Regarding the state of the US economy, what are the prospects for recovery, and how soon?

The current recovery in the U.S. is already almost 4 years old and at our current pace of job creation, a full recovery is still a ways off. Keep in mind that almost 5 million less people are working today in the U.S. than in 2008. In addition, over the last several years, the government, via Obamacare and the Dodd-Frank Act specifically, has increased costs and regulations on small business and community banks. These are key parts of our economy that we need to drive future job growth, so we must create an environment in which they can thrive. I believe the solution lies in redirecting our focus away from the over-regulation of the last 3 years and instead looking to smart regulatory fiscal policies that will foster economic growth.

What are some of the particular challenges that you are facing in your district?

My district crosses through two of New York City’s boroughs – Staten Island and parts of Brooklyn – so by its very nature we are faced with problems that plague any large city. Improving access to affordable and reliable public transportation remains a top priority. The residents of my district are often faced with service cuts and toll hikes to pay for over-budgeted transit agencies, so I remain committed to combating rate hikes and improving service options. Like anywhere in America, jobs and improving the economy are also of grave importance. My district is home to a lot of hard-working individuals, many of whom own small businesses. Therefore, in Congress, I support policies that create an environment for business growth and job creation, such as lowering taxes on our small businesses, eliminating burdensome government relations, and reducing our growing debt. Finally, as the Medicare Trust Fund becomes closer to bankruptcy, I support solutions that preserve and reform Medicare, so that it will continue to provide a healthcare safety net for current and future seniors alike.

What would you say is the state of our democracy in these challenging and unusually polarized times?

As someone who has dedicated his life to serving this nation, first as a U.S. Marine in the first Gulf War, then as an undercover Special Agent in the FBI, and now as a Member of Congress, I can say that I love this country with all my heart. That is why it disheartens me to see it head down the wrong path towards further debt and with greater economic obstacles for those who simply want to work hard, give their children a better life and live the American Dream. I believe we must change course; otherwise, we put the state of our democracy at risk. We must learn to work together – in our communities and in Congress. There is simply too much partisan bickering, grandstanding, and gridlock and that has to change. I pride myself on taking the time to get to know my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. We don’t always see eye-to-eye, but we respect each other and because of that relationship, we can often find enough common ground to agree on a solution and deliver results. I think more of us need to move in this direction in order to effect change and strengthen our democracy.

In various polls conducted throughout the U.S. Congress hasn't fared well with the American people. Why is that, in your opinion, and how do you address this issue as Congressman?

I think the media plays a significant role in generating this negative perception of Congress. For example, I have passed seven bills through the House – more than any other freshman – and this is largely due to my willingness to work across the aisle to produce results. Unfortunately, this bipartisan effort hardly ever gets any attention. The media rarely focuses on the instances when Members of Congress work together, instead covering political attacks and partisan gridlock. I think more members need to speak to one another, get to know each other and work together, so that they can then bring that message back to their districts. Changing the perception of Congress begins with us and the message we bring back to our communities, so I encourage among my colleagues a better effort towards this goal.

Would you encourage more active voter participation in your decision making as Congressman, using the advances of technology, like the Internet and other forms of communication?

I encourage my constituents to use all means available to communicate with me and my staff. In the last few years, the options for reaching elected officials have multiplied greatly to not only include traditional means like mail, email, and phone calls; but also Facebook and Twitter. My staff and I monitor all of these communication systems on a daily basis and work to answer all the concerns of my constituents in a timely and appropriate manner.

How did you become interested in the Greek-American community, and who introduced you to them?

Growing up in NYC, I had a lot of Greek friends and took a strong interest in the community. Also, being Italian, our cultures share a lot of qualities, like being hard-working and very family-oriented. When I decided to run for Congress and started to meet people in my district, I had the opportunity to meet with the thriving Greek community here in Staten Island and Brooklyn. I began meeting with the local leaders and became well-versed on the issues of importance to the Greek community. When I first came to Congress, I had the pleasure to meet Andy and Mike Manatos who communicate with me regularly on issues of importance. I am proud to be a member of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, and will continue to support legislative efforts on behalf of the Greek-American community in my district and throughout the country.

What are your thoughts on the Cyprus issue and what are some of the things you've done to support settlement efforts?

Visiting Cyprus was part of my first international trip as a Member of Congress, and Cyprus was a destination I was eager to view with my own eyes. During that visit I was fortunate to meet with Cypriot President Demetris Christofias, Foreign Minister Dr. Erato Kozakou-Marcoullis, and the head of the Greek Orthodox Church of Cyprus, Archbishop Chrysostomos II. Sadly, I also witnessed churches that had been desecrated by the Turks in Northern Cyprus. It was an experience that I will never forget. Legislation that I have cosponsored that specifically deals with Cyprus include H.Res.306 which urges the Republic of Turkey to safeguard its Christian heritage and to return confiscated church properties, and H.R. 2597, the American-Owned Property in Occupied Cyprus Claims Act, which would provide processes for remedies by which U.S. nationals can pursue financial restitution for the illegal use and occupation of their property located in Turkish-occupied Cyprus.

Do you consider Turkish provocations in the Aegean a threat to regional stability and international peace? Also, what actions have you taken or do you plan to take to encourage the US to take a stronger stance against this kind of irresponsible behavior?

While visiting Israel and Cyprus I learned about the vast energy potential in the Southern Aegean and the Mediterranean. I believe that the energy rights belong to the Republic of Cyprus and Israel. Any interference from Republic of Turkey should not be tolerated by the United States. I have cosponsored H.R. 1337 which supports efforts by the Department of State to strengthen the bilateral relationship with Greece. I have also cosponsored H.J.Res.83 which disapproves of the issuance of a letter of offer with respect to a certain proposed sale of defense articles and defense services to Turkey.

Are you aware of the state persecution against the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Turkey and what have you done to address this issue in Congress?

I am aware of the state persecution against the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Turkey. It is a top concern for many of my Greek-American constituents. I have cosponsored the following legislation:

H.Res.506, a resolution calling upon the Government of Turkey to facilitate the reopening of the Ecumenical Patriarchate's Theological School of Halki without condition or further delay

H.Res.180 which urges Turkey to respect the rights and religious freedoms of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

H.Res.306 which urges the Republic of Turkey to safeguard its Christian heritage and to return confiscated church properties.

I have also signed a bipartisan letter to President Obama on May 2011 urging him to put pressure on the government of the Republic of Turkey to ensure the fundamental religious freedoms of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Since the Bush Administration recognized FYROM as "Macedonia", the country has become more intransigent when it comes to territorial and cultural irredentism against Greece who is a major financial supporter in the region. What kind of action on the part of the US would you promote in order for a mutually acceptable solution to be facilitated?

In addition to being a member of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, I am also a cosponsor of H.Res.650 which expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia should work within the framework of the United Nations process with Greece to achieve longstanding U.S. and U.N. policy goals of finding a mutually acceptable name, for all uses, for the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.