Indian Americans Congressional Reps Thrilled With ‘Samosa Caucus’ Growing
India-West Staff Reporter
WASHINGTON, DC – The 119th Congress marks a historic moment with the largest representation of Indian Americans in U.S. history, as six Indian American lawmakers now serve in the House of Representatives. Representatives Ami Bera (CA-06), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), and Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) celebrated this milestone as a testament to their community’s growing political influence.
“When I first took office in 2013, I was the only Indian American Member of Congress and just the third in our nation’s history,” said Representative Bera. “Since then, I’ve worked to ensure we expand our representation. Over the past decade, I’ve been joined by incredible colleagues like Representatives Jayapal, Khanna, Krishnamoorthi, and Thanedar. With the election of Representative Subramanyam, we’ve grown to a record six members, a proud moment for the Indian American community.”
Jayapal, the first and only Indian American woman ever elected to the House, shared her personal journey: “I came to the U.S. alone at 16, with nothing but my parents’ sacrifices and their belief in the opportunities this country offers. Today, as one of six Indian Americans in Congress, I’m thrilled to welcome Representative Subramanyam and look forward to working with my colleagues in the growing ‘Samosa Caucus’ to serve our constituents and the Indian American community.”
Khanna, Co-Chair of the India Caucus, highlighted the significance of this diverse Congress. “It’s an honor to serve alongside a record number of Indian Americans and to welcome Representative Subramanyam. Together, we’ll continue strengthening America’s defense and strategic partnership with India,” he said.
Krishnamoorthi, who coined the term “Samosa Caucus,” reflected on the group’s growth. “Eight years ago, I introduced this term to celebrate our dynamic team of Indian American lawmakers. Today, we welcome Representative Subramanyam as the newest member. Together, we’ll work to serve our constituents and inspire future generations of Indian Americans to pursue public service.”
Thanedar shared his immigrant journey: “I arrived in America from India with just $20 in my pocket, driven by a belief in hard work and opportunity. Now, as a member of Congress, I’m committed to promoting the American Dream for others like me and supporting both my constituents in Michigan and the Indian American community nationwide.”
Subramanyam, the first Indian American to represent Virginia in Congress, reflected on his historic swearing-in. “My parents, who immigrated over 50 years ago, watched me take the oath of office as the first Indian American to represent Virginia and the East Coast. My story is a testament to the opportunities America offers, and I’m proud to serve alongside my Indian American colleagues. While I may be the first from Virginia, I’m confident I won’t be the last.”
The six Indian American lawmakers were officially sworn into the 119th Congress on January 3, 2025, symbolizing a new era of representation and advocacy for the community.
Harbans Lal
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I came to the USA in 1956 when there was almost no Indian diaspora. Those few who were in North America worked hard to facilitate the future inroads of the Indo-Pakistani diaspora. They served as ambassadors of India in the USA. Their American neighbors soon gained so much goodwill that they succeeded in getting a representative in the American Congress. Sardar Dalip Singh Saund was elected to the US House of Representatives in 1956 from California’s Imperial Valley.
January 14, 2025