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Dean PhillipsBorn on January 20, 1969, Dean Benson Phillips is an American businessman and politician who has served as the U.S. representative from Minnesota's 3rd congressional district since 2019. A member of the Democratic Party, Phillips has both owned and started several companies in addition to serving as president and CEO of his family's liquor business, the Phillips Distilling Company. He is the former co-owner of Talenti gelato and co-owns Penny's Coffee.
Campaign Website - dean24.com |
photo source: House of Representatives website
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Military Assistance to Ukraine
Phillips appears to be in favor of military assistance to Ukraine. He has praised President Biden's approach.
"I believe the president has done a fine job supporting Ukraine. I believe we should have been more aggressive with that support earlier. I'll tell you though it is working. It is difficult. It is a grind.
…When President Obama and Vice President Biden were in the White House and Putin took Crimea that was the time, if we really had the foresight and the strength and the courage at the moment, to set the standard right then and there. I don't think there would be an issue in Ukraine right now and that's the truth.”
"I do believe we have to support Ukraine until this hostility ends. It will be their choice about what they're willing to concede, what they're willing to give up. That is not our choice.
…I believe America and our allies, which I believe need to step up in much more significant manners, who believe in the preservation of democracy and free nations have to support Ukraine until they win and anything short of that Scott, in my estimation, is exactly the hall pass that was given to Vladimir Putin when he took Crimea. Iran is watching, North Korea is watching, China is watching especially as it relates to Taiwan.”
“He needs our support. He needs planes particularly Soviet airplanes that are part of Poland's arsenal right now. That is a distinct possibility and we're working on that right now. As a government he asked for a no-fly zone. Many of us understand the plea but we have an obligation to prevent this war from expanding. When you really get down to it, we have a responsibility to defend America first and foremost economically, physically but we also have a responsibility to defend American principles and values around the world that includes freedom, liberty and sovereignty. We're trying to balance literally the offensive elements of a madman that's Vladimir Putin with the risk to the entire world. It's not easy. President Zelensky understands that but we do have an obligation to do more. Our sanctions are working. We will be sending more material and humanitarian aid to Ukraine here in the coming days but we have a responsibility as Americans.
I believe we should be leaders not followers and this is our time to shine and supporting the Ukrainians is more than about Ukraine. It's about the principles and values that every single one of us in the United States holds dear. It's probably the most challenging checker game or chess game that anyone's tried to play with if we move this here what happens here.”
Arms to Israel
Philips' position on the issue is unclear. He has expressed Israel's right to attack Hamas but criticized Israel's response.
Press release, November 17, 2023
"Israel has every right and expectation to target Hamas terrorists and dismantle their capability of destroying the State of Israel. But that response has taken an unacceptable toll on Palestinian civilians, many of whom are subject to Hamas terror – not supporters of it. Many thousands of innocents have been killed, and access to food, water, and electricity has been severely limited."
"I believe very deeply that the solution is upon us. The tragedy that we just saw, the loss of life that Hamas caused terrorist organization caused amongst Israelis the loss of life we're seeing of innocent Palestinians in Gaza is tragic, horrifying and as any human being I would hope would feel the same way. The only way we're going to fix that is to engage with the Saudis, encourage a peace deal with the Israelis and make the core element a two-state solution with peace, security, and opportunity both for Israelis and Palestinians. I remind everybody Israel is a multicultural society home to Jews, Muslims and Christians. I envision there will be a Palestinian state that will be home to Jews Muslims and Christians. I believe we should be dedicating and redoubling our efforts to that.
The Free World must eliminate Hamas. Hamas is the enemy of Israel. Hamas is the enemy of Palestinians - that is true. I care deeply about Palestinian lives, I care deeply about Israeli lives. I am so sick of the bloodshed."
"I believe two things can be true at once. One can have compassion for the Palestinians, for the suffering especially for innocent men and women children who are going to face tragic outcomes because of this conflict. But the other thing that is true is Hamas is sworn to the destruction of Israel.
...Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East. It is the only place where Arabs, Jews, Muslims, Christians are treated equally."
Arms to Saudi Arabia
Philips' position on this issue is unclear. He, however, appears to welcome increased US-Saudi partnerships.
Response on NPR Morning Edition, September 29, 2023
"The United States plays a significant role relative to a defense pact with the Saudis equipment and materiel relative to their military and potentially a civilian nuclear program as well. If those things can be met and also meeting some of the needs of the Palestinians, this could be an extraordinary legacy at a time the world surely needs it.
The Saudis have announced a very bold and ambitious plan called Vision 2030, in which they're investing hundreds of billions of dollars to make Saudi Arabia, and Riyadh in particular, an economic and tourism hub in the entire region. And to accomplish that, their first and foremost priority is national security. They are at risk from the Iranians and Iranian proxies. So they are seeking some defense guarantees from the United States. They want a civilian nuclear program. And the Saudis, and many of us around the world, want to see steps taken to create peace between Palestinians and Israelis.
The United States will get out of it a historic opportunity to be peacemakers, to inspire new relations, economic and otherwise. And that stability will create opportunities for United States companies, for American tourists..."
Arms to Taiwan
Our research has not indicated a position on this topic.
Military intervention across Mexican border
Our research has not indicated a position on this topic.
Reuters interview, January 9, 2024
Q: You have highlighted the age difference between yourself and Biden. What are the other areas where you differ?
A: "His relative inactivity on the southern border, I think, is tragic for the Democratic Party and for the country. The first order of business for a president is to provide security and there's just no perspective whatsoever that anybody can make that is manifest at the southern border."
"I've been there twice. It's a disaster. There's no question. It has to be hardened. And we have to create buffer zones on each side. And we have to reform our asylum law and we have to work together to do it."
Arms Trade Treaty
Our research has not indicated a position on this topic.