Indian American lawmakers elected to powerful Congressional caucus

Two Indian-American lawmakers -- Pramila Jayapal and Ro Khanna -- have been elected to leadership positions of a powerful Congressional Caucus.

Jayapal, the first Indian-American Congresswoman, has been elected as co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), along with Congressman Mark Pocan.

The elections for the largest caucus within the House Democratic Caucus - which will have more than 90 members - was held on Thursday, which also saw California Rep Ro Khanna elected to replace Jayapal as first vice chair of the CPC for the 116th Congress beginning January 2019.

Both Jayapal, who represents Washington and Khanna, representing Silicon Valley, were re-elected to the House of Representatives for their second consecutive term during the mid-term polls held on November 6.

 

In the outgoing Congress, Jayapal was the First Vice Chair of the CPC.

Established in 1991, the CPC aims to reflect the "diversity and strength" of the American people and seeks to "give voice to" the needs and aspirations of all Americans and to "build a more just and humane" society.

"I am committed to ensuring our caucus is as bold and strategic as possible, and that our members have the resources and the ability to stand up for the chance for every American to have real opportunity, to take on the largest corporations and special interests who have corrupted our democracy and to bring real power to workers, women, immigrants and all of those most vulnerable and marginalized," Jayapal said after her election.

"The progressive movement is the strongest it has ever been and I, along with Rep Pocan and the entire CPC Leadership, look forward to leveraging that power to deliver policies that benefit a diverse, inclusive and just America," she said.

The American people sent a Blue Wave powered by progressives to Capitol Hill and we fully intend to respect the electorate's decision by presenting a bold, forward-looking agenda, said Pocan.

"I am excited to welcome Rep. Jayapal as a Co-Chair of the Caucus and with progressives in Democratic leadership, we will continue to advance our ideas and shape policies that make a lasting and positive difference on the lives of the American people, he said.

The four core principles of the CPC are fighting for economic justice and security for all; protecting and preserving civil rights and civil liberties, promoting global peace and security; and advancing environmental protection and energy independence.