[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
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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
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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
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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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