On Tuesday, Representative Pramila Jayapal became the first South Asian American woman to preside over the House.
Jayapal was first elected to Congress in 2016, representing a district that covers most of Seattle. According to Vox.com she’s been at the forefront of advocacy for the Green New Deal and Medicare for all, along with other left wing priorities.
She tweeted that she was “beyond proud to serve in the most diverse Congress in our nation’s history and to hold the gavel”. Although Nancy Pelosi has been serving as Speaker of the House of Representatives since January 2019, members of the majority party, right now house democrats, have the opportunity to preside over the chamber in a rotation for the ceremonial position. An unprecedented 17 Asian Americans currently serve in the 116th Congress, with 14 in the House and three in the Senate according to TheHill.com.
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RE: Pramilla Jayapal becomes first South Asian American woman to preside over the House: Yay! About time! So proud of these Asians!! Our time is coming!! Never before have we been so public in politics and the arts. My own performance pieces have been met with standing ovations each time with many wanting to help get my creative non fiction work into schools, colleges, and theaters around the country. Book coming up!! Yes!!!