Congressman Jeb Hensarling, a Republican representing the 5th District of Texas, is among the latest to join the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, which now boasts of a membership of 155 legislators to become the largest country caucus on the Hill.

“I was very pleased to join my colleagues on the caucus for India and Indian Americans,” Rep. Hensarling told News India-Times. “As the world’s largest democracy, India remains an important economic and strategic ally to the United States,” Rep. Hensarling maintained, adding, “and as a member of the Congress, I hope to promote a stronger trade and cultural exchange with India while continuing to recognize the valuable contributions of Indian Americans here at home.” This February, another Texas Republican, Rep. Michael Burgess, also joined the India Caucus. A second-generation doctor from Denton County, Burgess has been in touch with the Indian-American community in Texas and in a recent meeting with some of the community leaders, indicated that he would work toward reducing tensions in South Asia.

“It is important that the U.S. remains involved with India --- the world’s largest democracy. I joined the India Caucus to represent the growing strength of our nation’s relations with India. A continued strong relationship will benefit both countries economically and politically,” he said in a statement on May 20 in response to a query put up by News India-Times.

Representing the 26th District in Texas, Burgess’ agenda focuses on the health care system and homeland security. In Congress, he is on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and is member of the Committee on Science.

This January, Rep. Pete Sessions, among the more powerful Republicans in Congress and a close friend of President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney, also joined the caucus.

Sessions is member of the powerful House Rules Committee, and member of the House Republican Cyber Security Team, member of the Congressional Missing and Exploited Children’s Caucus, the Congressional Diabetes Caucus and the Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer’s, chairman of the Congressional Results Caucus and other congressional organizations and caucuses. He is also member of the Republican Conference Truth Squad.

Texas is among the states where there is a concentration of Indian Americans, and several of them are politically active. Rep. Hensarling was born in Stephenville, Tex., and is a graduate of Texas A & M University. He served as state director for Senator Phil Gramm and as executive director of the National Republican Senatorial Committee from 1991-92. Currently in Congress, he serves on the House Budget and House Financial Services Committees.