Pappas Response to State of the Union Address

Tonight, Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) responded to President Joe Biden’s State of the Union Address. Pappas attended the speech with his guest, Melissa Florio, a small business owner from New Hampshire’s First Congressional District. Pappas announced last week that he would join the House Committee on Small Business to continue to advocate for New Hampshire’s Main Street economy. 

“Our top priority entering this Congress must be to continue strengthening our economy, lowering costs for everything from energy to groceries,” said Congressman Pappas. “I was pleased President Biden prioritized our economy and small businesses, and I’ll hold him to that. I’ve said that this Administration was late in addressing inflation. And while we see those pressures lessen, more work is needed to bring down costs for families, and that must remain a primary focus.”

The President has also said he will work with Congress to pass legislation to permanently schedule fentanyl-related substances (FRS) as Schedule 1. Congressman Pappas has introduced that bipartisan legislation to give law enforcement the tools they need to crack down on traffickers and save lives. 

“Since entering Congress, I have pushed House leadership and Presidents of both parties to address the opioid crisis and save lives,” continued Pappas. “I’m encouraged that President Biden has echoed my call for passage of bipartisan legislation I introduced that would classify any fentanyl-related substance as a Schedule 1, and I’ll continue to fight for its passage.”

Pappas is among the most bipartisan members of Congress and has worked in a bipartisan fashion to address the critical issues facing Granite Staters, including lowering the cost of prescription drugs, investing in infrastructure, and supporting New Hampshire veterans. 

“I fought to pass the PACT Act and am eager to work with the administration to implement this landmark legislation that expands VA health care access to three million veterans, and I’m pleased that that legislation was featured prominently tonight,” said Congressman Pappas. “Most importantly, the American people want Washington to put aside politics and work together. I remain committed to working with anyone, of any party, to deliver results for New Hampshire families and communities.”