Washington, Jan 5 (NationPress) House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced on Monday that Indian American Congressman Ro Khanna is set to replace Raja Krishnamoorthi as the Ranking Member of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party. Jeffries commended Krishnamoorthi for his exceptional leadership over the past three years.

In a statement, Jeffries highlighted Krishnamoorthi’s service, noting he led the committee “with grace and resolve” amid increasing scrutiny of U.S.-China relations.

Jeffries remarked that throughout Krishnamoorthi’s tenure, he “worked diligently and in a bipartisan way to enhance our global competitiveness and to advance American economic and national security interests.”

“Our nation is safer and more secure because of Raja’s commitment to public service,” Jeffries said, expressing gratitude on behalf of House Democrats for his leadership and unwavering dedication to the committee's work.

Earlier, Krishnamoorthi announced his intention to step down from the role later this month.

Reflecting on his tenure, he expressed pride in building a credible, bipartisan body focused on enhancing U.S. economic and national security while keeping American competitiveness at the forefront.

Jeffries stated that Khanna will assume the role of Ranking Member for the remainder of the Congress.

“I appreciate Congressman Ro Khanna for stepping up to lead House Democrats on the Select Committee as Ranking Member for the duration of the Congress,” he remarked.

Jeffries praised Khanna’s record, saying, “Through his work on the Committee and across Congress, Rep. Khanna has proven to be a champion for our nation and the health, safety, and well-being of the American people.”

He added that House Democrats thank Khanna for his “continued determination, strong sense of purpose, and commitment to the work needed to protect our economy, defend our national security, and advocate for human rights globally.”

This leadership change comes while the committee continues to focus on U.S. competitiveness and security in the context of China’s global influence.

During Krishnamoorthi’s leadership, the committee emphasized bipartisan cooperation, with members collaborating across party lines on issues impacting economic resilience, innovation, and national security.

In his farewell address, Krishnamoorthi characterized the challenge posed by China as “one of the defining tests of our time,” encompassing economic, technological, and military domains that do not yield easy solutions.

He emphasized that meeting that challenge demands “nuance and seriousness,” alongside practical, enforceable policy solutions and a commitment to enhancing American competitiveness “without falling prey to fear or prejudice.”

Krishnamoorthi expressed confidence in the committee’s future leadership, believing Jeffries would make “an excellent decision” in appointing his successor and looked forward to continuing collaboration with the committee’s Democratic leadership.

The House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party was established to address long-term strategic challenges posed by China and to recommend policy responses aimed at bolstering U.S. economic competitiveness and national security.

Since its inception, the committee has played a pivotal role in shaping congressional discussions on U.S.-China policy, emphasizing bipartisan engagement and sustained oversight.