Congressman Pappas says, “This is a time for introspection and listening to the voices of young black and brown activists who are stepping forward with a really powerful message right now.”
In an interview with WKXL’s Chris Ryan, the Representative from New Hampshire’s First Congressional District, Chris Pappas, discusses the effects of the civil unrest which has occurred in many parts of the country. Legislation which is being proposed in Congress to hold police more accountable for misconduct, the removal of monuments and celebrations for Christopher Columbus or Confederate leaders, and the economic outlook as we continue to deal with the COVID-19 PANDEMIC are discussed.
The Congressman believes that this is the time to listen to those who have had different life experiences than the ones that most legislators or policymakers have had. The Justice and Policing Act is currently being discussed in Congress. This bill would ban the use of choke holds by the police, improve data collection, and proposes the demilitarization of police forces (providing surplus military equipment to the police). Congressman Pappas says that he does not subscribe to the slogan “Defund the Police”. However, he accepts the idea of helping the police by providing for social programs which address the problems of mental health and addiction.
As statues of Christopher Columbus and Jefferson Davis are being toppled by crowds of protestors, and as pressure mounts to rename US Military Bases named after Confederate Generals, Congressman Pappas feels that the debate is clear cut about the Confederate memorials. He feels that there is no place for celebrating traitors to the United States. In addition, the Congressman feels that these monuments and displaying the Confederate flag is painful to African Americans. Likewise, Congressman Pappas says, “The legacy of Christopher Columbus is incredibly problematic for Native Americans.”
The final portion of the interview deals with a discussion of how New Hampshire and the rest of the country is dealing with economic problems caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The $3 trillion HEROES Act–the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act passed in the House of Representatives, but it has been languishing in the Senate. Congressman Pappas is hopeful that there have been negotiations going on between the two Houses which would mean that some of the needed relief contained in the HEROES Act will be provided. The Congressman is also encouraged by recent positive signs of growth in the job market; but he cautions us that as each state economy is gradually reopened, the job growth and economic recovery will be uneven. Also, the continuous presence of the Coronavirus makes economic predictions difficult.
