Tag: CD3

Third District’s Dean Phillips deserves another term in Congress

He’s taken a refreshingly bipartisan approach to Washington. 

Opinion editor’s note: The Star Tribune Editorial Board operates separately from the newsroom, and no news editors or reporters were involved in the endorsement process.

Minnesota’s Third Congressional District, long in Republican hands, swung to a Democrat in the last election, businessman Dean Phillips. Voters liked his message of innovation, pragmatism and a commitment to working across the aisle.

Phillips, 51, has delivered on those ideals in his first term and deserves to continue his work in a second term. He is part of the House Problem Solvers Caucus, where some 50 lawmakers from both parties sit down to figure out where they can find common ground.

Their most recent work centered on breaking the impasse on COVID relief, with Phillips and South Dakota Republican Rep. Dusty Johnson laboring to craft a well-balanced framework that was larger than the Senate’s “skinny stimulus” but smaller than the House’s $2 trillion package. Continue reading.

Phillips, Reed, Cardin, Portman Lead Bicameral, Bipartisan Remembrance of Yitzhak Rabin 25 Years After His Assassination


WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressmen Dean Phillips (D-MN) and Tom Reed (R-NY), along with U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Rob Portman (R-OH), have introduced a resolution in both the Senate and House of Representatives to honor the life, legacy and example of former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, who was assassinated 25 years ago on November 4, 1995 for his pursuit of peace between Israelis and Palestinians. The lawmakers express support for community leaders and government officials who continue to encourage co-existence and cooperation between the Israelis and Palestinians and reaffirms strong United States’ support for “two states—a democratic Jewish State of Israel, and a viable, democratic Palestinian state—living side-by-side in peace, security, and mutual recognition.”

“As a Jewish American, I am a proud supporter of Israel, our most important ally in the Middle East,” Rep. Phillips said. “Yitzhak Rabin dedicated his life to Israeli prosperity and security, and ultimately gave his life in pursuit of peace with its neighbors. Like Rabin, I believe that Israel must remain a Jewish and democratic nation, and exist peacefully alongside a democratic Palestinian state. Today, on occasion of the 25th anniversary of his assassination, I honor his memory by calling on nations of the world to join together in building the bridges of understanding and cooperation to achieve that end.”

“Yitzak Rabin’s legacy is one of hope and peace overcoming generations of mistrust and violence. Over the course of his lifetime, Rabin experienced personal and political transformations that led to his courageous fight for peace, for which he paid the ultimate price. It is this courage and vision of two states for two peoples that we must continue to embrace and make real,” said Senator Cardin. “The special relationship between Israel and the United States remains strong and it is a driving force in our desire to see a lasting peace in the region.”

Continue reading “Phillips, Reed, Cardin, Portman Lead Bicameral, Bipartisan Remembrance of Yitzhak Rabin 25 Years After His Assassination”

Rep. Phillips responds to Trump’s ending of COVID negotiations

Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN) released the following statement on Trump’s decision to end COVID relief negotiations:

“Given President Trump’s own COVID diagnosis and his earlier comments in support of a bill with ‘much higher numbers’ it is confounding and unconscionable that he would suddenly order a cessation of negotiations over a much-needed COVID-19 relief bill. American families and America’s small businesses are hurting and cannot afford even more delays — especially when a deal is within reach. I worked together with my Republican colleague Rep. Dusty Johnson to lead a working group that crafted a bipartisan framework for such a deal that has been widely supported, including by the Administration. I cannot overstate how important it is that leaders in both parties — along with the President — return to the table and agree on a package that will provide immediate relief to families and businesses. Inaction is not an option.”

Phillips Calls on Congress to Denounce QAnon Conspiracy

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dean Phillips took to the floor of the House of Representatives to call on his colleagues to disavow dangerous anti-Semitic conspiracy theories like QAnon that are weaponizing the political process.

WATCH: Dean Phillips speaks on the House floor

Remarks as prepared:

Thank you Mr/Madam Speaker,

“I rise today to urge a unanimous YES vote on Mr. Malinowski’s resolution.  EVERY ONE OF US here swore the same oath to defend our nation from enemies both foreign and domestic – and QAnon is a dangerous enemy lurking within our borders that must be forcefully and unanimously condemned.

Continue reading “Phillips Calls on Congress to Denounce QAnon Conspiracy”

Dean Phillips Votes ‘No’ to $2.2 Trillion COVID Package: Calls for Bipartisan Compromise

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On October 1, 2020, Rep. Dean Phillips voted against “HEROES 2.0,” the $2.2 trillion coronavirus stimulus bill offered by Nancy Pelosi and House leadership, joining 17 other Democrats, 189 Republicans and one Independent as the bill passed the House 214 to 207. Phillips released the following statement:

“Having co-led the Problem Solvers Caucus working group that developed the March to Common Ground bipartisan COVID relief framework, my commitment to achieving a solution for Americans remains steadfast. 

In light of divided government, legislation must be designed to pass not just the House, but also the Senate, and be signed into law by the President. And, despite my belief in and support of the content of HEROES 2.0, it was not that bill.

Continue reading “Dean Phillips Votes ‘No’ to $2.2 Trillion COVID Package: Calls for Bipartisan Compromise”

A March to Common Ground

Hi Neighbors,

This past week, our country lost Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a trailblazer and a role model to many, including myself. I am saddened in ways I never imagined possible. May her memory be a blessing and may her legacy live through all of us.

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Reciting the Mourner’s Kaddish next to Congressman Eric Swalwell and his daughter, with her “I Look Up To Ruth Bader Ginsburg” book in hand, is a moment I’ll never forget

Today, I am checking in to give you an update on the work I am doing in DC:

Continue reading “A March to Common Ground”

Rep. Phillips introduces bill to improve telehealth as pandemic threatens Americans’ Access to Care

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Thursday, Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN) and Steve Chabot (R-OH) announced they have introduced the bipartisan Telehealth Coverage and Payment Parity Act (H.R. 8308) aimed at improving Americans’ access to health care whenever and wherever they need it. The bipartisan legislation pushes for permanent coverage and payment parity for telehealth services at the federal level.

With the country grappling with the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, safe access to medical providers – especially for the sick and vulnerable – is more important now than it ever has been. Yet much of the innovation in telehealth demonstrated these past months will reverse when the pandemic is over. H.R. 8308 will ensure the country continues telehealth payment parity past the pandemic, increasing Americans access to care. The bill will require payers to cover the same telehealth services as Medicare, establish parity between in-person and telehealth covered services, and eliminate burdensome and unnecessary regulations around location for providers.

“It’s time to build a 21st century health care system that utilizes technology and prevention to keep people well,” said Rep. Phillips. “For many conditions, there is no simply no reason for healthcare to be tied to brick and mortar institutions. Telehealth has allowed us to effectively deliver care during the COVID-19 pandemic, but some of the flexibilities put in place to ensure Americans have access to care will be reversed when the public health emergency expires unless Congress acts to preserve them. I’m on a mission to make our progress permanent.”

Continue reading “Rep. Phillips introduces bill to improve telehealth as pandemic threatens Americans’ Access to Care”

Rep. Phillips Co-Sponsors Landmark Legislation to Lower Costs, Increase Access to Health Care

Legislation will create a public option for Minnesotans to buy into the state’s Medicaid program

WASHINGTON, DC — Yesterday, Rep. Dean Phillips announced he is co-sponsoring the State Public Option Act, landmark health care legislation that will allow Americans to buy into their state’s Medicaid program. Prohibitively high costs continue to deny many Minnesotans access to healthcare every day even as the COVID-19 pandemic threatens our community. A state-based public option would open up healthcare access to thousands of Minnesotans while providing a viable health insurance option for those without employer-provided insurance.

Under this Medicaid Buy-in program, states will set the terms for how the public-option will be implemented. Enrollees will have access to Medicaid’s provider network and benefit set and the state will determine the premiums, deductibles, and other cost-sharing. Cost will be much lower due to smaller administrative overhead. A 2013 Congressional Budget Office estimate of a similar public option found that premiums would be on average 7-8% less than on the individual market.

“Lowering the cost of health care for my constituents and all Americans has been a top priority since I joined Congress in 2019,”said Rep. Phillips, “and this legislation does just that. The State Public Option Act will expand health coverage to thousands of Minnesotans, allow states to become policy innovators, and encourage more people to pursue their dreams with affordable health insurance. A public health insurance option is the next step toward achieving a health care system with truly universal access, as we continue to grapple with a pandemic that has changed so many aspects of our lives. We are all connected — my neighbor’s health is about my health, too.”

Continue reading “Rep. Phillips Co-Sponsors Landmark Legislation to Lower Costs, Increase Access to Health Care”

Phillips-led bipartisan group offers COVID framework to break impasse

WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus – 25 Democrats and 25 Republicans – unveiled its “March To Common Ground” framework to help break the gridlock on the latest COVID-19 relief package and encourage negotiators to get back to the table. 

The 50-member bipartisan Caucus, led by policy working group leaders Reps. Dean Phillips (D-MN) and Dusty Johnson (R-SD) along with Problem Solvers Caucus members Reps. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH), and Co-Chairs Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Tom Reed (R-NY), came together to develop the framework after extensive listening to constituents and outreach to stakeholders over the past six weeks.

The package addresses key areas of need, including COVID-19 testing, unemployment insurance, direct stimulus, worker and liability protection, small business and non-profit support, food security, schools and child care, housing, election support, and state and local aid.

Continue reading “Phillips-led bipartisan group offers COVID framework to break impasse”

Rep. Phillips introduces a bill to ban political use of White House grounds

WASHINGTON, DC— Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN) has introduced a bill banning the use of White House grounds for political purposes – the Our Lawn Act.  

For nearly a century, the Hatch Act has existed to provide a clear distinction between public servants and electoral candidates. Both parties have observed and respected this law for decades and have condemned apparent Hatch Act violations.

Unfortunately, this administration has shown, through providing the White House and other federal property as a staging area for the Republican National Convention, that we must continue to work to ensure that officials are not misusing public property and the prestige of office for their own political gain.  These actions misappropriated public resources for the private benefit of the Republican Party and put federal employees in a position where their employers were ordering them to violate the law.

Continue reading “Rep. Phillips introduces a bill to ban political use of White House grounds”