[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 30 (Wednesday, March 10, 2004)]
[House]
[Pages H982-H985]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          COMMENDING INDIA ON ITS CELEBRATION OF REPUBLIC DAY

  Mr. LEACH. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 15) commending India on its 
celebration of Republic Day.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                             H. Con. Res. 15

       Whereas the Republic of India is the world's largest 
     democracy;
       Whereas on January 26, 1950, India adopted its 
     Constitution, which formalized India as a parliamentary 
     democracy;
       Whereas the celebration of India's Republic Day on January 
     26th is the second most important national holiday after 
     Independence Day;
       Whereas the framers of India's Constitution were greatly 
     influenced by the American Founding Fathers James Madison, 
     Alexander Hamilton, and John Adams;
       Whereas among the rights and freedoms provided to the 
     people of India under its Constitution is universal suffrage 
     for all men and women over the age of eighteen;
       Whereas India's Constitution adopted the American ideals of 
     equality for all citizens, regardless of faith, gender, or 
     ethnicity;
       Whereas the basic freedoms we cherish in America such as 
     the freedom of speech, freedom of association, and freedom of 
     religion are also recognized in India;
       Whereas Mohandas Mahatma Gandhi is recognized around the 
     world as the father of India's nonviolent struggle for 
     independence;
       Whereas people of many faiths, including Hindus, Muslims, 
     Sikhs, and Christians, were united in securing India's 
     freedom from colonial rule and have all served in various 
     capacities in high-ranking government positions;
       Whereas the Republic of India has faithfully adhered to the 
     principles of democracy by continuing to hold elections on a 
     regular basis on the local, regional, and national levels;
       Whereas the people of the United States and the Republic of 
     India have a common bond of shared values and a strong 
     commitment to democratic principles; and
       Whereas President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Atal 
     Bihari Vajpayee are elected leaders of the world's two 
     largest democracies and are actively cultivating strong ties 
     between the United States and India: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That Congress--
       (1) commends India on its celebration of Republic Day; and
       (2) reiterates its support for continued strong relations 
     between the United States and India.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Miller of Michigan). Pursuant to the 
rule, the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Leach) and the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Lantos) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Leach).


                             General Leave

  Mr. LEACH. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their 
remarks and include extraneous material on H. Con. Res. 15.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Iowa?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. LEACH. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise in support of House Concurrent Resolution 15, a 
measure commending India on its Republic Day and reiterating 
congressional support for continued strong relations between India and 
the United States.
  This thoughtful concurrent resolution was introduced by the gentleman 
from South Carolina (Mr. Wilson), the distinguished head of the Indian 
Caucus, and our colleague on the Committee on International Relations, 
the gentleman from New York (Mr. Crowley). It was considered and 
adopted without amendment by the committee on February 25.
  As Members are aware, in recent years the relationship between the 
United States and India has been fundamentally transformed in 
exceptionally positive ways. Thankfully, the time has long since passed 
when it could be said that India and America are democracies estranged. 
Instead, in recognition both of the end of the Cold War and India's 
embrace of market economics, our two great countries have not only 
rediscovered each other but developed a remarkable degree of amity and 
rapport.
  The United States/India political relationship is rapidly maturing. 
We are having regular meetings at the highest levels of government. At 
the summit in Washington in November 2001, President Bush and Prime 
Minister Vajpayee articulated their vision of the relationship our 
countries should enjoy. The prime minister insightfully described it as 
a natural partnership.
  Our deepening government-to-government relationship is complemented 
by a rich mosaic of expanding people-to-people ties. In many ways, the 
more than 2 million Indian Americans in the United States have become a 
living bridge between our two great democracies, bringing together our 
two peoples, as well as greatly enlarging the United States' 
understanding of India and Indian understanding of the United States.
  In short, this timely resolution appropriately honors the world's 
largest democracy, a country with which the United States is enjoying 
increasingly warm ties and a people for whom Americans have a great and 
enduring affection.
  I urge the adoption of this resolution.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I rise in strong support of this resolution.
  Madam Speaker, I first would like to commend the chairman of our 
committee, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), for moving forward 
with this legislation so expeditiously.
  This important resolution commends India on its celebration of 
Republic Day which occurs on January 26. While we may be a few weeks 
late in commemorating this important event, our enthusiasm for 
reaffirming the strong and unbreakable ties between the United States 
and India remain strong.
  Madam Speaker, a new chapter in the bilateral relationship between 
the United States and India was opened with President Clinton's 
historic visit to India 4 years ago. President Clinton and Prime 
Minister Vajpayee broke

[[Page H983]]

decades of ice which covered our relationship and ushered in a new and 
unprecedented form of cooperation between our two great democratic 
nations.
  The most dramatic demonstration of our new friendship with India was 
India's immediate offer of full cooperation in the war on terrorism 
after the September 11 tragedy and its willingness to allow the use of 
Indian bases for counterterrorism operations. But in so many other 
ways, the tenor and tempo of our bilateral cooperation has continued to 
improve remarkably over the past 4 years. Security cooperation between 
the United States and India has increased significantly, with the 
United States providing funds for military assistance, counternarcotics 
aid, and other forms of military training. We are working with the 
Indian government to rationalize India's economy to promote American 
investment in India and to accelerate India's economic growth.
  We are also working closely with the Indian government to tackle the 
spread of HIV/AIDS. As the executive branch moves forward with the 
implementations of the Global HIV/AIDS bill approved by us last year, 
it is critically important that funding for India be increased. In 
short, Madam Speaker, the United States and India are developing close 
partnerships on key security, political and humanitarian matters, 
partnerships that will further strengthen the already close ties 
between our two great nations. But there is no stronger relationship 
between the United States and India than our shared commitment to 
democracy and civil society. We are truly natural allies.
  We must also be mindful at all times of the enormous strides taken by 
Prime Minister Vajpayee towards peace with Pakistan. Time and again it 
has been India that has reached out to its neighbor in the cause of 
peace. I fervently hope that this time the discussions between the two 
nations will finally bear fruit. India is the world's largest democracy 
with almost a billion people. Its democratic form of government rests 
solidly on the Indian constitution. So as we commemorate the day that 
India formally adopted its constitution, we celebrate the strength of 
India's democracy, the vitality of the Indian people and U.S.-Indian 
friendship. I urge all of my colleagues to support H. Con. Res. 15.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LEACH. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from 
South Carolina (Mr. Wilson), the chairman of the India Caucus.
  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I am honored to speak 
today as the co-chair of the Caucus on India and Indian Americans, the 
largest country caucus on Capitol Hill with 183 members. I am grateful 
for the leadership of the prior co-chairman, the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Royce). I support this truly historic resolution which 
praises India's firm commitment to democratic principles.
  On January 26, 1950, after a long struggle for freedom led by Mahatma 
Gandhi, India began its formal existence as a parliamentary democracy. 
Republic Day is the second most important national holiday in India 
after Independence Day, which is celebrated on August 15.
  India modelled its constitution after America's and both our nations 
believe that the freedoms enshrined in the constitution are universal 
for all human beings.
  India's national elections occur next month, a historic occasion with 
more than the 600 million that voted in the last election expected to 
vote next month. The last national elections in 1999 had the largest 
voter participation of any election in world history.
  India's creation and adherence to a national constitution can serve 
as an example to newly liberated countries like Iraq of how much can be 
gained by creating a constitution supported by the people and respected 
by democratic institutions.
  India's struggles and success can be a source of inspiration to the 
people of Iraq. Since independence, India has struggled with high 
poverty and illiteracy rates, maintained a socialist economy, endured 
numerous conflicts with Pakistan, and sometimes even experienced 
internal conflicts between various religious and ethnic groups in 
India. Yet India has risen to the challenge every time, showing the 
rest of the world that a nation of more than a billion people can 
consistently adhere to elections at the local, state, and national 
levels and overcome challenges in its path.
  India has dramatically reduced its poverty and illiteracy rates and 
recently opened its economy to the world, experiencing nearly an 8 
percent economic growth during the last fiscal year. India and Pakistan 
have begun a composite dialogue with the prospect of a negotiated 
agreement to the Kashmir dispute on the horizon. And India continues to 
make improvements to its economic infrastructure, judicial system, and 
electoral process to ensure that the freedoms outlined in the 
constitution are truly protected for all of India's people. India is 
most deserving of today's congressional recognition of this faithful 
adherence to democracy for more than 50 years.
  America and India have entered into a new era of friendship with 
victory in the Cold War. India as the world's largest democracy and 
America as the world's oldest democracy are realizing more every day 
that we have shared values.
  I want to commend President George W. Bush for his leadership in 
bringing America and India closer together as allies with his vision of 
a new strategic partnership.
  In conclusion, I would like to thank both the gentleman from Iowa 
(Mr. Leach), chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific, 
and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), chairman of the Committee 
on International Relations, for allowing the committee to consider and 
pass this historic and important resolution. I urge my colleagues to 
support House Concurrent Resolution 15.
  Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel), an important member of the House 
Committee on International Relations.
  Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time.
  I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 15, which commends India on 
its celebration of Republic Day and reiterates its support for 
continued strong relations between the United States and India.
  My colleagues have all talked about the importance of this 
relationship. I for many years in the Congress have always tried to 
stress this relationship. I am pleased to say that I was one of the 
founding original members of the Indian Caucus and have remained a 
member of the Indian Caucus. And as it was pointed out, it is the 
largest caucus here on Capitol Hill, and with good reason. As my 
colleagues have mentioned, India and the United States share common 
values: the oldest democracy, the United States; and the biggest 
democracy, India.

                              {time}  1815

  It is not easy to be a democracy for as many years as we have been a 
democracy and for the people of India who have struggled to be a 
democracy. So we have shared values and shared concerns. We have many, 
many Indian Americans in this country, and we celebrate our Indian 
American friends and what they have added to the United States of 
America, and that also solidifies the ties between India and the United 
States.
  I had the pleasure of visiting India a few years ago, and I was 
amazed by the warmth I felt by the people who wanted to be close to 
Americans. During the days of the Cold War sometimes the ties between 
India and the United States were strained. It never made any sense to 
me, but since the end of the Cold War, we have moved very closely 
together to ensure that the ties between India and the United States 
are strong, remain strong and continue to get strong year by year.
  It certainly makes a lot of sense. India's a strategic partner of the 
United States. India has the same concerns as the United States, 
fighting terrorism on its borders and inside its country. India stands 
with the United States as a strong fighter in the war against 
terrorism, and India also is very concerned by other countries that 
surround India or near India, and the United States also needs to share 
those concerns.
  So H. Con. Res. 15, in congratulating India, points out the strong 
bonds between our two Nations, and those of us

[[Page H984]]

in Congress on both sides of the aisle will continue to work to 
strengthen ties between two great democracies, India and the United 
States.
  Mr. LEACH. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the distinguished 
gentleman from California (Mr. Royce) who is a member of the 
Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, chairman emeritus of the India 
Caucus, as well as a leader in Congress on many Asian issues.
  Mr. ROYCE. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Leach) 
for yielding me the time, and I am only going to take maybe a minute 
here to say that I am a cosponsor of this resolution, but I think most 
of the resolutions that we deal with here in this Chamber that come to 
this floor rightly focus on what is wrong throughout the world, whether 
it is the authoritarian regime of Robert Mugabe in Zimbabwe or Kim Jong 
Il in North Korea. In this context, I think it is proper for the House 
to recognize positive developments, and in this case, that positive 
development is the vibrant democracy that is India.
  India adopted that Constitution on January 26 of 1950 that formalized 
her identity as a parliamentary democracy, and the framers of India's 
constitution were greatly influenced by our Founding Fathers. I had an 
opportunity to talk to one of those framers, and he made the point that 
many of the same freedoms that are enshrined in our Constitution are 
enshrined in theirs for a reason.
  So today, yes, India's the world's largest democracy and that is an 
impressive distinction. It is an incredible commitment when we think of 
600 million people going and filing their ballots in a democratic 
election, but the other point I think that we are focused on tonight is 
the fact that it is India's growth as a world power that is creating a 
chance for peace and for stability in south Asia.
  Last month, members of the Committee on International Relations had a 
chance to meet with India's foreign minister to discuss the growing 
bilateral relationship in the areas of space and of science, and I 
think this resolution signals Congress' interest in furthering this 
important relationship.
  I would also be remiss if, in closing, I did not mention the growing 
contribution of the Indian American community here in the United 
States. I have always been impressed with, when working with that 
community, their energy, their enthusiasm and indeed their dedication 
to education. Their upward social mobility through education is 
unmatched, and I think that that particular community possesses some of 
our most effective future leaders in this country.
  So, with that said, I urge passage of this resolution, and I thank 
the gentleman for yielding me the time.
  Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, we reserve the balance of our time.
  Mr. LEACH. Madam Speaker, we have no further requests for time, and I 
yield myself such time as I may consume.
  In conclusion, I would simply like to express my personal 
appreciation for the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Wilson) and the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Royce) for their leadership on so many 
Indian affairs, and particularly for this bipartisan expression of 
admiration for India and its achievements, and for the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Lantos) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel), 
two leaders of this House on Indian affairs.
  Yes, it has been noted that India is the world's largest democracy, 
but it also should be made clear it is one of the oldest and greatest 
civilizations on this planet with evidence of civil society dating back 
many millennium before Christ.
  In the years since its modern day independence in 1947, it has 
produced some of the greatest leaders in modern times: Mr. Gandhi and 
his doctrine of nonviolence, civil disobedience. The doctrine of Sarjat 
Hagahoth is a great symbol and inspiration for many citizens of the 
globe. Mr. Nehru stood for a great international leadership of 
independence and neutrality, and then in the new era of Mr. Vajpayee we 
have an India dedicated to economic development and market forces, all 
of which betokens in terms of history, in terms of longevity of 
civilization, a modern day society that is one of the greatest on this 
planet, and we in this body are deeply impressed.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ACKERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 
15 and congratulate my colleague Mr. Wilson of South Carolina for his 
sponsorship of the resolution.
  Madam Speaker, the resolution before us today commends India on its 
celebration of Republic Day and urges continued strong bilateral 
relations between the United States and India. But there is much more 
to celebrate than simply India's Republic Day. There are the 
commonalities between the U.S. and India, in particular both are 
thriving multi-cultural democracies. India is the largest and the U.S. 
is the oldest. This year both nations are in the midst of the great 
democratic tradition of elections. India's elections begin later this 
month and run through the beginning of April.
  Beyond our common experiences with democracy, the United States and 
India have been growing ever closer over the last several years. 
Beginning with President Clinton's trip to India in 2000, the U.S.-
India relationship has truly blossomed over the last several years.
  In the immediate aftermath of the horrendous attacks on the World 
Trade Center and the Pentagon, India was the first nation to step 
forward and offer unqualified support and assistance to us. Just a few 
months later, India suffered a devastating attack in the heart of its 
democracy, the parliament building in New Delhi. These events 
underscore the fact that both nations have faced, and continue to face, 
serious threats from global terrorist organizations.
  These unfortunate events have led to a significant expansion of the 
U.S.-India relationship into areas where our two nations had not 
previously cooperated: defense and counter-terrorism. Evidence of the 
new and intense level of cooperation in these areas can be found in the 
most recent joint exercises between air force units of the United 
States and India in central India just last month.
  On the other aspects of our relationship, like the newly announced 
U.S.-India Strategic Partnership and a steady stream of senior level 
visits in both capitals speak volumes regarding the robust nature of 
our relationship. So it is only fitting Mr. Speaker, that the Congress, 
join the chorus of voices in recognizing that the oldest and largest 
democracies are on a new and welcome path bilaterally.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the resolution.
  Mrs. MALONEY. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 
15, which commends India on its celebration of Republic Day and 
expresses congressional support for continued strong relations between 
the United States and India.
  As the largest democracy in the world, India has shown a genuine 
commitment to improving its economic ties to the United States, and the 
U.S. and India have formally committed to work together to build peace 
and security in South Asia, increase bilateral trade and investment, 
meet global environmental challenges, fight disease, and eradicate 
poverty.
  There is no doubt that the close relationship between the U.S. and 
India is crucial to world stability and to the economic futures of both 
countries. India's long-term economic potential is tremendous, and the 
U.S. is already its largest trading and investment partner.
  I am hopeful that we will foster an even closer relationship in the 
coming years by working together to tackle new and existing challenges.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. 
Res. 15, commending India on its celebration of Republic Day. India is 
the world's largest democracy and Republic Day is India's second most 
important national holiday.
  India became a Republic on January 26, 1950, adopting a written 
Constitution and electing its first democratic parliament. Prior to 
independence, India was under British rule.
  Today, India stands with the people of the United States. The 
Republic of India and the United States have a common bond of shared 
values and a strong commitment to democratic principles.
  We are also united in the war against terrorism. As the Ranking 
Members of the International Relations Subcommittee. I will not rest 
until Pakistan makes good on its promises to end cross border 
terrorism, shut down its terrorist training camps, and cease the 
transfer of nuclear technology to rogue nations and third parties.
  I commend India for its continued commitment to peace and for 
promoting the ideals of equality for all citizens, regardless of faith, 
gender or ethnicity. I also pay tribute to Mahandas Mahatma Gandhi who 
is recognized as the father of India's nonviolent struggle for 
independence.
  Finally, I express my appreciation to Prime Minister Atal Bihari 
Vajpayee for his leadership in cultivating strong ties with the United 
States and for initiating historic talks with Pakistan in hopes of 
decreasing tensions in South Asia. I

[[Page H985]]

also knowledge the contributions of His Excellency Lalit Mansingh, 
Ambassador of the Republic of India, who has represented the interests 
of India before the U.S. Congress in a manner that has strengthened 
U.S.-India relations.
  I also applaud the efforts of Sanjay Puri, founder and Executive 
Director of an organization working to influence policy on issues of 
concern to the Indian American community. With a membership of 27,000, 
this organization is giving more than 2 million Indian Americans a 
voice in the political process and I believe both India and the United 
States are fortunate to have more than 27,000 Indian Americans working 
with us to address important issues like terrorism, trade, HIV/AIDS, 
and immigration.
  Again, I applaud the efforts of so many and I commend India on its 
celebration of Republic Day.
  Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this 
important Resolution commending the incredibly diverse, democratic 
nation of India on the celebration of its Republic Day.
  This Resolution reiterates the overwhelming Congressional support for 
continued strong relations between the United States and India. And it 
notes India's commitment, under the Indian constitution, for universal 
suffrage; equality for all citizens, regardless of faith, gender, or 
ethnicity; and protections for freedom of speech, association and 
religion.
  Our two nations are ``natural allies,'' as Prime Minister Vajpayee 
has stated. For while our alliance is relatively young, it has already 
begun to flourish based on our shared values and commitment to 
democratic principles.
  In recognition of our growing relationship, the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. Crowley) and I led a delegation of nine members of Congress 
to India in January.
  During our trip, we were privileged to be received by a number of Mr. 
Vajpayee's Ministers and we engaged key policymakers in thoughtful 
discussions on issues ranging from Kashmir and Pakistan to this year's 
national elections in both India and the United States.
  While we certainly discussed, and even debated, a number of issues on 
which our countries have legitimate differences, the lasting 
impressions were the broad areas of agreement and cooperation, and the 
strength and dynamism of the growing U.S.-India relationship.
  Madam Speaker, the mutual respect demonstrated in these discussions 
was a clear sign of our maturing relationship and the trust between us.
  For example, our armed forces now regularly participate in joint 
exercises involving all branches of the military, and the sale of U.S. 
military equipment to India approached $200 million last year.
  In the immediate aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks, 
India pledged its full cooperation and offered the use of all its 
military bases for counterterrorism efforts. And India continues to 
play a key role in stabilization and reconstruction efforts in 
Afghanistan.
  Our economic cooperation also is noteworthy. In fact, the nearly 60% 
increase in total trade between the United States and India since 1996 
illustrates that.
  With more than 1 billion citizens, India still faces many problems. 
And the increasing engagement with the United States will help India to 
address them.
  Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I want to commend all of my colleagues who 
spoke on behalf of this important resolution.
  Madam Speaker, we have no further requests for time and we yield back 
the balance of our time.
  Mr. LEACH. Madam Speaker, we yield back the balance of our time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Miller of Michigan). The question is on 
the motion offered by the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Leach) that the 
House suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. 
Res. 15.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of 
those present have voted in the affirmative.
  Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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