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839 WORDS | 6.5 MINUTE READ
Hi John,
I can’t believe it’s already August! I’m looking forward to spending lots of time listening and learning in Minnesota this month, but before I tell you more about what’s in store as we close out the summer, here’s an update from the past week in Washington. Read on to learn more about a bill that will safeguard America’s economic and national security at home and abroad, exciting new endorsements for my police officer recruitment legislation, progress on protecting our communities from gun violence, and more:
Bolstering America's Competitiveness
It’s time we unite behind American innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation. The nationwide shortage of semiconductor chips has negatively impacted many industries – including world-leading businesses right here in our community – along with American workers and consumers. That’s why I voted for and helped pass the CHIPS and Science Act, which will reassert America’s economic independence and scientific dominance by:
- Investing in American manufacturers’ ability to build, expand, or modernize their facilities and equipment to research, develop, and produce semiconductors
- Lowering costs and ending our dependence on foreign manufacturers by returning semiconductor development and manufacturing to the U.S.
- Creating 100,000 good-paying jobs by building high-tech manufacturing facilities here in America
- Bolstering American research and development by powering America’s dominance in scientific research and technological leadership
- Diversifying and expanding our innovation workforce to ensure communities across the country can take part in and benefit from these investments
Reestablishing our nation’s leadership, strengthening Minnesota families' financial future, and bolstering our competitiveness on the world stage is not only important but necessary, and I’m proud that we got it done with bipartisan support. This legislation was previously passed by the Senate, so it now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law.
New Endorsements for Pathways to Policing
Keeping our communities safe – and I mean all of our communities – is a fundamental responsibility of government, but from our largest cities to some of our smallest towns, law enforcement agencies are struggling to recruit the next generation of qualified public servants. That's why I am thrilled to announce that my bipartisan bill, the Pathways to Policing Act, was recently endorsed by the national Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), the largest organization of law enforcement officers in the world, and the New Democrat Coalition (NDC), the largest caucus of Democrats in the House of Representatives.
This bill - which would expand the pipeline of service-oriented individuals to ensure agencies have the resources they need to protect our communities, with a focus on nontraditional and underrepresented officer candidates – has also been endorsed by Minnesota’s police and sheriff associations, the Major Cities Chiefs Association, and the Star Tribune. We must provide the tools and support for law enforcement agencies to attract and retain the best and brightest Americans to serve and protect the communities in which they live. Only then can we hope to ensure the safety and security of all Americans, no matter where they live.
Reinstating the Assault Weapons Ban
I will not accept the notion that unconstrained access to weapons of war is more valuable than the lives of innocent children. I believe Congress should pass thoughtful policies that will save lives, which we can do while also protecting law-abiding individuals’ rights to keep and bear arms. That's why I voted for and helped pass the Assault Weapons Ban of 2022, to ban the sale, transfer, manufacture, importation, or possession of military-style semiautomatic assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines.
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Importantly, this bill includes a number of exemptions to protect the rights of hunters, gun collectors, farmers, sport shooters, and those who use firearms for self-defense, including a grandfather clause that allows those who already lawfully possess a semiautomatic assault weapon to continue to own their weapon as well as exemptions for specific uses such as law enforcement and for temporary transfers for target shooting at a licensed target facility or range. It is my hope that the Senate quickly takes up this bill and sends it to the President for his signature.
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022
After many months of negotiations, I am pleased by the initial agreement in the Senate to add the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 to the Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Reconciliation bill. This legislation will make a historic down payment on deficit reduction to combat inflation, invest in domestic energy production and manufacturing, reduce the cost of prescription drugs, and cut carbon emissions by roughly 40 percent by 2030. These investments would be fully paid for by making the biggest corporations and ultra-wealthy pay their fair share – with no new taxes on families making $400,000 or less, and no new taxes on small businesses. I am encouraged by the progress of this legislation, and look forward to reviewing the final version of the bill if it comes to the House floor for a vote.
Keep in touch, and keep the faith,
Dean Phillips
Member of Congress
Bill of the Week
✔️ H.R. 8541, the Aqua Alert Act
When casual boaters, kayakers, beach visitors, or those who live near water go missing, the Coast Guard sends notifications out over radio, but this system is antiquated and does not take advantage of new technologies which could add another set of eyes to rescue missions, and potentially save lives. That's why I introduced the Aqua Alert Act, which would require the Coast Guard to establish a pilot program to issue AMBER Alert-style alerts to the public to facilitate the public’s cooperation in rendering aid to distressed individuals on and under the high seas, on and under the waters over which the U.S. has jurisdiction, and imperiled by flood.
 Mobile Office Hours
If you’re struggling with a federal agency, or just not getting an answer from one, seek assistance from my team of constituent advocates online at phillips.house.gov/help or in person:
WHEN:
Monday, August 8, 2022
2:30 PM - 5:30 PM
WHERE:
Penn Lake Library (Meeting Room)
8800 Penn Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55431
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:
- Register to vote: Democracy doesn’t work without engaged citizens like you. Registering to vote in Minnesota is simple and secure. Check your registration status, see who is on your ballot, and make a plan to vote at MNvotes.org.
- Find savings near you: From gas to groceries, and childcare to healthcare, I’m hearing from Minnesotans who are struggling to keep up with the rising costs of essentials. Visit phillips.house.gov/inflation to find lower prices near you.
- Nominate a Vietnam-era veteran: As a Gold Star Son and Member of Congress, I’m honoring Vietnam-era veterans in our area. Visit phillips.house.gov/Vietnam to nominate the veteran in your life for an official commemoration.
- 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.
- 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 eight FREE at-home tests for your family from USPS here.
- Get your FDA-approved vaccine: Your decision to get a safe, free, and effective COVID-19 vaccine impacts our entire community. Everyone 5+ is eligible, so visit mn.gov/covid to find yours.
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