Happy New Year, Friends!
One year ago today, I took an oath to the Constitution and began my service as your representative in Congress. That responsibility has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and I’m reflecting with gratitude on 2019. We celebrated successes, listened, and learned – and there’s more hard work ahead.
ONE YEAR REPRESENTING YOU
In 2019, we reaffirmed this simple truth – as Americans, there’s more that unites us than divides. We’re in this together, and everyone wins when we’re all at the table. Here’s a look at the work we did together last year:
 |
| What would you like to see us tackle in 2020? If you haven’t yet, let me know what issues are most important to you by clicking here and answering two questions. |
SUPPORTING OUR TROOPS
Since my last email, I took a bipartisan trip to the Middle East to discuss Iranian aggression, the fight against ISIS, trade, and security with U.S. diplomats and military leaders. We celebrated the holidays with our extraordinary troops in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar – serving holiday meals, delivering cards made by Minnesota preschoolers, and even playing a game of White Elephant or two.
This morning we learned that President Trump authorized the killing of Iranian General Suleimani. I know that the brave men and women in uniform I met are ready for any mission, and the safety and security of Americans at home and abroad should be our nation’s top concern. Click here to read an insightful assessment on the developing situation.
 |
| May we all honor the service and sacrifice of our troops in our own communities. Click here to see more from my bipartisan trip to the Middle East. |
KEEP THE FAITH
There’s hard work ahead in 2020, and I believe the antidote to our divided politics lies in our own neighborhoods. This fall, my district staff joined their counterparts from Congressman Pete Stauber’s office for a Better Angels workshop focused on depolarization. It was a highlight of 2019 for my team, and if you’d like to try it yourself, here’s an upcoming opportunity in Chanhassen. I encourage you to invite a friend or neighbor whose perspectives are different than your own.
The coming year will be an important one for Minnesota, as 2020 Census results will determine our representation in Washington for the next decade. It’s so important that everyone living in Minnesota gets counted, and you can join the effort. Click here to learn more about the good-paying Census jobs that are available in Minnesota.
I’m headed back to Washington next week to kick off a new year in service to Minnesota. Until then, keep the faith and keep in touch.
Sincerely,
Dean Phillips
Member of Congress