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1107 WORDS | 8.5 MINUTE READ
Hi John,
I'm back with important updates from another jam packed month! From pushing legislation inspired by a Minnesotan across the finish line to visiting with many members of our community and pursuing accountability in Washington, it was a memorable month. Read on for details:
Making Change through Advocacy
Last month, I helped pass the bipartisan, bicameral Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2024. I'm pleased to report that my amendment -inspired by a remarkable Minnesotan named Linda Hood - was included in the final version of the bill, which has now been signed into law by President Biden.
After losing her ability to walk in 2018, Linda set her sights on improving accessibility for the disabled. One of her goals was to get adult changing tables in airports, which allow for clean, accessible, and private use of public restrooms for people living with disabilities.
After Linda shared her story with my team, I authored the Universal Changing Tables Amendment to require all medium and large airports to install and maintain universal changing stations in passenger terminal buildings to be eligible for Airport Improvement Program grants. People living with disabilities and their caregivers deserve peace of mind knowing they have access to the equipment they need to travel safely and with dignity. I’m grateful to extraordinary advocates like Linda for sharing their stories and fighting to make our nation more inclusive and accessible.
Pursuing Accountability
As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I believe that we must advocate for human rights, democracy, and diplomacy, both at home and abroad. During a Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Request, I questioned Secretary of State Antony Blinken on what we need to do to identify a path that ensures mutual peace and security for both the Palestinian and Israeli people. We must recommit ourselves to seeking a lasting political solution that will result in the creation of a Palestinian state that lives side by side with Israel in peace, prosperity, and security, and I remain committed to that goal.
Showing Gratitude to Law Enforcement
Back in Minnesota, I brought some donuts to the public servants at the Plymouth Police Department to thank them for the essential work they do every single day. Our courageous police officers have worked tirelessly to keep our communities safe and healthy - even when it means putting themselves in harm’s way - and we owe them a debt of gratitude. I left feeling extremely grateful for these outstanding public servants who serve our communities with honor, principle, and compassion.
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| I can't think of a better way to spend a morning than dropping in to thank our officers for their tireless work. |
Honeywell Aerospace Town hall
I was thrilled to attend and speak at Honeywell Aerospace's employee town hall last month. Based in Plymouth, their impressive facility not only employs more than 400 Minnesotans but leads in the manufacturing of aircraft engines and avionics for both commercial and defense contractors. During our conversation, I gave an overview of my work in Congress, answered insightful questions, and discussed issues that impact American manufacturing and national security, including defense investment, the CHIPS Act, and workforce development.
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| Thank you to the wonderful team at Honeywell Aerospace for having me! |
Connecting with Seniors
I had the honor of speaking to a wonderfully engaged group of residents at SilverCreek on Main Senior Community in Maple Grove last month. During our town hall conversation, I gave an overview of my work in Congress and answered more insightful questions. Seniors are the stewards of our community’s history, which is why meeting with them, answering their questions, and listening to their perspectives is always incredibly worthwhile.
Plymouth Fire Ribbon Cutting
Our first responders do so much to keep our communities safe and deserve the resources necessary to do their jobs the best they can. That's why I was proud to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the new Plymouth Fire Station 2, which will better accommodate full-time firefighters working 24-hour shifts. This new facility includes residential space, features on-site training facilities such as an emergency operations center, and prioritizes firefighter health by incorporating toxin reduction measures, hot-cold contamination zoning, and startle response reduction.
Recognizing our Academy Nominees
Each year, I have the privilege of nominating a number of Third District residents to the U.S. Service Academies. The academies allow talented and dedicated young people to receive a full four-year scholarship to highly competitive institutions. During my time back home, I had the honor of hosting a reception to celebrate the twelve outstanding individuals from our community who were accepted into a Service Academy this year. Recognizing their impressive achievements and highlighting their hard work and dedication was a highlight of my trip.
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| Congratulations to those accepted into a Service Academy, the future is bright! |
Celebrating Asian Heritage
Before heading 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 wonderful day spent enjoying music, dancing, eating delicious cuisine, enjoying sugarcane juice (pictured below!), 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 and all the vendors for a memorable afternoon! |
Finally, if you have plans to visit DC this summer, we'd love the opportunity to share some conversation, and donuts, next time you’re in town! Our next Donuts with Dean will be held on Friday, July 26th. I hope to see you there!
Keep the faith and keep in touch,
Dean Phillips
Member of Congress
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