[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 10 (Thursday, January 25, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E99-E100]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        IN HONOR OF THE 46TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDIA'S REPUBLIC DAY

                                 ______


                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 25, 1996

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Indian-American 
community and the people of India, celebrating the 46th anniversary of 
India's Republic Day. Throughout the United States, members of the 
Indian-American community will hold festivities to mark this occasion.
  On January 26, 1950, the Indian Constitution became law and the day 
was named Republic Day. This document symbolizes the principles of 
democracy and secularism, which India cherishes. Its author, Dr. B.R. 
Ambedkar, was influenced greatly by the U.S. Constitution and the Bill 
of Rights. Since India became a republic, it has continued to hold free 
and fair elections, to support a multiparty political system and to 
transfer power peacefully.
  The relationship between the United States and India is still 
unfolding. The United States and India share many similarities. Both of 
our countries are former British colonies. English is a vital language 
of communication throughout India. Democracy continues to thrive in 
both places. The Indian judiciary system is based on English common 
law. In addition, India is proceeding with its economic reforms to 
develop a vibrant market economy.
  India still faces the challenges of achieving economic development 
while ensuring harmony between its many ethnic, religious, and 
linguistic communities. In spite of these obstacles, India has 
strengthened its democratic institutions by harnessing the potential of 
its multireligious, multiethnic and multilinguistic citizenry.
  Bilateral trade between the United States and India is flourishing. 
The activities of American companies have made the United States 
India's leading trade partner. Recently, a consortium of American 
companies, led by the Enron Corp., successfully renegotiated a deal to 
complete a $2.5 billion power plant in the state of Maharashtra. United 
States companies are positioned to fill India's appetite for services 
and products.
  India is committed to maintaining its democracy and economic reform 
program. The Indian-American community, with over 1 million people, has 
taken a particular interest in promoting United States-India relations. 
Please join me today in honoring the world's most populous democracy, 
India, on the 46th anniversary of its Republic Day.

[[Page E100]]


                    DOWN PAYMENT ON AMERICA'S FUTURE

                                 ______


                            HON. RON PACKARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 25, 1996

  Mr. PACKARD. Mr. Speaker, I am very disappointed that even after a 
very compelling State of the Union Address, the President still only 
pays lip service to a balanced budget. He spoke of a smaller 
Government, of reforming welfare and Medicare and of limitless 
possibilities for the 21st century. Well, the truth is, he has vetoed 
the very legislation that would implement these changes and proposed 
countless new programs.
  Balancing the budget is not a partisan issue. It is an American 
issue. We need to find a way to do it--to work together as the 
President urged. I fear, however, that the President remains a 
congenital liberal, taxing and spending away America's future. Unless 
the President is willing to make hard decisions, such as reforming 
entitlements, we will never get a handle on unwieldy Federal spending. 
Right now, entitlement programs alone, account for more 50 percent of 
Federal outlays. We cannot continue on this path.
  My Republican colleagues and I will continue to work for a balanced 
budget. While it may not be possible with this President, we can make a 
down payment. The funding bill before us today takes those critical 
first steps. It continues to fund existing programs for which the 
President has not signed a regular appropriations bill, reducing 
spending on many bloated programs, and eliminating some which have 
proven to be ineffective.
  Mr. Speaker, the President has talked the talk, but it is time for 
him to walk the walk. He made a commitment to the American people on 
Tuesday night not to shut the Government down again. This funding 
measure gives him the opportunity to not only keep his word to the 
America, but to make a down payment on a balanced budget and a better 
future for the generations to come.

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