Washington, Jan 5 (NationPress) Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, who serves as the Ranking Member of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, announced on Monday his decision to resign from this leadership position later this month. This marks the end of a significant three-year term that aligned with the committee's development phase.

"I have notified Leader Hakeem Jeffries of my plan to step down as Ranking Member of the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party later this month," Krishnamoorthi shared in a statement.

Reflecting on his role, he expressed appreciation to Democratic Leader Jeffries for the trust placed in him. "I am incredibly thankful for the confidence Leader Hakeem Jeffries placed in me to guide House Democrats on this Committee over the last three years," he stated, describing his appointment as the first South Asian American to lead a Congressional Committee, either as Chair or Ranking Member, as a part of Jeffries’ enduring legacy.

In his announcement, Krishnamoorthi also expressed gratitude to fellow lawmakers who participated in the committee during the 118th and 119th Congresses, acknowledging that their efforts often had "significant national and global repercussions."

Importantly, Krishnamoorthi is currently a candidate for the US Senate.

If successful, he would make history as the first Indian American elected to the US Senate.

While recognizing differences, he mentioned that members consistently collaborated, sought common ground, and prioritized enhancing America's long-term competitiveness and security.

Krishnamoorthi praised their "dedication, humility, and a steadfast sense of purpose."

Their initiatives extended beyond merely addressing challenges from the Chinese Communist Party; they also aimed at promoting policies that "unleash American innovation, safeguard workers and consumers, and ensure that the United States retains its position as the leading economic and technological superpower," he remarked.

"I take pride in what we achieved together," Krishnamoorthi concluded, highlighting the establishment of a "credible, bipartisan Committee" that bolstered US economic and national security while keeping competitiveness as its central focus.

He emphasized efforts to protect American innovation, ensure the security of vital supply chains, combat forced labor and economic coercion, and prevent US resources from being misused in ways that threaten the nation's security or values.

Describing the challenges posed by China as "one of the defining tests of our era," which spans economic, technological, and military realms, Krishnamoorthi stated that this endeavor requires "nuance and seriousness," as well as "practical and enforceable policy solutions" and a commitment to boost competitiveness "without yielding to fear or bias."

"I am confident that Leader Jeffries will choose an excellent successor," he remarked, expressing eagerness to collaborate closely with the new appointee to ensure that Democrats on the committee continue to promote policies that enable the United States to "compete and succeed while remaining firmly anchored in the values that define us."

The House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party was created to assess and address the long-term strategic challenges presented by China, concentrating on economic, technological, and national security issues.