In an interview with Chris Ryan, the Representative from the First Congressional District, Chris Pappas discusses the ongoing negotiations in Congress to pass an infrastructure bill; gives his opinion of the speech about immigration made by Vice President Kamala Harris; and states that racism is a major reason why little or no progress is made in addressing passing comprehensive immigration reform.
Congressman Pappas is optimistic that there are numerous groups working on various aspects of an infrastructure bill. The Group of Twenty is working in the Senate, Senator Capito and President Biden are continuing their negotiations, and the Transportation Committee in the House, on which Chris Pappas serves, has begun writing legislation.
The various groups which are working on infrastructure spending have differences on how much to spend and how long the bill should be extended. For now, Congress has been working at extending transportation spending which is running out at the end of the fiscal year in September.
The Congressman agrees with the message to potential immigrants who are thinking of beginning the long trek from Central America and Mexico which was sent by Vice President Harris. They were told to not come.
“There isn’t an open door. We need an orderly immigration process. We need to create better opportunities in their home countries.”
Congressman Pappas is hopeful that compromises can be reached, so an orderly, modern immigration system which the United States can bring in needed workers and continue its reputation as an asylum for the oppressed.
Congressman Pappas believes that there is, unfortunately, a major obstacle to our working out our immigration issues.
“There is no doubt that racism and xenophobia exist in our country, and I think that it influences and colors the debate around immigration.”