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794 WORDS | 6.1 MINUTE READ
Hi John,
When I checked in about government funding negotiations last week, more than 3,000 of you shared perspectives, concerns, and personal stories, and the results were loud and clear: our community wants Congress to take action and avoid a shutdown. I heard you, and agree, which is why, on Saturday, I voted for and helped pass a short-term funding bill to avert a shutdown for the next 45 days.
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In case you missed in, watch me discuss finding common ground with Rep. McCaul (R-TX) on Fox News.
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Let me be clear, this isn't a perfect deal or a permanent solution, but it was an act of sorely needed bipartisanship. The stopgap measure funds the federal government through November 17th, ensures troops and federal employees continue to be paid for their work, incorporates disaster relief funding, and provides a short-term extension for agencies with expiring authorizations. I'm optimistic that this compromise represents a step toward an agreement to fund services so many Americans rely on for the next year, and I will continue to work across the aisle to prevent an unnecessary and inexcusable shutdown come November.
Passed: Motion to Vacate the Speaker
On Tuesday, I joined 208 Democrats and 11 Republicans on a vote to move forward on the motion to oust Speaker McCarthy from his position. Later that day, I voted yes on the resolution to remove Speaker McCarthy, and, for the first time in history, the resolution passed the House on a vote of 216 to 210. Since 2003, House rules have required the Speaker to submit to the Clerk a list of Members of Congress to act in the case of his or her vacancy. Representative Patrick McHenry (R-N.C) was at the top of this list and will serve as the Speaker Pro Tempore until a new Speaker is elected. I'm disappointed that former Speaker McCarthy chose not to work with Democrats, reform Congress, and make it work as intended. This was a historic and missed opportunity to demonstrate bipartisanship and restore faith in our government, and I’ll be working to do so with the next Speaker. In the meantime, I want to know John:
Hope for the Future: Internships
It’s a historic and challenging time to serve in Congress, but I remain optimistic that our brightest days are still ahead. As a former Congressional intern myself, I know the life-long value serving your community can provide. The voices of young people are integral to our society and our democracy, so I want to make sure you have a seat at the table. That is why I’m writing to make sure you know about the internship programs in my Minnesota and Washington, D.C. offices. Applications for the spring intern class are open NOW through November 2, 2023, so if you or someone you know is interested in interning in my office, please apply today! If you have questions about our internship program or application process, please stop by my Minnetonka office or give us a call at (952) 656-5176.
Virtual Service Academy Information Night
Speaking of bright futures, I have the privilege of nominating a limited number of students from our community to the U.S. Service Academies each year. The academies allow talented and dedicated young people to receive a full four-year scholarship to highly competitive institutions where they will earn a bachelor’s degree as well as an officer’s commission in the military. The honor of attending a service academy comes with an obligation and commitment to serve as an officer in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation. The five U.S. Service Academies are:
- U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York where graduates become U.S. Army officers.
- U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland where graduates become U.S. Navy or U.S. Marine Corps officers.
- U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs where graduates become U.S. Air Force or U.S. Space Force officers.
- U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York where graduates become merchant marine officers in the U.S. flag fleet, commissioned officers on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Corps; and
- U.S. Coast Guard Academy at New London, Connecticut where graduates become U.S. Coast Guard officers.
As part of this process, my office will be hosting a virtual U.S. Service Academies Information Night with representatives from all five service academies. Students and families will be able to learn more about the academy experience and the nominations process as well. Here are the details:
WHAT:
Virtual Service Academy Information Night
WHEN:
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM CST
WHERE:
Zoom (link to be provided upon registration)
If you or someone you know is interested about the academy experience and nominations process, please click here to RSVP.
Keep the faith and keep in touch,
Dean Phillips
Member of Congress
- 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.
- Order FREE COVID-19 tests: Keep yourself, and those around you, safe by getting tested if you’re feeling sick or have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19. Order four FREE at-home tests for your family from USPS here.
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