{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where chamber = \"House\", state = \"NH\" and year = 2023 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://pappas.house.gov/media/press-releases/following-calls-from-nh-delegation-pay-boosted-for-granite-staters-working-at-the-va-white-mountain-national-forest-and-other-federal-offices-in-nh", "Following Calls from NH Delegation, Pay Boosted for Granite Staters Working at the VA, White Mountain National Forest, and Other Federal Offices in NH", "2023-12-21", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Chris Pappas", "P000614", "pappas.house.gov", "pappas", "https://pappas.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Following a push from the New Hampshire and Vermont Congressional Delegations, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is increasing pay for federal employees in New Hampshire and Vermont, who support Granite Staters through their work at places like the White River Junction VA Medical Center, White Mountain National Forest, and the Army\u2019s Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory. It applies to workers in Carroll, Cheshire, Grafton, and Sullivan Counties in New Hampshire, as well as in Vermont, who will now receive the same locality pay as those in most counties in New Hampshire and in the Greater Boston area. The classification changes in New Hampshire and Vermont will mean that more than 1,000 federal employees will now receive more competitive pay rates.\n\nThe announcement comes after the New Hampshire and Vermont Congressional Delegationsurged OPM to take this action, and will help increase efforts to hire and retain federal employees for critical efforts, including implementation of thePACT Act, which the delegation passed into law last year to help get veterans exposed to toxic substances the VA health care and benefits that they need.\n\n\u201cEnsuring our federal workers\u2019 pay keeps pace with our changing economy is common sense,\u201d said Congressman Chris Pappas. \u201cThis change will give our dedicated federal workers the raise they deserve and ensure our federal agencies can continue to attract qualified employees.\u201d\n\n\u201cGranite Staters deserve a fully staffed, well-qualified federal workforce in order to best serve them,\u201d said Senator Maggie Hassan. \u201cThis important pay increase will help recruit and retain the talented public servants who help Granite Staters \u2013 including our veterans \u2013 get the support that they need.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis long-overdue pay raise for the hard-working federal employees in Carroll, Cheshire, Grafton and Sullivan Counties is a great way to end the year,\u201d said Senator Jeanne Shaheen. \u201cI\u2019m proud to have worked with the New Hampshire delegation to get this done so folks are paid what they deserve for the work they do.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://pappas.house.gov/media/press-releases/following-devastating-floods-nh-delegation-urges-fema-to-be-on-standby-to-provide-disaster-assistance-funds", "Following Devastating Floods, NH Delegation Urges FEMA to be on Standby to Provide Disaster Assistance Funds", "2023-12-21", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Chris Pappas", "P000614", "pappas.house.gov", "pappas", "https://pappas.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Today the New Hampshire delegation sent a letter to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell in support of New Hampshire communities following severe flooding and wind damage. The letter urges FEMA, in the event the state asks, to work with affected counties and the state government to respond to severe flooding and wind damage and if the state asks for a disaster declaration, to make assistance available quickly.\n\n\u201cThe effect of the heavy rainfall and flooding were felt throughout the state with numerous road closures due to rising water and full roadway washouts. In addition to transportation infrastructure being damaged, there are reports of homes being destroyed in northern New Hampshire and some residents having to be rescued by National Guard helicopter. The full extent of the damages throughout the state won\u2019t be known until the waters recede,\u201d the Delegation wrote.\n\nOn December 18, 2023, a massive storm system swept across New England, bringing rain and winds with speeds approaching Category 1 hurricane force. Many places in New Hampshire recorded rainfall of 1.5 to 3 inches, with at least one community experiencing much as six inches. This heavy rainfall was exacerbated by unseasonably warm temperatures that melted snow, which increased the water level in streams and rivers. Flash flood warnings were in effect over broad swaths of the state.\n\n\u201cState officials have said that much of the current damage is to infrastructure, and there is a concern that snow could soon fall and cover the damage, making a true accounting of the damage more difficult. Given the extensive flooding and wind damage, we call on FEMA to stand ready to participate in a Preliminary Damage Assessment with state and local officials, should the state request it,\u201d the Delegation continued.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://pappas.house.gov/media/press-releases/pappas-helps-introduce-pfas-action-act", "Pappas Helps Introduce PFAS Action Act", "2023-12-18", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Chris Pappas", "P000614", "pappas.house.gov", "pappas", "https://pappas.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Last week, Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) helped introduce the PFAS Action Act alongside Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), and Pat Ryan (NY-18). The PFAS Action Act is comprehensive, bipartisan legislation that would protect Americans and our environment from forever chemicals by establishing a national drinking water standard for select PFAS chemicals, accelerating the designation of PFOA and PFOS chemicals as hazardous substances, limiting industrial discharge, and providing communities with resources to support water utilities and wastewater treatment, among other provisions. Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) is also an original cosponsor of this legislation.\n\nNotably, the PFAS Action Act contains Congressman Pappas\u2019s Clean Water Standards for PFAS Act. Pappas\u2019s legislation, and his provisions included in this legislation, would regulate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals under the Clean Water Act to curb the ability for manufacturers and other polluters to contaminate our nation\u2019s waterways with toxic levels of PFAS.\n\n\u201cToxic forever chemicals such as PFAS continue to pose health risks to communities across New Hampshire and the entire country,\u201d said Congressman Pappas. \u201cI\u2019m proud to help introduce the bipartisan PFAS Action Act to stop PFAS from polluting our water, land, and air while cleaning up contamination in the environment. I\u2019m committed to continuing to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle until no one worries that their water is unsafe or that PFAS contamination will harm their family.\u201d\n\nThe PFAS Action Act would do the following to protect our air, land, and water from harmful PFAS contamination:\n\nRequire the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a national drinking water standard for PFOA, PFOS and four other PFAS chemicals that protects public health, including the health of vulnerable subpopulations. This provision aligns with EPA\u2019s recent national drinking water standard proposal.\n\nAccelerate designation of PFOA and PFOS chemicals as hazardous substances, which EPA has recently proposed, and requires EPA to determine whether to list other PFAS within five years. The bill reaffirms that EPA has existing authority to use their discretion regarding liability under CERCLA and rejects liability exemptions for specific industries in line with the introduced bill last Congress.\n\nDesignate PFOA and PFOS as hazardous air pollutants within 180 days and require EPA to determine whether to list other PFAS within five years.\n\nRequire EPA to place discharge limits on industrial releases of PFAS and provides $200 million annually for wastewater treatment.\n\nProhibit unsafe incineration of PFAS wastes and place a moratorium on the introduction of new PFAS into commerce.\n\nRequire comprehensive PFAS health testing.\n\nCreate a voluntary label for PFAS in cookware.\n\nAssist schools and childcare facilities with addressing PFAS contamination in drinking water.\n\nRequire manufacturers to provide reference standards for PFAS in order to help the agency accurately identify and act faster to mitigate the impact of dangerous forever chemicals.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://pappas.house.gov/media/press-releases/pappas-votes-for-military-pay-raise-and-key-national-defense-priorities", "Pappas Votes for Military Pay Raise and Key National Defense Priorities", "2023-12-14", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Chris Pappas", "P000614", "pappas.house.gov", "pappas", "https://pappas.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) voted to pass the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. The legislation, passed on a bipartisan basis, authorizes key national defense priorities and provides for a 5.2% pay raise for U.S. service members, bolsters national security, and strengthens U.S. supply chains by investing in domestic manufacturing.\n\n\"At a time when America faces many challenges across the globe, passing the National Defense Authorization Act is essential to ensuring the safety and security of the American people and standing firm with our allies abroad,\" said Congressman Pappas. \"This authorization includes the pay raise our troops deserve, will strengthen America's national security, and invest in key New Hampshire priorities, including addressing PFAS contamination and bolstering the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. I urge President Biden to sign this legislation into law at once, and I remain committed to making the safety and security of Americans my top priority in Congress.\"\n\nThe 2024 National Defense Authorization Act includes several provisions Pappas fought for, including:", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://pappas.house.gov/media/press-releases/nh-delegation-welcomes-over-16-million-in-dod-funds-headed-to-dartmouth-college-and-unh", "NH Delegation Welcomes Over $1.6 Million in DoD Funds Headed to Dartmouth College and UNH", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Chris Pappas", "P000614", "pappas.house.gov", "pappas", "https://pappas.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "The New Hampshire delegation announced that a total of $1,641,032 in Department of Defense (DoD) federal funds are going to Dartmouth College and the University of New Hampshire (UNH). These funds were awarded through the DoD\u2019s Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP) and will be used for advanced research and development of new technology supporting defense and workforce enhancements across the country.\n\n\u201cOur universities across New Hampshire continue to accomplish groundbreaking work that strengthens our national security and supports our armed forces,\u201d said Congressman Pappas. \u201cThis funding from the Department of Defense will help facilitate innovative research by New Hampshire universities, furthering our technological advancements as well as studies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m proud that New Hampshire\u2019s advanced innovation is being recognized by new investments in research and projects that will bolster our national security and promote economic development,\u201d said Senator Shaheen, senior member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee. \u201cThese awards headed to Dartmouth and UNH will play a crucial role in supporting new technological developments that will help keep New Hampshire at the cutting edge of defense manufacturing for generations to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cI am excited to see federal funding heading to Dartmouth and UNH to grow their research capabilities. New Hampshire is a leader in innovation, and I\u2019m glad that these Granite State institutions will be able to advance their cutting-edge research to help keep our country safe, secure, and free,\u201d said Senator Hassan.\n\n\u201cNew Hampshire universities, researchers, and students are leading our country and the world forward through their work and innovation,\u201d said Congresswoman Kuster. \u201cI\u2019m thrilled to see this significant funding heading to Dartmouth and the University of New Hampshire to take their research to the next level. I will always fight to strengthen our STEM workforce and programs.\u201d\n\nThe awards are as follows:\n\n$829,373 to the University of New Hampshire to support the research and development of a high-speed camera system for observing the streamer to leader transitions in lightning;\n\n$588,609 to Dartmouth College to support their project: SuperDARN Digital Imaging Enhancement to Resolve Smaller Scales and Enable Multi-Mode Operation;\n\n$223,050 to Dartmouth College to support the Kurt Lesker PVD 75 System for screening and prototyping long carrier lifetime infrared semiconductors.\n\nThrough DURIP, DoD supports purchases of major research equipment to augment current and develop new capabilities. This investment enables universities to perform state-of-the-art research that boosts the nation\u2019s technological advantage, while ensuring that our future science, technology, engineering, and mathematics workforce remains second to none.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://pappas.house.gov/media/press-releases/pappas-applauds-pact-act-milestone-urges-nh-veterans-to-file-claim", "Pappas Applauds PACT Act Milestone, Urges NH Veterans to File Claim", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Chris Pappas", "P000614", "pappas.house.gov", "pappas", "https://pappas.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs on the House Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee, celebrated the news that five million veterans have been screened for toxic exposure since the PACT Act became law. Pappas continues to urge New Hampshire veterans to contact his office, VA, or a VA-recognized VSO to learn more about how to file a claim under the PACT Act and get screened.\n\n\u201cThe PACT Act finally recognizes toxic exposure as a cost of war and addresses its impacts on service members, and I was proud to fight for this legislation that expands eligibility for 3.5 million veterans,\" said Congressman Chris Pappas. \u201cTo date, thousands of New Hampshire veterans have filed PACT Act-related claims and have enrolled in VA care for the first time. Our service members already faced numerous threats to life and limb during their time in uniform, and they shouldn\u2019t have to fight another battle when their service ends to get the care they have earned. This is an important milestone, but we know there is more work to do until every toxic-exposed veteran gets the care they need. I continue to urge New Hampshire veterans to file a claim as soon as possible and encourage anyone with questions to contact our office for assistance.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nCongressman Pappas was an original cosponsor of the Honoring our PACT Act, which included Pappas\u2019s VA Workforce Investment and Expansion Act, which expands VA workforce by enhancing hiring practices and incentives to recruit and retain health care professionals. It was signed into law in August 2022.\n\nPappas has led the fight in Congress to ensure the PACT Act is implemented quickly and effectively. Earlier this year, Pappas helped lead a subcommittee hearing that focused on the implementation of the PACT Act. In March, he questioned Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough on several key issues facing Granite State veterans, including PACT implementation.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://pappas.house.gov/media/press-releases/pappas-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-help-caregivers-save-for-retirement", "Pappas Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Help Caregivers Save for Retirement", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Chris Pappas", "P000614", "pappas.house.gov", "pappas", "https://pappas.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) introduced the Expanding Access to Retirement Savings for Caregivers Act with Rep. Debbie Lesko (AZ-08). The bill would allow individuals that took at least one year out of the workforce without receiving an earned income, for the purposes of caring for a family member, to make catch-up contributions in years prior to age 50 to their 401(k) plans, individual retirement accounts (IRAs), and other eligible retirement accounts.\n\n\u201cIndividuals who leave the workforce to provide care for a loved one should not be penalized on their retirement and forced to do more with less later in life,\" said Congressman Pappas. \"This bipartisan legislation will allow caregivers to make catch-up payments to their 401Ks, IRAs, and other accounts so they don\u2019t lose out on valuable retirement savings as a result of the time they took to help a family member in need.\"\n\n\u201cMany individuals across the country take time away from work to care for a loved one, which can result in missed opportunities to save for retirement,\u201d said Congresswoman Tenney. \u201cThose who make such a difficult sacrifice should not be unfairly penalized. Our bipartisan bill would allow caregivers to put their families first without having to miss out on valuable retirement contributions. This would help us move away from a system that disadvantages caregivers and instead offer additional tools for them to contribute to their retirement savings.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nUnder current law, only employees aged 50 and older are eligible to utilize catch-up contributions to make additional deposits to their 401(k) plans, individual retirement accounts (IRAs), and other eligible retirement accounts.\n\nAlthough using catch-up contributions can be an important mechanism for many Americans to expand their retirement savings, it can still not be enough for individuals that take time out of the workforce to care for family members. These individuals often miss opportunities to save for their retirement for multiple years. This disparity predominantly impacts women, since women are more likely to take more time to act as family caregivers full-time.\n\nThe Expanding Access to Retirement Savings for Family Caregivers Act would remedy this element of the retirement system that penalizes caregivers, and introduce new tools for them to contribute to their retirement savings.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://pappas.house.gov/media/press-releases/pappas-leads-bipartisan-letter-calling-for-army-to-protect-green-to-gold-program-participants-benefits", "Pappas Leads Bipartisan Letter Calling for Army to Protect Green to Gold Program Participants\u2019 Benefits", "2023-12-13", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Chris Pappas", "P000614", "pappas.house.gov", "pappas", "https://pappas.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Today, Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Congressman James Moylan (GU-AL), sent a bipartisan letter to the Army expressing concerns about its new policy to no longer recognize servicemembers participation in the Army\u2019s Green-to-Gold (G2G) Active Duty Option Program toward Time in Service (TIS), which determines future pay and retirement benefits. These changes, published in April 2023, have raised significant issues for the most recent class, many of whom applied with the expectation that they would continue to accrue TIS during their participation in the G2G Program as has historically been allowed.\n\n\u201cWhen I first heard about the impact of these changes from one of my constituents in the First District, I knew something needed to be done to ensure these committed soldiers accrue the Time in Service they expected upon entering the Green to Gold program,\u201d said Congressman Pappas. \u201cSoldiers who participate in this program have already dedicated themselves to serving our country, and commit to remaining on Active Duty while enrolled. To change the expectations for this year\u2019s class after they have already enrolled in the program is unfair, and the Army ought to reverse course.\u201d\n\n\u201cGreen to Gold soldiers have already faithfully served their nation and continue to demonstrate devotion to the Army extending their service to become Army Officers. Having served myself as an Army Officer, I know the value that these soldiers bring to the force, and they should be afforded the 21 months time they were promised when they enrolled in the program,\u201d said Congressman Moylan. \u201cI am committed to our armed forces, and I ask Cadet Command to reconsider the regulation that impacts the lives of deserving soldiers.\u201d\n\nThe G2G Active Duty Program offers eligible enlisted active duty Army soldiers the opportunity to pursue a degree and become commissioned Army officers upon the attainment of their degree. The Army has traditionally counted soldier time enrolled in university as part of TIS for both pay and retirement purposes, making the program a popular pathway to advancement within the Army while also enabling servicemembers to obtain a degree. On April 28, 2023, the U.S. Army Cadet Command revised its ROTC Program policies, including the G2G Active Duty Option Program. This marks a stark departure from the Army\u2019s prior application of its authority under the law regarding TIS accrual during program participation.\n\nThe letter can be read here and below:\n\nDear Secretary Wormuth,\n\nI write to express my concerns about recent regulatory changes to the Army Reserve Officers\u2019 Training Corps (ROTC) policy regarding Time in Service (TIS) recognition for servicemembers participating in the Green-to-Gold (G2G) Active Duty Option Program. These changes, published in April 2023, have raised significant issues for the most recent class, many of whom applied with the expectation that they would continue to accrue TIS during their participation in the G2G Program as has historically been allowed. Accordingly, I strongly urge you to grant an exception for the most recent class of the G2G Active Duty Option Program and exclude them from the impact of the new TIS policy.\n\nThe G2G Active Duty Program offers eligible enlisted active duty Army soldiers the opportunity to pursue a degree and subsequently become commissioned Army officers upon the attainment of their degree. Upon acceptance into the program, soldiers enroll at a university for 21 months to complete their degree while concurrently fulfilling the final four semesters of the university\u2019s ROTC program, all while remaining on Active Duty orders. The Army has traditionally counted the 21 months as part of TIS for both pay and retirement purposes, making the program one of the most attractive pathways to advancement within the Army while also enabling servicemembers to obtain a degree.\n\nHowever, on April 28, 2023, the U.S. Army Cadet Command released Army Regulation (AR) 145-1, revising ROTC Program policies, including the G2G Active Duty Option Program. The publication explicitly states that current law prohibits the inclusion of \u201cany accrued time period\u201d as a participant in the ROTC program for the purpose of \u201c20-year retirement eligibility/benefits.\u201d Furthermore, it stipulates that \u201cthe time spent\u2026may not be used to compute either time in service for pay purposes, or in computing years of service for retirement.\u201d While federal law provides the Army such discretionary authority concerning the inclusion of a servicemember\u2019s time in the program, this policy revision marks a stark departure from the Army\u2019s prior application of its authority under the law regarding TIS accrual during program participation.\n\nThis change poses substantial impacts for the most recent class of participants, who were selected prior to the policy revision and had applied with the expectation that their TIS would continue to accumulate during their time in the program as it had for previous classes. Participation in the G2G Active Duty Program will no longer count toward eligibility for both pay and retirement benefits, significantly affecting their careers and financial security. They are now unfairly facing threats to their future pay and retirement benefits, with withdrawal from this popular and prestigious program as their sole alternative.\n\nFor example, an individual selected for the program must now serve a minimum of 22 years to qualify for the same retirement benefits that their counterparts receive at 20 years. Additionally, it will adversely impact their pay rates. For instance, if a prior enlisted servicemember has a TIS of four years and one day at the time of commissioning, they are entitled to a base pay rate according to the O1-E scale, a separate pay scale that accounts for prior service time. However, if the 21 months spent in the program are not considered in TIS calculations, servicemembers may miss qualifying for that pay scale, potentially depriving them of an additional $1,000 per month in pay.\n\nAccording to AR 145-1, the Deputy Chief of Staff \u201chas the authority to approve exceptions or waivers to this regulation.\u201d While the Army has the right to enact policy revisions and exercise its authority under existing law, these changes should apply only to individuals selected after the publication of the revised policy. This approach would enable prospective applicants to make fully informed decisions based on the new policy. In light of these considerations, I strongly urge the Department of the Army to grant an exception for the most recent class of the G2G Active Duty Option Program and exempt them from the adverse consequences of the new TIS policy.\n\nThank you for your prompt attention to this matter. I appreciate your dedication to our servicemembers and your commitment to ensuring fairness within the military.\n\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://pappas.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-bipartisan-bill-to-address-overdose-crisis-including-pappas-provision-to-crack-down-on-deadly-xylazine", "House Passes Bipartisan Bill to Address Overdose Crisis, Including Pappas Provision to Crack Down on Deadly Xylazine", "2023-12-12", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Chris Pappas", "P000614", "pappas.house.gov", "pappas", "https://pappas.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), a member of the Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force, helped pass the bipartisan Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization (SUPPORT) Act in the House. This bill includes Pappas\u2019s provision to classify xylazine as a schedule III controlled substance from his bipartisan Combating Illicit Xylazine Act.\n\nThe SUPPORT Act, which was led by Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02), will help communities better address the overdose crisis by expanding access to substance use disorder treatment, support first responders and mental health workers, and more.\n\nThe Combating Illicit Xylazine Act will crack down on the manufacture and sale of xylazine, which can be legally used as an animal tranquilizer, by listing it as a controlled substance and better coordinating federal agencies to ensure law enforcement has the resources needed to crack down on illegal drug traffickers. Pappas introduced this bill earlier this year.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://pappas.house.gov/media/press-releases/pappas-shaheen-hassan-join-commerce-secretary-raimondo-in-nashua-to-announce-35-million-in-chips-funding-headed-to-bae-systems", "Pappas, Shaheen, Hassan Join Commerce Secretary Raimondo in Nashua to Announce $35 Million in CHIPS Funding Headed to BAE Systems", "2023-12-11", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Chris Pappas", "P000614", "pappas.house.gov", "pappas", "https://pappas.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), Senator Jeanne Shaheen (NH) and Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) joined U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo to announce that $35 million in federal funds are heading to BAE Systems to increase defense manufacturing and improve our national security. The funds will help modernize its Microelectronics Center in Nashua, New Hampshire, which is designated as a Trusted Foundry by the U.S. Department of Defense and ensures the U.S. Government has access to leading microelectronics technologies. Today\u2019s investment is allocated through the CHIPS for America program, part of the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act that the delegation supported.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m thrilled BAE Systems has received this grant to modernize their microelectronics facility,\u201d said Congressman Chris Pappas. \u201cOn-shoring our production of semiconductors and new investments in technology development strengthen our national defense, all while creating good paying jobs in New Hampshire\u2019s growing tech industry. I remain committed to supporting our local manufacturers and workforce so that New Hampshire remains a great place to live and work.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis critical funding from the CHIPS and Science Act\u2014which I was proud to help pass\u2014will help BAE Systems\u2019 Microelectronics Center in Nashua modernize their facility and improve our national security by helping ensure our military continues to have access to American-made semiconductor technology,\u201d said Senator Shaheen, chair of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the Department of Commerce. \u201cThese modernization efforts will strengthen New Hampshire\u2019s integral role in the nation\u2019s defense manufacturing industry for years to come.\u201d\n\n\u201cNew Hampshire is a hub for innovation-based businesses and entrepreneurs,\u201d said Senator Hassan. \u201cWe worked to pass the CHIPS and Science Act to build a stronger economy and protect our national security, and the agreement announced today on modernizing BAE Systems' Microelectronics Center in Nashua is a yet another way this law will ensure that the United States remains a global leader in advanced technology.\u201d\n\n\u201cI\u2019m thrilled to see these resources from the CHIPS and Science Act heading to BAE Systems in Nashua,\u201d said Congresswoman Kuster. \u201cWhen we passed this legislation in 2022, this is exactly the kind of project we envisioned. I look forward to seeing the modernized microelectronics center and the positive impact it will have on our state, our economy, and our national security.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe have been clear since day one that the CHIPS for America Program is about advancing our national security and strengthening domestic supply chains, all while creating good jobs supporting long-term U.S. economic growth. As national security becomes as much about the chips inside of our weapons systems as the weapons systems themselves, this first CHIPS announcement shows how central semiconductors are to our national defense,\u201d said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. \u201cThanks to President Biden\u2019s Investing in America agenda, we have reached preliminary terms to make a substantial investment in New Hampshire\u2019s expanding defense industrial base, which will help make our country and supply chains more secure and bolster the economy of the Granite State.\u201d\n\nThis announcement comes approximately one year after President Biden signed the CHIPS and Science Act into law. The CHIPS for America program works to bolster the United States\u2019 economic and national security interests through investments in the U.S. workforce to forward domestic chip and semiconductor production and eliminate reliance on international manufacturers.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://pappas.house.gov/media/press-releases/nh-delegation-celebrates-over-27-million-in-funding-for-new-england-rail", "NH Delegation Celebrates Over $27 Million in Funding for New England Rail", "2023-12-08", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Chris Pappas", "P000614", "pappas.house.gov", "pappas", "https://pappas.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "The New Hampshire delegation announced that the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority is being awarded $27,492,000 in federal funding. It will be used for track-related improvements on Amtrak\u2019s Downeaster route, which stops in Exeter, Durham, and Dover. The funding comes from the bipartisan infrastructure law which the delegation supported and provides the largest investment in public transit ever.\n\n\u201cPassenger rail is good for our local economy and quality of life, and I\u2019m pleased to see the funds being put to work for New Hampshire,\u201d said Congressman Pappas. \u201cThis investment in our rail infrastructure will improve safety, reliability, and efficiency for commuters and tourists across the region, and I will continue working to secure resources that help modernize old infrastructure and boost our economy.\u201d\n\n\u201cWe worked across the aisle to negotiate and pass into law the bipartisan infrastructure law to get New Hampshire the significant funding needed to modernize and strengthen every part of our infrastructure,\u201d said Senator Hassan. \u201cI\u2019m glad to see new funding to strengthen rail service in New Hampshire, which provides Granite Staters more transportation options, boosts tourism, and lowers emissions. I look forward to seeing how investments from the bipartisan infrastructure law continue to support our communities and strengthen our economy.\u201d\n\n\u201cInvesting in infrastructure projects that enhance Granite State transportation systems, especially our railways, are critical to promoting economic growth and development across our state,\u201d said Senator Shaheen. \u201cThese federal funds will facilitate important safety and service improvements, helping to improve passenger rail services in New Hampshire for years to come.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://pappas.house.gov/media/press-releases/pappas-bilirakis-lead-bipartisan-call-urging-continued-progress-on-negotiations-to-return-parthenon-marbles-to-greece", "Pappas, Bilirakis Lead Bipartisan Call Urging Continued Progress on Negotiations to Return Parthenon Marbles to Greece", "2023-12-07", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Chris Pappas", "P000614", "pappas.house.gov", "pappas", "https://pappas.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Today Congressmen Chris Pappas (NH-01) and Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus, led a letter calling on Great Britain to return to the negotiation table in discussions about returning the Parthenon Marbles to Greece.\n\n\u201cToday we write to you as members of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus, urging British officials to return to earnest discussions with Greece over the reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures. The return to their historic and natural setting would be lauded and celebrated worldwide, and we call for the resumption of robust negotiations to that end,\u201d wrote the lawmakers.\n\nThey continued, \u201c... it is past time that they return home to be reunified with the rest of the sculptures from which they were ripped apart. This will allow visitors to view and appreciate them in totality as part of a greater whole in their natural and rightful environment.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Marbles were created in Athens by Pheidias and were part of a frieze that wrapped around the Temple of Athena. More than 200 years ago the Marbles were removed from Greece by Thomas Bruce, seventh Earl of Elgin and transported to Great Britain. In 1816, the British Parliament voted to purchase the Marbles and they now reside in the British Museum. Despite years of efforts by the Greek Government to retain the Marbles, it has been unable to negotiate an agreement with its British counterparts to return the Marbles to Greece. In recent weeks, negotiations between Greece and the United Kingdom on this important cultural matter have deteriorated.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://pappas.house.gov/media/press-releases/pappas-joins-call-for-increased-home-heating-assistance", "Pappas Joins Call for Increased Home Heating Assistance", "2023-12-07", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Chris Pappas", "P000614", "pappas.house.gov", "pappas", "https://pappas.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) joined 115 House members in requesting increased funding for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services\u2019 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).\n\n\u201cAs you know, LIHEAP helps families who are at risk of being unable to afford to heat their homes in the winter or cool them in the summer. Last year, more than six million households across the country relied on critical assistance from the LIHEAP program,\u201d the lawmakers wrote. \u201cFor the families who receive LIHEAP, it is a critical lifeline that prevents them from making the impossible choice between staying warm and having enough food or paying for their medications.\u201d\n\nNew Hampshire was recently awarded a total of $27,690,278 in LIHEAP funding for this winter, including $26,926,592 in formula funding and an additional $763,686 from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Despite the significant federal investment, LIHEAP continues to be underfunded, with just 20 percent of eligible households currently receiving assistance through the program.\n\nTo assist households seeking to determine their eligibility for LIHEAP funding, HHS recentlyreleased a tool in English, Spanish, traditional Chinese, and simplified Chinese for households to quickly determine their eligibility.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"], ["https://pappas.house.gov/media/press-releases/pappas-helps-pass-two-bills-to-improve-va-services-for-homeless-and-aging-veterans", "Pappas Helps Pass Two Bills to Improve VA Services for Homeless and Aging Veterans", "2023-12-05", "2023", "2023-12", "Democrat", "House", "NH", "Chris Pappas", "P000614", "pappas.house.gov", "pappas", "https://pappas.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), Ranking Member of the Veterans\u2019 Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs (DAMA), helped pass two bills focused on improving U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs\u2019 (VA) services for vulnerable veteran populations, homeless and aging, in the House today. These two bills are the Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act andthe Housing our Military Veterans Effectively (HOME) Act of 2023.\n\n\u201cThere is no more sacred promise than the one we make to our service members and veterans for their service to our country,\u201d said Congressman Pappas. \u201cWe must ensure VA services are meeting the needs of all veterans and that those who have dedicated themselves to supporting our veterans have the flexibility and resources to accomplish their mission. I\u2019m pleased to see these bills, which will help improve VA services and resources for homeless and aging veterans, two of our most vulnerable veteran populations, pass the House today. I\u2019ll continue working with my colleagues and VA to ensure veterans are being provided with the highest possible level of care.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act would improve VA programs for aging veterans. This bipartisan bill requires VA to establish agreements with outside providers to furnish medical and social services to veterans who are not in VA nursing homes, requires the VA to improve in-home assistance and support for caregivers of veterans, raises the limit on expenses for nursing home care provided outside of VA facilities, and requires several studies related to medical and health services for elderly veterans. Text of the bill is here.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-08T01:14:16Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 14, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"chamber\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "House", "p1": "NH", "p2": "2023"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=NH&year=2023", "results": [{"value": "Democrat", "label": "Democrat", "count": 14, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=NH&year=2023&party=Democrat", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=NH&year=2023", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 14, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=NH&year=2023", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=NH&year=2023", "results": [{"value": "NH", "label": "NH", "count": 14, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&year=2023", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=NH&year=2023", "results": [{"value": "2023", "label": "2023", "count": 14, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?chamber=House&state=NH", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": null, "next_url": null, "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 277.13311510160565, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}