Pappas, Chris

Chris Pappas represents New Hampshire's 1st Congressional District and serves as the ranking member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee's Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity. As ranking member of the minority party, Pappas leads Democratic opposition on the subcommittee, which has legislative, oversight, and investigative jurisdiction over veterans' education, employment and training, vocational rehabilitation, housing programs, and the transition of servicemembers to civilian life. His role gives him significant influence over the committee's agenda and priorities on veterans' issues.

Pappas brings substantial background relevant to veterans' affairs and constituent service. Born and raised in Manchester, New Hampshire, he earned a degree in government from Harvard College and previously served on the New Hampshire Executive Council from 2013 to 2019. He is a small business owner who co-owns his family's historic restaurant, the Puritan Backroom. He made history as the first openly gay man to represent New Hampshire in Congress when elected in 2018 and has been reelected multiple times, including in 2024.

As ranking member, Pappas has been active in advancing veterans' interests and conducting oversight. He has led efforts to combat predatory practices targeting veterans, introducing the Veterans Benefits Information Protection Act to prohibit robocalls to government lines and the GUARD VA Benefits Act to reinstate criminal penalties for unaccredited claim representatives who charge unauthorized fees. He has held oversight hearings on veterans' housing and benefits protection, and has championed legislation to address the housing crisis affecting veterans, including the VA Home Loan Awareness Act. Recently, he introduced the Veterans Full-Service Care and Access Act to require the VA to operate a full-service hospital in every state.

Pappas is known for his bipartisan approach and constituent focus. He was ranked the most bipartisan Democrat in the House in 2023 by the Lugar Center. His legislative priorities emphasize protecting veterans from exploitation, expanding access to affordable housing and healthcare, and ensuring veterans receive earned benefits. He has worked across party lines on issues affecting his competitive district and has built a reputation as a results-oriented legislator focused on practical solutions for New Hampshire families and veterans.