[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2241-E2242]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 5682, HENRY J. HYDE UNITED STATES-INDIA 
             PEACEFUL ATOMIC ENERGY COOPERATION ACT OF 2006

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. JAMES T. WALSH

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, December 8, 2006

  Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to affirm the significance of 
our Nation's friendship with India through implementation of the U.S.-
India Nuclear Cooperation Promotion Act of 2006.
  Our friendship with India is among the most important bilateral 
relationships for our Nation's security and prosperity. As a fellow 
partner in democracy, India has stood firm with the United States in 
many different arenas--from fighting the war on terrorism, to advancing 
both the U.S. and Indian economies, to assisting in the formulation of 
a productive dialogue with China. Time and again, India has shown 
herself to be a proven ally and this legislation represents yet another 
historic milestone in the association between our two great nations.
  This agreement marks a I80-degree policy shift pertaining to nuclear 
relations between India and the United States. This agreement permits 
the U.S. to sell technology to India for nuclear power development and 
in return, India will open up for inspection its civilian nuclear 
program, agree not to test nuclear weapons, and abide by nuclear export 
controls. In essence, this legislation brings India to the

[[Page E2242]]

world stage as a verifiable and accountable nuclear power while 
reaffirming the U.S. and India as economic partners in peace.
  Mr. Speaker, this is a good and appropriate piece of legislation. 
This bill has undergone months of deliberation, been subject to 
modification and amendment and finally, brought forth for a vote. I 
would like to commend Chairman Hyde and Ranking Member Lantos for all 
their hard work on this bill and reemphasize the significance it 
carries in furthering economic and technological cooperatives amongst 
democratic partners.

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