Category: Dean Phillips

Phillips, Kim Call for Permanent Preservation of Capitol Doors Damaged in Jan. 6 Insurrection

Letter to Leadership: “We believe these items must be preserved as a symbol to those who remain, and to educate future Americans about the fragility of our union and the preciousness of our democracy.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Reps. Dean Phillips (D-MN) and Andy Kim (D-NJ) released a letter addressed to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Administration Committee Chair Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) calling for the preservation of glass panels smashed during the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Last night, the members learned the Capitol Superintendent retained the damaged glass from Capitol doors facing the Supreme Court and the Library of Congress.

Read the letter here.

In Viral House Floor Speech, Rep. Phillips Appeals to the Better Angels of His Colleagues and Country

Phillips: “I’m not here this evening seeking sympathy – rather to make a public apology.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN) joined a special order hour organized by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to share their experiences of January 6, 2021, when Congress was subject to an insurrection at the U.S. Capitol that led to the death of Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick and the first breach of the institution since the War of 1812.

WATCH: 

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Phillips, Problem Solvers Caucus Endorse Immediate Vote on BipartisanI $160 Billion Vaccine Distribution Package

On separating vaccine distribution from broader relief package, Phillips says: “The COVID-19 virus won’t wait for us to compromise”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Vice Chair Dean Phillips (MN-03) helped lead 58 bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus members in calling for an immediate vote on the $160 billion “Defeating COVID-19” vaccine distribution package, as broader bipartisan relief talks and reconciliation process continue.

As emerging, more contagious variants are found in Minnesota and across the nation, the “Defeating COVID-19” vaccine distribution package would allocate new federal investment funds for the national distribution and administration of the COVID-19 vaccine and support expanded testing programs, PPE purchases, and other urgently needed initiatives to beat this deadly virus. With more than 75% of members voting in favor, the Problem Solvers Caucus officially endorsed the “Defeating COVID-19” vaccine distribution package today. Phillips supported the move after hearing from Minnesotans, health care providers and county and state officials about the urgent need.

“We are living through one of the worst public health emergencies and economic downturns in American history,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Vice Chair Dean Phillips. “Last year, the Problem Solvers Caucus proved to the nation that thoughtful Democrats and Republicans can come together to deliver bipartisan solutions. We can and will continue that work, but the COVID-19 virus won’t wait for us to compromise. A well-funded, better coordinated federal vaccine distribution program will save lives and livelihoods if we act now. This is a crisis, and we must urgently meet the moment as the more complete package moves through Congress and to the President’s desk.”

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Phillips Announces Leadership Role on Small Business Committee

After Authoring Critical PPP Legislation in 2020, Phillips to Join House Small Business Committee as Subcommittee Chair in 2021 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN) announced he will lead the House Small Business Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations and Regulations as Chair for the 117th Congress. As an entrepreneur and small business owner himself, Phillips will bring valuable experience and a proven bipartisan record of results to the committee, and he will remain focused on supporting those small businesses most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.  

As Chair of the Subcommittee on Investigations, Oversight, and Regulations, equitable access to relief and responsible fiscal stewardship will be priorities for Rep. Phillips in the coming year. In the 116th Congress, Phillips authored the TRUTH Act, a bill to demand transparency from SBA and ensure that relief dollars go to Main Street, not Wall Street. Rep. Phillips will continue that mission from his position on Committee leadership.    

“Small businesses – from local burger joints to barbershops – are the glue that hold our communities together and the engines of our economy, and they’re in crisis. We must do everything in our power to help them weather the storm so that they can lead the economic recovery once we are through this pandemic. I’ll have the voices of Minnesota’s small business owners and entrepreneurs in mind as we ensure federal funds are accessible and equitably distributed and as we lay the groundwork for a prosperous future for our main street businesses,” said Phillips. 

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Phillips Introduces Resolution to Honor Fallen Capitol Police Office

Office Brian Sicknick will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery today following a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) announced the introduction of a Congressional Resolution to honor Officer Brian D. Sicknick, a 12-year veteran of the Capitol Police who passed away as a result of injuries sustained defending the United States Capitol against rioters on Jan. 6th. Officer Sicknick was the fourth U.S. Capitol Police officer in history to be killed in the line of duty.  

“No honor can fully commemorate the valor shown by the Capitol Police and their defense of our democracy against insurrection,” Said Rep. Dean Phillips. “I mourn for Officer Brian D. Sicknick. He was a patriot. My heart goes out to the family, and to all who risk their lives every day to protect and serve our communities with dignity and principle. They are the best of America at a time we need them most, and they deserve to be recognized as such.” 

 Find the text of the resolution here. 

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Rep. Phillips announces new leadership roles, committee memberships

In the 117th Congress, Phillips will serve on the House Small Business, Foreign Affairs, Modernization, and Ethics Committees and will help lead the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus as Vice Chair 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the 117th Congress begins its work on behalf of the American people, Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) today announced his committee assignments along with new leadership positions for his second term. At his request, Phillips will now serve on the Small Business Committee – where he’ll Chair the Investigations, Oversight, and Regulations Subcommittee – along with the Foreign Affairs and Ethics Committees and the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress. He will also help lead the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus as Vice Chair. Taken together the assignments reflect an ambitious undertaking for Phillips, who has made it his mission to restore Americans’ faith in government and America’s standing the world. His leadership role on the House Small Business Committee will also allow him to continue his efforts to ensure federal COVID relief dollars are reaching those who need it most.

NEW: HOUSE COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS

As an entrepreneur and small business owner himself, Phillips will bring valuable experience and a proven bipartisan record of results to the committee, and will remain focused on supporting those small businesses most impacted by the COVID pandemic. In his first term, Phillips authored the bipartisan Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Flexibility Act which helped thousands of small businesses access much-needed PPP funds and avoid further closures and layoffs. Minnesota’s Third Congressional District has more small businesses – generating more in payroll at $11.2 billion annually – than any other District in the state, according to the Small Business Administration.

“Small businesses in our community – from local burger joints to barbershops – are the glue that hold our communities together and power our economy, and they’re in crisis. We must do everything in our power to help them weather the storm so that they can help lead the economic recovery once we are through this pandemic. I’ll have the voices of Minnesota’s small business owners and entrepreneurs in mind as we provide the oversight necessary to ensure federal funds are accessible and equitably distributed and as we lay the groundwork for a prosperous future for our main street businesses,” said Phillips.

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Rep. Dean Phillips: Exciting Changes in DC!

Hi Neighbors,

In addition to staying on the House Foreign Affairs and Ethics Committees, I’ve secured three exciting new positions for the 117th Congress – and I wanted you to be the first to know. I’m pleased to share with you that I’ll be joining the House Committee on Small Business – where I’ll Chair the Investigations, Oversight, and Regulations Subcommittee – along with the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress. I will also help lead the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus as a newly-elected Vice Chair. 

There’s hard work ahead in the mission to restore Americans’ faith in our government and America’s standing in the world. Read more about my new positions below…

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Rep. Dean Phillips: Small Business Relief is Available

Hi Neighbors,

I’m reaching out today to spread the word about new assistance available to small business owners as a result of the bipartisan coronavirus package signed into law last month.

It will take all of us, working together, to overcome the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Please share the information below with the small business owners in your network and let them know that new relief is available now!

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Rep. Dean Phillips is trying to keep the faith that bipartisanship will heal America

U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips says he believes bipartisanship will heal America. But like any believer, he struggles with his faith.

The first real test came in December. Three of his Republican colleagues in the bipartisan House Problem Solvers Caucus signed onto a lawsuit challenging the 2020 presidential election results in four swing states despite no evidence of widespread fraud or irregularities.

“I really thought about my ability to continue sitting at the table together,” Phillips said. “I don’t take exception to opposing opinions, I take exception to corrupted principles.” Continue reading.

Rep. Phillips: Why I Voted to Impeach Donald Trump

Neighbors,

Yesterday, the House voted to impeach Donald Trump.

This was an absolutely necessary action, and I’ll tell you why: There is no unity or healing without accountability. 

Far too many of my GOP colleagues are spending more time decrying this impeachment vote than they are condemning insurrectionists and seditionists. They are putting political theater ahead of protecting our democracy. And they are utterly failing to demand that President Trump dissuade those planning violence in his honor and his name. 

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