 Pipeline – a 50-year-old crude oil pipeline that stretches between Canada and Wisconsin – Phillips asked Kerry about necessary updates to the permitting process and where the administration stands on future pipeline infrastructure in a Foreign Affairs Committee hearing last week. Kerry was unable to answer Rep. Phillips’s questions and encouraged future dialogue on the subject, dialogue that Phillips’s letter will begin.

“Tackling climate change and protecting our environment takes more than just one person, one corporation, or one country,” said Rep. Phillips. “We need a comprehensive, international response to this crisis to ensure the best future for our children and our children’s children. For our part, that means doing our due diligence to ensure that all pipeline projects, including Line 3, are reviewed for environmental risk. I look forward to hearing from Special Envoy Kerry about the administration’s approach to transnational pipelines – especially in light of President Biden’s goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050.”

Rep. Dean Phillips (CD3): Beware of Social Security Scams

Hi Neighbors,

As part of my ongoing effort to keep you informed about the government services that you are entitled to, I wanted to take this opportunity to email you about Social Security scams.

Unfortunately, fraudsters seek to capitalize on crises, and we’ve seen a concerning rise in Social Security scams in recent months. These scams are the #1 type of government imposter fraud reported to the Federal Trade Commission and Social Security, and in 2020, the Federal Trade Commission received over 178,000 complaints of government imposter scams. Last year, Americans lost $174.2 million, but I want to make sure you don’t lose a dime.

Rep. Phillips (CD3) Statement on the Vote to Create a Bipartisan Commission on the Capitol Insurrection

WASHINGTON, DC — Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN) issued the following statement on the House bill to create a national commission to investigate the attack on the Capitol on Jan. 6, which passed on a 252 to 175 vote.

“I was in the Capitol on Jan 6. I saw it with my own eyes. I walked where blood was spilled and life was lost, and I helped clean up the mess in the early hours of 1/7. I never imagined a single member of Congress would vote against a bipartisan commission to investigate it. I need not shame the 175 who voted in opposition today. Twitter and history will do that just fine. But here’s to the 35 Republicans and 217 Democrats who showed America what patriotism looks like – and votes like.”

Phillips Questions Special Climate Envoy John Kerry on Building a “Foreign Policy for the Middle Class”

WASHINGTON, DC – At a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on Wednesday, Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) questioned Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry about U.S. diplomacy and the global response to climate change. During the hearing, Rep. Phillips compelled testimony on President Biden’s vision for a “foreign policy for the middle class” and the link between decarbonization and American competitiveness in the global economy.

In his response, Special Envoy Kerry highlighted the job growth and opportunities that would accompany the move away from fossil fuels.

Watch Here: Rep. Phillips questions Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry

Rep. Phillips: Focusing on Family

Hi Neighbors,

Families were on my mind as I celebrated my remarkable mom last weekend. It has been a challenging year for all families, and I hope however, and whoever, you honored this Mother’s Day, that it was filled with reflection and gratitude (and perhaps a long-overdue hug if you’re fully vaccinated).

It has been another busy week with a lot of news – so let’s get right to it:

Investing in Kids and Families

Minnesota is the third most expensive state for childcare in the nation. Even before the pandemic, the shortage of affordable, accessible childcare in Minnesota was a serious concern for policy experts and legislators. In the intervening months, that shortage has reached crisis levels, with disastrous repercussions for working families in our state and across the country. As others have said, saving childcare means preserving jobs and supporting working families and businesses. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, 400,000 more women have left the workforce compared to men, in large part due to childcare responsibilities. Absent congressional action, employment for women will not reach pre-pandemic levels until 2024, two years after it is projected to do so for men. It’s time for solutions. So, I hosted a virtual roundtable conversation focused on the returns on investment in kids and families this week.

In Honor of National Police Week, Phillips Salutes and Thanks Minnesota Law Enforcement

WASHINGTON, DC –Today, Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) spoke on the House floor during a Special Order Hour organized by Rep. Val Demings (D-FL) to honor Minnesota law enforcement officers and their sacrifices made in the line of duty.

“As a Gold Star Son who lost his father in the Vietnam War, I empathize with and salute the honorable men and women who don a uniform and risk their lives protecting our country and our communities – oftentimes without the appreciation or support that they need and deserve,” said Rep. Phillips. “So I rise today to express gratitude to the 11,000 police officers who serve and protect the residents of my home state of Minnesota – an overwhelming majority of whom are compassionate and principled public servants.”

In his remarks, Phillips paid tribute to Major Dawanna Witt, an officer who rose from adversity to a leadership position in the Hennepin County Sherriff’s office. A fierce advocate for both law enforcement and police reform, Major Witt embodies the character and values that define community policing in MN-03.

Click here to watch the speech

Phillips Endorses Historic Action to Legalize Adult Recreational Cannabis Use in Letter to Minnesota Legislature

Minnesota would become the 17^th state to make cannabis legal

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) endorsed the legalization of adult recreational cannabis in Minnesota for the first time. In a letter delivered to legislative leaders in Minnesota this morning, Phillips touted his support for House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler’s bill, H.F. 600, and called on the Minnesota House and Senate to pass the legislation this session.

Despite bipartisan, majority citizen support for legalization, Minnesota has some of the strictest cannabis policies in the nation. H.F. 600 would allow adults to grow and consume cannabis in a responsible fashion while ensuring that law enforcement has the tools necessary to meet new challenges. Further, the legislation would expunge non-violent cannabis offenses from Minnesotans’ criminal records and invest revenues from cannabis taxation into the communities that were disproportionately impacted by the failed War on Drugs.

“Laws prohibiting recreational marijuana use defy both common sense and the will of the people,” said Rep. Phillips. “As elected officials, it is our collective responsibility to listen to our constituents, especially when there is such broad agreement on the need to act. I urge the Minnesota House and Senate to respect the freedom and liberty of those they serve and pass H.F. 600, joining those states – both Red and Blue – who have already recognized the sensibility of legalizing, regulating, and taxing cannabis.”

Rep Dean Phillips: What did you think about Biden’s Speech?

Hi Neighbors,

I’m checking in with an update after a beautiful spring weekend (and exciting State Fair news). From meeting with constituents to introducing legislation, we got a lot done last week, and I’m excited to share some of the highlights with you. But first, I want to know what you thought of President Biden’s first address to a joint session of Congress:

On Monday, I was named the 12th-most bipartisan Member of Congress by the nonpartisan Lugar Center, and I am so grateful that the President shares my goal of uniting our country around a common purpose. From introducing bipartisan legislation to securing much-needed relief for restaurants, we can do more united than divided:

Phillips Named 12th Most Bipartisan Member of Congress by Nonpartisan Lugar Center

WASHINGTON, D. –Today, the Lugar Center and the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University released their Bipartisan Index ranking members of Congress for their commitment to working across the aisle during the 116^th Congress. Rep. Dean Phillips ranked 12^th among the 437 members of the House of Representatives who served throughout that period, putting him in the top 3% of his peers when it comes to bipartisan policymaking.

“My first term in Washington was more challenging – both for Congress and the country – than I ever imagined,” said Rep. Phillips. “Through it all, I never lost my faith in the power of bipartisan dialogue or my mission to inspire a new era of collaboration in Congress. Especially during times of crisis, Americans of all ideologies must come together, build bridges, generate ideas, and produce results to move our country forward. Here’s to more meaningful teamwork in the years to come.”

The Bipartisan Index measures how often a member of Congress introduces bills that earn co-sponsors from members of the other party and how often they in turn co-sponsor legislation introduced from across the aisle. The Index excludes non-binding resolutions and ceremonial bills, seeking to encourage lawmakers to be more bipartisan when writing or co-sponsoring meaningful policy.

In the 116^th Congress, Rep. Phillips’s bipartisan accomplishments included:

Serving a leadership role on the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, a group of 29 Democrats and 29 Republicans committed to finding bipartisan solutions to the major issues our country faces

Authoring the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act with Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX), a bipartisan law that made sweeping improvements to the largest small business relief program in American history

Breaking the gridlock and inspiring a bipartisan compromise on COVID-19 relief signed into law in December 2020

For these success and more, Phillips was rated the most productive Representative in the Minnesota delegationby the non-partisan Center for Effective Lawmaking. In addition, Congressman Phillips is the only member of the Minnesota delegation to win a Legislative Action Award from the Bipartisan Policy Center and a Jefferson-Hamilton Award for Bipartisanship from the Chamber of Commerce.

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Investing in Kids and Families

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Minnesota would become the 17th state to make cannabis legal

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Minnesota would become the 17^th state to make cannabis legal