Biography
Ro Khanna is a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives, serving California's 17th congressional district since January 3, 2017. Born on September 13, 1976, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he is the son of Indian immigrants from Punjab. Khanna is a prominent progressive voice in Congress, focusing on revitalizing American manufacturing, advancing technology leadership, and promoting climate action and human rights.
Education and Political Experience
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Education:
- Bachelor of Arts in Economics with honors from the University of Chicago, 1998
- Juris Doctor from Yale Law School, 2001
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Political Experience:
- Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce under President Barack Obama
- Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2016; re-elected in subsequent terms
- Vice Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus
- Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Cyber, Innovative Technologies, and Information Systems
- Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans
- Member of the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party
- Former Chair of the House Oversight Environmental Subcommittee
Notable Achievements
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Legislation:
- Authored the Internet Bill of Rights to protect online privacy and net neutrality
- Introduced a universal childcare bill capping costs at $10 per day for families earning under $250,000 annually
- Co-authored the Endless Frontier Act, leading to significant investments in science and technology
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Advocacy:
- Led hearings investigating the role of major oil companies in climate change misinformation
- Advocated for free speech, expressing concerns over social media censorship
- Opposed the overturning of Roe v. Wade, emphasizing the importance of reproductive rights
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Constituent Services:
- Recognized for outstanding workplace culture and constituent services by the Congressional Management Foundation
Khanna continues to champion policies aimed at economic revitalization, technological innovation, and social justice, reflecting his commitment to progressive values and effective governance.
