Pramila Jayapal Makes History As First Indian-American Woman To Preside Over Session Of US House Of Representatives

Democratic Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, who was born in Chennai, has created history by becoming the first Indian-American woman to preside over a session of the lower house of the US Congress, the US House of Representatives, reports NDTV.

Jayapal expressed her happiness over achievement on Twitter, saying that she was “beyond proud” to have presided over a session of the House and also for being part of the historically most diverse Congress.

Generally, it is the Speaker of the House who presides over its sessions, with that currently being Nancy Pelosi. However, members of the majority party can also preside over sessions from time to time.

Jayapal is a member of the House from Washington’s 7th Congressional district, and had received the support of well-known democrats such as Bernie Sanders during her campaign. Prior to joining politics, she had worked as a financial analyst, later switching to a role as a social activist working towards a variety of different causes internationally.