--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: We can and should be looking ahead and…" description: "\"We can and should be looking ahead and being intentional to ensure that every opportunity is taken to streamline the processes of Congress to get work ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/94c/dean-phillips-5902_ahead_we-can-and-should-be-looking-ahead-and-b_2381825.jpg" --- # We can and should be looking ahead and being intentional… ![“We can and should be looking ahead and being intentional to ensure that every opportunity is taken to streamline the processes of Congress to get work done on behalf of the people.” quote by Dean Phillips](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/94c/dean-phillips-5902_ahead_we-can-and-should-be-looking-ahead-and-b_2381825.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/94c/dean-phillips-5902_ahead_we-can-and-should-be-looking-ahead-and-b_2381825.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/94c/dean-phillips-5902_ahead_we-can-and-should-be-looking-ahead-and-b_2381825.jpg) > “We can and should be looking ahead and being intentional to ensure that every opportunity is taken to streamline the processes of Congress to get work done on behalf of the people.” [Dean Phillips](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dean-phillips/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Advocates proactive, deliberate reforms to improve congressional efficiency for public benefit. **In simple terms:** Plan ahead to make Congress work better for people. Key Takeaway Implement intentional reforms now. Themes governance efficiency public service Mood optimistic determined Type political strategic When to use this quote - legislative sessions - policy drafting - committee work - public outreach Key Concepts policy reform process optimization strategic planning Questions to Reflect On - How can bipartisan support be built for process reforms? - What metrics will gauge success? A Different Perspective Reforms may face partisan resistance and institutional inertia. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Ahead](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ahead/) [Ahead Intentional](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ahead-intentional-5901430/) [Congress Work](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/congress-work-2822335/) [Done](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/done/) [Ensure Opportunity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ensure-opportunity-1060630/) [Looking ahead](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/looking-ahead/) [Opportunity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/opportunity/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [Processes Congress](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/processes-congress-5901429/) [Work](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/work/) [Work done](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/work-done/) ## Related quotes > [The greatest way to ensure stability in our laws is to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to participate in some way in the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mitch-mcconnell/the-greatest-way-to-ensure-stability-in-our-laws-is-to-ensure-that/) [Mitch McConnell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mitch-mcconnell/) > [Obstruction of Congress in our work is a crime.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jason-chaffetz/obstruction-of-congress-in-our-work-is-a-crime/) [Jason Chaffetz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jason-chaffetz/) > [Instead of marginalizing women, Congress must get to work on policies that can foster job creation and fuel economic growth.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kirsten-gillibrand/instead-of-marginalizing-women-congress-must-get-to-work-on-policies/) [Kirsten Gillibrand](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kirsten-gillibrand/) > [With Americans worried about losing their jobs, their savings, their homes and their chance at the American Dream, the New Direction Congress will work…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nancy-pelosi/with-americans-worried-about-losing-their-jobs-their-savings-their/) [Nancy Pelosi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nancy-pelosi/) > [I have the authority to address the threat from Isil, but I believe we are strongest as a nation when the president and Congress…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/barack-obama/i-have-the-authority-to-address-the-threat-from-isil-but-i-believe-we/) [Barack Obama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/barack-obama/) > [Congress in session is Congress on public exhibition, whilst Congress in its committee-rooms is Congress at work](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/congress-in-session-is-congress-on-public-exhibition-whilst-congress/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [The people of New Jersey sent me to Congress because they are tired of partisan gridlock. They want to see our Congress get to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mikie-sherrill/the-people-of-new-jersey-sent-me-to-congress-because-they-are-tired/) [Mikie Sherrill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mikie-sherrill/) > [ I believe we \[americans\] are strongest as a nation, when the president and Congress work together. ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/barack-obama/i-believe-we-americans-are-strongest-as-a-nation-when-the-president/) [Barack Obama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/barack-obama/) > [We need Democrats and Republicans in Congress to work together to fashion a very comprehensive pushback to Russia, not just the cyber-hacking, but their…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/adam-schiff/we-need-democrats-and-republicans-in-congress-to-work-together-to/) [Adam Schiff](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/adam-schiff/) > [Looking ahead, future generations may learn their social skills from robots in the first place. The cute yellow Keepon robot from Carnegie Mellon University…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-h-wilson/looking-ahead-future-generations-may-learn-their-social-skills-from/) [Daniel H. Wilson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-h-wilson/) > [Looking ahead, I can see more and more instances where I will disagree with the president.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jim-jeffords/looking-ahead-i-can-see-more-and-more-instances-where-i-will-disagree/) [Jim Jeffords](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jim-jeffords/) > [We keep our eyes looking ahead instead of looking back because the past has lead us to many bad decisions but we hope that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wheaton/we-keep-our-eyes-looking-ahead-instead-of-looking-back-because-the/) [Wheaton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wheaton/) > [“Reading is like skiing. When done well, when done by an expert, both reading and skiing are graceful, harmonious, activities. When done by a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mortimer-j-adler/reading-is-like-skiing-when-done-well-when-done-by-an-expert-both/) [Mortimer J. Adler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mortimer-j-adler/) > [“It wasn't like I was expecting Senior year to be some amazing experience. If anything, I was prepared for it to be pretty much…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jenny-o-connell/it-wasn-t-like-i-was-expecting-senior-year-to-be-some-amazing/) [Jenny O'Connell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jenny-o-connell/) > [“Also, when you are young, you think you can predict the likely pains and bleaknesses that age might bring. You imagine yourself being lonely,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/julian-barnes/also-when-you-are-young-you-think-you-can-predict-the-likely-pains/) [Julian Barnes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/julian-barnes/) ## More by Dean Phillips > [Ranked Choice Voting is simple, empowers voters, and rewards candidates who broaden support beyond their base.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dean-phillips/ranked-choice-voting-is-simple-empowers-voters-and-rewards-candidates/) [Dean Phillips](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dean-phillips/) > [Trust is earned, and as long as special interests can continue to buy influence with PAC money we're going to continue losing the faith…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dean-phillips/trust-is-earned-and-as-long-as-special-interests-can-continue-to-buy/) [Dean Phillips](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dean-phillips/) > [I have spent my career helping to build and grow businesses, and if I've learned one thing, it's that being pro-business and pro-consumer are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dean-phillips/i-have-spent-my-career-helping-to-build-and-grow-businesses-and-if-i/) [Dean Phillips](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dean-phillips/) > [In Minnesota, we have already enshrined the protections included in the Equality Act, and it has made our state stronger.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dean-phillips/in-minnesota-we-have-already-enshrined-the-protections-included-in/) [Dean Phillips](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dean-phillips/) > [Same day voter registration is just common sense and a proven way to increase voter participation.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dean-phillips/same-day-voter-registration-is-just-common-sense-and-a-proven-way-to/) [Dean Phillips](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dean-phillips/) > [As Minnesotans, we value education and preparing the next generation for success in their careers and their lives.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dean-phillips/as-minnesotans-we-value-education-and-preparing-the-next-generation/) [Dean Phillips](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dean-phillips/) > [The only people who should suffer financial hardship when elected leaders can't govern are the elected leaders themselves.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dean-phillips/the-only-people-who-should-suffer-financial-hardship-when-elected/) [Dean Phillips](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dean-phillips/) > [It's quite clear that if America hopes to realize the great possibilities of its remarkable mosaic, we all must invest more time talking and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dean-phillips/it-s-quite-clear-that-if-america-hopes-to-realize-the-great/) [Dean Phillips](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dean-phillips/) > [This is not a partisan issue. In fact, the vast majority of Democrats, independents and Republicans support universal background checks on gun sales.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dean-phillips/this-is-not-a-partisan-issue-in-fact-the-vast-majority-of-democrats/) [Dean Phillips](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dean-phillips/) > [In order to preserve our democracy we must come together to end the corrupting influence of money in politics - and we cannot do…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dean-phillips/in-order-to-preserve-our-democracy-we-must-come-together-to-end-the/) [Dean Phillips](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dean-phillips/) > [I have the great honor of representing Minnesota's Third Congressional District, which includes the western Twin Cities metro area and is home to the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dean-phillips/i-have-the-great-honor-of-representing-minnesota-s-third/) [Dean Phillips](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dean-phillips/) > [The American people are expecting us to put party politics aside and get things done - and not doing so is a dereliction of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dean-phillips/the-american-people-are-expecting-us-to-put-party-politics-aside-and/) [Dean Phillips](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dean-phillips/) > [No party has a monopoly on solutions, and we must stop fighting one another and begin fighting for one another - before it is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dean-phillips/no-party-has-a-monopoly-on-solutions-and-we-must-stop-fighting-one/) [Dean Phillips](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dean-phillips/) > [Climate change is an urgent problem and we need to reach a solution as quickly as possible.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dean-phillips/climate-change-is-an-urgent-problem-and-we-need-to-reach-a-solution/) [Dean Phillips](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dean-phillips/) > [I made a promise to the people of Minnesota's Third District that I would work to end dysfunction in Washington.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dean-phillips/i-made-a-promise-to-the-people-of-minnesota-s-third-district-that-i/) [Dean Phillips](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dean-phillips/) [Explore all 100 Dean Phillips quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dean-phillips/) ## More Ahead quotes > [Anybody who thinks that they should lead the country should go ahead and put their hat in the ring. I am not among them.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-schatz/anybody-who-thinks-that-they-should-lead-the-country-should-go-ahead/) [Brian Schatz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-schatz/) > [If I have a problem with somebody, I go ahead and say what's on my mind.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nico-hulkenberg/if-i-have-a-problem-with-somebody-i-go-ahead-and-say-what-s-on-my-mind/) [Nico Hulkenberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nico-hulkenberg/) > [I once invested in a risky business. Quite a few people warned me not to do so, but I still went ahead and invested…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gautam-rode/i-once-invested-in-a-risky-business-quite-a-few-people-warned-me-not/) [Gautam Rode](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gautam-rode/) > [“What lies behind us is nothing compared to what lies within us and ahead of us.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-r-covey/what-lies-behind-us-is-nothing-compared-to-what-lies-within-us-and/) [Stephen R. Covey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-r-covey/) > [In Life, We May Never Get The Same Opportunity Again, But There's Always Something Better Ahead...](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pacifiersucker/in-life-we-may-never-get-the-same-opportunity-again-but-there-s/) [Pacifiersucker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pacifiersucker/) > [Makeup is only fun if it's occasional and capricious - just like it's a treat to have an empty day ahead, but it wouldn't…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/victoria-coren-mitchell/makeup-is-only-fun-if-it-s-occasional-and-capricious-just-like-it-s-a/) [Victoria Coren Mitchell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/victoria-coren-mitchell/) > [There is no such thing as disposable time if you want to stay ahead of the game](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/there-is-no-such-thing-as-disposable-time-if-you-want-to-stay-ahead/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [I'm the kind of guy who comes home and checks scores for everything. I'm a sports fan in general, so I pretty much keep…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chadwick-boseman/i-m-the-kind-of-guy-who-comes-home-and-checks-scores-for-everything-i/) [Chadwick Boseman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chadwick-boseman/) > [People are flying you places in business class. Everyone wants to take pictures of you and find out information about you. It's a freak-out.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/yolandi-visser/people-are-flying-you-places-in-business-class-everyone-wants-to-take/) [Yolandi Visser](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/yolandi-visser/) > [I wasn't putting my all into it and I was still managing to score goals, and that gave me something to dream about, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andre-gray/i-wasn-t-putting-my-all-into-it-and-i-was-still-managing-to-score/) [Andre Gray](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andre-gray/) > [There's no limit to what you can accomplish, but there's always someone one step ahead of you, so it's a constant uphill battle.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/catherine-mary-stewart/there-s-no-limit-to-what-you-can-accomplish-but-there-s-always/) [Catherine Mary Stewart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/catherine-mary-stewart/) > [I was never bothered about my position in the industry. If I had believed in it, I wouldn't have allowed anyone to get ahead…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dharmendra/i-was-never-bothered-about-my-position-in-the-industry-if-i-had/) [Dharmendra](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dharmendra/) > [I don't want to look too far ahead.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jofra-archer/i-don-t-want-to-look-too-far-ahead/) [Jofra Archer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jofra-archer/) > [“one who takes the first step always remains one step ahead”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rabi-shaheen/one-who-takes-the-first-step-always-remains-one-step-ahead/) [Rabi Shaheen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rabi-shaheen/) > [I am not interested to sing in Bollywood. I sing for only those actors whom I admire. I sing free of cost for them.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/yo-yo-honey-singh/i-am-not-interested-to-sing-in-bollywood-i-sing-for-only-those-actors/) [Yo Yo Honey Singh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/yo-yo-honey-singh/) [Browse all 1,773 Ahead quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ahead/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "We can and should be looking ahead and being intentional to ensure that every opportunity is taken to streamline the processes of Congress to get work done on behalf of the people.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Dean Phillips" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dean-phillips/we-can-and-should-be-looking-ahead-and-being-intentional-to-ensure/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Ahead" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dean-phillips/we-can-and-should-be-looking-ahead-and-being-intentional-to-ensure/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/94c/dean-phillips-5902_ahead_we-can-and-should-be-looking-ahead-and-b_2381825.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/94c/dean-phillips-5902_ahead_we-can-and-should-be-looking-ahead-and-b_2381825.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/94c/dean-phillips-5902_ahead_we-can-and-should-be-looking-ahead-and-b_2381825.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“We can and should be looking ahead and being intentional to ensure that every opportunity is taken to…” — Dean Phillips", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Dean Phillips", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dean-phillips/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "We can and should be looking...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dean-phillips/we-can-and-should-be-looking-ahead-and-being-intentional-to-ensure/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dean-phillips/we-can-and-should-be-looking-ahead-and-being-intentional-to-ensure/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```