[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 12]
[House]
[Pages 16277-16280]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 COMMENDING THE CONTINUING IMPROVEMENT IN RELATIONS BETWEEN THE UNITED 
                    STATES AND THE REPUBLIC OF INDIA

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree 
to the resolution (H. Res. 364) commending the continuing improvement 
in relations between the United States and the Republic of India.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                              H. Res. 364

       Whereas the Republic of India achieved its independence 
     from the British Empire on August 15, 1947, and has since 
     that time maintained a democratic system of government;
       Whereas India has in recent years opened its economy to a 
     considerable extent to trade and investment and has 
     liberalized its internal economic system;
       Whereas India's relationship with the United States has 
     deepened in past years and encompasses cooperation on matters 
     relating to international security, political stability, 
     world trade, technology, science, and health;
       Whereas India and Pakistan, neighbors who have fought 
     bitter wars in past decades, have increased their efforts to 
     settle their differences by peaceful means;
       Whereas Americans of Indian origin have made critical 
     contributions to the culture and economy of the United 
     States;
       Whereas the Prime Minister of India, His Excellency Dr. 
     Manmohan Singh, has, in his previous capacity as Finance 
     Minister, helped shape India's economic policies to permit 
     the growth of free markets, which has led to much greater 
     economic prosperity for many people in India and the creation 
     of a large middle class; and
       Whereas Prime Minister Singh has accepted an invitation by 
     the United States to make an official visit to Washington, 
     D.C.: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of 
     Representatives that the continuing improvement in relations 
     between the United States and the Republic of India, 
     exemplified by the current official visit of the Prime 
     Minister of India, His Excellency Dr. Manmohan Singh, is to 
     be commended, supported, and expanded in the interest of the 
     people of India and the people of the United States.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) and the gentleman from California (Mr. 
Lantos) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen).


                             General Leave

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. 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 H. Res. 364, the 
resolution under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Florida?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  When the House considers resolutions at a time coinciding with visits 
of foreign leaders about the relations between their countries and the 
United States, it is because of the immense value that the Congress 
places on that relationship and the critical nature of the issues and 
policies that bind our nations.
  Taking this into consideration, Mr. Speaker, I would like to express 
my deepest gratitude to the House leadership for having authored and 
brought forward this particular resolution for our consideration. The 
visit of the Prime Minister of India is anything but routine, and the 
expansion and the strengthening of our relations with India is anything 
but routine.
  I have the honor of co-chairing the India Caucus in the House of 
Representatives and have had the opportunity to witness this ever 
growing bond between our nations, a bond based on our shared democratic 
values and our common goals of safeguarding liberty of combating 
oppression and of confronting terrorism. His Excellency, Dr. Singh, the 
Prime Minister of India, will address a joint session tomorrow morning, 
where we shall have the opportunity to hear directly from him his 
vision of our relationship.

                              {time}  1615

  From the U.S. standpoint, we will always honor Dr. Singh for his 
pioneering efforts to liberalize the Indian economy internally and to 
open that economy to the world. His work became the basis of a 
consensus that was carried on by Indian governments of other parties. 
It contributed to the economic development of India and to the 
improvement of conditions for those who are poverty stricken in that 
nation; and although that effort is not yet complete, it has 
contributed to the building of a greater middle class.
  The trade that was fostered by India's opening to the world has 
benefited American and Indian consumers

[[Page 16278]]

and producers. America needs trade partners who, once an agreement is 
made, will honor that agreement. We can count on India in this respect 
because those agreements are made under democratic procedures.
  Mr. Speaker, we are also coming to recognize the contribution that 
India can make to the achievement of peace and security in this region 
and in the world and the potential that it has to make an even greater 
contribution over time. It would be wrong to fail to mention the 
enormous contributions that Americans born in India or of Indian decent 
have made to the moral, economic, and scientific welfare of this Nation 
as a whole.
  Indian-Americans have shared with Americans of other origins their 
love of their ancestral homeland and have made it clear how the Indus 
Valley civilization's ancient insights can speak to this hemisphere in 
contemporary times.
  It is my pleasure to welcome Dr. Singh to the Halls of Congress, and 
I ask my colleagues to support this resolution.
  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.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to be one of the four co-sponsors of this 
resolution along with the distinguished majority leader, the 
distinguished Democratic leader, and my good friend, the chairman of 
the Committee on International Relations, the gentleman from Illinois 
(Mr. Hyde), our resolution commending the continuing improvement in 
relations between the United States and the Republic of India.
  We do so in the midst of an official visit by the distinguished Prime 
Minister of India, Dr. Singh, who will address us in a joint session of 
Congress tomorrow morning to be followed by a private meeting with 
members of the Committee on International Relations.
  In the 5 years since President Clinton traveled to India and opened a 
new chapter in the bilateral relationship between that country and the 
United States, we have ushered in new and unprecedented forms of 
cooperation between our two great democratic nations in areas ranging 
from global trade to technology.
  Security cooperation between the United States and India has 
dramatically increased with Washington providing funds for military 
assistance, counternarcotics aid, and other forms of military training.
  Mr. Speaker, we all remember well India's eager offer of cooperation 
in the war on terrorism after the September 11 tragedy and its 
willingness to allow the use of Indian bases for counterterrorism 
operations. Both of our countries have been democracies since our 
inception, and we are natural allies.
  In recent years, India has opened its economy to a great extent to 
trade and investment. India has liberalized its internal economic 
system, steps that have served, and will continue to serve, to 
accelerate India's growth. Our distinguished guest, Dr. Singh, played a 
key role in getting these reforms under way in his earlier capacity as 
the Finance Minister of India. They have created a vastly enlarged 
middle class enjoying the benefits of a well-run economic system. And 
Indians have Dr. Singh to thank for that.
  India of late has been a model partner in the ongoing rapprochement 
with its neighbor, Pakistan, despite memories of bitter wars and 
nuclear oneupsmanship. Both countries have shown good will in an 
ongoing attempt to settle their differences by peaceful and diplomatic 
means.
  Mr. Speaker, during a recent visit to New Dehli, Secretary of State 
Dr. Condoleezza Rice praised the positive recent development in 
relations between our countries, and the administration put out the 
word that one of its goals is to help India become a major world power 
in the 21st century. To that end, Mr. Speaker, I wish to take this 
opportunity to press again for strong U.S. support for India to become 
a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, in long 
overdue recognition by the international community of India's rightful 
place as a great democracy.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the 
contributions of Americans of Indian origin for whom the visit of Prime 
Minister Singh this week has special resonance.
  The United States is a Nation of immigrants, and we are the world's 
preeminent power due in large part to the diversity of our people. It 
is hard to think of an ethnic group, Mr. Speaker, that has made such 
enormous contributions to the strength of our Nation in such a 
compressed period of time as America's 1.5 million citizens of Indian 
decent. In business, science, academia, medicine and culture, Indian-
Americans have assumed leadership roles, and they have given back to 
the communities in which they live.
  Indian-Americans have made enormous contributions to the economy of 
my congressional district in the San Francisco Bay area, particularly 
to the technology firms of our Silicon Valley. Over 300,000 Indian-
Americans work in the cutting-edge technology firms in my area, and 
they play a critical role in generating new start-up high-tech 
companies.
  So, Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my constituents and all of our 
colleagues in the Congress, I extend our congratulations to Prime 
Minister Singh on the achievement his country has made and on the great 
relations between India and the United States. I urge all of my 
colleagues to support this resolution.
  Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the 
gentleman from Texas resolution commending the increase in bilateral 
relations between the United States and the Republic of India.
  As the former co-chair of the House of Representatives Caucus on 
India and Indian Americans I have been working hard to increase the 
engagement by our two governments.
  It is an honor for me to represent one of the largest populations of 
Indian Americans in the United States.
  At my constituents urging I have worked to create a stronger 
relationship between the United States and India.
  I had the opportunity to travel to India three times and led the 
largest Congressional delegation to India and for many of my colleagues 
who traveled with me it was their first time to India.
  Seeing a nation that you deal with on a regular basis first hand is 
an incredibly important tool for making policy.
  In fact two years ago in India I sat next to a quiet economist and 
member of the opposition Congress Party at the time and now this 
gentleman will be speaking before a joint session of Congress tomorrow.
  I look forward to Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's remarks on 
the state of relations between our two nations.
  As architect of the Indian economic reforms in the 1990's, he cut 
India's deficit and opened the economy, leading to India's status as a 
primary figure in the global economy.
  I would like to thank the gentleman for introducing this resolution 
and I urge all of my colleagues to support it.
  Mr. BROWN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 
historic state visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of India. This 
visit comes at a time of ever-warming relations between the United 
States and India as these two great nations build partnerships in 
commerce, security, science, health, and technology. At a time of great 
global unease and change, our proud country has found a fast friend in 
India.
  In this chamber tomorrow, the Prime Minister will deliver a momentous 
address to our Joint Session of Congress. His presence in this house 
will send an unequivocal message to the government and the people of 
India. That message is that the United States stands in full support of 
the Indian commitment to democracy, peace, and prosperity. This address 
will show Indian and American citizens the significance of the enduring 
relationship between our two great nations.
  The United States and India have been partners in the birth of 
freedom, in 1776 and 1947, from which we grew to be the world's oldest 
and largest democracies. Let us now be partners in the war against 
terror as we fight for a more secure existence. Let us be partners in 
trade and economic growth that benefits all citizens. Let us be 
partners in scientific and technological advances that promote the 
collective well-being. Let us be partners in expanding access to first-
class health care and quality education. Let us be partners in our 
strong values, our commitment to our families, and our belief in 
humanity.
  Let the occasion of Prime Minister Singh's address also highlight the 
advances and contributions of Indian-Americans. The pioneers of

[[Page 16279]]

this community first settled in California in the mid-1800s and worked 
as farmers. This tiny minority was not granted the right to American 
citizenship until 1947 and faced severe visa restrictions until 1965. 
From such humble beginnings, Indian-Americans have grown dramatically 
to a national population of 1.9 million. They are now the fastest 
growing Asian-American group in our great Nation. My district in Ohio 
is home to 2,480 Indian-Americans, who make vital contributions to our 
economy, culture, and society.
  Mr. Speaker, from my first visit to India in 1977 to having an 
Indian-American intern in my office every year since 1994, I have grown 
to appreciate and value the gifts of this nation to the world. I am 
thankful and proud to host Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in the United 
States. I call on my colleagues to work tirelessly to strengthen our 
growing relationship and forge new ties with the great nation of India.
  Mr. DeLAY. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow, the United States Congress will 
welcome His Excellency Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of the 
Republic of India.
  His visit to the United States, and to this House in particular, is a 
symbol of the strong and vibrant relations between our two nations, the 
oldest and largest democracies on earth.
  But the relationship between the United States and India is more than 
symbolic.
  It is the natural alliance between democratic nations who value 
freedom, and will defend their people from tyranny and terror.
  Since the Indian people achieved their independence from the British 
crown in 1947, their nation has become an example of political freedom 
and stability in a region that desperately needs it.
  India's economy has become a global leader in trade, science, and 
health, and its education system annually produces some of the 
brightest and most innovative minds in the world.
  India has become a valued trading partner with the United States, and 
a trusted ally in the global war on terror.
  Internationally, the Indian people--together with Pakistan--in recent 
years have sought peaceful solutions to their differences, setting 
aside decades of open hostility.
  And here at home, Indian-Americans have enriched our national culture 
by introducing generations of Americans to the philosophical, 
religious, and social traditions of their homeland.
  My own district in the Houston region is home to tens of thousands of 
Indian-Americans, who have become an indelible part of our community in 
recent decades, a fact for which I and my fellow Texans are most 
grateful.
  I am proud to sponsor this resolution commending Prime Minister Singh 
and his nation, and welcoming him to address the House and Senate 
tomorrow.
  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize the visit of the 
Prime Minister of India on the occasion of his visit to Washington. 
Prime Minister Singh's visit to the United States is the first by a 
national Indian leader since that of Prime Minister Vajpayee in 
November 2001. The Prime Minister's visit comes at a critical moment 
for relations between the United States and India. The 21st Century has 
brought our democracies together as partners with shared priorities.
  The United States and India share the values of democracy and 
diversity and are building a vital economic and strategic partnership. 
As the world's most populous democracy, India is an important ally of 
the United States. Like the United States, India draws much of its 
democratic strength from its diversity. Dr. Manmohan Singh's election 
as Prime Minister, the first time a Sikh has been elected to this 
office, demonstrates that diversity. The United States and India also 
share the priorities of promoting global stability and combating 
terrorism around the globe, promoting trade and democracy, developing 
new technology, and combating the spread of HIV and other global health 
pandemics.
  Relations between the United States and India are particularly 
important to the residents of the 9th Congressional District of 
Illinois. We have a dynamic Indian American community in the 9th 
Congressional District that has shared Indian culture with our 
residents and made a strong contribution to our economy. While these 
Indian Americans are now residents and citizens of the U.S., many of 
them still have family in India. The close, friendly relationship 
developing between our countries is important to Indian Americans in my 
district, and beneficial to all Americans and Indians. As a member of 
the Congressional India Caucus, I've been pleased to see the relations 
between our countries improve.
  I had the honor of accompanying President Clinton to India in March 
of 2000--the first time a U.S. President traveled to India since 
President Carter in 1978. That trip also served a greater purpose. 
President Clinton's trip to Asia represented a major initiative by that 
Administration and members of Congress to set U.S.-India relations on a 
new level of increased cooperation across a broad spectrum of issues. 
President Clinton and Prime Minister Vajpayee agreed in a vision 
statement to institutionalize dialogue between our two countries 
through regular bilateral ``summits.'' In the years following that 
trip, many aspects of the vision statement have been realized and our 
countries have drawn closer together.
  Since 1991, the United States and India have forged close economic 
relations. As India has liberalized its economy, it has become a more 
important trading partner for the United States. India has invested 
both in its businesses and its workers, fighting poverty while growing 
its economy at a steady, sustainable rate. Our economic relationship 
with India is sure to expand in the time to come.
  India is an important strategic partner to the United States. After 
our country was attacked on September 11th, India quickly rushed to 
America's side to offer its full support to combat the terrorists and 
use of its bases for counterterrorism operations. India is a critical 
ally of geopolitical importance to the United States on the Asian 
continent. India is a partner in our efforts to work towards a more 
peaceful world, and has recently taken encouraging steps towards peace 
with Pakistan. The growing military partnership between the United 
States and India is a sign of our shared strategic priorities.
  While India faces many challenges today, such as continued mass 
poverty and an HIV/AIDS epidemic, I will work closely with the Indian 
American community in my district, with my colleagues on the India 
Caucus and in the Congress as a whole to ensure that the United States 
continues to support India as it faces those challenges that threaten 
its development.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank Prime Minister Singh for continuing to 
strengthen the relationship between the United States and India. A 
close relationship between our countries will help promote security, 
peace, and economic prosperity around the globe.
  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to praise improved 
relations and partnerships between the United States and the Republic 
of India. The United States and India have never been as committed to 
each other as they are today. Our two countries are two democratic 
nations that hold many of the same goals and ideals in common, such as 
supporting democratic institutions and eradicating global terrorism. 
The transformation of U.S.-India relations over the past four years has 
indeed strengthened economic and diplomatic cooperation between our two 
countries.
  In the past year, United States and Indian officials have met 
countless times to address our economic and political agendas. Under 
Secretary of State for Political Affairs Nicholas Burns, Secretary of 
Transportation Norman Mineta, former Secretary of Defense Donald 
Rumsfeld, and current Secretary of State Condoleezaa Rice have all 
recently visited India to engage in constructive dialogue on improving 
U.S.-India relations. Additionally, Indian Defense Minister Pranab 
Mukherjee and External Affairs Minister Shri Natwar Singh have met with 
President Bush in Washington, D.C. The visit by the Honorable Prime 
Minister of India Manmohan Singh to the United States, including last 
week's bicameral address in the confines of this great Chamber also 
marks a commitment to the growth of our bilateral relationship.
  The current acts of friendship on the part of the United States and 
India have demonstrated the improvement in relations and should be 
commended. The signing of the Next Steps in the Strategic Partnership 
(NSSP) initiative was an important contributor to the improved 
relationship between the United States and India. It addresses civilian 
space cooperation, civilian nuclear activities, high-technological 
trade and missile defense issues. Last month, both defense secretaries 
of the United States and India signed a ten-year military agreement. 
Additionally, U.S. commercial military sales to India have risen from 
$5.6 million in 2003 to $17.7 million in 2004, and are projected to 
surge to $64 million in 2005. This increase in sales demonstrates the 
trust and promise of our partnership.
  Mr. Speaker, the United States and India have made significant 
strides in improving our relationship. Because of that, U.S.-India 
relations have never been stronger. I urge my colleagues to support 
this resolution and join me in commending the continuing improvements 
in relations between the United States and the Republic of India. May 
our partnership with India be everlasting.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

[[Page 16280]]


  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, 
and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Stearns). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) that the 
House suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 364.
  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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