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1412 WORDS | 10.9 MINUTE READ
Hi John,
Spring has sprung in Minnesota and I'm writing to update you on everything I was up to in March. From celebrating International Women's Day, casting consequential votes, securing funding for our community, attending committee hearings, and more, it was a busy and fulfilling month. Read on for more on all of that below:
Bringing Tax Dollars Home
I've been on a mission to bring more of our federal tax dollars back to Minnesota, which is why I successfully advocated for fourteen projects directly serving our community that were included in the bipartisan government funding package President Biden signed into law last month! Absent our advocacy, these dollars could have flowed to other states – but instead, they are on track to help deliver federal investments for local public safety, gun violence prevention, transportation, parks, and clean water projects, including:
- Bolstering Public Safety: $963,000 for the Eden Prairie Public Safety Mobile Command Center, $425,000 for Hennepin County Sheriff Forensic Science Lab technology improvements to combat gun violence, and $750,000 for the Hennepin County Emergency Shelter Program
- Providing Clean Drinking Water: $1 million for the City of Bloomington Water Supply Project, $959,752 for the City of Excelsior Drinking Water Treatment Plant Rehabilitation Project, $959,752 for the City of Medicine Lake Public Water System Project, $959,752 for the City of Mound Manganese Removal Project, and $959,752 for the Minnetonka Beach PFAS Treatment System Project
- Improving Infrastructure: $5 million for Metro Mobility small bus replacements and $500,000 for a roof replacement and improvements at Second Harvest Heartland
- Bettering Our Parks and Trails: $500,000 for the Boerboom Park Expansion Project, $500,000 for the Corcoran City Park Remaster and $850,000 for the City of Dayton Water Trail
- Supporting Youth: $500,000 for the Brooklyn Park Youth and Teen Center
I am so grateful to the mayors, police chiefs, fire chiefs, and community leaders who brought these projects to our attention, and I'm excited to see the dividends these investments pay in the form of a safer, healthier, more prosperous future for us all.
Removing Barriers for Small Business Owners
As Vice Ranking Member of the Small Business Committee, I’m committed to creating opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to pursue entrepreneurship by providing tools and resources to help get their small businesses off the ground. To explore ways that Congress can do just that, I participated in a hearing with Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Isabella Guzman, where I checked in on progress made towards removing barriers to employee ownership, the demand for AI technology among small business owners, and the SBA's strategy to inspire youth entrepreneurship - especially in underserved communities.
Strengthening International Relationships
As the Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia (MENACA), I believe that we must advocate for human rights, democracy, and diplomacy, both at home and abroad. I recently led opening remarks at a MENACA Subcommittee Hearing where we discussed the need for accountability and transparency in Pakistan's recent elections, bolstering their democratic institutions, and the future of the U.S.-Pakistan relationship. The U.S. has a responsibility to hold governments accountable for their actions and to advocate for democratic values such as free speech and fair elections nationally and internationally.
Learning From Our Mistakes
Last month, the Foreign Affairs Committee continued the process of pursuing oversight and accountability over our withdrawal from the 20-year war in Afghanistan. During our hearing, I asked high-ranking officials what we should do now, and what additional oversight we can and should pursue going forward. There's no question that foreign policy failures undermine our efforts around the world. We can fix this by affirming our national interests, promoting accountability, and increasing Congressional oversight. There is still more to learn about our withdrawal from Afghanistan, and moving forward, we must identify where we went wrong and continue to learn from our mistakes.
Protecting Freedom of Speech
As Members of Congress, it’s our duty to ensure America’s national security and our collective personal security. The spread of disinformation and misuse of personal data, by malign actors both at home and abroad, threaten our security. Regulation of apps, social media platforms, and artificial intelligence is absolutely necessary, but should only be initiated after intense debate, deliberation, and consideration to ensure it keeps us safe while not impeding our constitutionally-protected freedom of speech. That's why I voted no on H.R. 7521, the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, which could place a ban on TikTok in the United States. On March 7th, 2024, this bill passed the House on a vote of 352 to 65 and has been sent to the Senate for consideration.
Clearing the Way for Foreign Aid
With a bipartisan Senate deal in hand that would strengthen U.S. national security and support our Ukrainian, Israeli, and Taiwanese allies in their defense against dictators and terrorists, I am appalled that House Republicans have chosen to politicize this aid instead of bringing it to the Floor for a vote. The Senate proposal includes $60 billion in aid to Ukraine and $9.15 billion in humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza, the West Bank, Ukraine, Somalia, and other populations caught in conflict zones across the globe. That's why I joined 190 of my Democratic colleagues in signing a discharge petition, which would force a vote on the Senate package. This is long overdue, and it's time that we work together and bring a negotiated national security bill to a vote.
Minneapolis Police and Peace Officers Association
The state of Minnesota has over 400 law enforcement agencies and more than 10,000 registered police officers. I have enormous respect for those who serve our nation – as well as their families – and for the sacrifices they make on our behalf. Last month I met with members of the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association (MPPOA) to discuss what I'm working on in Washington to support law enforcement, learn more about their legislative priorities, and answer their insightful questions.
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| I support all of those who risk their lives every day to protect and serve our communities with honor and principle and look forward to continuing my efforts to support them through my work in Congress. |
Meeting with West Point Cadets
I also had the honor of hosting Cadets and faculty from the American Politics Program at West Point Military Academy in my Washington, D.C. office. We discussed the importance of bipartisanship and how to best achieve it, leadership, and lots more - I even grabbed my guitar and we wrapped up our time together by singing House of the Rising Sun.
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| Thank you to this incredible group of West Point Cadets - the future is bright! |
Civics 101 at Eden Prairie High School
Back in Minnesota, I visited Eden Prairie High School to talk with students about the importance of civic engagement - and to encourage them to explore careers in public service. I believe every public school in the nation should make civics a requirement for graduation. Listening to and learning from young people always leaves me hopeful about our collective future and reenergized in my work on behalf of all of you.
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| Visiting Eden Prairie High School was one of the highlights of my month. |
Thank You Interns!
Speaking of a bright future, I am incredibly thankful for each class of interns that comes through my D.C. and Minnetonka offices. I’ve always said that active engagement from young people is integral to the future of our democracy, and each one of them plays a vital role in making sure our offices run as efficiently and effectively as possible. I’m proud of the fact that many of our interns have gone on to begin their careers in state and federal government following their time with us, and I look forward to seeing what this class does next!
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| Thank you to this remarkable group of interns for all your help this spring! |
Thanks for reading, and as always, please continue to keep in touch, share ideas, and reach out to my office by visiting phillips.house.gov if you need assistance. We are always here to help.
Keep the faith and keep in touch,
Dean Phillips
Member of Congress
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:
- 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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