Representative Ro Khanna is a leading progressive voice in the House working to democratize the digital economy, bring advanced manufacturing jobs to factory towns, and advance U.S. leadership on climate, human rights, and diplomacy around the world.
Khanna proudly represents California’s 17th Congressional District, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, and is serving in his third term. He sits on the House Agriculture, Armed Services, and Oversight and Reform committees, where he chairs the Environmental Subcommittee. Khanna is also the Deputy Whip of the Congressional Progressive Caucus; serves as an Assistant Whip for the Democratic Caucus and is the Democratic Vice Chair of the House Caucus on India and Indian Americans.
Civil Rights
The 21st century has brought new challenges to American citizens' inalienable civil rights and liberties. We must face these challenges head on, and I will defend the freedoms of all Americans. I will protect the freedom of religion and work hard to improve measures that prevent profiling in law enforcement.
LGBTQ+ Equality
I am a proud member of both the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus and the Transgender Equality Task Force. I believe that no person should be discriminated based on sexual orientation or gender identity. I will support and advocate for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning, and others (LGBTQ+) community by fighting to end workplace discrimination, youth homelessness, school bullying, and health care disparities.
Though we have made great gains recently, the fight is not over. We must continue to make progress toward equal rights for all. I will advocate to preserve and expand protections to end harmful practices that disproportionately affect the LGBTQ community, as well as fight any attempts to roll back these potentially life-saving measures.
Voting Rights
In 2013, the Supreme Court struck down a key provision of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. While I have the utmost respect for the independence of our judiciary, I firmly believe that we need strong protections like this to safeguard the catalyst of our democracy. Voting is fundamental right and should be an easy and safe process for all eligible Americans.
Modern-day voter suppression occurs when states enact discriminatory voter ID laws and when partisan politicians draw up districts in their favor. I oppose any restrictions on the right to vote and support independent redistricting commissions that ensure all Americans have an equal say in their government.
Women’s Rights
Women are crucial to driving innovation, growth, and prosperity in our country, and I will advocate for women’s rights both nationally and internationally. I support a woman’s right to choose and I will continue to push for accessible and affordable health care for all.
Women are underrepresented in some workplaces, particularly in STEM careers, leadership positions, and Congress. I will fight to change this by supporting more training opportunities for women in male-dominated fields and improved access to STEM education programs for girls.
Employment policies have been unfair to women for too long. There should be equal pay for equal work. I support paid parental leave, access to affordable childcare, and the implementation of comprehensive guidelines for filing equal-pay lawsuits.
Click here to learn more about the bills that I introduced and cosponsored.