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720 WORDS | 5.5 MINUTE READ
Hi John,
I’m checking in with an update from a week in Minnesota spent listening and learning in every corner of our community! Read on for a look at what I was up to:
Working Towards a Cure
Cancer is the leading cause of death in numerous states nationwide, including Minnesota. Treatment is expensive, and cures have yet to be discovered. It has impacted my family, as it has too many, and I believe that we must dedicate resources to cancer research and celebrate those that are developing cutting edge technologies. That's why I was thrilled to visit HistoSonics last week, an incredible company based in Plymouth that has developed technology that uses sonic beams, called histotripsy, for a non-invasive cancer treatment alternative.
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| Visiting HistoSonics and seeing their incredible technology firsthand was one of the highlights of my week. |
Teamwork is crucial when facing challenges as big as finding the cure for cancer, and with the help of innovative businesses like HistoSonics, we're on the path to getting there.
Building Safer Communities
I have tremendous respect for those who risk their lives to protect and serve with honor and principle, and I believe we must work together - regardless of party or ideology - to make Minnesota safer for everyone. In that spirit, I convened Chiefs of Police from throughout our community last week to learn about the challenges we’re facing relative to public safety and to brainstorm how we can help one another at the local and federal levels.
Later in the week, I spent an insightful afternoon on patrol alongside Edina Police Department Officer Adam L'Heureux. We discussed everything from his day-to-day service to how we might attract more compassionate people like him to careers in law enforcement. I’ve had the honor of participating in more than 100 public safety visits and ride-alongs since 2019, and each one offers a firsthand look at the challenges our law enforcement and criminal justice systems encounter every day. When it comes to public safety, I always welcome the opportunity to build trust through candid conversations and experiences – and to build on that trust to make our communities safer and more equitable for all.
Listening to You
Representation begins with listening, so I’m grateful to the more than 150 Minnesotans who joined the conversation with questions and ideas at my town hall meeting last Thursday in Edina. As always, I left the forum feeling thankful for the opportunity to represent this remarkable community in Congress.
Whether it’s at a future town hall meeting or community conversation, or by calling, writing, emailing, or dropping by my office here or in Washington, DC, please continue to share your ideas and concerns with me – and invite your friends, neighbors, coworkers, and loved ones to do the same.
Celebrating Asian Heritage
Before traveling back to Washington, I celebrated the rich, diverse culture and heritage of Asia at the Twin Cities West Metro Asian Fair in Plymouth. It was a memorable day spent enjoying the music, dancing, seeing martial arts demonstrations, eating delicious cuisine, and more. The Twin Cities West Metro Asian Fair’s goal of promoting intercultural understanding and exchanges is exactly what is needed to continue to strengthen our state, and I commend them for their outstanding leadership.
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| Thank you to the Twin Cities West Metro Asian Fair committee for a Saturday well spent! |
Keep the faith, and keep in touch,
Dean Phillips
Member of Congress
 Bill of the Week
✔️ H.R. 3746, the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023
I believe defaulting on our debt would have unimaginable consequences for the global economy. That's why I voted for and helped pass, H.R. 3746, the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, which was signed into law on June 3, 2023. This bipartisan bill raises the cap on the total amount of money that the federal government is authorized to borrow to fulfill our current financial obligations and avoids a catastrophic default on our debt. At the same time, this bill will reduce federal deficits by $1.5 trillion. While I do not support all aspects of this bill — particularly those provisions that could lead to fewer older Americans receiving food assistance through SNAP — it was an essential compromise for America.
 Resources For You
My team and I are here to serve every person and every corner of our community. I want to make sure you have the resources you need to succeed:
- Donuts with Dean: Welcoming Minnesotans to Washington is one of my favorite parts of this job. We'd love the opportunity share some conversation, and donuts, next time you’re in town! To reserve your spot at an upcoming please complete this form, including all attendee information and the date of your preferred session
- Energy Savings Hub: The U.S. Department of Energy has launched a one-stop shop for American families and consumers to access tools to cut energy costs through rebates and energy efficient upgrades. Click here for a list of green tax credits and other rebates.
- Look before you book: Do you have international travel plans on the horizon? Make sure you are prepared before you book! Visit https://travel.state.gov/ to check your passport expiration date, apply for a passport, and much more.
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