[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 4289-4290]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          COMMENDING INDIA ON ITS CELEBRATION OF REPUBLIC DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                    HON. JUANITA MILLENDER-McDONALD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 10, 2004

  Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Madam Speaker, I am very pleased to join 
India in celebrating India Republic Day. The United States and India 
share a common colonial history, and today we are both strong 
democracies that serve as a model for other nations. I am pleased that 
President Bush and Prime Minister Vajpayee have agreed to work in 
partnership on civilian nuclear activities, civilian space programs, 
and high-technology trade. As we work together towards building trade, 
peaceful uses of space technology, and combating terrorism, our 
cooperative efforts will have global benefits, spread prosperity and 
enhance international security.
  With a population of over one billion people speaking over 114 
different languages, cultural differences and significant poverty among 
her people, India faces enormous challenges. However, India has shown 
her strength, resiliency and vision for over fifty years since adopting 
a constitution in 1950. She has taken affirmative steps to promote 
equal and social justice for all, and to improve the plight of the 
poor. These are values that we share as democratic nations and partners 
working together to ensure that people have hope and freedom.
  Finally, I commend India for the steps she has taken to open 
relations with Pakistan and work towards a resolution over Kashmir. My 
best wishes for success in this endeavor that is important not only to 
the people of India and Pakistan, but also to the rest of the world.

[[Page 4290]]



                          ____________________