Rep. Suhas Subramanyam seeks to restore access to the American Dream
By AAHOA Staff
As the son of immigrants and one of six Indian American members of Congress, Representative Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) acutely understands the importance of representation.
He also understands the daily challenges that small business owners face – before his time in Congress, Rep. Subramanyam launched his own business; he worked as a lawyer in the private sector and served as a technology policy advisor in the Obama administration, too.
During his first term in Congress, Rep. Subramanyam has repeatedly introduced and helped to advance bills that center on improving the livelihoods of everyday Americans. And as co-sponsor of the Supporting Trade and Rebuilding Opportunity for National Growth (STRONG) Act, he is actively working to increase Small Business Administration (SBA) loan limits and expand opportunity for small businesses.
For this issue, Rep. Subramanyam spoke with Today’s Hotelier about his top legislative priorities, what excites him most about serving in Congress, and what the American Dream means to him.
What are some of your legislative priorities for the upcoming Congress?
I would like to make life easier for small businesses and affordable for everyday Americans. Everything is too expensive right now. That’s why I’ve introduced legislation like the First Home Savings Opportunity Act, which would make it easier for people to save for a home, and the Affordable Commutes Act, which would help decrease prices on toll roads.
What sorts of policies, such as tax and regulatory reforms, do you hope to work on to support small business owners and the hospitality industry?
I’m focused on cutting red tape and making it easier for businesses to focus more on their customers and growing their business than on regulatory burdens. The hospitality industry is a critical economic engine to my district, so I want to ensure we don’t shift all of our local and state tax burden and hurt the industry.
In my district in particular, I’m focused on ensuring the federal reimbursement rates are fair and am pushing for the STRONG Act – legislation to increase loan amounts for small businesses.
What excites you the most about serving in Congress?
I’m excited to be a voice and champion for people who don’t feel like they are part of the conversation. I’ve talked to so many business owners and constituents who are frustrated with Congress. It is exciting to actually work in Congress to raise and address problems people experience. I’ve found some of the best legislative ideas come from these conversations with constituents and business owners.
What industry (or industries) did you work in before you were elected to Congress?
I worked in the legal field and as a small business owner with several startups. I know the challenges of trying to grow a small business.
What do you most enjoy about staying in hotels?
After taking care of and cleaning up after our kids, my wife and I love enjoying all the perks hotels provide, including the food and hospitality.
Why are hotels and hotel owners important to your district and state?
Hotels are an important part of our local economy. My district includes Dulles Airport, which is a hub for the D.C. region’s international flights. This makes our local hotels destinations as well. Many are owned by Asian Americans who have a similar immigration story to my family. Hotel owners are also local leaders who give back to the community in their own ways.
How do your unique experiences as an Indian American inform your work in Congress?
There are not a lot of Indian Americans in Congress – only six – and when I was elected to the General Assembly in 2019, I was the first Indian American and Hindu elected in Virginia’s history. I understand the challenges of coming from an immigrant family and trying to grow a small, Asian-American-owned business.
As the child of immigrants, what does the American Dream mean to you?
The American Dream means everyone having an opportunity to succeed. I am concerned that the American Dream is harder to reach for most Americans today. And it’s the responsibility of Congress to ensure that everyone can have the chance to live the American Dream.
How do you hope to help your constituents, especially those who are immigrants or the descendants of immigrants, achieve the American Dream?
Sometimes South Asians don’t feel included in politics, so many often reach out to me for support. I understand that responsibility. I try to work with them to understand and collaborate with them on their ideas.
Image: Rep. Suhas Subramanyam
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