BOSTON – Greek-American Congressman Chris Pappas of Manchester, New Hampshire, who is serving his fourth term in the United States House of Representatives and has announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate, spoke in an interview with The National Herald about his love for and interest in Greece and Hellenism.
Regarding the ongoing Iran war, he stated that “we have limited information from the administration,” while emphasizing that President Trump “has to come to Congress to seek authorization.”
When asked whether anyone in Washington knows why the United States entered this war, including President Trump himself, Pappas replied that “it depends on the day, because each day he gives different explanations, and this is extremely disrespectful to the members of the armed forces who are serving.” He underlined that the American people deserve and have the right to know what their government is doing, adding that “the people will pay the cost through their taxes.”
The interview took place in the context of the celebration of March 25 – Greek Independence Day at Nashua City Hall in New Hampshire.
The National Herald: What brings you here to Nashua?
Congressman Chris Pappas: It is one of many celebrations of Greek Independence Day around the state of New Hampshire. For me, I treasure my Greek heritage. I am very proud of where my family came from and the values of Hellenism they taught me growing up, and the impact Greek-Americans made to the state of New Hampshire.
TNH: How is the economy of New Hamshire doing?
CP: It is ok, but it not great. We have a lot of work to do on issues like housing, health care, and energy cost so everyone can build the American dream – and we have to support small businesses.
The U.S. Congressman from New Hampshire speaks with TNH correspondent Theodore Kalmoukos in the city of Nashua, New Hampshire. PHOTO: TNH
TNH: What is going on with the war?
CP: We have very little communication from the administration on this and we want to make sure [we are informed] when the military is deployed and under what circumstances. This appears to be an open-ended commitment – the rationale has shifted and the American people are going to pay the price. We see the shock of the energy markets.
TNH: Does anybody in Washington know why we went into this war, including President Trump?
CP: it depends on the day, because each day he gives different explanations, and this is extremely disrespectful to the members of the armed forces who are serving… we have to do everything we can to keep them safe.
We have to make sure we are getting answers from this administration and holding them accountable. The American people deserve to know what their government is up to.
TNH: What is your assessment of Mr. Trump, is he ok?
CP: I haven’t spent any time with him but my concern is that we don’t have people that are willing to stand up to his administration. No one says ‘no’. He is going over the heads of the intelligence committees and the military community, because he feels he knows best.
TNH: But is this America?
CP: We need a system of checks and balances, that is why the next election is going to be important, to have an account of what this administration is [doing].
TNH: What do you foresee regarding the war?
CP: I feel I don’t know. It is hard to predict how long this engagement will go on, but I think that the President has to come to Congress to seek authorization. In addition to that, it is going to be a request for the taxpayers to foot the bill for the millions of dollars-a-day worth of costs.
TNH: At this point, where are we going as a country and as a world?
Pappas: The United States cannot go it alone – we need partners and allies, particularly our allies that have worked closer with us, including Greece. That is why I think this President [who is is] our face [in the world], is alienating our allies. He is using military force on a whim and that is not how we keep the world safe, how we protect our interests – it is not how we strengthen democracy. I have a lot of concern over what I see, and we need to re-establish the checks and balances.
TNH: Are you going to attend the celebration of the 25th of March at the White House on the 26th on March?
CP: I am not sure. It is next week. I have to check with my office to see if I have received an invitation. I have [been going] for many years.
TNH: Do you visit Greece often?
Pappas: I haven’t been for some years.
TNH: When are you going next?
Pappas: That is the question I always get. Probably after the election. Once I get my head above water, I will reconnect with Greece. But I work very closely with the Diaspora and with folks who understand that [while] the strategic relationship between the United Stated and Greece and Cyprus is strong, we have to deepen those ties.
My focus inside of Congress is to work not just on military cooperation but all the facets of the relationships.