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738 WORDS | 5.7 MINUTE READ
Hi John,
As June comes to a close, I hope you took time to reflect on the contributions that our LGBTQ+ community has made and to honor those dedicated to ending discrimination in all of its forms. May we continue to advocate for justice, preach acceptance, and spread love to all corners of our district. In the meantime, I'm checking in from Minnesota with updates from another busy week. I have a lot to share, so let’s get to it:
The Allergen Disclosure In Non-Food Articles (ADINA) Act
After a reaction to undisclosed ingredients in medicine sent Adina, an 11-year old from Maple Grove, to the hospital, the Togal family reached out to my office to ask for help in protecting others from suffering the same fate. Without proper labeling, taking medication for a simple illness could have detrimental or even deadly side effects for more than 33 million Americans who live with severe food allergies, intolerances, and celiac disease. That's why I introduced a bipartisan bill in honor of Adina, called the Allergen Disclosure In Non-Food Articles (ADINA) Act, which would require all prescription and over-the-counter medicines to be labelled for major food allergens and gluten-containing grains – the same standard currently in place for food products!
In my estimation, everyone has a right to know what’s going into their body, whether it be medication or food. All my gratitude to Adina and her family for bringing this issue to my attention. Together, we're going to create a safer, healthier future for all.
Fighting Antisemitism
As a member of the Jewish community, I am deeply concerned about the rise of anti-Semitic behavior at home and abroad. I firmly believe that people should be treated equally regardless of their faith, and we should not tolerate hate under any circumstances. That's why, last week, I joined my colleagues on the House Foreign Affairs Committee to discuss with experts the concerning links between white supremacy in the United States and Anti-Semitic movements around the world.
Memorable Connections
This past spring - on what would have been my dad’s 80th birthday – I traveled to the site in Vietnam where a helicopter crash killed him and seven other soldiers in 1969. Last Friday, I travelled to Colorado to meet the survivor of the crash, Tom Devereux, on his 80th birthday. After having been long connected by this shared moment, we are now connected by friendship. Thank you to Tom and his remarkable family for the invitation - what a memorable day!
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| It was an honor to meet Tom Devereux and help ring in his 80th birthday last weekend. |
Pursuing Common Ground
On Saturday, I hosted my twelfth Common Ground Workshop. This initiative has been one of the most rewarding parts of my job and serves as a constant reminder that in this deeply polarized world, there is still hope – and that change can start right here in our community. We may enter the room as strangers, but after two hours of listening and learning from each other, each group walks away with a greater understanding of how our life experiences shape our views and values, appreciation for our differences, and renewed optimism for our collective future.
Division, discord, and distrust present a serious threat to our democracy. It is my hope that elected leaders at every level will engage in such efforts to repair our broken politics. In a country as closely divided as ours, working together is not only possible, it's necessary.
Keep the faith, and keep in touch,
Dean Phillips
Member of Congress
 Bill of the Week
✔️ H.R. 4078 the Syria Detainee and Displaced Persons Act
We have a moral responsibility to act quickly and act together to address the humanitarian, safety, and security risks posed by displaced persons camps within Northeast Syria. That's why I recently introduced H.R. 4078, the Syria Detainee and Displaced Persons Act, legislation that would empower a Senior Official within the State Department to coordinate across governmental agencies and establish a unified US government approach to ISIS detainee and displacement camps in Northeast Syria, where tens of thousands of detained and displaced persons are still being held.
 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 event, 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.
- The Congressional app challenge is back: Calling all middle and high school coders - are you innovative, creative, and driven to solve problems? Then the Congressional App Challenge is for you! Registration is open, so head to my website to learn more.
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