Hi Friends,
I’m checking in as Congress ends our first week in session of 2020. Last night, the House of Representatives passed a joint resolution asserting the War Powers of Congress. I voted in favor of that resolution, and I want to let you know why. Here’s my full statement:
As a Gold Star son, I know the human cost of war is immeasurable. That’s why we need a vigorous, bipartisan debate before making the very grave decision of sending young American men and women to battle. Our founding fathers believed such deliberation was so essential that they mandated in our Constitution that a President cannot go to war by fiat – he or she must first consult with Congress.
In affirmation of the Constitution, I voted in support of yesterday’s War Powers resolution. However, I am disappointed with the decision to bring this bill to the floor at this time. If such resolutions are not bipartisan and unanimous, it can send the wrong message to the world and to our enemies. It’s my hope and intention to inspire a new generation of leadership in Congress that commits to enhanced collaboration and reduced division.
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| Over Christmas, I traveled to American military bases in the Persian Gulf to meet with our military leaders, service members, and their families. They are all on my mind and in my prayers. Our men and women in uniform deserve to be supported by a leader with a steady hand, a well-conceived strategy, and a Congress willing to exercise its Constitutional duty with their safety in mind. |
It’s my hope and intention to inspire a new generation of leadership in Congress that commits to enhanced collaboration and reduced division – particularly on issues of such gravity. To that end, a small, bipartisan group of us met yesterday evening to begin that process.
And this morning, the entire Minnesota congressional delegation reached consensus of a different kind…
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| After no deliberation whatsoever, the Minnesota congressional delegation is pleased to announce bipartisan support for our Vikings tomorrow. |
We’re in this together and I’d love to connect with you soon. Here are some opportunities to meet me and my staff in the coming weeks:
- My team will continue hosting mobile office hours on Wednesdays in 2020. Next week they’re heading to Maple Grove Public Library – stop by between 3PM – 6PM on January 15th if you’re looking for assistance with a federal agency.
- The 2020 Census is almost here and it’s incredibly important that everyone in Minnesota gets counted. In Hennepin County, Census workers will earn at least $27/hour. They’re hiring now, so check out this job fair in Minnetonka on January 15th.
- I’m hosting our next free and open-to-the-public community conversation on January 24th. We’ll be talking about affordable housing, save the date!
- With a pathway to citizenship for our extraordinary DED holders officially signed into law, my team is hosting a DED information session on January 29th at 5:30 at the Liberian Consulate in Brooklyn Park. We’ll cover what comes next and connect you with immigration attorneys. For more information, reach out to my Minnetonka office.
- If you’ll be in Washington on a Friday when the House is in session, stop by Donuts with Dean and let me team know if we can help arrange tours while you’re in town.
- I invite all middle and high school students to participate in our essay competition by submitting your piece before February 17th.
Finally, I invite you to ask your friends, family members and neighbors to let me know what issues they care about by answering these two quick questions. Representation begins with listening and I can’t do this job without you. Keep the faith and keep in touch.
Skol!
Dean Phillips
Member of Congress