# Pramila Jayapal

Pramila Jayapal ( born September 21, 1965) is an American politician serving as the U.S. representative from Washington's 7th congressional district since 2017. A member of the Democratic Party, she represents most of Seattle, as well as some suburban areas of King County. Jayapal represented the 37th legislative district in the Washington State Senate from 2015 to 2017. She is the first Indian-American woman to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives. The district's first female member of Congress, she is also the first Asian American to represent Washington at the federal level.
Jayapal co-chaired the Congressional Progressive Caucus from 2019 to 2021, henceforth serving as chair. She serves on both the Judiciary Committee and Budget Committee.

## Quotes

* My beautiful, now 22-year-old child told me last year that they were gender nonconforming. The only thought I wake up with every day is: My child is free. My child is free to be who they are, and in that freedom comes a responsibility for us as legislators to protect that freedom.
* As I listened to some of you today, I was struck by this push to presume that these provisions would somehow be manipulated or used by people in ways that would hurt existing sex protections. It occurred to me that we are talking about fear versus love; we are talking about fear versus freedom.
** April 2, 2019, during a hearing on the Equality Act
* To the protesters, I stand in solidarity with you. Stay vigilant to what is happening around you, record instances of injustice with detail, and continue responding to violence with non-violence. You are on the right side of history.
** Jayapal Statement On DHS’ Unnecessary and Provocative Deployment of Federal Agents (July 25, 2020)
* As one of the 1 in 4 women in this country who have chosen to have an abortion, I am outraged & disgusted by the reported draft SCOTUS opinion.
** The Fate of Abortion Access in Washington If Roe v. Wade Is Overturned (May 3, 2022)
* We unequivocally condemn Hamas’ shocking and horrifying terrorist attack on Israel. This is the worst perpetration of violence inflicted on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. Our hearts are with those who were tragically killed and their loved ones who mourn their loss. We also continue to hope for the safe return of those who were taken hostage by Hamas, including American citizens, and stand ready to support your Administration in bringing them home.
* We strongly believe that Israel’s response must take into account the millions of innocent civilians in Gaza who themselves are victims of Hamas and are suffering the consequences of their terror campaign. However this current conflict plays out, we feel strongly that the US government and the global community must continue the tough work to achieve lasting peace in the region. The future and safety of Israelis and Palestinians are intertwined. We cannot achieve lasting peace and security for Israelis without addressing the humanitarian crises in Gaza and the West Bank.
** in Schakowsky, Pocan, Jayapal, McGovern Lead 55 Members in Letter Condemning Hamas Attacks, Urging Protection of Innocent Civilian Lives (October 13, 2023)
* It is outrageous. I am embarrassed for those Democrats who voted to censure their own colleague. Who voted against free speech. It is an embarrassment.
** according to Tensions boil over as Democrats’ Israel divide deepens (November 8, 2023)

## Quotes about Pramila Jayapal

* While the election of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to Congress has received much attention, she is far from the only congressional victory we have achieved. In addition to Alexandria, strong young progressives like Rashida Tlaib, of Michigan, and Chuy García, of Illinois, were also elected in 2018. They will join Pramila Jayapal, of Washington, and Nanette Diaz Barragán, of California, who were elected in 2016 with the strong support of the progressive community.
** Bernie Sanders, Where We Go from Here (2018)
* Four of the most dynamic women of color in Congress – representatives Pramila Jayapal, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib – have endorsed Bernie.
** Barbara Smith I helped coin the term 'identity politics'. I'm endorsing Bernie Sanders (Mon 10 Feb 2020 11.15 GMT)

## See also

* Robert_Mueller_Testimony_before_House_Judiciary_Committee#Pramila_Jayapal,_Washington

## External links

* Full Jayapal: 'There are racists within the Netanyahu government' (NBC News) Kristen Welker host of Meet the Press interviews Jayapal