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. 

REFORMING OUR GOVERNMENT

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to talk more about an issue that is deeply important to me and to our democracy – ending the corrupting influence of special interest money in our politics. Minnesota Citizens for Clean Elections invited me to their speaker series, and as it turns out, I’m no the only one who’s concerned about the integrity of our elections. The room was packed and the conversation was fruitful – it was an excellent way to kick of a week full of meaningful steps towards putting our system of government back in the hands of the people. I invite you to watch my full remarks here.

When I returned to Washington on Tuesday, I introduced the Higher Education Funds Integrity Act to prevent federal education funds from being used by universities to lobby Congress. I’m on a mission to restore trust in our government and to build a system that works for the people, and when it comes to higher education, that means ensuring universities are using taxpayer dollars to fund higher education for Americans, not lobbyists on Capitol Hill.

Then on Thursday, the House voted to extend the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress after I delivered a bipartisan letter signed by more than 30 freshmen members of Congress asking for the extension to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy. I enthusiastically support the Committee’s mission to propose bipartisan solutions for modernizing our processes, technologies, and spaces to foster greater cooperation in our work on behalf of the American people. There is much more work to do, and I am glad that the committee can continue into 2020.

Another bright spot in my week was when we announced that my staff joined Congressman Pete Stauber’s staff for a day-long depolarization workshop hosted by Better Angels – the first-ever of its kind in Congress. My office is grounded on the principle that representation begins with listening and the belief that no party has a monopoly on good ideas, and I’m very proud that we’re putting those principles into action.

MAKING THE CASE FOR CARBON PRICING

Speaking of teamwork, I had the opportunity to testify about the bipartisan Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act before the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis on Thursday. When it comes to our climate, environment, and habitat, we’re living in an era of great opportunity – and great consequence. We can’t let the enormity of the problem keep us from acting, and we need to come together to find solutions now. In my view, carbon pricing is an excellent place to start.

Finally, I invite you to RSVP and sign in early to my next town hall, which is taking place next Saturday, November 23rd in Brooklyn Park. Until then, keep visiting, calling, writing, talking, and yes, even tweeting – I’m listening.

Keep the faith and keep in touch,

Dean Phillips
Member of Congress