Hi Neighbors,
I hope all the dads of MN-03 had joyful Father’s Days surrounded by superb food and even better company (what more can you ask for?).
As a proud father myself who was blessed with two remarkable dads – Artie, who was killed in the Vietnam War in 1969 and Eddie, who we lost to cancer in 2011 – I celebrated them and all the dads, stepdads, adopted dads, and granddads who have enriched our lives… And told terrible jokes.
Shameful Obstruction – and A Common-Sense Solution
Earlier this week, the Senate used the filibuster to prevent debate on the For the People Act, a landmark government reform and voting rights bill that would strengthen ethics laws, end partisan gerrymandering, fight money in politics, and make it easier to vote in America, not harder. Yet, despite repeated good-faith attempts to forge a bipartisan voting rights package, Senate Republicans refused to even consider Senator Joe Manchin’s compromise proposal, which would require voter ID and make it easier for states to clean their voter rolls.
Our founding fathers never envisioned a government so unprincipled, so self-interested, and so unresponsive to the American people it is sworn to serve. If members of Congress believe that archaic procedure relieves them of their duty to deliberate and legislate, it’s time to modify the filibuster to ensure those who stand in the way of democracy cannot do so by simply raising a hand.
What do you think?
Our Newest Federal Holiday
After passing the House and Senate with resounding bipartisan majorities, President Biden signed legislation making Juneteenth a federal holiday last Thursday. Observed every year on the 19th of June, Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States and honoring the continued struggle for equality and justice for Black Americans
My team and I spent this weekend reflecting on the history of racism in America and wrestling with the contradictions between our nation’s founding ideals and its darkest hours. We invite you to join us, and may acknowledgement of the past illuminate the path to a more just and equitable future for all.
Saviag Our Stages
Last year, Congress created the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) Program– a $16 billion initiative to provide grants for stages, museums, theaters, and other venues that were forced to close due to the pandemic. Unfortunately, months later, little of that aid has made it to the hard-hit small businesses and non-profits that need it. As of last week, the Small Business Administration had approved fewer than 500 grants, including just 3 in Minnesota, despite receiving more than 14,000 applications nationwide.
As chair of the Small Business Oversight Subcommittee, I am concerned by the failures of the SVOG program and I am committed to supporting the sectors of our economy most heavily impacted by COVID-19. That’s why I led a bipartisan letterwith more than 200 House colleagues requesting a detailed explanation of the ongoing issues with the program and demanding that SBA accelerate the release of emergency relief to struggling venues across the country.
Making Fiscal Responsibility A Priority
Our $28 trillion federal debt requires about $400 billion in annual interest payments alone. We need to get our fiscal house in order, and any delay only hampers our ability to make the investments in health, housing, education, clean energy, and infrastructure that America desperately needs.
Last week I helped send a letter to Speaker Pelosi emphasizing my commitment to those critical investments – but also highlighting the need to stabilize the national debt and set our country on the path to fiscal sustainability. As we take long-overdue steps to restore our competitiveness and address inequities in our society, we cannot forget our responsibility to the next generations of Americans. It won’t be easy, but if we work together I know that we can create a prosperous present and an even brighter future.
Rewarded for Working Together
I’m on a mission to inspire a new era of collaboration in Congress. As other political leaders focus on division, my staff and I will always prioritize unifying over common ground for the common good. I’m proud to accept the Jefferson-Hamilton Award for Bipartisanship for the second year in a row. Thanks to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for once again recognizing this important work!
Keep the faith and keep in touch,
Dean Phillips
Member of Congress