Pramila Jayapal becomes first South Asian American woman to preside over House

Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) broke barriers Tuesday as she took her turn holding the Speaker’s gavel, becoming the first South Asian American woman to ever preside over the House.

Jayapal, who was first elected in 2016, tweeted she was “beyond proud” to preside over the House and serve in the most diverse Congress in the nation’s history. House Democrats rotate for the ceremonial position of presiding over the chamber.

Today, I became the FIRST South Asian American woman to preside over the U.S. House of Representatives. Beyond proud to serve in the most diverse Congress in our nation’s history and to hold the gavel today. pic.twitter.com/IOgOYj8zxd

— Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal) June 4, 2019

The 116th Congress broke records with women and lawmakers crossing racial and religious barriers, including an all time high for Asian American lawmakers. 

A record number of 17 Asian Americans serve in Congress, with 14 in the House and three in the Senate.