[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 19 (Wednesday, February 15, 2006)]
[House]
[Pages H303-H304]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  U.S.-INDIA NUCLEAR COOPERATION DEAL

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I am always pleased to lend my personal 
support to strengthening the partnership between India and the United 
States, and today I rise to express my support for the recent civil 
nuclear energy cooperation agreement between the world's two largest 
democracies. I also urge my colleagues to support such an agreement 
when it comes under consideration in Congress.
  Based on their shared values of diversity, democracy and prosperity, 
the United States and India have a natural connection. The growing 
bilateral relationship between the United States and India is creating 
new and profound opportunities between our two countries. We have 
shared democratic values and national interests that have fostered a 
transformed relationship that is central to the future success of the 
international community, and that includes the global war on terrorism 
and slowing the spread of weapons of mass destruction. Building this 
strategic partnership was unforeseen a few years ago, but its success 
is important in creating a strong democratic foundation in Asia.
  Mr. Speaker, India, which has long been a victim of terrorism, was 
the first to offer its services to the United States in its war on 
terrorism in Afghanistan. The Bush administration has made separation 
of India's military and civilian nuclear facilities an important 
benchmark by which to judge India's seriousness. In separating these 
facilities and placing the civilian ones

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under safeguards, it shows India's commitment to its role in the global 
community.
  Mr. Speaker, the United States-India civil nuclear agreement 
strengthens energy security for both the United States and India and 
promotes the development of stable and efficient energy markets in 
India to ensure adequate and affordable supplies. Development and 
expansion of U.S.-India civil nuclear cooperation should, over time, 
lessen India's dependence on imported hydrocarbons, including those 
from Iran.
  Mr. Speaker, India is taking necessary steps to build its 
relationship with the international community. Although India has never 
been a signatory of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, it should not 
be considered as a problem state with regard to nonproliferation 
issues. It has no record of proliferating dual-use nuclear technology 
to other countries. India understands the danger of the proliferation 
of weapons of mass destruction and has agreed to key international 
nonproliferation requirements.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, once the Bush administration outlines the 
details of the civil nuclear energy cooperation agreement, then 
Congress must begin steps to enact the changes necessary for 
implementation, and I would urge all my colleagues on a bipartisan 
basis to move in that direction and support it. The United States has 
established a remarkable strategic partnership with India, and a civil 
nuclear cooperation would be a great accomplishment. Its implementation 
is important for national security and for U.S.-India relations. Our 
two nations have made extraordinary progress over the last several 
years, and the path that lies ahead is critical to our improving 
relationship.

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