Former California state senator Aisha Wahab was sworn in Wednesday as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, becoming the first Afghan American to serve in Congress.

Wahab, 39, will serve the remainder of former Rep. Eric Swalwell’s term through the end of the year. Swalwell resigned in April following allegations of sexual misconduct by multiple women.

During her remarks after taking the oath, Wahab spoke about her journey from foster care to Congress and described the American Dream as a promise that a person’s past does not determine their future.

“I walked into Congress carrying the beating heart of a former foster care kid,” Wahab said.

Wahab was born in New York to Afghan refugees and was raised in the foster care system, first in New York and later in Fremont, California. She previously served on the Hayward City Council and represented California’s 10th Senate District. She holds a doctorate in social work from the University of Southern California.

She defeated BART Board President Melissa Hernandez in the Aug. 18 special election for the remainder of Swalwell’s term. Wahab also won two crowded June primaries and will face Hernandez again in the Nov. 3 general election.

In her congressional remarks, Wahab called for cooperation between Democrats and Republicans, saying Americans are struggling with the rising costs of housing, utilities, groceries, education, healthcare and other basic necessities.

“As a policy maker, my goal is simple: to work with each and every one of you to deliver for the American people, regardless of party,” Wahab said.

Rep. Zoe Lofgren introduced Wahab on the House floor and highlighted her background and work on behalf of foster youth and vulnerable communities.

“Today, she makes history as the first Afghan American elected to Congress,” Lofgren said.

Tahir Andrabi, spokesperson for Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, says Islamabad appreciates China’s constructive engagement on issues related to Afghanistan and has always been ready for constructive dialogue on Afghanistan.

Speaking at a press briefing, Andrabi said that the continuation of these talks depends on the Islamic Emirate taking action against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), and other terrorist groups that, he said, operate from Afghan soil against Pakistan.

However, officials of the Islamic Emirate have repeatedly stressed that they remain committed to their obligations to prevent the use of Afghan territory against other countries and will not allow any group to use Afghan soil to threaten the security of other countries.

Afghan and Indonesian officials have discussed ways to expand economic and trade relations between the two countries, Afghan Embassy in Indonesia said in a statement on Wednesday.

Shoaib Baryalai, First Political Director of Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Saadullah Baloch, Acting Ambassador of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in Jakarta, met with Mufti Hamka Rajo Basa, Chairman of the Standing Committee on International Treaties at the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The meeting focused on strengthening private-sector cooperation, holding joint trade exhibitions and exploring existing opportunities to boost economic ties.

The Afghan side also highlighted investment and trade opportunities in Afghanistan, saying improved security and stability have created a more favorable environment for traders and investors.