By: IndoUS Tribune Newsdesk

In an exclusive interview with IndoUS Tribune Publisher Dr. Avi Verma, Illinois congressional candidate Daniel Biss discusses the Indian American community, civil rights, judicial reform, foreign policy and why he believes diversity remains America’s greatest strength.

As Illinois prepares for a closely watched congressional election, Daniel Biss says restoring faith in democratic institutions, protecting civil rights and ensuring immigrant communities have a stronger voice in Washington will be among his top priorities if elected to Congress.

In an exclusive interview with Dr. Avi Verma, Publisher of IndoUS Tribune, the Democratic nominee for Illinois’ Ninth Congressional District and current Mayor of Evanston outlined his vision for one of the nation’s most diverse congressional districts. The wide-ranging conversation covered issues affecting Indian Americans and other immigrant communities, judicial reform, congressional oversight and the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

The Ninth Congressional District, which includes Evanston, Skokie, Niles, Lincolnwood, Des Plaines, Glenview and parts of Chicago, is home to one of the Midwest’s largest South Asian populations. Biss said that diversity is not simply a defining characteristic of the district but one of its greatest strengths.

“The Indian community has contributed enormously to this district”

Responding to a question about discrimination, racial profiling and hate crimes affecting Indian Americans and other immigrant communities, Biss said addressing those concerns requires action at multiple levels.

“I think you have to address them in every way possible,” he said. “That means through policy, through constituent service and through leadership.”

He said Congress should strengthen and enforce civil rights protections, combat racial profiling and remain uncompromising in confronting hate crimes and politically or racially motivated violence.

“We have to fight discrimination. We have to fight hate crimes. We have to be relentless in opposing violence based on race or politics,” he said.

Biss also stressed that effective representation extends beyond legislation. He said members of Congress must remain accessible to constituents, help communities navigate government services and ensure those facing discrimination or security concerns receive the support they need.

Reflecting on his long association with the district, Biss spoke about his familiarity with its neighborhoods and multicultural character, noting that members of his family continue to live in the area.

He praised the Indian American community for its contribution to the local economy and civic life.

“The Indian community has contributed a lot to the United States economy and to the stability of this district,” he said.

“It is about enthusiasm for diversity”

Biss repeatedly returned to immigration as one of America’s defining strengths.

Speaking about the district’s diverse communities, he said immigrants from India, across South Asia and around the world have helped build vibrant neighborhoods and thriving local economies.

“It is not about tolerance,” he said. “It is about enthusiasm for diversity.”

According to Biss, communities such as Rogers Park demonstrate how immigration enriches American society.

“The best of America is an America that says we thrive as a nation of immigrants, and we thrive together as a diverse community of immigrants,” he said.

Calling for judicial reform and stronger congressional oversight

When asked whether political polarization had weakened public confidence in American institutions, particularly the judiciary, Biss argued that the courts have become increasingly politicized.

He said Congress should pursue reforms including fixed terms for United States Supreme Court justices, binding ethics standards and measures to strengthen accountability within the federal judiciary.

Biss also argued that Congress has ceded too much authority to the executive branch in recent years.

“Congress has kind of retreated in its function from being an equal branch of government,” he said, adding that lawmakers must reclaim their constitutional responsibility to provide oversight and shape national policy.

He said restoring Congress as an effective and independent institution is essential to preserving public confidence in American democracy.

Diplomacy over military intervention

Foreign policy emerged as another major theme of the discussion.

Asked about the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, Biss criticized what he described as an overreliance on military solutions and argued that diplomacy remains the more effective path to preventing nuclear proliferation.

Referring to the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement negotiated during President Barack Obama’s administration, Biss said he believed the accord had successfully constrained Iran’s nuclear program before President Donald Trump withdrew the United States from the agreement during his first term.

According to Biss, abandoning diplomacy in favor of military action has contributed to instability, humanitarian suffering and economic disruption across the region.

“The war has been a disaster,” he said, while adding that preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon remains an essential objective.

“Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” Biss said. “But this war is a terrible mistake. Both of those things can be true at the same time.”

He also called for Congress to exercise its constitutional authority more actively in matters involving the use of military force, arguing that lawmakers should play a greater role in shaping foreign policy.

“You will always have a seat at the table”

Concluding the interview, Dr. Verma asked Biss what message he wanted to share directly with the readers of IndoUS Tribune and the wider Indian American community.

Biss described the community as an integral part of the district’s identity and pledged to maintain a close partnership if elected to Congress.

“You are such a fundamental part of what makes this community wonderful,” he said.

Calling the district a community built by immigrants, Biss said its religious, cultural and ethnic diversity has made it one of the country’s most vibrant regions.

He concluded with a direct assurance to Indian American and South Asian residents.

“If I am fortunate enough to serve in Congress, you will always have a seat at the table,” Biss said. “I want to work in partnership with the community to ensure this remains a place where families are safe, businesses thrive and every community has an opportunity to succeed.”

As voters prepare to elect a successor to long-serving Representative Jan Schakowsky, Biss is presenting a platform centered on civil rights, institutional reform, diplomacy and inclusive leadership. For the district’s large Indian American community, his message was clear: immigrants are not simply participants in America’s story, but indispensable partners in shaping its future.