US lawmakers greet India on its 70th Independence Day

On the occasion of India's 70th Independence Day, top Americam lawmakers has said that India has now solidified its role as a regional and global power.
"This Independence Day let us celebrate not only India's rich cultural heritage but its bright future and the continuing strength of US-India relations," said Democratic Senator Robert Menendez from New Jersey.
"Let us recognise that India, home to one of the world's most diverse and populous democracies, has seen rapid economic growth in the last twenty years and has solidified its role as a regional and global power," Menendez said.
"Today, one of the US's great allies, India, celebrates 70 years of independence," tweeted Congressman Gregory Meeks.

"The US celebrates with them!" he said.
"Happy Indian Independence Day to the largest democracy on earth! US-India ties must remain strong to protect our homeland and grow our economy," tweeted Senator Mark Kirk from Illinois.

Congresswoman Grace Ming from New York also tweeted to greet India, Pakistan and South Korea on the occasion of their Independence Day.
In a statement, Congressman Frank Pallone congratulated the people of India on this occasion.
"India is a dynamic and important US ally, an influential leader on the international stage, and an important player in the world economy," he said.
"As a representative of one of the largest Indian-American constituencies in the US, and co-founder and former chairman of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Issues, I strongly support strengthening the US-India partnership. I look forward to our continued work together on global strategic, economic, and environmental issues," Pallone said.

Earlier this year, Pallone introduced a resolution expressing the sense of Congress that India should have a permanent seat on the United Nation's Security Council.
The resolution would put the US House of Representatives officially on record in support of India's bid.
Democratic Congressman from California Xavier Becerra tweeted a picture of his along with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi when the latter visited US this Summer to wish people of India happy Independence Day.
Meanwhile, a large number of Indian-Americans attended the Independence Day celebrations at the residence of the Indian Ambassador to the US, Arun K Singh.
In addition to normal committees, Jayapal will serve as a

Senior Whip for the House Democrats and as a Vice Chair for the Congressional Progressive caucus. As a Senior Whip, Jayapal will play a key role in mobilising her Democratic colleagues, discussing upcoming legislation with them, and coordinating legislative strategy with the leadership.
"I'm pleased to welcome Rep Jayapal to Congress and to my whip team," said Steny Hoyer, the Democratic Whip in the House
Of Representatives. "She's hit the ground running since her arrival, and she's already hard at work representing the people of Washington's Seventh District, drawing on her experience as a state legislator and an advocate for social justice," he said.

As a leader in the progressive Caucus, Jayapal will fight for policy solutions like a USD 15 per hour national minimum wage, comprehensive immigration reform, debt-free college, criminal justice reform, protecting women's reproductive rights and gun violence reform, a media release said.
In the Judiciary Committee, Jayapal said she looks forward to bringing her passion and experience to immigration reform, real criminal justice reform, women's reproductive rights, voting rights, and civil liberties,
"In the 115th Congress, I pledge to fight for our progressive values, and block the Trump administration's plans to deport vulnerable undocumented immigrants, create a Muslim registry and violate our civil rights and civil liberties," Jayapal said.

Raja Krishnamoorthi, who will serve on the House Education and Workforce Committee along with the powerful House Democratic Policy and Steering Committee, said his committee assignments will focus on job creation and affordable higher education.
The House Democratic Policy and Steering Committee administers the House Democratic Caucus. Krishnamoorthi was appointed to the committee by House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi.
This is the highest number of Indian-Americans in the history of the US Congress.