BOSTON (Diya TV) — Indian American Congressman Ro Khanna called for sweeping economic reforms and greater political accountability during his keynote address at Suffolk University’s College of Arts and Sciences commencement ceremony on May 17.
Khanna, a Democrat representing California’s 17th Congressional District, delivered the speech while receiving an honorary degree from the university. The five-term lawmaker urged graduates to dedicate themselves to public service and help rebuild trust in American institutions.
“Few generations are asked to die for our country,” Khanna told graduates. “Our task is different, whether we are willing to live for our country.”
The congressman framed his speech around the idea of restoring “economic hope for all Americans.” He argued that many Americans feel shut out of economic opportunity while wealthy elites and powerful institutions continue to benefit from the current system.
Khanna said the nation faces a moment when the system is “horribly stacked” against ordinary people. He criticized what he called a “Jeffrey Epstein class” of wealthy and connected individuals who avoid accountability.
During the address, Khanna highlighted his bipartisan work with Republican Rep. Thomas Massie on the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The legislation seeks to pressure the Department of Justice to release unredacted government records tied to financier Jeffrey Epstein. Khanna said greater transparency is necessary to restore public confidence in government institutions.
The California congressman also used the commencement speech to outline his broader economic vision. He described it as a “second New Deal for our time,” referencing the large-scale economic reforms introduced during President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration in the 1930s.
Khanna argued that billionaires should pay higher taxes to help fund social programs and economic security measures.
“Think about this, 19 billionaires hold $3.4 trillion of our economy, 12 percent of the entire economy,” he said. “They could pay a 5 percent annual tax on their wealth.”
He said the additional revenue could support programs aimed at younger Americans and working families. Khanna proposed using the funds to expand health care access, lower education costs, and improve housing affordability.
The congressman specifically mentioned Medicare for all, free public college, and expanded student loan programs. He also called for a housing guarantee, a living wage, and affordable child care priced at $10 a day.
Khanna said workers should receive greater ownership in the companies where they work. He argued that economic growth should benefit employees as well as corporate executives and shareholders.
Beyond economic issues, Khanna pushed for major political and constitutional reforms. He called for a constitutional convention to overturn the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision, which allowed corporations and outside groups to spend unlimited money in elections. Khanna said the ruling opened the door for billionaires and special interests to exert too much influence in American politics.
“Ban billionaires from buying our politicians,” he said.
Khanna also supported term limits for Supreme Court justices. He proposed expanding the court from nine to 13 justices, saying the move could help protect voting rights and strengthen public trust in the judicial system. The congressman additionally called for an end to conflicts in the Middle East, including tensions involving Iran.
Khanna closed his speech by emphasizing jobs and workforce development. He said the United States needs an ambitious economic strategy focused on rebuilding manufacturing and preparing workers for the digital economy. The congressman proposed creating a national industrial investment bank to support industries such as steel, shipbuilding, and battery production in struggling communities.
He also called for the creation of 1,000 new trade schools and technology institutes across the country. Khanna said these programs would help workers gain skills needed for artificial intelligence and other fast-growing industries.
