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First Hindu Rep. discusses Congress
04:18 - Source: CNN

The new members of the 113th Congress were sworn in yesterday and for the first time, the House Democratic caucus is dominated by women and racial minorities.

Democratic Representative Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii is among one of the newly elected Representatives, and she made history by becoming the first Hindu-American to enter the House. Gabbard will also be one of two female combat vets elected to Congress.

The freshman Congresswoman stops by Starting Point this morning to the historical significance of her election and to explain her desire to bring her “aloha” spirit to Congress.

“What aloha really means is having respect for other people regardless of what our differences may be and really finding the common ground that we have,” Gabbard explains.

Regarding her faith, Gabbard says, “We’ve been sent here to be servant leaders and that’s the inspiration I get from my Hindu practice and what will help keep me focused on the task at hand.”