Chris Pappas

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the American Legion Department of New Hampshire. On May 5, 1919, the American Legion of War Veterans in New Hampshire held its first meeting when a group of 47 veterans of World War I convened at the state armory in Manchester. Within that first year alone, 69 American Legion posts formed across the state--of those original posts, 41 remain active and will also be celebrating their 100th anniversary this year. Over the last century, the American Legion in New Hampshire has remained committed to serving veterans, their families, and the state of New Hampshire. The American Legion is critical in ensuring that those who have sacrificed so much to our great nation are able to find the same sense of community and service when they return to civilian life. The sense of camaraderie fostered at the over 100 American Legion posts in New Hampshire and among the over 17,000 members in our state is truly unparalleled. Veterans and families who are part of the American Legion community share a common sense of service to our nation, and also forge deep bonds with their own communities. Legion posts and members are constantly giving back in myriad of ways, from sponsoring American Legion Baseball across the state, to supporting Operation Military Kids, which helps children impacted by deployment. American Legionnaires are not only active within their own communities but also on a larger scale as they advocate for the interests of veterans across our state and nation. I have had many productive conversations with Legionnaires whose knowledge, experience, and guidance have been instrumental as I advocate for the interests of our nation's veterans as a member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to congratulate the American Legion Department of New Hampshire on their 100th anniversary. Once again, I thank the American Legion for their century of commitment to serving veterans, their families, and the Granite State as a whole. I look forward to continuing to work alongside them to support our nation's veterans.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the 85th anniversary of the world record wind. On April 12, 1934, civilian scientists at the top of Mount Washington observed wind speeds of 231 miles per hour. For over 60 years, this stood as the fastest wind gust ever recorded, and today it remains the fastest surface wind speed ever observed by humans. New Hampshire's way of life is rooted in our natural surroundings, and few sites are as closely associated with the Granite State as Mount Washington. As a lifelong resident of New Hampshire, I have always marveled at the might of Mount Washington. At 6,288 feet, it is the tallest peak in the Northeast. And while there are certainly taller, snowier, and even colder places on Earth, Mount Washington has mesmerized Granite Staters and people around the world for decades because of its ruggedness and sheer unpredictability. While the world record wind is certainly notable in its own regard, it also serves as a testament to the dedication, hard work, and public service of the Mount Washington Observatory. Since 1932, the Mount Washington Observatory has not only monitored the weather on top of the mountain but also served as a critical educational and climate research resource. The Mount Washington Observatory has pioneered innovative forms of weather research and wind tracking data for over 85 years. Their pioneering curiosity has led to universal intrigue about Mount Washington, and today, people from all over the world, visit New Hampshire for the opportunity to hike or drive to its summit. The Observatory's continuing contribution to science and education are immeasurable. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to congratulate the Mount Washington Observatory on the anniversary of this groundbreaking feat. I look forward to continuing the celebration when I hike Mount Washington this summer. Once again, I thank the Mount Washington Observatory for all that they do to make the Granite State such a wonderful place to live, learn, and hike.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, when we took our oath in January, no issue before us was more critical than healthcare. Over the past 100 days, we have fought the administration's efforts to gut the Affordable Care Act at every turn. We must keep at it because the ACA has allowed 53,000 New Hampshire residents to enroll in Medicaid expansion. The coverage for substance use disorder makes it the best tool we have to fight the opioid crisis. We also voted to empower House counsel to defend coverage for those with preexisting conditions. Half the adult population in my State of New Hampshire has a preexisting condition. We can't go back to the days when insurance companies could discriminate against them. We have also introduced legislation that will lower premiums, strengthen patient protections, and crack down on junk plans that could send New Hampshire families right into bankruptcy. Lowering costs and expanding access to care must continue to be at the top of our priority list. Nothing is more important to the health of our districts and the well-being of this Nation. Let's work together to improve our healthcare system, not play politics with it.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the New Hampshire Police Association Pipes and Drums as they celebrate their 25th anniversary. In October of 1994, New Hampshire State Police Sergeant James Noyes was shot and killed during a standoff with an armed barricaded subject. Inspired by the Boston Police Gaelic Column's performance at Sergeant Noyes's funeral, members of the New Hampshire Police Association set out to create a pipes and drums band of their own. Coming together from various police departments across the state, a small group was assembled in December of 1994 and made its official debut in 1996 during the New Hampshire Police memorial in Concord. Ever since, this distinguished band has grown in size and notoriety. We gather to celebrate a quarter century of this effort, and to acknowledge and honor the life of Sergeant James Noyes and of every New Hampshire law enforcement officer who has been tragically killed in the line of duty. Sergeant Noyes's sacrifice is a humbling reminder about the acute danger our brave police officers face each day as they put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe. Their service deserves our appreciation and our undying support. In order to truly honor their service and sacrifice, we need to do more than pay lip service to their effort. As elected leaders, we have a responsibility to fight for additional resources that allow them to do their jobs effectively for the rest of us. In order to properly serve New Hampshire's First District and pay appropriate respect to the services we are lucky to receive from our New Hampshire police officers, I am committed to fighting on their behalf in Congress, to guarantee that our law enforcement officials have the resources they need to combat the opioid crisis, keep our streets safe, and protect our communities from harm. Congratulations to the New Hampshire Police Association Pipes and Drums on 25 years of excellence. It is my honor to serve them as the Representative of New Hampshire's First Congressional District.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Irwin Marine, an institution on Lake Winnipesaukee, who is celebrating its 100th year in business. Since its founding in 1919 by Jim Irwin, Sr., Irwin Marine has always remained a pillar of the Lakes Region community. Irwin Marine has had a storied century-long history. Pioneers in the recreation industry, the Irwin family has never stopped innovating. After founding Irwin Marine in 1919, Jim Irwin, Sr. later went on to buy the Weirs Music Hall in 1924, where he used the connections he developed from his time serving with a Navy band in World War I to draw top acts to Lake Winnipesaukee, such as Duke Ellington and the Dorsey Brothers. Since its distinguished early days, Irwin Marine has continued to maintain a stellar reputation as a trusted name in the boating industry. Today, Irwin Marine has three locations in the Lakes Region and was recently named the twelfth-best boat dealer in North America by Boating Industry Magazine; thanks to their extensive supply and deep commitment to customer service. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to congratulate everyone at Irwin Marine on an exciting anniversary. I hope that they celebrate this exciting achievement by taking a cruise around Lake Winnipesaukee and wish them the best of luck in their next 100 years of business. I thank them for all that they do to make the Granite State such a wonderful place to work, live, and play.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the subject of my Special Order.

Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, there are times in Washington that go beyond the mundane, times when you can feel the pull of public sentiment and the weight of history, times that aren't political but become personal. For some of us who serve here and for millions more around the country, this is one of those times. Yesterday, I was proud to join so many Members of this House to introduce the Equality Act. This bill will ensure full equality under the law for the LGBTQ community, an essential step, given that Americans can still be fired or discriminated against in nearly 30 States. We have made marked progress over recent decades, no doubt, but full equality for LGBTQ Americans still lies somewhere over the horizon. We are not asking for anything more or anything less than any other American enjoys. We are asking to be treated equally, and we are asking for it right now. I grew up afraid about whether I would be accepted by the world around me and convinced I wouldn't be able to live a full life. This is, unfortunately, a reality today for too many LGBTQ Americans. Too many still live in fear of sharing their truth or telling their stories. Too many contend with injustice because of who they are or whom they love. There is injustice when more than 4 million workers could face the risk of employment discrimination in this country. There is injustice when more than 2 million students are left without protections against bullying, harassment, and roadblocks on their path to an education. There is injustice when nearly 7 million Americans could be subject to discrimination in public accommodations. There is injustice when 5\1/2\ million Americans could be denied equal opportunities to secure housing or credit. This is heartbreaking. This is not what America stands for, and we can do something about it. We can take action to support the values and the Constitution of this Nation. We can take action that will protect the safety and well-being of millions and tell everyone, particularly the LGBTQ youth, that they can reach their full potential. We can take action and pass the Equality Act. The Equality Act will end these injustices and establish equality under the law by enshrining sexual orientation and gender identity language into the Civil Rights Act, the Fair Housing Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, and the Jury Selection and Services Act. We must address this at the Federal level. Equality and human dignity are not concepts that can be left up to the States. Americans who live in Nebraska deserve the same civil rights protections as those living in my home State of New Hampshire. The same goes for those living in Mississippi and in Massachusetts. The end of discrimination can only begin when we protect our fellow citizens in each and every community across this Nation. Since Stonewall, millions of LGBTQ Americans have come out and have told their stories. Many have done so at great personal risk, but with a great societal benefit. Coming out and living openly has done more to change hearts, minds, and laws than anything else. As a result, we now stand on the cusp of history and of full equality, with the American people and public opinion squarely behind us. Mr. Speaker, as the people's House considers this bill, I ask my colleagues a simple question: Who deserves to be treated as a second- class citizen just for being who we are? Which Members of this body, which people in your districts, which people in your own lives deserve to be less than equal? Mr. Speaker, I hope this House gets it right. Full equality under the law--nothing less, nothing more. It is a simple concept; it is a beautiful concept; and it is also an American concept. Mr. Speaker, for the sake of the LGBTQ Americans today, for future generations, let's pass H.R. 5, the Equality Act. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Toula Barber, who is being honored by the Daughters of Penelope Chapter No. 51 this Saturday, March 9, 2019 for her dedication to the organization. The Daughters of Penelope promotes the ideals and traditions of Hellenism in America, focusing on service to one's community. My own ancestors, like Toula herself, moved to this country from Greece for freedom and a better life. During her many years in New Hampshire, Toula has been more than just a model citizen--she has become a pillar of our community. Her warmth, deep sense of compassion, and ethic of community service are extraordinary, and I feel lucky to count her as a role model and a friend. For many years, Toula served as a District Governor for the Daughters of Penelope Ilios Chapter No. 51. In this organization, Toula has done more than just uphold and carry on important traditions for the Greek community--she has also brought our Greek traditions to our broader Manchester community, helping make our city more inclusive and open. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to thank Toula for her decades of dedication to our community. I hope that she enjoys celebrating this well-deserved honor, and I thank her for all that she does to make our state such a wonderful place to learn, live, and grow.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Antonio Vaccaro, who celebrated his 100th birthday this past Saturday. A longtime resident of Portsmouth and a communicator like no other, Mr. Vaccaro spent much of his career working as chief engineer at the radio station WHEB in Portsmouth. During World War II, Mr. Vaccaro answered the nation's call and served as a member of the elite Flying Tigers. As a member of the Flying Tigers, he took charge of communications, using his unique skillset to send many messages, including the first message announcing the end of the war. He is a father, grandfather, great grandfather, and great-great grandfather to a loving family who worked tirelessly to ensure that Mr. Vaccaro was finally recognized with the Purple Heart more than half a century after his service. On behalf of my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I want to wish Mr. Vaccaro a very happy birthday. I hope that he had a wonderful celebration with his friends and family, and I want to thank him for his service to our country and his dedication to our community.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, recently I spent the day in the Mount Washington Valley, with local businesses, hearing from small business owners about the challenges that they face. I met with the owners of White Mountain Puzzles, a second-generation family business that produces 1.6 million made-in-the-U.S. puzzles a year and sells them all over the world. Later in the day, I stopped by Lupine Pet, another terrific locally owned business that sells durable pet collars and harnesses. Mr. Speaker, in keeping with our proud Live Free or Die tradition in the Granite State, we pay no sales taxes on goods and services. White Mountain Puzzles and Lupine Pet are just two of the many small businesses that have thrived under the rules of the road of our State's economy. Unfortunately, a recent Supreme Court decision is casting a dark shadow over these entrepreneurs. It is threatening those who have brick-and-mortar operations in our State and make a living from online sales to customers across the street and around the world. Mr. Speaker, in June of 2018, the Supreme Court upended decades of precedent. In its decision in the Wayfair case, the Court ruled that a jurisdiction may legally impose sales taxes on customers of sellers that don't have a physical presence within that jurisdiction's borders. Unfortunately, States across the country are now rushing to capitalize on this new taxing power, to the detriment of businesses in New Hampshire that don't impose sales taxes on consumers and aren't prepared to collect them. Ultimately, the Wayfair decision could force untold numbers of small retailers in my State to stop doing business altogether over the internet. That is a possibility that should alarm every American. We should be empowering entrepreneurs and innovators, the true driving force of the American economy, not stifling them with burdensome tax collection requirements. Here is the bottom line, Mr. Speaker: Businesses in my district should not be punished simply for using the internet to reach their customer base. Clearly, the time has come for Congress to act, and there are commonsense steps that Members of both parties should embrace, regardless of the tax laws in the States that we represent. First and foremost, we should prevent sales taxes from being imposed retroactively, and we should give businesses enough time to understand this Court decision. As a business owner myself, I can tell you how unreasonable it is to expect companies to somehow meet this new tax collection obligation at the drop of a hat, a financial burden that they couldn't possibly have anticipated. Second, given the high cost and complexity of complying with different sales tax laws in nearly 11,000 jurisdictions, we should create an exception to collection requirements for these small businesses. The great folks at White Mountain Puzzles have a special talent for creating incredible jigsaw puzzles, not for navigating complex unique sales tax rules from every State and municipality in America. Dave and Scott at Lupine Pet don't have a legal department or a big team of accountants to assist them in collecting and remitting the right amounts. And they say the cost of compliance, including the software solution for their small business, adds up to at least $25,000 a year. Let's give them and millions of other small business owners a well- deserved break. Let's give them the protections that they deserve. Mr. Speaker, e-commerce is an American success story. Online sales have created millions of jobs and connect Americans from coast to coast. Internet retailers give rural America the opportunity to participate more fully in our country's economic success. Let's give these online sellers, including hundreds of small businesses in the Granite State, the support and certainty they deserve to continue to grow and prosper.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, yesterday, I welcomed a transgender veteran from New Hampshire named Tavion as my guest to the State of the Union. I am proud to say that he was warmly received here in the people's House. Tavion didn't give a big speech last night but he still delivered a powerful message. His story and exemplary service stand as a direct rebuttal to the false claims and flimsy logic used to justify the Trump administration's ban on transgender military service. By politicizing our military and marginalizing patriot servicemembers, this unjust policy is weakening America's Armed Forces. Any American who is prepared to risk life and limb in defense of our Nation deserves our undying respect. In spite of our political differences, my sincere hope is that members of both parties can come together to support our men and women in uniform, regardless of gender identity. Madam Speaker, the American people sent us to Washington to stand up for our constituents and our values. We can live up to that responsibility by reversing the transgender military service ban and honoring brave trans vets like Tavion.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to share the stories of hardworking Granite Staters who are feeling the pain of this shutdown on its 26th day. Middle-class families in New Hampshire are suffering because politicians in Washington can't complete the most basic task of governing. They are fed up with the gridlock and endless delays. They are exhausted by the partisan political excuses. They just want us to do our jobs and reopen the Federal Government. This weekend, I met with an air traffic controller from Derry. He told me that his coworkers are not going to be able to pay their mortgages and keep up with household bills if the shutdown goes on any longer. He explained that they are intensely proud of the service they provide to the American people and simply want to do their jobs and get paid on time. Is that really too much to ask? Mr. Speaker, let's reopen our government for the sake of every Federal employee who works tirelessly to keep the traveling public safe. Two fire departments in my district, in Goffstown and Hampton, have applied for SAFER grants through FEMA. They needed the process to begin in December in order to get approval at town meetings in March. The shutdown has blocked the review of these applications. Mr. Speaker, let's reopen our government so local fire departments and first responders can get the resources they need to protect our communities. The spiraling effects of this shutdown are becoming more apparent each and every day. The Manchester Transit Authority is concerned about whether they will be able to keep buses running, since they haven't been able to draw on Federal funds since December. In addition, crisis centers in New Hampshire haven't been able to access the funding they typically receive from the Office of Violence Against Women to assist survivors of sexual and domestic violence. That is completely unacceptable. Mr. Speaker, let's reopen our government so people can get to work on time and local organizations can continue to support victims of crime and abuse. The President says this shutdown is necessary to protect the American people, yet every story I hear in my district demonstrates this shutdown is making us less safe. The longer our government remains closed, the less secure our country will be. Mr. Speaker, this shutdown has shown us the worst of Washington, the dysfunction and the political gamesmanship that has no regard for people's lives. But it is also bringing out the very best of people in my State, their sense of decency and patriotism, their willingness to lend a helping hand to neighbors in need. Granite Staters have been banding together to help Federal workers in a variety of ways, from offering no-interest loans to offering food donations. The Wood Island Life Saving Station Association is giving gift cards to Coast Guard personnel in Portsmouth to help them make ends meet while they work without pay. People in our communities are coming together to support everyday Americans who are the victims of this shutdown, so why can't our leaders in Washington do the same? To my colleagues from across the aisle, to our colleagues in the Senate: End this shutdown now. Let's move forward with the people's business. We need to reopen the government, and we need to do it before this bad situation gets any worse.

Mr. PAPPAS

Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to say this is the first time that I have addressed my constituents and my colleagues from the floor of this House. Under normal circumstances, I would be talking about creating new jobs and new opportunities for my constituents in New Hampshire. I would be talking about plans to rebuild our roads and bridges, to step up our response to the opioid crisis. I would be sharing and discussing ideas and proposals that can improve people's lives and move America forward. But today's circumstances in this brand-new Congress are anything but normal. Instead of talking about how we can reform government, I am here to plead with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to simply reopen government. Mr. Speaker, today marks day 20 of the shutdown. After nearly 3 weeks without a paycheck, Federal employees across the country are grappling with how they will pay their rent, their mortgage, and their utility bills. They are anxious about putting food on the table and providing for their kids. With no end in sight, thousands of workers in my State of New Hampshire are facing tough questions. What if the shutdown lasts months or even years, as this President has threatened? What will that mean for their savings, for their jobs, and for their families? Will they be forced to leave Federal service simply to stay afloat? The treatment of our dedicated Federal workers is completely unacceptable. As someone who operated a family business with 230 workers, I can tell you that shutting your doors and cutting off pay for your employees is no way to run a business. It is certainly no way to run the greatest country on Earth. Mr. Speaker, this is the people's House, so today I am lifting up the stories of everyday Granite Staters, who are suffering because of this senseless shutdown. I am here on behalf of a furloughed IRS worker from Sandown. Her bank is denying her the interest-free loan they promised Federal workers, because the furlough letter the IRS gave her was too vague. And, of course, there is no one around at the IRS to write her a new one. I am here on behalf of an air traffic controller from Derry who just transferred airports and has been told she may not get back pay because she was furloughed prior to starting her new assignment. I am here on behalf of an FAA worker from Hampton who is being forced to take unpaid leave to look after his wife who is going through a health emergency. He is worrying about how he can possibly care for his spouse without knowing when his next paycheck is going to arrive. These workers from my district deserve better from our Nation's leaders, and so do each and every one of the American people. This fall, voters sent an unmistakable message: the way Washington works simply isn't working for them. They want less drama and dysfunction, more compromise and more common sense. They want leaders who will put the national interest before their own partisan political interest. Instead of business as usual in Washington, it is time for Washington to start operating more like a responsible business that looks out for its workers. That means ending the shutdown now and making sure all of our outstanding Federal employees and contractors are fully compensated. We have got to do better. For the sake of the more than 2,400 Federal workers in New Hampshire who are currently furloughed or working without pay and the more than 800,000 across this country, let's close this dark chapter by immediately reopening the doors of our government.