The US-India Public Action Committee (USINPAC) followed yesterday’s inauguration with a little reception for members of Congress that it hopes to woo toward it’s policy beliefs. How’d it go?

Newly elected Congressman Bobby Jindal (R-LA) (who, as an aside, met recently with Rumsfeld) observed, “USINPAC is a very important bridge between the US Congress and the Indian-American community. Their work on and access to the hill has had an impact on several issues that are important to the community. I look forward to working with USINPAC.”

Art Estopinan, Chief of Staff of Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), the newly elected Republican Co-Chair of the House Caucus on India and Indian-Americans, remarked “Indian-Americans have embraced the American political system and show increasing voting power and government participation, demonstrating a magnanimous affinity for public service. Such efforts cannot be overlooked.” In a letter written specially to USINPAC and its members, Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen said, “I would like to thank you and commend you for your efforts. Your organization recognizes the flourishing relationship bonding our nations together. Through our united efforts, India and America can present an inspiring example of freedom and prosperity to the world, a guiding light that I feel privileged to be a part of.”

Katherine Harris (R-FL) noted, “Thank you USINPAC on performing a very important function. The Indian-American Community will benefit greatly by your work.”

Katherine Harris? I confess, the name still makes me shudder. A full description of USINPAC’s position on various issues can be found here.