Tag: Rep. Phillips

Rep. Phillips introduces bill to establish COVID-19 oversight panel

The COVID-19 Congressional Oversight Panel (COP) Act  would also expand the oversight role of the Special Inspector General for TARP

WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Dean Phillips introduced HR6319, the COVID-19 C.O.P. Act, to create a Congressional panel to provide oversight over the massive spending of taxpayer money in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic fallout. The five-member panel would review data around spending, conduct hearings, and provide regular reports to Congress.

The bill would also authorize the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program to coordinate audits and investigations in connection with the receipt of Federal aid related to the COVID-19 emergency response.

“We are about to inject a massive and unprecedented amount of taxpayers’ money into our economy to protect jobs and keep businesses afloat. This requires proper oversight to prevent corruption and ensure the money is being used efficiently and effectively,” Phillips said. “This Congressional panel and the increased powers for the Inspector General will amplify and strengthen the government’s financial stewardship of this recovery and provide the transparency necessary to inspire Americans’ faith in our government.” Continue reading “Rep. Phillips introduces bill to establish COVID-19 oversight panel”

Rep. Dean Phillips: NEW-COVID-19 Emergency Support Available to Minnesotans

Dear Neighbors,

This week, I joined our entire Congressional Delegation in petitioning the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide assistance to Minnesota businesses following significant economic impacts from the coronavirus (COVD-19) pandemic.

I’m reaching out to let you know that Minnesota small businesses are now eligible for the SBA Economic Injury Loan Program and can apply by clicking here. 

In Minnesota, small businesses are the economic engines of our communitites – and even if you don’t own one yourself, chances are you or someone you love depends on the goods, services, or employment that a small business provides. Please share this information with the small businesses in your neighborhood and continue to support one another in these uncertain times. Continue reading “Rep. Dean Phillips: NEW-COVID-19 Emergency Support Available to Minnesotans”

Rep. Dean Phillips: Flatten the Curve

Hi Neighbors,

Challenging days lie ahead, but I want you to know what we will overcome together. I’m writing to check in, share information, and to let you that I will always have your back.

As COVID-19 cases continue to be confirmed in Minnesota, I remind you that we all have a role to play in keeping our community safe and healthy. While closings, social distancing, and changes to our daily routines are challenging, it’s the pragmatic and responsible approach to protecting our healthcare professionals and ensuring hospital capacity can meet expected demand. We will succeed together, and I am proud to stand with Minnesota’s entire Delegation in support of our extraordinary front-line healthcare workers. With a united voice, we ask you to support them too. Continue reading “Rep. Dean Phillips: Flatten the Curve”

Rep. Dean Phillips: We will overcome this

Most of us are experiencing feelings of fear and insecurity that few have endured in our lifetimes. And while the coming days and weeks will be challenging, rest assured that we shall overcome.

We each have a role to play in “flattening the curve” and slowing the spread of COVID-19 over time to ensure our healthcare professionals and facilities can meet the growing demand for care.

We do so by practicing social distancing – implementing teleworking whenever possible, postponing gatherings, limiting physical greetings and interactions, staying home when feeling ill, avoiding anyone who appears symptomatic, washing hands regularly, and avoiding touching your face. Continue reading “Rep. Dean Phillips: We will overcome this”

Rep. Dean Phillips Coronavirus Briefing Invitation

Hi Deb,

The presence of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Minnesota is cause for concern but not cause for panic. We all have a role to play in keeping our communities safe and healthy, and I know you might have questions. That is why I am inviting you to join me and U.S. Senator Tina Smith on a free and open-to-the-public coronavirus briefing callwith state and local public health experts at 6:00 PM CST on Monday, March 16th.

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Dial 855-927-0897 at 6:00 PM CST on Monday, March 16th
to join our coronavirus briefing call

Let me know what questions you have about coronavirus by submitting them here – we’ll answer as many questions as possible. You can join in by dialing 855-927-0897 or streaming online here at 6:00 PM on Monday. If you’d prefer to receive a call, please register here.

Coronavirus Update

The coronavirus outbreak has officially been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). As your representative in Washington, I’m monitoring the situation closely. I promise to advocate for the safety and security of all Minnesotans at home and abroad, and I’ll do my best to keep you informed. My team and I have launched a coronavirus information center at phillips.house.gov/coronavirus, where you’ll find a collection of useful and up-to-date information.

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Most individuals with coronavirus will experience minor symptoms and will not require hospitalization. But please, remember to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, cover your cough, and please stay home if you are sick. While closings, social distancing, and changes to our daily routines can generate fear, please know it’s the pragmatic and responsible approach to protecting our healthcare professionals and ensuring hospital capacity can meet expected demand. We will succeed together.

Still Working to Help YOU

The U.S. Capitol is closed to the public at this time, but my office in Minnetonka will remain open at reduced hours from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM for the foreseeable future in order to continue serving you. As a constituent, you can still:

  • Call my offices in Washington (202-225-2871) and Minnetonka (952-656-5176). If you reach our voicemail during business hours and leave a message, a member of my team will return your call within 24 hours.
  • Reach out for assistance. If you need help with a federal agency, we may be able to help.
  • Send emails and letters. The best way to contact my office is by sending me an email.
  • Schedule meetings. You can still meet with a member of my team by contacting the appropriate office. Please note that, for the time being, meetings will need to occur via telephone or video-conference except in case of emergency.

If you have questions about coronavirus, the Minnesota Department of Health is the best point of contact. You can reach them at 651-201-5414 or online here. If you need assistance with a federal agency related to coronavirus (or anything else), my team is available to help by phone at 952-656-5176 and online.

Keep the faith and keep in touch,

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Dean Phillips
Member of Congress

Rep. Dean Phillips Announces Office Policy to Allow More Flexibility During Coronavirus Response

WASHINGTON, DC – In consultation with public health officials in Washington D.C. and Minnesota, Representative Dean Phillips has announced changes to office protocol to protect the public while continuing to serve his constituents.

This week, the U.S. Capitol Sergeant At Arms ordered limited access to the U.S. Capitol complex and Member offices due to COVID-19 until at least April 1, which means that constituents may not enter the U.S. Capitol and surrounding Congressional office buildings without official business and an escort. While this will restrict physical access to the D.C. office, Rep. Phillips’s constituents can still expect to: Continue reading “Rep. Dean Phillips Announces Office Policy to Allow More Flexibility During Coronavirus Response”

Phillips, Smith Announce Coronavirus Briefing Call

Free and open-to-the-public informational call comes as more COVID-19 cases are confirmed, all Minnesotans are invited to submit questions and hear from public health experts

MINNESOTA – Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) and Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN) announced today that they will host a free and open-to-the-publiccoronavirus briefing call featuring Minnesota public health experts at 6:00 PM CST on Monday, March 16. Minnesotans are invited to submit their questions about coronavirus (COVID-19) online HERE, and join the call by dialing 855-927-0897 or streaming online HERE.

WHAT:  Coronavirus Briefing Call

WHEN:  Monday, March 16, 2020, 6:00 PM CST – 7:00 PM CST

WHERE:  CALL IN: 855-927-0897 or STREAM ONLINE: https://phillips.house.gov/dial-in

WHO:

– Rep. Dean Phillips
– Senator Tina Smith
– Dr. Rob Thomas, Medical Director, Emergency Physicians Professional Association
– Dr. Penny Wheeler, CEO, Allina Health System
– Additional public health experts to be announced

SUBMIT QUESTIONS HERE:   https://tinyurl.com/MNCoronavirusBriefing

Rep. Dean Phillips Statement on Minnesota Coronavirus Case

MINNETONKA, MINNESOTA – Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) released the following statement today:

“Today’s announcement of a coronavirus (COVID-19) case in Minnesota is cause for concern but not cause for panic. I’m grateful to the extraordinary public health officials in Minnesota for their quick and transparent response, am monitoring the developing situation closely, and remain committed to tackling this threat with a unified, nonpartisan front at home and overseas.

We all have a role to play in keeping our community healthy – cover your cough, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, and please stay home if you are sick. If you or a loved one are exhibiting symptoms, call the Minnesota Department of HealthCoronavirus Hotline at 651-201-3920.”

For up-to-date information about coronavirus, visit:

 

Did Your Vote Count?

Hi Neighbors,

The news this week confirms one thing for certain – our electoral process is broken. Nearly 50,000 early voters in Minnesota cast primary ballots for candidates who had dropped out of the race by Super Tuesday (effectively nullifying their votes), and our winner-takes-all system has devolved into a series of cut-throat contests that polarize candidates and discourage consensus-building.

Fortunately, there’s a solution. Rebuilding our democracy and restoring faith in government begins with improving our electoral system, and that’s why I’m igniting a conversation about Ranked Choice Voting (RCV).

Continue reading “Did Your Vote Count?”

Phillips, Problem Solvers meet with Vice President Pence on Coronavirus

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representative Dean Phillips joined members of the bipartisan Problems Solvers Caucus to meet with Vice President Mike Pence and Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus response coordinator, in the White House Situation Room. After the meeting, Phillips released a statement:

“This morning I was among a small group of Democrats and Republicans who met with the Vice President to discuss the federal response to COVID-19. The role of Congress in a public health emergency of this magnitude is to appropriate the necessary resources to effectively and efficiently address the pandemic while providing oversight and ensuring accountability. I am on a mission to serve and protect my constituents and all Americans, and will continue to ask critical questions and demand action during the months ahead. We must tackle this threat with a unified, nonpartisan front at home and overseas, and ensure that our public health officials are afforded the resources to protect our nation.”