The "Samosa Caucus" marks a historic milestone in U.S. politics as it reflects the growing influence and diversity within the House of Representatives.

On January 4, six Indian-Americans were sworn in as members of the U.S. House of Representatives, marking a significant milestone for the Indian-American community. This is the largest representation of Indian-origin members in Congress to date and it reflects the growing influence of this ethnic group in U.S. politics.

Collectively, they have come to be known as the 'Samosa Caucus,' a term coined by Raja Krishnamoorthi.

The Samosa Caucus

The six members, now part of the Samosa Caucus, include Ami Bera, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ro Khanna, Pramila Jayapal, Jeremy Cooney and Shri Thanedar.

Bera is the senior-most member in this group, having been sworn in for the seventh consecutive term as the representative of California’s 7th Congressional District. His long tenure signifies his influence in the House and his importance within this expanding coalition of Indian-American lawmakers.

Krishnamoorthi, representing Illinois' 8th Congressional District, continues his prominent role, serving as the Ranking Member of the China Committee and holding membership in the House Intelligence Committee.

Khanna, from California’s 17th Congressional District, is also known for his significant contributions to various House committees. All three of these members have now taken the oath for their fifth consecutive term.

Jayapal, who represents Washington state’s 7th Congressional District, is another key member of this caucus. She made history as the first Indian-American woman to be elected to the House of Representatives. As a leader within a progressive group of lawmakers, Jayapal plays an influential role in shaping policy discussions on the national stage.

The newest addition to this group is Subramaniam, who was elected to represent Virginia’s 10th Congressional District. His arrival marks an exciting development for the Indian-American community, further strengthening its representation in Congress.

Thanedar, who represents Michigan’s 13th Congressional District, is another new face in the Samosa Caucus. Thanedar is eager to contribute to the legislative process and serve the interests of his constituents.

A Long Road to Representation

The history of Indian-American representation in Congress dates back to 1957 when Dalip Singh Saund became the first Indian-American elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Saund, who served as a member of the Democratic Party, made history as the first Sikh elected to the position, serving three consecutive terms.

It took nearly fifty years before another Indian-American, Bobby Jindal, entered the House in 2005. Jindal went on to become the governor of Louisiana, making history as the first Indian-American to hold such a position. He remains the only Indian-American elected to the House on a Republican ticket.

As these representatives continue to serve their constituents and advocate for important issues, their collective influence will likely play an increasingly crucial role in shaping the direction of U.S. politics in the years to come.