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Dean Phillips' Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

Office:

On The Ballot: Campaign Suspended, Democratic for President

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Issue Positions

For Presidential and Congressional candidates who refuse to provide voters with their positions, Vote Smart has researched their public records to determine their likely responses. These issue positions are from 2024.

  • "Like a large majority of Americans, I am angered and devastated by this ruling. The consequences of this decision are a blow to all of us who believe that in a free society, there are limits to how much the government can encroach on our personal lives. In an unprecedented move, the Supreme Court has rescinded a right and protection afforded to American women for more than a half-century." (phillips.house.gov)
  • "I’m among the ~70% of Americans who support the protections of Roe v. Wade. Our nation has never experienced nor can ever accept such a dangerous erosion of freedom, liberty, and privacy. We must codify it into law using every tool our founders afforded the Congress. #prochoice" (twitter.com)
  • "The impending destruction of women’s rights protected by Roe v. Wade is a direct result of recent changes to Senate rules. It’s time to modify those rules again, abolish the filibuster, and allow majorities to effect fundamental representation. Do you agree?" (twitter.com)
  • "To those labeling Democrats as "radical socialists" please look up the definition. I can't name a single member of the House advocating for communal ownership of production, distribution, & exchange. Do we create social programs like Social Security and Medicare? Yes. That's us!" (twitter.com)
  • ""I believe it’s time we make the moral decision to ensure every American has affordable, high-quality healthcare, regardless of their age, condition, geography, or ability to pay." (www.dean24.com)
  • "Our seniors have worked hard and paid into earned benefit programs all their lives. Rep. Phillips is working in a bipartisan fashion to fulfill America's promise of a financially secure retirement with access to quality health care." (phillips.house.gov)
  • "We are pragmatic, we are focused on solutions. Problem solving. Yes we have a problem, and we have to solve it. In fact, I think it is the opposite of waht you said. These are not entitlements, they are programs that are benefiting people who paid into them, they earned these." (www.youtube.com)
  • "Our tax code should reflect our values. The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was an irresponsible sugar rush that blew a hole in the deficit and came at a time when Congress should have been encouraging real, fair, and long-lasting prosperity. The average tax filer in my district is being taxed twice on $10,000 of their annual income. That’s outrageous and it’s hurting economy, our schools, and our communities. I’m grateful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who listened when I shared Minnesota’s story and came together to propose this common-sense fix." (phillips.house.gov)
  • "We now spend nearly $600 billion a year servicing our more than $30 trillion federal debt, which accounts for roughly 12% of all federal spending. Addressing this crisis won’t be easy—especially now—but I believe through fair tax policies, responsible budgeting, and a focus on economic growth, we can at least get on the right path." (phillipsforcongress.org)
  • "In recognition of his efforts to bring attention to the dangers of rising debts and deficits, the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget has twice named Dean a "Fiscal Hero" in Congress." (phillipsforcongress.org)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • "No matter your number one issue, I ask you to make campaign finance reform your number two. The corrupting influence of special interest money in politics, and the time spent in its pursuit, are at the heart of the dysfunction in Washington, DC, preventing progress on the major challenges we face as a country. That is why I am on a mission to get money out of politics and return power to where it belongs: the people." (www.dean24.com)
  • "I will advocate raising the ethical bar in Congress and the Supreme Court. The current system is an unmitigated disaster. It is legalized corruption, and I will tackle it." (www.dean24.com)
  • "Our election proved that it is possible to take on the special interests - all of them - and win. It’s time to make that the rule, not the exception, so that our elected officials are beholden to the people they represent, not the special interests that bankroll their campaigns." (phillips.house.gov)
  • "Ours is a system of checks and balances, and in times of great consequence, duty falls on Congress and the states to rectify unintended outcomes of the Supreme Court’s decisions. Now is one of those momentous times in American history. In order to preserve our democracy we must come together to end the corrupting influence of money in politics -- and we cannot do that until the Citizens United decision has been overturned." (phillips.house.gov)
  • "It was one year ago, today. George Floyd’s murder finally forced our country to acknowledge and confront the systemic racism that has ended too many Black lives and dreams. And while progress is being made, justice and opportunity for all requires a collective commitment. As we stand at the cusp of a bipartisan agreement on policing reforms to ensure accountability and enhance safety for all Americans, I urge President Biden and Congressional leaders to choose what is just over what is easy. Inaction is unacceptable, and the time is now." (phillips.house.gov)
  • "I join my fellow elected official and community leaders in calling for mourners and protestors to do so peacefully. But we’ve been mistaking quiet for peace for far too long, and real peace requires real justice. That means justice in policing, in education, in housing, and in opportunity. Until then, the absence of justice for some only means insecurity for all." (www.facebook.com)
  • Voted Nay " (None)
  • "In an era of partisanship, the NDAA has been a lasting example of bipartisan collaboration. Congress must comprise for the greater good of keeping our country safe, but this year, extremists took the historic process hostage by injecting partisan amendments that erode freedoms and pose a clear danger to female servicemembers, LGBTQ servicemembers, and military families. I’m appalled that Republican leaders allowed far-right members of their party to hijack the process, undermine our security, and disregard decades of collegial precedent." (phillips.house.gov)
  • "It’s time we have a robust conversation on the impacts of our national spending. Defense spending is critical to our national security, but so is understanding the implications of its costs. This year’s budget reached a record $886 billion, an inconceivably vast amount that, given our limited budget, comes with tradeoffs in other areas of federal spending. My proposed amendment would visualize those incomprehensible budget numbers in common-sense terms anyone can understand and, hopefully, encourages a national conversation about the type of future we’re investing in for the American people." (phillips.house.gov)
  • "As a business owner for my entire professional life before Congress, I know that small businesses are the engine that drive our economy, and as a member of the Small Business Committee in Congress, I have made supporting them a top priority. I believe that smart public policy is both pro-business and pro-worker. Those ideas are not mutually exclusive. That’s why I’m an advocate for policies that grow the economy by reducing red tape, investing in people, rewarding innovation, and sharing in success." (www.dean24.com)
  • "Yes - a priority would definitely be looking deeply at reducing government waste. We need to do better with getting value for taxpayer dollars. We should seriously consider instituting Zero Based Budgeting too so government spending items need to be rejustified each year." (twitter.com)
  • "Having a safe place to live is the foundation on which we build a stronger, more prosperous community. Access to affordable housing impacts our students, our workers, and our seniors - and it compounds complicated issues like domestic violence, achievement gaps, and workforce shortages. We all have skin in this game, and I’ve supported bipartisan investments in affordable housing and rental assistance during my time in Congress." (phillips.house.gov)
  • "your proposition is spot-on if we hope to produce more housing and more effective housing. i’d also like to create a $20b housing bank to provide capital to worthy projects." (twitter.com)
  • "Programs like this are imperative in our efforts to support projects in our communities that will expand access to affordable housing." (phillips.house.gov)
  • "Inflation has impacted the already-unsustainable cost of health care in this country. Every American deserves access to high-quality, affordable health care and medication - no matter their age, race, gender, income, condition or ZIP code. I’m working hard to cut health care costs in Congress, and want to make sure you have the resources you need to find affordable care now" (phillips.house.gov)
  • "Representation begins with listening, and 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. I'm pursuing common ground in Congress and finding common-sense ways to cut costs and get inflation under control so Minnesota can be a healthy, thriving place to live for generations to come." (phillips.house.gov)
  • "More than 400,000 Minnesotans are currently facing food insecurity, and the pandemic and inflation have only exacerbated the problem. Like you, I know that hunger in our neighborhoods isn’t a partisan issue; it’s a moral one. Use these resources to see if you or someone you know qualifies for support affording groceries that I helped pass in the American Rescue Plan." (phillips.house.gov)
  • "Every American should have access to an affordable two or four-year college degree, apprenticeship, or job-training certificate that prepares them for jobs of the future." (www.dean24.com)
  • Audacy "First of all, 40 million Americans are going to be helped by this. And almost all of them, have literally no assets. They’re underwater. So, as someone who cares deeply about those who work hard, and wish to achieve success, and are burdened by debt, yes am I pleased they have some relief? Absolutely. But, we have a fundamentally broken higher education system." (www.audacy.com)
  • "Here’s a start: Increase min wage to $15/hr. Zero interest on student loans & forgiveness for those in careers for the public good. Paid leave & affordable childcare. Universal Pre-K. Housing production + rent vouchers. Tax deductibility of food, fuel, and childcare expenses." (twitter.com)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • "I believe in solar power, the power of small businesses and the power of young people. Meet Spencer Perkins, a mechanical engineering student who wants to ignite a solar revolution. Spread the word and help get his initiative off the ground!" (twitter.com)
  • "Fortunately, the climate investments signed into law as part of the Inflation Reduction Act are both historic and meaningful. The incentives included in it will help lower energy costs and speed our transition to a clean energy economy while cutting emissions by 40% by 2030. This alone will not put a stop to the climate crisis – but it’s a darn good start." (www.dean24.com)
  • ""Investing in energy infrastructure improvements or preparing your business for future weather events can be costly endeavors, that’s why the SBA’s programs must ensure they are setup to help small businesses confronting the reality of the climate crisis. Climate change is a historic crisis, but one that presents numerous opportunities. By crafting programs that provide proper support for small businesses as they adapt and innovate, we can help protect our planet and lay the groundwork for many small businesses to thrive." (phillips.house.gov)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • "Dean is a responsible gun owner and a member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, where he has sought and supported bipartisan solutions to address our nation’s gun violence epidemic. In addition, Dean supported and helped pass the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the first meaningful gun violence prevention legislation to become law in nearly 30 years." (www.dean24.com)
  • "Dean also co-sponsored and voted for HR 8, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act, and HR 1808, the Assault Weapons Ban of 2022, to help prevent weapons of war from falling into the wrong hands." (www.dean24.com)
  • "Thoughts and tweets don’t save lives—courage and action save lives. For too long, Congress did nothing in the face of an epidemic of gun violence in our country. I’m proud to be part of a new generation in Congress that made gun violence prevention a priority, which led to the passage of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act – the first meaningful gun violence legislation in nearly three decades. More must be done to keep our kids and communities safe, however, and I remain as committed as ever to that work." (www.dean24.com)
  • "I believe it’s time we make the moral decision to ensure every American has affordable, high-quality healthcare, regardless of their age, condition, geography, or ability to pay." (www.dean24.com)
  • "If one of the solutions to America’s mass shooting, gun violence, and suicide epidemic is mental and emotional healthcare for all, that means health insurance for all. And that’s a good thing." (twitter.com)
  • "Dean supports universal health insurance coverage and continues to be active in efforts to expand access and lower the cost of healthcare and prescription drugs." (www.dean24.com)
  • "Everyone too should have health insurance, and no one should go bankrupt from needing care." (twitter.com)
  • "Here’s a start: Increase min wage to $15/hr. Zero interest on student loans & forgiveness for those in careers for the public good. Paid leave & affordable childcare. Universal Pre-K. Housing production + rent vouchers. Tax deductibility of food, fuel, and childcare expenses." (twitter.com)
  • "Don’t tweet about #LaborDay unless you support the right to organize and collectively bargain. Unless you’re working to lower the cost of healthcare and childcare, and fighting for paid family leave, pre-k, and the child tax credit. America’s heroes need support, not bbq’s.🇺🇸" (twitter.com)
  • "Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) is introducing the Providing Real Opportunities and Lifelong Investments For Everyone (PRO-LIFE) Act and proposes an immediate vote on the House Floor. Demonstrating which side of the aisle is actually ‘pro-life’ - both in and outside the womb - this package of bills represents issues broadly supported by the American people, invests in the long-term health and wellbeing of children and their parents, and cuts costs for working families." (phillips.house.gov)
  • "Voted in favor of HR 6833 "The Affordable Insulin Now Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "Dean cosponsored, voted for and helped to pass the Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019. Americans currently subsidize the entire world's prescription drug prices, but this bill would require Medicare to negotiate on behalf of all Americans -- whether they are Medicare beneficiaries or not -- in order to achieve significantly lower costs. It also reinvests some of the savings into research for new cures that could potentially save billions in healthcare costs annually. Dean also supports making it easier for generic drugs to be tested and enter the market faster, which would save countless lives." (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Dean supports universal health insurance coverage and continues to be active in efforts to expand access and lower the cost of healthcare and prescription drugs." (www.dean24.com)
  • "The cost of insulin is making it difficult for diabetics in America to manage their disease, leading those who depend on insulin to ration their care, or even worse, go without it altogether. It is our duty in Congress to investigate the problem and do something about it. I salute Rep. Craig for her leadership on this issue and look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure insulin affordability and accessibility," (justfacts.votesmart.org)
  • "Dean cosponsored, voted for and helped to pass the Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019. Americans currently subsidize the entire world's prescription drug prices, but this bill would require Medicare to negotiate on behalf of all Americans -- whether they are Medicare beneficiaries or not -- in order to achieve significantly lower costs. It also reinvests some of the savings into research for new cures that could potentially save billions in healthcare costs annually. Dean also supports making it easier for generic drugs to be tested and enter the market faster, which would save countless lives." (None)
  • The Hill "Right now, having been to the southern border twice, it is not secure. It is inhumane. It is not fair to those who are seeking refuge." (thehill.com)
  • "Actually, Mr. President, many of us are here - reasonable Ds and Rs who want our government open, border and port security enhanced, and immigration system reformed. Why not agree to end the shutdown and demand a comprehensive bill from Congress for your signature? #LetsGetToIt" (twitter.com)
  • "Dean supports comprehensive immigration reform, including enhanced border security, a pathway to citizenship for those here now, and a streamlined process for those seeking to enter the country legally." (www.dean24.com)
  • "Democrats who call border security concerns racist are inhumane" (www.youtube.com)
  • "My family came to this country for the same reasons as many others: for opportunity and a place of refuge from persecution. The America I know and love is a compassionate America that values and welcomes hard-working people who come here with big dreams and a simple wish for safety and opportunity. This is not a Republican or Democratic issue. It is a human issue—and an economic issue—and we must do better." (www.dean24.com)
  • "Dean also cosponsored and voted for the American Dream and Promise Act, which creates a pathway to citizenship for children and young adults here under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) as well as those here on Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED)." (phillipsforcongress.org)
  • "Dean supports comprehensive immigration reform, including enhanced border security, a pathway to citizenship for those here now, and a streamlined process for those seeking to enter the country legally." (www.dean24.com)
  • "Going forward, Dean believes any serious immigration plan must include an earned pathway to citizenship for otherwise law-abiding undocumented immigrants. Comprehensive reform should also include streamlining the naturalization system so those seeking to enter the U.S. legally don’t have to wait years for citizenship." (phillipsforcongress.org)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • "The dysfunction in the House is a national and global security issue. I would sit-out the Speaker vote if Tom Emmer will fund our government at negotiated levels, bring Ukraine and Israel aid bills to the floor, and commit to rules changes to make Congress work for the people." (twitter.com)
  • "Supporting Ukraine in its defense against the Russian invasion AND preventing the proliferation of weapons to Iranian proxies threatening stability in the Middle East? Yes, please! " (twitter.com)
  • "Those unwilling to support Ukraine in their existential struggle against Russia because "we must take care of our own first", should stop cutting and eliminating support for the most vulnerable Americans at every turn - including this week. Thank you." (twitter.com)
  • Medium "I have heard from many of you about the positive impact that TikTok and other social media platforms have had on small businesses, education, hobbies, activism, and more. Banning certain social media platforms could lead to a slippery slope. That's why I favor enchancing privacy standards and penalties for all apps" (anthonycarranzza.medium.com)
  • AP News "I'm sensitive to the ban and recognize some of the security implications. But there is no more robust and expeditious way to reach young people in the United States of America than TikTok." (apnews.com)
  • "Montana just banned TikTok (to keep people safe) which almost certainly violates the 1st Amendment. Imagine banning things that would actually keep people safe and didn’t violate any amendments" (twitter.com)

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