Ami Bera

Ami Bera

Ami Bera, entered Congress with the 2012 elections, as a (California Democrat, District 7).

The 7th district is located just east of California’s capitol city, Sacramento.

Congressman Bera is a member of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans. He is also a member of the New Democrat Coalition, a group of legislators dedicated to maintaining America’s standing as the world’s strongest, most successful nation.

He kept his seat in the 2014 election, by just eight-tenths of a percentage point.

Background

A first-generation American born and raised in California, Bera is guided by a desire to serve his community. It’s that commitment to service that led him to become a doctor and later run for Congress.

He attended California’s public schools from grammar school through medical school, earning both his B.S. and M.D. from the University of California, Irvine. He put himself through medical school, working part-time, taking advantage of federally-funded student loans, and graduating with less than $10,000 in debt.

During Congressman Bera's twenty-year medical career, he worked to improve the availability, quality, and affordability of healthcare. After graduating from medical school in 1991, he did his residency in internal medicine at California Pacific Medical Center, eventually becoming chief resident. He went on to practice medicine in the Sacramento area, serving in various leadership roles for MedClinic Medical Group. Chief among his contributions was improving the clinical efficiency of the practice. He then served as medical director of care management for Mercy Healthcare, where he developed and implemented a comprehensive care management strategy for the seven-hospital system.

Congressman Bera is the only Indian American currently serving in Congress. He has lived in Elk Grove, California for 16 years with his wife Janine Bera, who is also a medical doctor.

"China Initiative" letter

On January 22, 2024, Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and U.S. Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA) led an effort to stop House GOP members from reinstating the China Initiative, a Trump-era program created in 2018 that purported to combat espionage but in effect targeted and profiled those of Chinese descent.

The Department of Justice ended the program in 2022, after several of the alleged espionage and national security cases ended in acquittal, dismissal or were dropped altogether. But Republicans in Congress are now attempting to restart the program using a provision in a key House spending bill—at the same time that they are reviving racially motivated rhetoric against Chinese Americans.

“Republicans are essentially pushing the Chinese Exclusion Act 2.0,” said Rep. Meng, First Vice Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.

“The Trump-era China Initiative fostered bigotry and discrimination against Asian Americans, particularly those with connections to China, while doing little to actually advance national security interests,” said Senator Hirono, Executive Board Member of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.

“The Trump-era China Initiative undermined our nation’s scientific innovation and global partnerships while perpetuating the ‘forever foreigner’ stereotype and ruining the careers and lives of the innocent scholars targeted for investigations solely because of their Chinese ancestry,” said Rep. Chu, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.

Other signatories included Senators Tammy Duckworth, Peter Welch, and Congressmembers Jake Auchincloss, Ami Bera, Andre Carson, Greg Casar, Kathy Castor, Jasmine Crockett, Lloyd Doggett, Adriano Espaillat, Bill Foster, Valerie Foushee, Chuy Garcia, Robert Garcia, Dan Goldman, Jimmy Gomez, Pramila Jayapal, Andy Kim, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Barbara Lee, Ted Lieu, Jim McGovern, Seth Moulton, Kevin Mullin, Jerry Nadler, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ayanna Pressley, Andrea Salinas, Linda Sanchez, Adam Schiff, Tom Suozzi, Mark Takano, Jill Tokuda, Lauren Underwood.

NRDC Action

In 2022 the Natural Resources Defense Council Action Fund endorsed Ami Bera.

Humanitarian Needs in Cuba letter

December 16 2021 , House Rules Committee Chair James McGovern (D-MA), House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Gregory Meeks (D-NY), House Appropriations subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations Chair Barbara Lee (D-CA), and House Energy and Commerce subcommittee on Energy Chair Bobby Rush (D-IL) led 114 Members of Congress in a letter to President Biden asking him to prioritize the well-being of the Cuban people as they experience the worst economic and humanitarian crisis in recent history...

In the wake of this year’s protests, the members urged the administration to support the Cuban people by suspending U.S. regulations that prevent food, medicine, remittances, and other humanitarian assistance from reaching the Cuban people...

Signatories included Ami Bera.

Support for the Council on American Islamic Relations

Ami Bera wrote a letter of support to the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) on the occasion of their 24th anniversary in September 2018.

Progressive Forum, Sacramento

Jim Shoch, Ami Bera

A Progressive Election Forum was convened by the Progressive Alliance on Oct.28. 2010, in the Orchard Room. U. Union 12 -2PM.

Professor Jim Shoch, Dr. Ami Bera, students, and more.

It was sponsored by the Faculty Progressive Alliance, Sacramento Progressive Alliance, the Sac State Coalition, CFA-Capitol Chapter, and Capitol Area Progressives.

Bera noted that his opponent Dan Lungren has taken over $84,000 from the oil and gas industry, over $248,000 from the financial industry, and in return is doing their bidding in Congress -- voting in favor of a $2.6 billion tax break for Big Oil and against limits on executive compensation for bailed out banks.

Progressive Alliance endorsement 2012

The more than 5,000 strong Sacramento Progressive Alliance endorsed Ami Bera in 2010.

They endorsed him again in 2012, and 2014.

DSA connection

Some of the Amador County residents who participated in the We Are One rally in Sacramento on Monday the 4th, 2011 were David Roddy and Mike Israel , Nora Coryell and Mike Pulskamp, and Janet Kendig, along with several others.

Ami Bera recognized us and stopped by to chat about his new campaign to defeat Dan Lungren and the need for solidarity amongst workers around the country.

Communist phonebanker for Bera

Leading Sacramento Communist Party USA activist Nell Ranta phonebanked for Ami Bera in 2010.

I have been phone-banking for Dr. Bera's campaign, and it's really an educational experience. Dozens of young people on the phones, out in the precincts, knocking on doors, organizing house parties, reaching hundreds of residents, inviting them to small house gatherings where participants can interact with the candidates. Many young activists have been trained through this experience. This has been a very successful part of his campaign.

Communist support in 2014

Cassie Lopez, Alex Farr, Michelle Kern, right

Nell Ranta, phonebanking

Mik Diddams left, Alex Farr, rear, Juan Lopez, right

Michelle Kern, Cassie Lopez, Nell Ranta, Juan Lopez, Alex Farr, Mik Diddams and several other Northern California Communist Party USA members also worked for Ami Bera in District 7, in the 2014 elections.

Ami Bera, Nell Ranta, November 2016

Campaigning for Bera, 2016

Nell Ranta also also worked for Ami Bera in 2016.

Volunteers

July 2015, Glennda Campos forwarded an email from Rick Guerrero Chair, Democratic Party of Sacramento Voter Registration.

Dear River City Dems-

Here is an opportunity to be involved with other Dems & support the election of Dr Ami Bera doing voter registration. Please see the email below for needed information. It's also a chance to wear your River City T-shirt.

Let's elect Democrats to Congress,

Glennda Campos

The email went to: Aiyat Khan; Aleita Huguenin ; Alex Barrios; Ali Cooper; Allan Brauer; Allan Davis; Amanda Wallner; Ami Bera; Andee Sunderland; Andres Ramos; Angel Martinez; Angelique Ashby; Anibal Luna; Arnulfo Hernandez, Jr.; Aubrey Pickering; Augustin Bowdry; Basim Elkarra; Benjamin Phillips Lesenana; Bernie Knighton; Bettye Andreos; Beverly Thomas; Bill Lackemacher; Brady Mccarthey; Brenda Ruiz; Brett Shoemaker; Briza Trujillow; Broni Graham; Brother Carter; Bruce Pomer; Bud McKinney; Carlos Alcala; Carlos Montes; Catherine Mattesich; Cesar Diaz; Chris Niehaus; Chris Pomer; Clara Patterson; Clarine Souza; Clarisa Sanchez; Connor Johnston; Conny Anderson; Coralia Camacho; Crystal Harper; Dan Cobb; Dan Schmitt; Danielle Fink ; Darrow Lee Sprague ; "David L. Clements, LLC"; Del Surette; Devin Lavelle; Don Gibson; Don Negri; Earl Lagomarsino ; Ed Unutoa; Eireann Flannery; Elias Valenzuela; Eric Riviera Jurado; Eric Sunderland; Eugene Morse; Evan Hawkins; Evelyn Davis ; Four Waters; Gabriel Medina; George Hecker; Gina Rowe; Glen Bessemer; Glenda Wertenberger; Glennda Campos; Greg Larkins ; Haydee Stella; Hilary Thomson; Hugh Lafler; Ingrid Largaespada; Jaime Rosario; James Michael Schwab; Jameson Parker; Jane O’Donnell; Jannine Almandos; Jean Cawood; Jeff Sanders; Jennifer Chavez; Jennifer Pickering ; Jerry Plummer ; Jesse Naranjo; Jim Eaton; Jo Souvignier; Joan V. Quinn, Esq; Joe Elwell-Scardino & Suzette Elwell-Scardino; Joe Yee; John Abbott; John P. McCarthy; John Williams ; Julianna McFadden ; Julio Cordova ; Karen Taranto; Kari Lacosta; Kate Lenox; Kate Uppal; Kathi Kalnoki ; Walter Kawamoto ; Kelly Rivas; Kelsey Lawson; Ken Budman; Ken Cooley; Kerri Asbury; Kevin Ferreira; Killion (ʺBudʺ) Davis ; Kitty Gerwig; Kunalan Dharmallingham; Larry Tract; LaTanjia Robinson ; Lawson Stuart; Leonard Thomas; Lindsey Nitta; Lino Pedres; Lisa Bourassa; Lou Loera ; Luis Sapenia Gonzalez; Mae Soo Hoo; Mandy Trivedi ; Marcia Blount; Marcie Launey; Marco Hernandez; Margie Metzler; Marilyn Sabin; Mario Guerrero; Mark A. Jacobs; Mark Johannessen; Marla A. Sandman; Martha Sward; Martin Radosevich; Mary Ann Wilhelm; Mary Ellen Rivera; Mary Helen Doherty; Michael A. Pina; Michael Lynch; Miguel Cordova; Mike Whiteside ; Milo Turaylich ; Mohammad Ahadi; Muriel Brounstein; Nancy P. Fox; Neptaly “Taty” Aguiler; Nicholas Winebrenner>; Nichole Trujillo; Niesha Lofing ; Nimo Ali ; Noralee Bauthues Stewart ; Norma Alcala ; Olga Trevizo; Orlando Fuentes; Patricia Valentine; Patty Gainer; Paul Norris; Paula Villescaz; Peggy Gorman; Perry Metzger; Phillip Rios ; Rachel Miller; Rafael Espinoza ; Ralph Cyfers; Randall Rodriguez; Raquel Simental ; Rebecca Sandoval; Regy Bronner; Ric Barreto ; Rich Hundreiser; Richard Wake; Rick Parrott; Rob Kerth; Robert 'Dugan' Weber; Ronald F. Jimenez ; Ruth Sime; Ryan Gorman; Sal Johar; Sam Catalano; Samantha Pellon; Sandi Russell ; Sandy Adams; Scott Dosick; Scott Matsimoto; Sean Patrick Farrell; Sebrena Hill; Sergio Flores; Silvia Landers; Steve Reed; Susan Cohn ; Taffy Ruzicka; Tamie A. Dramer; Terrance Page; Terry Schanz; Theresa Sanchao; Thomas Wallace; Tony Perez ; Trevor Bansemer; Verna Pierceswift ; Victoria Castaneda; Warren Harding; Paul Woods ; Zohreh Whitaker; Zoila Couture; Alan LoFaso ; Barbara J. Ballif; Bayliss Camp, Ph.D. ; Bob McFarland; Catherine Kirk; D'Elman Clark; Dave Dolson ; David Tamayo; Dempsey; Enrique Manzanilla; Felix Barba; Glenn Destatte; James Cogley; Jason Gray; Judith Redmond; Julia Burrows; Kathleen DeVries; Kendra Bridges; Lauren Altdoerffer; Mary Hernandez; Matt Gray ; Melanie Nutter; Ross Mirkarimi; Russ Hanson ; Ryan Uselmann; Sharon DuChessi; Teri Duarte, MPH ; Rafael Aguilera; Alan Dechert; Andrea Ridolfi; Anna Molander; Anne Rudin ; Arturo Aleman; Azure Kremer ; Brandon Rose; Carla Kamhi ; Carloyn Fisher; Carolyn Negrete; Carrie Buchmiller; Charis Hill; Chris Parker ; Claire Conlon; Colin Bailey; Corin Choppin ; Cres Vellucci; D'Anthony; Danielle Dolan ; David Eller; Denae Trevino ; Diana Bieniek; Doug Grandt; Dr. Richard Pan for Assembly 5th District; Drea Moore ; Fiona Young; Frank Graham; Frank Taylor; Gary Blenner ; Gayla Linteau; Harold Fong; Heather Williamson; Helen Magnuson ; Janet Little; Jeff Kravitz; Jim Brown ; Jim Hard & Toni Garcia; Jim Pachl; Jimmy Reynolds ; Joe Romero; John Deeter; Judith Larmare ; Julie Layne; Juliette Beck; Justin Eve; Karen Bernal; Karen Hansen ; Kelly Kelley ; Kim Mack; Kimberly A. Morales; Kris Stevens; Laura Stainforth ; Lauren Staddard; Lawrence Ray Murray; Leyda Macareno ; Linda Hite; Lyn Stueve; Maggie Coulter; Margi Park ; Martha Donaldson; Maryann Frantz; Melinda Bradbury; Michael Lepore; Michael Seaman; Michelle Kizner; Miguel Paz; Mike Roskey ; Natalie Metzger; Nathan Dietrich ; Nelda Mackey; Nigel Nieva; Noelle Ferdon ; Pamm Larry ; Patricia Cole ; Patricia Johnson; Pennie Taylor; Pieter F; Ray Tretheway>; Rebecca Valdez ; Richard Sears; Rick A. Hicks; Rick Bettis; Roger Dickinson; Ruben Macareno; Ryan Arba; Ryan Chin; Ryan Metzger ; Sarah Smith; Sean Wirth; Shonna McDaniels ; Simeon Gant ; Sterling 'Farmer Terry' Bowen ; Tammy Montgomery; Tanja Guerrero; V. Govender; Victoria Hawes.

Union support

In 2010, Bera was the labor movement's endorsed candidate in the 3rd CD. On Oct. 10, AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Arlene Holt Baker and California Labor Federation head Art Pulaski joined Bera at a rally before Sacramento Labor Council volunteers hit the streets to talk with union voters.

PDA support

Ami Bera was supported by Progressive Democrats of America, in his successful 2012 election race.

NNU and PDA

Wrote Michael Lighty, Director of Public Policy National Nurses United and Progressive Democrats of America Advisory Board Member;

The RNs of NNU have found a natural alliance with , who |never slow in the fight against austerity to win prosperity for all. RNs and PDA activists joined in campaigns across the country for insurgent progressives like Elizabeth Warren, now Senator-elect from Massachusetts, Medicare for All supporter Ami Bera, soon to be Congressman from California, and Alan Grayson returning to the people’s House from Florida."

PDA phonebankers

From November 1, 2012, through Election Day, Progressive Democrats of America's Phone Bank director Mike Fox organized volunteers across the USA making GOTV calls for progressive candidates including Dr. Ami Bera--a Medicare for All medical doctor running against 4-term incumbent Dan Lungren in California's 7th District and Alan Grayson--former Congressman running in Florida's 9th District, as well as Dr. David Gill, and Dr. Syed Taj.

Other PDA-endorsed winners included Congress members Mark Pocan (D-WI.), Alan Grayson (D-FL.), and Senator Elizabeth Warren, (D-MA.). PDA generated 1000s of Get Out the Vote calls for the above candidates, as well as for newly-elected Ami Bera (D-CA.)

Hosting PDA

According to a New Year 2013 press release from Progressive Democrats of America;

Progressive Democrats of America accomplished a lot in 2012--thanks to your help and support. Together, we helped defeat Tea Party extremists and helped elect strong progressives to Congress. We educated members of Congress every month in our home districts, and in the halls of Congress in Washington, DC. Now, PDA is starting 2013 in a big way!

In just a few days, on January 3rd, our team will be on Capitol Hill as special guests of our newly elected and re-elected progressive candidates including our board members our friends Representatives Alan Grayson, Dr. Ami Bera, and Mark Pocan; as well as newly-elected Senators Tammy Baldwin and Elizabeth Warren. If you're going to be in the DC-area, join us for these exciting swearing in ceremonies, and help us pass out leaflets for our exciting January 19th events!

PDA contact

In 2013 Progressive Democrats of America assigned activists to deliver their material to almost every US Congressman and Senator, Jane Krisch was assigned as the contact for Rep. Bera. In June it was Rosemary Wakeford-Evans.

2012 CLW House victories

2012 Council for a Livable World House victories were;

Ron Barber (D-AZ), Ami Bera (D-CA), Tim Bishop (D-NY) Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Bruce Braley (D-IA), Cheri Bustos (D-IL), Lois Capps (D-CA), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Lois Frankel (D-FL), John Garamendi (D-CA), Joe Garcia (D-FL), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), Colleen Hanabusa (D-HI), Denny Heck (D-WA), Steven Horsford (D-NV), Derek Kilmer (D-WA), Ann McLane Kuster (D-NH), Dave Loebsack (D-IA), Patrick Murphy (D-FL), Rick Nolan (D-MN), Raul Ruiz (D-CA), Brad Schneider(D-IL), Carol Shea-Porter(D–NH), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ),Mark Takano(D-CA) and John Tierney(D-MA)..

Since taking office, Bera has been a consistent vote in favor of reducing the size and cost of the U.S. nuclear arsenal and he’s using his role on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs to support U.S. diplomatic efforts around the globe.

2022 support

Fred Ross award campaign

In early 2013, mainly Democratic Socialists of America aligned activists, together with many elected officials across the United States came together to urge President Barack Obama to award posthumously the Presidential Medal of Freedom to the legendary organizer, Fred Ross, Sr.. The Saul Alinsky trained radical was the first to organize people through house meetings, a mentor to both Cesar Chavez and DSAer Dolores Huerta, and a pioneer in Latino voter outreach since 1949 when he helped elect Communist Party USA affiliate Ed Roybal as Los Angeles’s first Latino council member, "Ross’ influence on social change movements remains strong two decades after his death in 1992".

Congressional endorsers of the proposal included Ami Bera.

Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus

In May 2013, Ami Bera was listed as a member the Executive Board of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.

JStreet PAC endorsement

In 2024 JStreet PAC endorsed Ami Bera.

JStreet endorsement

The socialist infiltrated, anti-Israel "two state solution" JStreet PAC endorsed Ami Bera in his 2014 Congressional race.

JStreet endorsed him again 2016.

Bera is a strong voice for pro-Israel, pro-peace values in Congress and JStreetPAC is proud to support him again in 2016..

J Street delegation

July 2017 seven members of Congress and 13 American Jewish leaders traveled to Israel and the West Bank on J Street’s eighth and largest congressional mission last week, led by the J Street Education Fund (JSEF).

Representatives Ami Bera (CA-7), Earl Blumenauer (OR-3), Cheri Bustos (IL-17), Dwight Evans (PA-2), Barbara Lee (CA-13), Brenda Lawrence (MI-14) and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) joined the J Street delegation.

During their time in the region, J Street’s eighth Congressional delegation engaged with a diverse array of Israeli and Palestinian voices. Members of Congress sat down with leading Israeli, Palestinian and American political leaders and government officials.

Throughout their visit to Israel and the Palestinian territory, participants explored the complex and nuanced realities of the region. Their extensive travels included trips to Jerusalem, Ramallah, Hebron and Tel Aviv. They discussed the ongoing crisis in Gaza during visits to Israeli towns on its border. They met with key players from across the political spectrum, including Israeli settlers, Palestinian business leaders, social activists and security experts.

“With the US poised to continue playing an active role in pursuing Israeli-Palestinian peace, it was essential that lawmakers see firsthand what is happening on the ground,” said J Street president Jeremy Ben-Ami. “As shifting regional dynamics open up new possibilities for peace and cooperation, this trip provided a critical opportunity for members of Congress to reflect on their role in helping to bring us closer to a two-state solution.”

ARA endorsement

The Alliance for Retired Americans Political Action Fund endorsed Ami Bera in 2014.

New Democrat Coalition, 113th Congress

In the 113th Congress, 50 members of the House of Representatives belonged to the New Democrat Coalition, including:

• Ami Bera

Asian American Action Fund

In 2010 the Asian American Action Fund endorsed Ami Bera and Mike Honda for US Congress in the June 8 California primary election.

In the 2012 election, Dr. Ami Bera was supported by the Asian American Action Fund.

In the 2014 election, Dr. Ami Bera was supported by the Asian American Action Fund.

Advisory Board Asian American Action Fund

Circa 2013, Ami Bera served on the Honorary Board of the Asian American Action Fund.

To India

Rep. Ami Bera will accompany President Barack Obama on the president’s trip to India, January 2015.

“As the son of Indian immigrants, I am extremely honored to be a part of this historic trip to India with the president,” Bera said in a news release. “Prime Minister Modi’s trip to the United States last year was a turning point in relations for our countries, and now this trip will be an important opportunity to continue to move the U.S.-India relationship forward.”

Bera said the United States and India should seek ways to grow strategic and economic partnerships. “That will help bring stability to the Southeast Asia region and benefit our economy, in particular opening markets to California and Sacramento County products and creating new jobs. As the oldest and largest democracies in the world, our countries have many common interests and I hope this will be another step toward realizing the full potential of the U.S.-India partnership.”

Bera made his first official visit to India in 2013, during which he helped broker some cooperative deals between the Confederation of Indian Industry and UC-Davis. But his support of Modi – a controversial figure whom opponents say has oppressed Muslims, Sikhs and Christians – caused some Indian-Americans to oppose his re-election bid last year and stage protests in cities including Rancho Cordova and Davis.

AmCham delegation

With the 2016 presidential and congressional elections looming on the horizon, AmCham Shanghai traveled to Washington, D.C. for its annual DC Doorknock from September 19-22. The annual AmCham Shanghai DC Doorknock, led by AmCham Shanghai Chairman Ker Gibbs and President Kenneth Jarrett, gives AmCham Shanghai an opportunity to engage with key Washington stakeholders on important issues affecting American businesses in China. In addition to providing an “on the ground” perspective on China, the delegation this year stressed the importance of passage of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and a U.S.-China Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) to American companies and the need for the U.S. government to maintain pressure on China regarding cybersecurity concerns, internet controls and limitations, and the slow progress in financial services reform. The delegation also highlighted the positive impact of Chinese direct investment on the U.S. economy.

The first day of the Doorknock saw the AmCham Shanghai delegation calling on the Obama Administration with meetings at the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Treasury, U.S. Department of Commerce, and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. The administration officials assured the delegation that the Obama Administration was committed to getting TPP passed and urged the business community, when engaged in TPP advocacy, to underline the important impact that TPP has on businesses in China. The delegation also met with the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) China Mission Chief, James Daniel, to discuss the IMF’s view of China’s evolving economy.

The following day and a half of the Doorknock was spent on Capitol Hill meeting with more than 40 members of Congress and their staff, including visits to Senators Cory Gardner (R-Colorado) and Mark Kirk (R-Illinois) and Congressmen Joaquin Castro (D-Texas), Mike Kelly (R-Pennsylvania), Ami Bera (D-California), Darin LaHood (R-Illinois) and Rick Larsen (D-Washington), among others. During these meetings the AmCham Shanghai delegation continued to press for the passage of TPP and noted its importance for American businesses in China and the region more broadly. While some members of Congress remained hopeful that a vote would come up, most of the members and staff felt that it was unlikely to pass, even after the presidential election in November.

NIAC connection

National Iranian American Council February 23, 2017:

Proud of our NorCal team, who just met with Congressman Ami Bera's staff to share how the #MuslimBan affects Californians, and to thank him for cosponsoring the #SOLVeAct to repeal it! #ResistHate #NoMuslimBan

To join a team in your state, visit: niacaction.org/join — with Layla Oghabian.

CAIR connection

2015 Iftar

Ami Bera left, right Basim Elkarra, executive director of the Sacramento chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations

Council on American Islamic Relations Sacramento Valley was "honored to host Congressman Ami Bera at our 12th Annual Capitol Iftar" July 1, 2015.

Praising CAIR

“As a firm believer in civil rights, I would like to thank CAIR for their past two decades of educating and empowering our community and protecting and defending the rights of all Americans.” -Rep. Ami Bera (D-Calif.) (2014) .

“I am proud of CAIR’s nearly quarter-century of work educating and uplifting our community and protecting and defending the rights of every American.”

Rep. Ami Bera (D-Calif.) (October 2017).

Capitol vigil

March 10, 2017, South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT), a national South Asian civil rights organization, along with partner organizations, American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), Arab American Institute (AAI), Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), Desis Rising Upand Moving (DRUM), Indiaspora, MPowerChange, National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA), National Network For Arab American Communities (NNAAC), Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), and Sikh Coalition joining with and Members of Congress, held a vigil on the steps of the Capitol to honor the victims of hate violence in South Asian, Sikh, Muslim, Hindu, and Arab communities nationwide.

“At a time when South Asian, Sikh, Muslim, Hindu, and Arab community members are facing hate violence and harassment on nearly a daily basis, we need real leadership from Washington to stem the tide of injustice,” stated Suman Raghunathan, Executive Director of SAALT. “Waiting nearly a week before commenting on a deadly shooting in Kansas won’t do it. Issuing a second toxic Muslim Ban won’t do it. We need direct action from this administration to forge inclusion, justice, and hope in this quintessential nation of immigrants. SAALT will continue fighting for laws and policies that light a path toward a just and inclusive future for us all.”

Other speakers included Yolanda Rondon, Esq., Staff Attorney, American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, Amrita Bamrah, SALDEF, James Zogby, President, Arab American Institute, Robert S. McCaw, Director of Government Affairs Department, CAIR.

Members of Congress who joined the vigil included Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Congressman Ami Bera (D-CA), Congressman Joe Crowley (D-NY), and Congressman Ro Khanna (D-CA).

CAIR visit

In March 2018 Omar Hashemyan, and Hammad Moses Khan of CAIR - Sacramento visited Rep. Ami Bera on Capitol Hill.

#NoMuslimBanEver coalition

NIAC June 27 2019 ·

Yesterday was the one year anniversary of the SCOTUS decision to uphold the #MuslimBan. We joined Representatives Judy Chu, Chris Van Hollen, Congressman Ami Bera, and Ilhan Omar, as well as our partners in the #NoMuslimBanEver coalition, including ACLU, National Immigration Law Center, CAIR, among other allied progressive organizations to say #RepealTheBan!

SAALT Congressional Briefing on Hate Violence

March 23, 2017, South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT), a national South Asian civil rights organization, held a Congressional briefing to address the uptick in hate violence nationwide and highlight recommendations for change, as outlined in our recent report, “Power, Pain, Potential.” SAALT was joined by eight members of Congressional leadership and community partners in an urgent discussion on combatting the surge in hate violence aimed at South Asian, Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, Arab, and Middle Eastern Americans across the country.

“As President Trump continues to test fire Muslim bans, this administration appears intent on intensifying efforts to ignore and provoke hate violence,” stated Suman Raghunathan, Executive Director of SAALT. “The President has a sworn duty to protect the rights and safety of all Americans. Today’s briefing with Congressional leaders is an important step in making sure President Trump doesn’t escape his responsibilities.”

Our communities have experienced devastating violence in recent months, including deadly shootings in Kansas and Washington State, numerous arson attacks and vandalism of mosques, businesses, and homes nationwide, and mounting fear by our communities across the country.

“SAALT stands ready to work with Congressional leaders to fight hate violence and xenophobic political rhetoric impacting our communities across the country,” stated Ms. Raghunathan. “South Asian Americans are the most rapidly growing demographic group, and we are committed to policies at all levels that reinforce the place our communities have in our nation now and as we continue to grow.”

Honorary Co-Chairs of the briefing included: Senator Mazie Hirono (HI); Senator Richard Blumenthal (CT); Senator Ben Cardin (MD)

Member Co-Sponsors of the briefing included: Congressmembers Keith Ellison, Andre Carson; Raul Grijalva; Ami Bera; Grace Meng; Mark Takano; Pramila Jayapal; Raja Krishnamoorthi; Ro Khanna. Judy Chu also attended.

Partner organizations include: Sikh Coalition, Washington Peace Center/D.C. Justice for Muslims Coalition, American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, Arab American Institute.

External links

• Campaign Website

References

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