[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 114 (Thursday, August 5, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1788]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


      FOREIGN OPERATIONS, EXPORT FINANCING, AND RELATED PROGRAMS 
                        APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2000

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, August 2, 1999

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 2606) making 
     appropriations for foreign operations, export financing, and 
     related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 
     2000, and for other purposes:

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this 
amendment offered by Representative Burton. This amendment terminates 
United States bilateral aid to India for human rights reasons.
  The Burton amendment is wrong on several fronts. In the wake of the 
recent Pakistani incursion across the line of control, the U.S. and 
India have a new opportunity to build a broad-based relationship. 
Instead of applauding India for the admirable restraint shown in the 
recent Kashmir crisis, this amendment would punish India by cutting 
humanitarian assistance.
  India has been working to address its human rights record. As 
evidenced by the most recent State Department Country Reports on Human 
Rights, India has received high marks for its significant improvement. 
The report praised India for its substantial progress and for its 
Independent National Human Rights Commission. Despite the continued 
dispute over the future of Kashmir, India continues to allow the 
International Committee of the Red Cross to visit prisons in Kashmir.
  India the world's largest democracy has a strong and vibrant 
democracy. Despite the relative youth of this democracy it features an 
independent judiciary, free press and political parties. The Indian 
press has been at the forefront in investigating human rights 
violations.
  In a few short months, most Indians will exercise one of the greatest 
hallmarks of democracy, the right to vote. In the world's largest 
exercise of democracy, more than 250 million people will vote and more 
than 100 national regional parties will participate in this national 
election for India.
  The best way we can influence our democratic allies is to continue 
our nation to nation dialogue. Punitive damages will only serve to 
hinder the progress that has been made in the relations between the 
United States and India. During the last year this relationship has 
resulted in an increased dialogue on nuclear nonproliferation, a firmer 
understanding of Southeast Asia security concerns, and an increase in 
constructive trade between our two nations. And we must encourage India 
and Pakistan to seek peace not war.
  A ``yes'' vote on the Burton amendment would send the wrong message 
at the wrong time. We do not want to be responsible for undercutting 
peace and stability in the region. I respectfully ask my colleagues to 
vote ``no'' on the Burton amendment and let us continue the dialogue 
with India.

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