[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 45 (Tuesday, March 22, 2016)]
[House]
[Page H1499]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





              U.S.-INDIA DEFENSE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP ACT

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
North Carolina (Mr. Holding) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, the United States is fortunate to have 
allies and partners across the world that we work with every day to 
combat terrorism and our other security challenges.
  One of these relationships that I work closely on is the strategic 
partnership between the United States and India. Together, the U.S. and 
India face a set of common security challenges, and there can be no 
question that closer defense and security cooperation between our two 
democracies will greatly benefit all of our people.
  Over the last few years, Mr. Speaker, we have seen substantial growth 
in this partnership, most recently formalized last year with the 10-
year renewal of the defense framework. This partnership is also 
highlighted by forums such as the U.S.-India Defense Technology and 
Trade Initiative. I firmly believe that Congress should be supporting 
and offering more opportunities for the U.S.-India defense partnership 
to succeed.

                              {time}  1015

  That is why today I will be introducing the U.S.-India Defense 
Technology and Partnership Act. This legislation will cement the 
progress that has already been made and will lay the foundation for 
future cooperation and growth.
  Additionally, this legislation will elevate India's status by 
shortening the time required for the notification of sale or export of 
defense articles from the United States to India.
  It will also bring our defense establishment closer together by 
encouraging more joint contingency planning and will require the U.S. 
Government to review and assess India's ability to execute military 
operations of mutual interest.
  Just as important as efforts like the legislation I am introducing 
today, I believe, is Congress' closer examination and oversight of 
other actions that impact the U.S.-India partnership.
  One that certainly comes to mind, Mr. Speaker, is the delicate and, 
at times, seemingly confused policy with Pakistan. Pakistan has proven 
time and time again that it is an unreliable partner.
  While Pakistan has taken some, but very limited, action to disrupt 
terror elements that operate within their borders, their demonstrated 
unwillingness to fulfill and execute counterterrorism efforts should 
leave no question as to their true intentions.
  So why, Mr. Speaker, last month, did the administration notice a sale 
of eight F-16s to Pakistan? What, I ask, is the benefit of the sale to 
our national security and the security of the region and our partners?
  This is one question, Mr. Speaker. But the request to use taxpayer 
dollars to finance the sale of these F-16s to Pakistan is entirely 
another question. What has Pakistan actually done to deserve these 
fighter jets, let alone financing from the United States taxpayers? 
Certainly not enough, in my view, as I firmly oppose the sale from 
start to finish.
  Every year since 2011, the administration has been required to 
utilize a waiver to continue providing security assistance to Pakistan. 
Why, you might ask, does the administration need to continually use a 
waiver? Well, it is because Pakistan has failed to be an honest and 
real partner in the efforts to combat terrorism that is exported from 
its borders.
  On this front, Mr. Speaker, I have joined with Congressman Bera to 
seek a restriction on the availability of security assistance to 
Pakistan next fiscal year. We are not seeking to completely prohibit 
the use of the Presidential waiver--although, I might add, this is a 
debate worth having here in the House. We are simply asking that 30 
percent of the funds should not be subject to a waiver. This is a 
commonsense step that will, hopefully, after years of trying, get the 
Pakistani Government to cooperate and meet the requirements set in law.
  Mr. Speaker, India should know that they have a strong and committed 
partner in the U.S. Congress, and I believe that steps such as passing 
the appropriations fence I just outlined and passing the U.S.-India 
Defense Technology and Partnership Act would send a strong message and 
certainly enhance our strategic partnership with India.
  Mr. Speaker, we have a tremendous opportunity in front of us right 
now to further build an enduring defense and security partnership with 
India that will endure for years to come and, indeed, benefit both of 
our great democracies.

                          ____________________