Congressman Pappas says, \u201cThis 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
In an interview with WKXL\u2019s Chris Ryan, the Representative from New Hampshire\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n
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 \u201cDefund the Police\u201d. However, he accepts the idea of helping the police by providing for social programs which address the problems of mental health and addiction.<\/p>\n