Brad Sherman heads US Congressional panel on Asia

WASHINGTON: Brad Sherman, an active member of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans and played a key role in the passage of civil nuclear deal, has become the top Democrat of a US Congressional panel on Asia.

"It is a great privilege to become the Ranking Member on Asia," said Sherman, now Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

"In this post I can continue working with the Indian- American community on important public policy issues, as well as help strengthen cooperation between Washington and New Delhi," Sherman said.

He is also the second ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

The Asia Subcommittee, which has jurisdiction on foreign relations with over half of the world's population, has become increasingly important as Congress and the Obama administration have shifted focus to the region.

Sherman will also continue to serve as Chairman Emeritus on the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade, where he can help shape beneficial trade relationships with India, a media release said.

He was the Chair of the panel when he helped pass the resolution approving the India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement. Sherman represents a vibrant Indian-American population in the San Fernando Valley and is a frequent attendee at Indian events and celebrations.

He has also hosted the Indian Ambassador in the San Fernando Valley and at his office in Washington DC.

As the new ranking member on the Asia subcommittee, Sherman plans to work for the implementation of the civil nuclear agreement, expand economic relations between India and the US, and work together on critical security issues in South and Central Asia including counter-terrorism efforts, the press statement said.