Indian American Congressman Ro Khanna is set to take over as the Ranking Member of the US House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, succeeding fellow Indian American lawmaker Raja Krishnamoorthi. The announcement was made on Monday by House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who also praised Krishnamoorthi’s leadership of the panel over the past three years.

In a statement, Jeffries commended Krishnamoorthi for guiding the committee through a period of intense focus on US-China relations, describing his tenure as one marked by “grace and resolve.” He noted that Krishnamoorthi had led the panel in a bipartisan manner while working to strengthen America’s global competitiveness and advance key economic and national security priorities.

“Our nation is safer and more secure because of Raja’s commitment to public service,” Jeffries said, thanking him on behalf of House Democrats for his leadership and continued dedication to the committee’s mission.

Krishnamoorthi had earlier informed Jeffries of his decision to step down from the role later this month. Reflecting on his time as Ranking Member, he said he was proud to have helped build the committee during its formative years into what he described as a credible, bipartisan body focused on safeguarding US economic and national security interests while keeping American competitiveness at the centre of its work.

Jeffries announced that Khanna will assume the position of Ranking Member for the remainder of the current Congress. “I am grateful to Congressman Ro Khanna for his willingness to take on the role of leading House Democrats on the Select Committee,” Jeffries said.

Praising Khanna’s record, Jeffries said the California lawmaker has demonstrated a strong commitment to the health, safety, and well-being of the American people through his work on the committee and across Congress. He added that House Democrats appreciate Khanna’s determination, sense of purpose, and dedication to safeguarding the US economy, defending national security, and protecting human rights globally.

The leadership transition comes at a time when the committee continues to examine the strategic, economic, and security challenges posed by China’s growing global influence. Since its establishment, the House Select Committee has played a significant role in shaping congressional debate on US-China relations, with an emphasis on bipartisan cooperation and sustained oversight.

During Krishnamoorthi’s tenure, the panel focused on issues such as economic resilience, technological innovation, supply chain security, and national defence, often working across party lines to address complex policy challenges.

In his farewell remarks, Krishnamoorthi described China as “among the defining tests of our time,” noting that the challenge spans economic, technological, and military domains. He said addressing it requires seriousness, nuance, and practical policy solutions, as well as a commitment to strengthening American competitiveness without giving in to fear or prejudice.

He also expressed confidence in the committee’s future leadership, saying he looked forward to continuing to work closely with Democratic leaders and supporting the panel’s ongoing efforts.

The House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party was created to examine long-term strategic challenges posed by China and to recommend policy responses aimed at reinforcing US economic strength and national security. Under Khanna’s leadership as Ranking Member, the panel is expected to continue its focus on bipartisan engagement while navigating one of the most consequential foreign policy issues facing the United States.