Washington, Nov 18 (PTI) Democratic Congressman from New York Hakeem Jeffries, who is likely to succeed Nancy Pelosi as the party’s leader in the House of Representatives next year, will be a “tremendous leader” for the Indian-American community, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said on Friday.
“I know Chairman Hakeem Jeffries well, and I am confident he will be a tremendous leader for the Indian-American community,” Krishnamoorthi told PTI in an interview after news came out that the Democratic Congressman from New York would be the House Minority leader in the next Congress beginning January.
Pelosi, 82, said on Thursday that she will not seek a leadership position in the new Congress, ending a historic run as the first woman with the gavel and making way for a new generation to steer the party after Democrats lost control of the House to Republicans in the midterm elections. At the same time, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn also announced their decision to step down from their leadership position and have endorsed Jeffries for House Minority Leader.
If elected, Jeffries, 52, would be the first Black person to lead a party in Congress.
“I am proud to endorse Hakeem Jeffries to serve as the next House Democratic Minority Leader,” he said in response to a question.
“I have spoken to Hakeem at length about the many important issues impacting the health and prosperity of the diaspora, and he keenly understands the need to implement high skilled immigration reform, to grow small businesses, and to further expand and enhance the US-India relationship,” Krishnamoorthi said.
He said that Jeffries is an Associate Member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), which is truly special given that he is not of Asian origin, and this has given him a strong appreciation for the unique traditions and customs of religious, ethnic, and cultural minorities that make up the diverse community.
“Indian-Americans, and all South Asians, already contribute greatly to the economic and social fabric of this country. However, they are also one of the fastest growing groups in America. Nobody understands this better than Hakeem Jeffries, and under his leadership, opportunities for our community will flourish,” Krishnamoorthi said.
CNN said Jeffries would represent a generational change from the current triumvirate of House Democratic leaders, who are three decades older than him.
He became the chairman of the Democratic caucus in 2019, making him the youngest member serving in leadership.
In a statement, Jeffries praised Pelosi but made no mention of his new role.
“Nancy Pelosi’s historic ascension to become the first woman Speaker of the House will forever inspire our nation on the power of possibility. It has been a tremendous honour to twice place her name in nomination for Speaker of the House on behalf of the Democratic Caucus. For decades, the Speaker shaped House Democrats in her image and transformed us into a mighty instrument for positive change,” he said.
Jeffries refrained from responding to questions on these issues.
“Let’s spend the day at this moment continuing to process the historic nature of Speaker Pelosi and the opportunity that we’ve all had to serve with her,” he told reporters.
“It’s been an amazing experience. This is a moment right now to continue to celebrate Speaker Pelosi,” he said in response to a question. PTI LKJ RUP AKJ RUP
This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.