Rep. Dean Phillips: For the People

Hi Neighbors,

I’m checking in after a momentous week – and I’m not referring to the amazing March weather we’re enjoying, though, that feels pretty momentous too.

Help is on the Way

Over the weekend, the Senate amended and passed President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, a comprehensive COVID relief package that will get vaccines in arms, money in pockets, children in schools, and workers in jobs. Like most Americans, I believe it’s in our common interest to tackle the public health and economic crises brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic with bold solutions. Congress must meet the moment, which is why I’ll be voting to send the Senate’s version of the American Rescue Package to President Biden’s desk when it comes back to the House of Representatives for a final vote today.

Government for the People

From the moment I decided to run for Congress, I have been on an mission to end the corrupting influence of special interest money in our politics and restore Americans’ faith in our government by returning power where our Founding Fathers intended – with the people. I’m happy to report that the House took a leap in the right direction by passing H.R.1, the For the People Act, last week. This is welcome news for all patriots, especially this one, because as the only Member of Congress who refuses all contributions from PACs, federal lobbyists and members of Congress and their committees, I can tell you that a caucus of one is awfully lonely, and awfully inefficient.

A landmark anti-corruption, voter protection, and campaign finance reform package, the For the People Act begins the important work of elevating common interests over special interests and making it easier for eligible Americans to vote. It is the first bill I co-sponsored as a new Member of Congress in 2019, and one I am thrilled to see pass the House for a second time. I authored five provisions in this year’s version of H.R. 1. Read on to learn more about how I am advocating for government reform and protecting the rights of voters, not politicians:

• The FIREWALL Act: Our democracy faces threats from the inside and out and nowhere is that more apparent than in digital political advertising. Without action, foreign actors will continue to use online ads to divide and misinform voters, solidifying people’s distrust in the American democratic process. I wrote the Firewall Act, which was added to H.R.1 in the 117th Congress, to prevent this type of digital meddling by prohibiting foreign nationals from paying for online advertisements created to attack or support federal candidates. 
• The Voter Notice Act: My “Voter Notification of Timely Information about Changes in Elections” (NOTICE) Act was added to H.R. 1 in the 117th Congress and requires election officials to notify registered voters of any change to state election rules, including changes to early and mail-in voting, that are made in response to public emergencies. The past year has clearly shown that bad actors will exploit emergencies to mislead Americans and subvert the will of the people. The antidote is truth—and the Voter NOTICE Act will help deliver it. 

• Three additional amendments: In addition to two of my bills being added to H.R. 1, three amendments that I authored last Congress were included in this year’s bill. Those amendments strengthen the independence, bipartisanship, and diversity of the FEC – the election watchdog – and reinforce ethics standards for Executive Branch staff by closing a loophole that allows them to lobby as soon as they leave government service. 

COVID In Carver County

As we continue to work through the coronavirus pandemic, I will do my best to keep you informed of developments in our district. Unfortunately, we’re seeing a concerning outbreak of the new, more contagious, coronavirus B117 (UK) variant among young people in Carver County. From February 24 to March 4, there was a 62% increase in cases in Carver County, according to data from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). Now is the time to be vigilant and continue looking out for one another. Everyone, especially youth athletes and parents, should double down on measures to prevent the spread of the virus. Please continue practicing good hand hygiene and always wear a fitted mask when you’re in public or gathering with others – especially if you are not yet fully vaccinated against COVID-19. 

The state has launched a new, temporary coronavirus testing site in Chanhassen. Testing is key to preventing the spread of coronavirus, and I encourage you to get tested if you think you may have been exposed. The testing site is located at the Chanhassen Recreation Center (2310 Coulter Boulevard, Chanhassen, MN 55317) and is open on Thursdays from 2-8pm, and Fridays and Saturdays from 12-6pm. Walk-ins are available, and results will be provided by email within 48-72 hours. The state also offers at-home saliva testing for everyone who lives in Minnesota, with or without symptoms, at no cost. To learn more and order a test, visit COVID-19 Test at Home.

Keep the faith, keep in touch, and keep healthy, 

Dean Phillips 
Member of Congress