[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 65 (Tuesday, May 11, 2004)]
[House]
[Pages H2755-H2757]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING CONTRIBUTIONS OF PEOPLE OF INDIAN ORIGIN TO UNITED STATES 
              AND BENEFITS OF WORKING TOGETHER WITH INDIA

  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 352) recognizing the 
contributions of people of Indian origin to the United States and the 
benefits of working together with India towards promoting peace, 
prosperity, and freedom among all countries of the world.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 352

       Whereas India is the largest democratic country in the 
     world and enjoys a close and mutual friendship with the 
     United States based on common values and common interests;
       Whereas people of Indian origin who have for decades 
     immigrated to the United States have made extraordinary 
     contributions to the United States, helping to make the 
     United States a more efficient and prosperous country;
       Whereas these contributions have spanned disciplines 
     ranging from science, technology, business development, and 
     public service, to social justice, philanthropy, literature, 
     and the arts;
       Whereas generations of doctors and nurses of Indian origin 
     have attended to the sick in large cities as well as in rural 
     regions of the United States that are otherwise underserved;
       Whereas people of Indian origin have designed defense 
     systems that protect United States naval ships while at sea, 
     and have contributed to engineering, designing, and 
     participating in the United States space shuttle program, at 
     great personal sacrifice;
       Whereas people of Indian origin have invented many of the 
     technologies that power the computer and the internet, have 
     created and directed laboratories that produced significant 
     breakthroughs in modern medicine, and have taught at, and are 
     leaders of, many United States institutions of higher 
     learning;
       Whereas people of Indian origin have made invaluable 
     contributions to the vitality and viability of the United 
     States economy through creative entrepreneurship and 
     leadership in both large and small businesses;
       Whereas people of Indian origin have shared and integrated 
     their rich culture into the fabric of American daily life;
       Whereas trade with India integrates a democratic country of 
     more than one billion people into the flow of commerce, 
     offering the United States a large and rapidly growing market 
     and unlocking vast reservoirs of talent;
       Whereas the United States is India's largest trading 
     partner and a major source of foreign direct investment and 
     foreign institutional investment in India;
       Whereas United States exports to India are growing at 25 
     percent, making India one of the fastest growing foreign 
     markets for United States goods and services;
       Whereas India's industrial tariffs have fallen from 150 
     percent in 1988 to a peak rate of 20 percent today;
       Whereas United States exports to India will accelerate as 
     India continues reducing tariffs and instituting 
     liberalization measures in its trade and investment regime, 
     thereby expanding the trade relationship of the two countries 
     and bringing mutual benefits;
       Whereas India has been a key partner in the war against 
     terrorism;
       Whereas India and the United States have agreed to increase 
     cooperation in the areas of nuclear activities, civilian 
     space programs, high-technology trade, and missile defense;
       Whereas multi-faceted cooperation between India and the 
     United States will strengthen the bonds of friendship and 
     commerce between the two countries, lead to the peaceful use 
     of space technology, and increase global stability and 
     security; and
       Whereas United States efforts, whether in combating global 
     HIV/AIDS, pursuing nuclear non-proliferation, promoting 
     democracy, enhancing stability of the world economy, 
     eliminating poverty, fighting terrorism, and expanding and 
     strengthening global trade, will be more effective and 
     successful with India as a strategic partner: Now therefore, 
     be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring),  That Congress--
       (1) honors the contributions of people of Indian origin to 
     the Untied States, and
       (2) is committed to working together with India towards 
     promoting peace, prosperity, and freedom among all countries 
     of the world.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter).


                             General Leave

  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. 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 the concurrent resolution 
under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Nebraska?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, H. Con. Res. 352 recognizes the contributions of people 
of Indian origin to the United States and the benefits of working 
together with India toward promoting peace, prosperity and freedom 
among all countries of the world. This is a noncontroversial resolution 
which was easily approved by the Committee on International Relations. 
It points out the many areas and disciplines to which Americans of 
Indian origin have contributed to a stronger America. Indeed, in 
communities throughout the U.S., we can find Indian Americans who are 
active citizens participating in all avenues of life. America is 
strengthened by ethnic diversity and a climate of achievement and 
progress.
  This measure points out the ever-growing relationship between India 
and the United States and the benefits to each country resulting from 
increases in trade, cultural exchange, and the sharing of democratic 
values. This is indicative of U.S. relationships with the other 
countries of South Asia. These relationships are evolving; and we 
should encourage this progress, not only for the individual benefits to 
each country in the region but because it supports the collective goals 
of regional stability and economic development. I urge a strong ``aye'' 
vote on this measure.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution and thank 
the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter); the chairman of the 
subcommittee, the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Leach); the gentleman from 
American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega), the ranking member; and the 
gentleman from Illinois (Chairman Hyde) for bringing this important

[[Page H2756]]

resolution before us. And I particularly want to commend my neighbor 
and colleague, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Millender-
McDonald), for introducing this very important resolution. She has been 
a true leader on Indian-Americas issues, and we are all grateful to 
her.
  Mr. Speaker, America is a Nation of immigrants and is the world's 
preeminent power because of the diversity of its people and the 
strength each ethnic group has brought to our Nation. It is hard to 
think of an ethnic group that has made such an enormous contribution to 
our Nation in such a short period of time as America's more than a 
million and a half citizens of Indian descent. In business, in science, 
in academia, in medicine, Indian Americans have assumed leadership 
roles; and they have given back to the communities in which they live.
  In the field of medicine alone, our Nation is blessed to have over 
35,000 Indian-American physicians, many of whom work with residents of 
rural and inner city communities. Another 10,000 Indian-Americans are 
currently in medical school or are working as interns. Indian-Americans 
have also made enormous contributions to the economy of our country, 
and to my district in particular. Technology firms in Silicon Valley 
depend heavily on the brain power of our Indian-Americans. Over 300,000 
Indian-Americans are working in cutting-edge technology firms, and they 
play a critical role in generating new start-up companies.
  In academia, more than 5,000 Indian-Americans today serve as faculty 
members at institutions of higher learning. Two Americans of Indian 
ancestry have been awarded the Nobel Prize, one in medicine, one in 
physics.
  In the cultural world, millions of Americans have relied upon self-
help books and spiritual teachings of men like Deepak Chopra or enjoyed 
the cinematic productions of M. Night Shyamalam.

                              {time}  1600

  Of course, Mr. Speaker, we all remember the unique contribution and 
sacrifice made by Dr. Kalpana Chawla, the first Indian American to fly 
in the U.S. space shuttle. While Dr. Chawla perished in the horrendous 
Columbia shuttle disaster, we must never forget her enormous 
contributions to science and to our space program.
  Indian Americans have also worked to further develop the political, 
economic and security ties between the United States and India. These 
ties between our nations are unbreakable. After all, the world's 
largest democracy and the world's oldest have much in common. India has 
become a vital American ally in the fight against global terrorism. In 
the same manner that the United States and India have forged strong 
economic and commercial links, so too have we strengthened our 
partnership for peace and our collaboration to battle terrorist groups 
who wish to destroy freedom and democracy both in India and the United 
States.
  Mr. Speaker, we currently have over 75,000 Indians studying at our 
institutions of higher learning. I have no doubt that these young 
Indian men and women will be the next generation of leadership in 
India's political, economic and cultural worlds. Their experience in 
the United States will ensure positive relations between our two great 
nations for generations to come.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all of our colleagues to support H. Con. Res. 
352.
  Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to yield 3 minutes to the 
distinguished gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone).
  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California for 
yielding me this time. I rise in strong support of this resolution 
honoring the contributions of Indian Americans in the United States and 
honoring our strong U.S.-India relations. As a cosponsor of this bill, 
I urge all of my colleagues to support this much-needed and well-
deserved legislation.
  As the founder and former cochair of the Congressional Caucus on 
India and Indian Americans, I have for a number of years advocated on 
behalf of my Indian American constituents and worked toward creating 
stronger U.S.-India policies.
  India is the largest democracy in the world and shares common 
ideologies with the United States which has led to our natural 
relationship as allies. India has also been an important ally in the 
war against terrorism and has historically served as the key 
stabilizing force in the volatile south Asia region. Our economic, 
political, and defense relations with India are now more important than 
ever and I am pleased that our cooperation in the areas of nuclear 
activities, civilian space programs, high-technology trade, and missile 
defense continue to grow.
  In addition, people of Indian origin who have emigrated to the U.S. 
serve as an outstanding community within American society. 1.8 million 
strong, their contributions are tremendous and span fields such as 
engineering, technology, business development, health and medical care, 
public service, social justice, education, philanthropy, literature and 
the arts. Whether it is combating domestic and global HIV/AIDS, 
pursuing nuclear nonproliferation, promoting democracy, advocating for 
health and education rights, enhancing stability of the world economy, 
eliminating poverty, fighting terrorism or expanding and strengthening 
global trade, Indian Americans are on the forefront and these goals can 
be achieved by maintaining India as a strategic partner.
  Again, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H. Con. Res. 352 in an 
effort to honor the contributions of the Indian Americans and to commit 
to working together with India in promoting global peace and 
prosperity.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to yield 2 minutes to the 
distinguished gentleman from New York (Mr. Crowley), a member of the 
Committee on International Relations.
  Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. 
Lantos) for yielding me this time. I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 
352. As the cochair of the Caucus on India and Indian Americans and the 
representative of the second largest concentration of Indian Americans 
in the United States, I would like to speak in strong support of the 
gentlewoman from California's resolution recognizing the contributions 
of people of Indian origin to the United States and the benefits of 
working together with India. I know firsthand the contributions that 
Indian Americans are making to the United States because of my close 
relationship with my constituents and the Indian-American community 
across the country.
  One Indian American that many Members may not know is the first and 
only Indian American ever elected to Congress. His name was Dalip Singh 
Saund. Congressman Saund first came to the United States to study at 
the University of California where he received his master's and Ph.D. 
Even with Congressman Saund's high level of education, he had little 
job opportunity because of the prejudice that existed against Asians at 
that time. Despite the prejudice that existed, Congressman Saund went 
on to become politically active, to give something back to his 
community and was influential in working with Congress to pass the 
Luce-Cellar Act which was signed into law by President Truman in 1946. 
This act gave Asian Indians the right to become naturalized citizens.
  Congressman Saund was elected to the House of Representatives in 
1952, just 6 years after his work to secure citizenship for Indian 
Americans. He served as a distinguished Congressman from California for 
three terms before he suffered a stroke during his campaign for a 
fourth term in the House. This is just one Indian American that has 
made a major contribution to the United States.
  I would like to thank the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Millender-
McDonald) for introducing this resolution. I am proud to be supportive 
of it and an original sponsor of it.
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the 
opportunity to be here this afternoon, and I want to especially thank 
my good friend, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Millender-
McDonald) for her work in bringing us together here to recognize the 
contributions of people of Indian origin to the United States and the 
benefits of working together with India.
  Mr. Speaker, there are vital Indian-American communities in Texas. In 
fact, Texas's Indian-American community is one of the leading ethnic 
groups in my home State, and its members have made important 
contributions to the local economy and culture.

[[Page H2757]]

  As the largest immigrant group other than Mexicans, Indians account 
for 4.3 percent of North Texas's foreign-born population. Indian 
immigrants in this area come from all over the subcontinent, but 
especially the western Gujarat province.
  Many of Texas' Indian-Americans are professionals who play key roles 
in sectors like the technology industry and the field of medicine. Many 
others are business owners.
  About 1 million Indian-Americans live in the United States. Many 
Americans assume that Indian-Americans, because they are often well-
educated, do not face the same problems as other minorities. They are 
wrong. In many parts of this country Indian-Americans are victims of 
hate crimes and racial harassment. They are victims of discrimination 
in business and in education. We in Congress cannot allow people who 
come to this country seeking out the American Dream to be victimized or 
subjected to bigotry.
  Indian-Americans are proud of the tremendous strides their homeland 
has made. By the year 2050 India will be the most populous democratic 
country in the world. India and the United States today represent the 
greatest democracies on the face of the earth: the oldest and the 
largest.
  The United States is also one of India's largest trading partners. 
India's economy has been advancing rapidly, with a large stock market 
and strong high-tech enterprises like aircraft, a computer industry, 
and its own space program. We must promote greater understanding 
between the United States and India, particularly in the economic, 
political and cultural areas.
  Mr. Speaker, again I would like to take this opportunity to express 
my gratitude and appreciation to the Indian-American community. I know 
my colleagues join us in recognizing the profound contributions Indian-
Americans have made to American society and their descendants 
throughout the world.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by commending 
Congresswoman Millender-McDonald for introducing this bipartisan bill. 
H. Con. Res. 352 recognizes the contributions of people of Indian 
origin to the United States and the benefits of working together with 
India towards promoting peace, prosperity, and freedom among all 
countries of the world.
  As the world's 2nd most populous nation and the largest democracy in 
the world, India and the United States have forged a long-lasting 
friendship. For the past month, peoples from all over the country of 
India went to the polls and marked their choice for Parliament. This 
act of citizenship shows India's neighbors, and nations across the 
world, that democracy works. Reports indicate that over 50 percent of 
the population voted in this year's elections.
  India shows us that the commitment to democracy is strong and that 
the ties between India and the United States are even stronger. The 
everlasting bond that is forged by the 1.7 million Indian-Americans 
living in the United States is a shinning example of our commitment to 
one another. Indian-Americans lead thriving lives in communities 
throughout the U.S.--the contributions to our society demonstrate the 
resilience and fervor of the Indian-American spirit. It is that spirit 
that holds the future between our two nations together.
  Mr. Speaker, following the September 11th cowardly and evil terrorist 
attacks on the United States, Indian Prime Minister Vajpayee offered to 
cooperate with the Bush Administration ``in the investigation of this 
crime and to strengthen our partnership.'' The following day, the 
Indian Cabinet Committee on Security voted unanimously to offer the 
United States the use of Indian facilities for any U.S. military 
operation in pursuit of the perpetrators of the terrorist attacks.
  Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld states that, ``the United States and 
India share important interests in fighting terrorism. . . .''
  In the past two years, the United States and India have held numerous 
joint exercises involving all military branches. Last September U.S. 
and Indian special forces soldiers held a two-week joint exercise in 
Ladakh near the India-China border, and the largest-ever ``Malabar 
2003'' joint naval exercises off the southern coast of India that 
included an American nuclear submarine.
  In the 2002 report of the National Security Strategy of the United 
States, the White House made the following statement: ``The United 
States has undertaken a transformation in this bilateral relationship 
with India based on a conviction that U.S. interests require a strong 
relationship with India. We are the two largest democracies, committed 
to political freedom protected by representative government. India is 
moving towards greater economic freedom as well. We have a common 
interest in the free flow of commerce, including through the vital sea-
lanes of the Indian Ocean. Finally, we share an interest in fighting 
terrorism and in creating a strategically stable Asia.'' I could not 
agree more.
  Another great example of this fruitful bond is the fact that trade 
between India and the United States has shown a healthy growth in 
recent years. Last year, U.S. exports and imports from India totaled 
$5.0 billion and $13.1 billion, making India the 24th largest U.S. 
export market and the 18th largest supplier of U.S. imports. With a GDP 
of $390 billion and an annual growth rate of 6.8 percent, India is not 
only an important ally in defense, but also a key ally in international 
trade. Bilateral trade now stands at around $15 billion, with software 
exports at another $3 billion--emphasizing the true relationship 
between our two countries.
  As the world comes together and joins forces to help its people, I am 
positive that the strong ties between India and the United States will 
serve as an example of fruitful and positive bilateral relations.
  Mr. Speaker, H. Con Res. 352 is truly fitting. I stand here and pay 
special recognition to the proud and resilient people of Indian origin 
in the United States. Their devotion and hard work have brought great 
prosperity to countless communities in the United States. I am proud to 
be cosponsor of this bill and proudly congratulate all peoples of 
Indian origin for their perseverance.
  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to rise today to join my 
colleagues in recognizing the many contributions made by people of 
Indian descent and in celebrating the strong allegiance we share with 
the nation of India. In Northwest Indiana, like the rest of the Nation, 
Indian-Americans have shown themselves to be leaders in every field and 
in every endeavor. It is my pleasure to join today in expressing my 
admiration and gratitude to these Americans, as well as my hopes that 
our relationship with India remains strong and productive.
  As a proud member of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian 
Americans, I am well aware of the importance of our nation's commitment 
to cooperation. It is the strength of this commitment that will lead us 
both toward our mutual goals of peace, prosperity, and freedom among 
all countries of the world. We stand shoulder to shoulder with the 
government of India in combating the challenges facing the 
international community.
  While the nation of India has been a trusted friend in international 
affairs, people of Indian descent who have chosen to immigrate to this 
Nation have consistently contributed to our prosperity at home. Through 
their participation in the U.S. space shuttle program, their 
technological contributions that power the computer and the Internet, 
and their significant breakthroughs in modern medicine, Indian 
Americans have helped to make the United States the world leader in 
countless fields. Furthermore, Indian-Americans teach at, and are 
leaders of, many U.S. institutions of higher learning, thus passing on 
their legacy to our future world leaders.
  In my home district of Northwest Indiana the contributions of the 
Indian-American community are no less great. I would like to name but a 
few of the outstanding leaders, educators, and citizens who help to 
make the Indiana First such wonderful place. Doctors Bharat Barai, 
Panna Barai, Vijay Gupta, Padma Neelaveni, Vijay Dave, Shaun Kondamuri, 
Avtar Dhindsa, Beno Sikand, Harish Shah, Vidya Kora, Jagdish Patel, 
Kalpna Patel, Ravi Kanakamedela and Sandhya Kanakamedela have given 
tirelessly of their selves to serve our community and improve the 
health and well-being of my constituents.
  Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask you and my other distinguished 
colleagues to join me in recognizing and paying tribute to India and 
Indian-Americans. Again, I express my hopes for continued cooperation 
between our nations, and my gratitude for the role that Indian-
Americans have played in making this Nation great.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I urge a strong, unanimous vote for the 
resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Hayes). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter) that the House 
suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 
352.
  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. Mr. 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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