Majority Whip James E. Clyburn says Krishnamoorthi will play a critical role as an assistant whip.
House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn has named Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Illionis, as an assistant whip for the 116th Congress. As an assistant whip, Krishnamoorthi would be responsible for helping the whip operation get an accurate read on where members of the caucus stand on certain pieces of legislation.
“I am honored to be selected for the Assistant Whip position,” the Illinois Democrat said in a press release. “This position is integral in rallying my colleagues together to pass important legislation. I look forward to bringing our diverse caucus together so that we can continue to pass legislation that will deliver meaningful results for working families across America.”
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The assistant whips work with members of the caucus to answer any questions or address any concerns that members may have with upcoming bills. Speaking about the new appointment, Clyburn said: “I’m pleased that Congressman Krishnamoorthi will be joining my Whip team as an Assistant Whip for the 116th Congress. Congressman Krishnamoorthi will play a critical role in my Whip operation, helping us ensure that every voice of the most diverse Caucus ever is heard as we consider legislation to move our country in a positive direction. I look forward to working with Congressman Krishnamoorthi to ensure that Democrats deliver on their promise to advance an agenda that will have a positive impact on Americans’ everyday lives.”
Krishnamoorthi, who is currently serving his second term, represents the 8th congressional district of Illinois. In his new position Krishnamoorthi will be working along with other assistant whips appointed by the House Majority Whip.
Last month, Krishnamoorthi was named as the chairman of the House Oversight Committee’s Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy. He is the first person of South Asian descent to chair a congressional committee or subcommittee.