Pappas: Extremists in Congress Hurting New Hampshire
Without a Speaker or sitting Congress, Pappas cannot introduce his legislation to bolster heating oil and gasoline reserves, fund law enforcement, protect veterans from fraud, and fight fentanyl trafficking. One local agency has told Pappas's office they may be unable to interact with his casework team as a result of this delay, leaving over $700,000 in constituent funds in limbo.
As extreme members of the Republican Caucus hold the Speaker election hostage for a third day, Congressman-elect Chris Pappas (NH-01) is highlighting how this partisan gamesmanship is stopping the work of Congress by delaying important legislation Pappas is fighting for and potentially halting critical constituent services.
"The people of New Hampshire are seeing the very worst of Washington on display this week as those on the fringes have ground action in Congress to a halt," said Congressman-elect Chris Pappas. "The chaos they have created threatens our economy and national security as well as our ability to get things done for the people. I have prepared legislation that will bolster energy supplies, support law enforcement, bring fentanyl traffickers to justice, and ensure our veterans get the care they have earned. But legislation cannot be introduced yet, so those pressing issues have all been sidelined by extremists who are more interested in waging a political war with their own party. This obstruction is also creating uncertainty for individual constituents who are reaching out to our office for help. This is unacceptable. The people of New Hampshire sent me to Washington to stand firm against the extremism and partisanship we are seeing unfold, and that is what I will continue to do. We cannot allow agents of chaos to stand in the way of our work for New Hampshire families and communities."
This obstruction has real consequences. Members of Congress can only be sworn in after a Speaker of the House is elected. As a result, no legislation can be introduced at this time. The House also can only form committees once the Speaker is sworn in and a rules package is adopted, further delaying key oversight and advocacy efforts spearheaded by Pappas on the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
Key pieces of Pappas-led legislation being delayed include:
Bolstering New England Heating Oil and Gasoline Reserves. Pappas's bill would require the Department of Energy to fully assess the Northeast petroleum product reserves, the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve, and the Northeast Gasoline Supply Reserve, and report to Congress on what steps should be taken to improve them.
Increasing oversight over veteran healthcare providers and protecting veterans from fraud. Pappas's bipartisan bills would require stronger oversight of VA's Community Care Network as well as put in place criminal penalties for "claim sharks" who charge unauthorized fees to assist veterans with filing a claim for VA benefits.
Securing funding for local law enforcement. Pappas's bipartisan EAGLE Act would authorize $10 million in funding for small and mid-sized police departments to earn or renew accreditation, improve standards, and implement best practices.
Bringing fentanyl traffickers to justice. Pappas's bipartisan SAFE Act would permanently schedule all fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs to ensure law enforcement can keep these deadly drugs off the streets and effectively prosecute traffickers.