Pramila Jayapal

On November 8, 2016, Pramila Jayapal was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for the first time. She won the seat in Washington's 7th congressional district, becoming the first Indian-American woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Jayapal, a member of the Democratic Party, was previously a state senator in Washington and is known for her work on immigration reform and advocating for progressive policies.

On January 3, 2017, Pramila Jayapal was officially sworn into the 115th United States Congress. As a newly elected representative for the 7th district of Washington, she took her oath of office and began her term. Jayapal focused on issues such as healthcare reform, immigration, and social justice during her campaign, and continued to work on these issues as a member of the House of Representatives.

On July 19, 2018, Pramila Jayapal was arrested at a protest in Washington, D.C. against the Trump administration's immigration policies. The protest took place in the Hart Senate Office Building and included demands to end the family separation policy. Jayapal, who had been a vocal critic of the administration's immigration stance, was involved in a sit-in alongside hundreds of other protesters.

Pramila Jayapal became the Co-Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus on February 27, 2019. In this role, she worked alongside other progressive leaders to advocate for policies such as Medicare for All, a Green New Deal, and comprehensive immigration reform. The Congressional Progressive Caucus is one of the largest caucuses within the Democratic Party, working to push progressive legislation forward.

On May 1, 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Pramila Jayapal introduced the Paycheck Recovery Act, a bold legislative proposal aimed at curbing mass layoffs by covering payroll and operating costs for businesses. The plan was designed to allow businesses to maintain their workforce so that workers could continue to receive their wages and benefits, thereby helping to stabilize the economy during the ensuing crisis.

On February 23, 2021, Representative Pramila Jayapal introduced the Medicare for All Act of 2021, aiming to establish a single-payer healthcare system in the United States. This ambitious legislation sought to provide comprehensive health benefits to all Americans, removing barriers to care. It was backed by several other lawmakers who believed in redefining America's approach to healthcare.

On August 24, 2021, Pramila Jayapal played a crucial role in advancing the Build Back Better Act through the House. As a leader in the negotiations, she was instrumental in getting progressive support for the bill, which aimed to invest trillions in infrastructure, social services, and climate change measures. Jayapal emphasized the importance of the act in addressing inequalities and advancing progressive values.

On March 1, 2022, Pramila Jayapal gave a critical speech regarding the United States' military budget during a Progressive Caucus talk. She argued that the large spending on military should instead be redirected towards social welfare and public health initiatives. Jayapal called for more investments in healthcare, education, and combating climate change, aligning with the caucus' priorities.

On September 13, 2022, Pramila Jayapal addressed the impacts of the Inflation Reduction Act, expressing support for its measures aimed at reducing prescription drug prices and investing in clean energy. Her commentary highlighted the significance of these provisions in easing economic burdens on working families and advancing environmental protection. Jayapal had been a strong advocate for incorporating these elements into the bill.

On January 29, 2023, Pramila Jayapal publicly condemned acts of antisemitism after an incident at a synagogue in her district. She emphasized the importance of unity and tolerance, urging community healing and stronger protections against hate crimes. Jayapal's response was part of her ongoing activism against discrimination and her commitment to fostering inclusive communities for all individuals regardless of background or faith.