Hi Friend,
We made it to Friday. I want to take a moment to thank everyone who called, wrote, and took our survey this week as we watched grave events continue to unfold in Washington – your feedback is so important. All the while, there’s a lot of work being done for the American people, so I’m dropping a line to share a few updates from my week:
PROTECTING OUR ELECTIONS FROM FOREIGN INTERFERENCE
By now it’s clear that our democracy is under attack from the inside and out, and nowhere is that more apparent than in political advertising. That’s why I introduced the Firewall Act today, a bill that prohibits foreign nationals from paying for online advertisements created to attack or support candidates in U.S. elections. Current law prevents similar foreign spending on television, radio, satellite and print ads, leaving bad actors with an open door to spread malice and misinformation online. That’s unacceptable, and Congress should act swiftly to protect voters from foreign meddling, and in doing so, protect our democracy itself.
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| Americans of all political persuasions are asking Congress to step up and prevent foreign interference in our elections. That’s why I introduced the Firewall Act. |
WELCOMING NEW MINNESOTANS
On Saturday, I spent a joyful morning with these extraordinary Minnesotans as we celebrated the successful closing of their immigration cases over coffee and donuts. Their stories are uniquely American – many are new citizens, and all received assistance with their immigration paperwork from constituent advocates in my office. If you or someone you know needs help navigating a federal agency, my office is here to help. Call on us anytime, or visit our weekly mobile office hours to get the process started – next week my team will be in Brooklyn Park!
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| More than anything, my office is here to help. I celebrated with these smiling Minnesotans after the successful closing of their immigration cases. |
FIGHTING FOR AUTISM CARE
If you’re looking for signs of hope in Washington, I’m pleased to report that President Trump signed the Autism CARES Act into law this week. I was a proud co-sponsor of the Autism CARES Act in the House, and I’m even more proud to see it become the law of the land with bipartisan support – just the type of meaningful work I’m attempting to inspire more of in Congress. Under the new law, Minnesota families will be supported by the best autism research, training and treatment – for life, not just in childhood.
Finally, I invite all veterans, military members, and military families to join my Veterans Advisory Council for a listening session at the Carver County Government Center at 6:00 PM on Monday. While I won’t be able to attend, my staff will be on hand to answer questions and assist with veterans’ benefit claims.
I’ll check in again next week, and in the meantime, I remind you that optimism is just as contagious as fear. Keep the faith and keep in touch – and go Twins!
Sincerely,
Dean Phillips
Member of Congress