District: Nevada’s 3rd Congressional District (Clark County, Las Vegas, Henderson and Boulder City)

Committee/Leadership Assignments: Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials - Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment), Education and Labor Committee (Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness - Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education) and Homeland Security Committee (Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response - Subcommittee on Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection)

Contact: Phone (202) 225-3252, (702) 387-4941, Fax: (202) 225-2185, (702) 837-0728

webpage: http://titus.house.gov/index.shtml

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

The economic situation is still difficult for many Americans, especially in my home state of Nevada. We have, however, begun to see signs that the economy has hit the bottom and is starting to turn around. When I was sworn into office last year on my grandfather’s Greek bible, our country was losing more than 700,000 jobs a month. Now, we are beginning to see job creation. It’s not enough and we must continue to do more, but we are moving in the right direction thanks to our efforts such as the Recovery Act, which made critical investments in infrastructure and education, and provides tax cuts for families and small businesses.

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

obs and the economy are at the forefront as is the case in many communities across the country. I am working in Congress to focus on efforts to invest in Nevada’s abundant renewable energy resources that will diversify our economy and lead to the next wave of innovation and job creation.

Another critical issue facing my district is the foreclosure crisis. Southern Nevada is ground zero. That is why I was one of the first congressional offices to help homeowners on an individual basis. I have heard from too many people who can’t get in touch with their lenders, had their paperwork lost, or been incorrectly told they don’t qualify for help. I have devoted significant resources from my office to help homeowners, who through no fault of their own, are at risk of foreclosure and need someone to fight on their behalf.

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

I believe we are seeing a greater polarization than we have in the past, and it has contributed to the gridlock in Washington. But we must find ways to work together to make real progress for the American people. Our nation faces a number of serious challenges. We cannot afford to play partisan games aimed at scoring political points. We must find common ground and move our country forward on the major issues concerning the security and well-being of the American people.

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 the issue as member of Congress?

I understand the frustration of the American people. These are challenging times and we have just suffered from the greatest recession in a generation. People are concerned about their economic security – will they be able to pay their mortgage, afford to send their child to college, or retire with dignity. I am doing all I can to change how Washington works. I have supported efforts to block pay raises for Members of Congress, give all Americans the same kinds of health care choices as members of Congress, and restore rules that require Congress to save a dollar to spend a dollar. I have also cosponsored a number of bills with members of the other party and work with the bipartisan Nevada delegation on issues facing our state. The American people need to know that we are here fighting for them, not just going along with business as usual.

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

The foundation of a strong democracy is participation by its citizens. I encourage everyone to get involved in the process and make their voices heard. I have used technology and the Internet to reach out to my constituents. My website includes a web page that allows people from the Third District to share their stories with me on their housing situation. If their lenders are ignoring them and losing their paperwork, I want to hear about it so we can hold them accountable.

As a member of the Education and Labor Committee, I will be focusing on the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, better known as the No Child Left Behind Act. On my website, parents, educators, or concerned individuals can send me ideas or suggestions on how we need to fix this important legislation.

In addition to using technology, I also have worked to meet face to face with my constituents. I have held nearly a dozen Congress on the Corner events where I sit outside a grocery store for a few hours and people can talk to their Congresswoman and buy their Girl Scout cookies at the same time. I have also held housing workshops, telephone town halls, and workshops on a variety of topics.

Being Greek American, what does it mean to you?

My Greek heritage has always been close to my heart and an important part of my life. I didn’t have the privilege of living in a large Greek community, but I was very close to my grandfather, Arthur Costandinos Cathones, for whom I am named. He came to the U.S. through Ellis Island in 1911. Since there was no church or Greek school in my hometown of Tifton, Georgia, my grandfather taught me to count, say a few words, and write the alphabet in Greek and introduced me to wonderful Greek food and culture and values. As an adult, I have traveled to Greece many times and last year had the wonderful honor of representing the U.S. at the opening of the fabulous new Acropolis Museum in Athens.

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

I am very concerned with the current status in Cyprus. The attitude and actions of Turkey are both unlawful and unfair. It is time for the world community to work together to find a way to bring a fair solution to this issue. I have been working hard to support the Cypriots. I have signed letters to both President Barack Obama and Secretary Clinton asking them to support a fair and quick resolution to the disagreement. I also had the opportunity to meet with Demetris Christofias, President of Cyprus, just last year to discuss his perspective on the situation and what can be done to bring a swift resolution to this issue. For far too long, native Cypriots have been denied access to their homes and their past. It is far past time for Ankara to negotiate in good faith and agree to a fair solution.

With a new leader in the Turkish occupied area in Cyprus, I will continue to work with my colleagues and the White House to push Turkey for a just solution. I am concerned that Dervis Eroglu, the newly elected President, has a long history of supporting permanent unjust separation and not a fair solution.

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?

I am very concerned about Turkey’s actions in the Aegean. It is vital that the European and world communities address these actions before they lead to bigger problems. It must be made clear to Turkey that violating the sovereignty of other nations will not be taken lightly by the world community. I had the opportunity to meet with Prime Minister George Papandreou several times in the past year and we discussed the importance of Turkey ending these potentially provocative actions. I offered to be of any assistance that would be helpful in this important endeavor.

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 was fortunate to have the opportunity to meet with His All Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew during his recent visit to Washington. During his visit he addressed political and religious freedoms in Turkey. I was very inspired by his commitment to world issues including religious freedom and climate change. I am committed to ensuring the Patriarch has complete political and religious freedoms and will continue to work with my colleagues to encourage Turkey to provide all of these basic freedoms, as well as to allow the Church to reopen the Halki Seminary. I am proud to be a cosponsor of House Resolution 236 which urges Turkey to respect the rights and 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?

I disagree with President Bush’s decision to recognize FYROM as “Macedonia.” I am a firm believer that this is not an appropriate description of the region. Every implication that arises with the word “Macedonia” belongs to Greeks. It is important that this distinction is clarified in world organizations such as the United Nations. I believe that the United States should take a position on this issue to further regional growth and cooperation.