CAPAC Members Applaud Nomination of Richard Rahul Verma as Ambassador to India
Washington, DC – Yesterday, President Obama announced his intent to nominate Richard Rahul Verma as the Ambassador to the Republic of India. If confirmed, Mr. Verma would be the first Indian-American to hold this post. Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements:
Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair: “I congratulate Richard Rahul Verma on his historic nomination and applaud President Obama for his continued commitment to diversifying the federal workforce. America’s relationship with India is a significant one, with growing strategic, economic, and cultural ties between our two countries. As a decorated veteran with strong expertise in human rights and national security, I am confident Mr. Verma will be an excellent Ambassador for the American people. Moreover, his nomination to this post is an important milestone for the Indian-American community, and one to be proud of. I urge the Senate to move quickly on his nomination.”
Congressman Mike Honda (CA-17), CAPAC Chair Emeritus: “I applaud the President’s decision to nominate Richard Rahul Verma to serve as our country’s next Ambassador to India. I am confident that Mr. Verma's extensive experience with foreign policy in the public and private sectors will make him an outstanding representative for our nation. As a member of Congress who represents one of the largest Indian American populations in this country, I believe that Mr. Verma's unique perspective as an Indian American will allow him to better appreciate the intricacies and nuances of our critical partnership with the Indian government. I am proud that the President had the insight to nominate such a qualified and credible individual to one of the most important diplomatic posts in the world.”
Congressman Joseph Crowley (NY-14), Co-Chair of Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans: “With over two decades of senior foreign policy experience, Rich Verma is a skilled and accomplished professional who will make an excellent ambassador to India. From his time serving in the Air Force to high-ranking positions in government, Rich brings with him a wealth of experience. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Rich for many years, and I deeply value his expertise and judgment. He is committed to building the U.S.-India relationship, has access to the highest levels of the White House, and is exactly who we need at the helm as we look to further strengthen U.S.-India relations. I look forward to continuing to work with him.”
Congressman Ami Bera (CA-07): “We are at a critical time for growing U.S.-India relations, and Richard Verma is an experienced professional who will make an outstanding ambassador at such an important moment. He has many years of foreign policy experience as a high ranking official with the U.S. Department of State, as an advisor in both the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives, and during his years in the U.S. Air Force. I have worked with him personally and trust in both his capabilities and his judgment. Most importantly, I know he understands the importance of strengthening the U.S.-India partnership, and I look forward to working with him toward that goal as he takes on this new role.”
Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02): “The relationship between the United States and India is of critical importance, and we need an Ambassador who understands India, and who can grow our friendship and advance our shared interests. I'd like to congratulate Mr. Verma on his nomination to fill this role and represent our nation to the people of India. His vast experience in public service will serve him well. I wish him the best as he moves forward through the confirmation process, and encourage the Senate to move forward quickly to send him to India as our U.S. Ambassador.”
Congressman Charles B. Rangel (NY-13): “I would like to applaud the President for nominating Richard Rahul Verma as the new U.S. Ambassador to India. This nomination represents a momentous step in our relationship with India, but also represents an important milestone our country has made to support diversity at the highest levels of our diplomatic corps.”
Background:
Richard Rahul Verma currently serves as Senior Counselor at Steptoe & Johnson LLP and the Albright Stonebridge Group. Mr. Verma is also a Senior National Security Fellow at the Center for American Progress. Previously, he was Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs at the Department of State from 2009 to 2011 and Partner at Steptoe and Johnson LLP from 2007 to 2009. He was Senior National Security Advisor, Counsel and Foreign Policy Advisor to the Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid from 2002 to 2007, and an Associate at Steptoe & Johnson from 1998 to 2002. Mr. Verma served on active duty in the U.S. Air Force from 1994 to 1998 and received, among other decorations, the Meritorious Service Medal and Air Force Commendation Medal. Earlier in his career, Mr. Verma was a Field Representative for the National Democratic Institute in Eastern Europe and worked in the House of Representatives for Congressman John P. Murtha. Mr. Verma served on the Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism in 2008 and has been a member of the Secretary of State’s Foreign Affairs Policy Board. He currently serves on the boards of Human Rights First, the Clinton Foundation, and the National Democratic Institute. Mr. Verma received a B.S. from Lehigh University, a J.D. from American University, and an L.L.M. from Georgetown University Law Center.
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The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and Members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Currently chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.