[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 94 (Wednesday, July 19, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1276]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           INDIA IS A VALUABLE PARTNER FOR THE UNITED STATES

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. ROD R. BLAGOJEVICH

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 13, 2000

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 4811) making 
     appropriations for foreign operations, export financing, and 
     related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 
     2001, and for other purposes.

  Mr. BLAGOJEVICH. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the Burton 
Amendment to Restrict aid to India.
  Each time that this amendment has been offered in previous years, the 
House has resoundingly voted it down. I expect that it will meet with a 
similar fate this time.
  Strengthening our partnership with India needs to be a fundamental 
part of America's strategy in Asia. This amendment would damage U.S.-
India relations at a time when our countries are cooperating on a 
number of issues of interest to us both.
  Earlier this year, President Clinton traveled to India, in 
affirmation of the ties that bind our nations together. India is on the 
front lines of the battle against terrorism. In light of this, the 
Government of India committed to the President during his visit that 
India would work closely with the United States to combat terrorism. 
The joint U.S/India working group on terrorism established during the 
President's visit can help both our nations counter this threat. 
Cutting assistance to India would put this cooperation at risk just as 
it is getting off the ground.
  Furthermore, India has acted responsibly to deal with conflict with 
her neighbors, showing restraint when provoked during the Kargil crisis 
and later when terrorists seized an Indian airlines flight and hijacked 
it to Afghanistan. The conduct of the Indian Government when faced with 
these immediate threats demonstrates that India is a reliable strategic 
partner.
  But the U.S./India relationship goes deeper than just strategic need. 
India is the world's largest democracy, a natural partner for the 
world's oldest democracy, the United States. India provides an example 
for the rest of Asia of how democracy and free market economic growth 
can go hand in hand.
  And contrary to what some may contend, India has a long tradition of 
harmony among people of different backgrounds and faiths. India is the 
original melting pot, and like our own nation, derives strength from 
its diversity.
  We have witnessed the strength of these values through the Indian-
Americans who have come to settle in this country. My hometown of 
Chicago is home to a vibrant Indian-American community. Indian-
Americans in Chicago add to the richness of our neighborhoods, and 
community leaders such as Dr. Bharat Barai, Mr. Bhagu Patel, Dr. Vijay 
Dave and Mr. Niranjan Shah have shown their neighbors that the values 
of tolerance and respect they brought with them from India are the same 
values we cherish here in the United States.
  Cutting off the meager, amount of assistance to India in this bill 
would not save the United States a great deal of money. It would, 
however, hinder our ability to reduce poverty and build lasting 
cultural and economic relationships with the people of India.
  It would also send a dangerous message to the world about America's 
commitment to democracy abroad. If we, as Americans, want democracy to 
flourish around the globe, then we must support democracies when we 
have the chance. I urge my colleagues to reject this amendment, and 
support our partnership with India.

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