Washington, November 5 (IANS) – The ‘Samosa Caucus, ’ a term coined in 2018, represents the Indian-American lawmakers who have made a significant mark in the U.S. Congress. With several Indian-Americans seeking re-election or eyeing new seats, there’s a strong possibility that the Caucus may expand in the coming months, reflecting the increasing influence of the Indian-American community in American politics.
What Is the ‘Samosa Caucus’?
The ‘Samosa Caucus’ is an informal term for a group of Indian-American legislators in the U.S. Congress, named after the popular Indian snack, the samosa. The term was coined by Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi from Illinois, who wanted to celebrate the growing influence of Indian-American lawmakers of South Asian descent.
Members of the 'Samosa Caucus'
Dalip Singh Saund: The pioneer, elected in 1957, was the first Indian-American in Congress, representing California’s House district.
Bobby Jindal: Elected in 2004 from Louisiana, Jindal served two terms in the House before moving on to become the Governor of Louisiana.
Ami Bera: Representing California, Bera has served since 2013 and is known for his contributions to healthcare and foreign policy issues.
Raja Krishnamoorthi: Serving Illinois since 2017, he coined the term "Samosa Caucus" and has focused on education and economic policy.
Pramila Jayapal: The first Indian-American woman elected to the House, Jayapal represents Washington State and is a prominent voice on progressive issues.
Ro Khanna: Representing California, Khanna is known for his work in technology and defense policy.
Kamala Harris: Now Vice President of the United States, Harris was the first Indian-American elected to the U.S. Senate, representing California.
Shree Thanedar: Elected in 2021, Thanedar took the Caucus membership back to five following Harris’s move to the executive branch.
Possible New Member: Suhas Subramanyam
Suhas Subramanyam, an Indian-American candidate in a competitive district in Virginia, is viewed as a strong contender for Congress. If elected, he would bring the Caucus to six members, further strengthening the voice of Indian-Americans in U.S. legislation.
The Role and Influence of the ‘Samosa Caucus’
Members of the Samosa Caucus work on issues pertinent to both the Indian-American community and broader U.S. interests, including foreign policy, economic reforms, healthcare, and educational access. Their influence is seen as symbolic of the larger role Indian-Americans play in shaping American policy, bridging cultural ties, and advocating for diversity and inclusivity in government.
Why This Matters for U.S.-India Relations
The growing presence of Indian-American lawmakers in Congress is also seen as a bridge for U.S.-India relations. As more Indian-Americans enter the political sphere, there is potential for stronger diplomatic and cultural ties between the two nations. The Samosa Caucus is not only a symbol of the Indian diaspora’s achievements but also a testament to the importance of diversity in American politics.
The upcoming elections are a crucial moment for the Samosa Caucus, as they work to sustain and expand their representation, symbolizing the significant strides Indian-Americans have made in U.S. politics.