[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 11] [House] [Pages 15087-15092] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]EXPRESSING SYMPATHY FOR THE PEOPLE OF INDIA IN AFTERMATH OF THE DEADLY TERRORIST ATTACKS ON JULY 11, 2006 Mr. LEACH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 911) expressing sympathy for the people of India in the aftermath of the deadly terrorist attacks in Mumbai on July 11, 2006, as amended. The Clerk read as follows: H. Res. 911 Whereas on July 11, 2006, during evening rush hour, seven major explosions occurred on busy urban commuter trains in the Indian financial capital of Mumbai, killing as many as 200 and wounding more than 700 innocent civilians; Whereas the Mumbai attacks occurred shortly after a series of grenade attacks took the lives of at least eight people and injured approximately 40 others in tourist areas of Srinagar, Kashmir; Whereas India has been a strong partner of the United States in the Global War on Terror and offered immediate assistance to the United States after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001; Whereas the United States and India are both multicultural, multireligious democracies that oppose terrorism in all its forms and will continue to work steadfastly to overcome terrorist ideology and establish international peace and security; Whereas the bombings have been condemned by leaders from around the world, including from those attending the Group of Eight (G-8) meeting in Saint Petersburg, Russia; and Whereas the United States stands with the people and the Government of India and condemns in the strongest terms these atrocities, which were committed against innocent people as they went about their daily lives: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives-- (1) condemns in the strongest possible terms the July 11, 2006, terrorist attacks in Mumbai and Srinagar; (2) expresses its deepest condolences to the families and friends of those individuals killed in the attacks and expresses its sympathies to those individuals who have been injured; (3) expresses its solidarity with the Government and people of India in fighting and defeating terrorism in all its forms; and (4) expresses its support for the enhancement of relations between the United States and India, with the goal of combating terrorism and advancing international peace and security. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Leach) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Iowa. General Leave Mr. LEACH. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H. Res. 911. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Iowa? There was no objection. Mr. LEACH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. At the outset, let me acknowledge the leadership of Mr. Wilson and Mr. Crowley in sponsoring this important and timely resolution, as well as that of the current cochairs of the India Caucus, Ms. Ros-Lehtinen and Mr. Ackerman, as well as the leadership of Mr. Hyde and, of course, Mr. Lantos, the distinguished ranking member. I would also like to express appreciation to House leadership for scheduling floor time today for this measure. On July 11, 2006, more than 200 people were killed and over 700 others injured in seven bomb blasts that targeted several locations on the local railway network in Mumbai, India's commercial capital during evening rush hour. Meanwhile, earlier that same day, grenade attacks in Srinagar, Kashmir targeted tourists, killing eight innocent civilians and wounding over 40 more. Although the motivations behind this attack are still a bit vague, previous attacks have been designed to provoke communal conflict and to disrupt the Indian economy. However, India's multicultural and multiethnic democracy is enormously resilient, and the warped schemes of those who planned and executed these attacks have so far, thankfully, come to naught. Mr. Speaker, it is self-evident that these brutal terrorist attacks are an affront to the world community, and they have, appropriately, been thoroughly and unequivocally condemned by leaders and ordinary citizens around the globe. For example, in the immediate aftermath of the attacks, President and Mrs. Bush issued a statement on behalf of the American people expressing their deepest condolences to the friends and families of the victims. The President spoke for all Americans when he noted that ``The United States stands with the people and the Government of India and condemns in the strongest terms these atrocities which were committed against innocent people as they went about their daily lives. Such acts only strengthen the resolve of the international community to stand united against terrorism and to declare unequivocally that there is no justification for the vicious murder of innocent people,'' said President and Mrs. Bush. More recently on July 17, representatives at the Group of Eight Summit in St. Petersburg, Russia also condemned these ``barbaric terrorist acts'' and emphasized their unity with India in a common resolve to intensify efforts to combat anarchistic acts of terrorism and uphold the rule of law. Mr. Speaker, tribute must be paid to the people of Mumbai who not only responded with great compassion to families of those who were killed and injured in the attacks, but who demonstrated such courage and resolve in almost immediately restoring normalcy in that great and bustling city. It is astonishing that in the wake of these attacks not only were Mumbai's trains running the next day, but millions of its citizens overcame their fears and returned to those trains in order to keep that extraordinary city thriving. Likewise, at a time when international events seem to be spinning dangerously out of control, tribute must also be paid to the leadership of Prime Minister Singh, who has responded to the attacks in Mumbai and Srinagar with firm resolve but measured restraint as the investigation of these attacks unfold. Here, Mr. Speaker, let me stress that the challenge of establishing a balance between the two ``Rs,'' resolve and restraint, involves the most difficult judgment call in international relations today. Senseless, anarchistic acts tempt human nature. It is easy to succumb to the third ``R,'' revenge, but not infrequently that is the response terrorists most desire because it escalates violence and disorder. In this context, it is impressive how historically Indian democracy stands out, not only for its size, for its success in amalgamating extraordinary diversity, but for its origin in Gandhi-esque [[Page 15088]] principles, revolution premised on nonviolence, the Indian term ``satyagraha.'' The power of principled nonviolence overwhelmed the power of colonialist arms. Today, there are models in the world of military reaction to terrorist disorder. These models of escalated violence are understandable, but it will be interesting to see if the model of restraint being established in India today to these unpardonable acts of violence proves more effective, as well as more humane, than military responses. I urge support for this resolution. {time} 1515 Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Just over a week ago, barbarism boarded seven trains in Mumbai, India, and turned them into a horror show. The toll was horrific, over 200 dead, hundreds of others maimed and traumatized. Across the region, shocked, grieving people had suddenly lost parents, spouses, children, brothers and sisters to this random, heinous act. The explosive devices were placed to cause maximum havoc. Hidden in overhead luggage racks, they tore through the upper bodies of some victims, decapitating many. And they were set to detonate during Mumbai's rush hour to increase the carnage. I wish to express my personal solidarity with the victims of this sickening, heartless act and with their families, along with the people of India as a whole. With our resolution today, Congress condemns this assault on civilization in the strongest of terms. Mr. Speaker, as we in Congress move ahead with efforts to improve the geostrategic relationship with India, we now have a fresh incentive to forge ever-closer ties. At a time such as this, we consider what our two great democracies have in common: our values, our aspirations, our hopes, and our respect for human life. Mr. Speaker, it is an irony of timing in the legislative process that the legislation we are considering today is referred to as H. Res. 911, but this coincidence serves to remind us of a common experience. In India, as in the United States, it is a tragic outcome of the civilized world's struggle with terrorism that the world's largest democracy and its oldest are both victims of terrorist attacks. Both of our great nations are targeted by terrorists hell- bent on destroying the innocent and frightening our governments into submission and appeasement. Let us reaffirm today that the terrorists will not succeed. The civilized and peace-loving nations of the world are joining forces to combat this evil ideology. Good will prevail. Life will triumph over death. Together, India and the United States will hold aloft the bright beacon of freedom and democracy to lead the way. Mr. Speaker, this is far from the first such incident in India. Let it be the last, and let us send an unequivocal message that we stand with our brothers and sisters in Indian in the face of the barbarous onslaught in Mumbai. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. LEACH. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to yield to the distinguished chairman of the Middle East Subcommittee, the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen), for such time as she may consume. Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me this time. Today I rise in strong support of H. Res. 911, and I would like to join my fellow Members of this Chamber in expressing our heartfelt sympathies to the families and friends of the victims. Last Tuesday, as all of us know, the explosions in India's financial capital of Mumbai killed 207 people, wounding an additional 800. As the deadly bombings occurred during Mumbai's rush hour, aimed at killing as many innocent civilians as possible, they constitute the most heinous acts of terrorism. The United States stands in solemn support of the Indian people in the face of this terrible tragedy. As cochair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, which I am proud to share with the gentleman from New York (Mr. Ackerman), I take the everlasting bond between the United States and India very seriously. Just last night Mr. Ackerman and I, along with other colleagues and members of the Indian American community, were together in celebrating this expanding and positive relationship between our two countries. We greatly value India's commitment to democracy, and we are grateful that it stands beside the United States as an ally in the war on Islamofascism. In the wake of the tragic September 11 attacks, India was the first nation to step forward and offer assistance to our Nation. Five years later, the United States humbly offers its assistance to India. Your loss is our loss. Your struggles are our struggles. Due to the Indian Government's swift response to the attacks, police have captured five persons suspected to be involved. America stands by the Indian people and its government in their efforts to bring to justice those responsible, and we will work together with India to disrupt and dismantle the networks that have made attacks like these all too possible. Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to yield 3 minutes to the distinguish chairman of the India Caucus, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Ackerman). Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the resolution and thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. I want to thank Mr. Lantos for his leadership, along with Representative Leach for everything that he has done on this issue, and Congressman Wilson as well; and my cochair of the India Caucus, the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) for her great leadership, and I especially single out Mr. Crowley of New York for his role in bringing this resolution to the floor. Mr. Speaker, sadly on July 11, 2006, we have a date which will join the litany of the all-too-familiar terrorist attacks, along with the July bombings in London last year, the Madrid bombings in 2004, the Bali bombings in 2002, and, of course, the September 11 attacks on us. What is also sad is this is not the first time Mumbai has been attacked. In fact, Mumbai has suffered from terrorist attacks since 1993. Indeed, India itself has been the victim of various forms of terrorism since its founding. Last week's bombings are simply a continuation of India's ongoing struggle with terrorists. Eight bombs were planted by terrorists in the western commuter railway in Mumbai on July 11. Seven of them exploded. They were timed for the height of the rush hour, with the obvious premeditated intent to kill and maim as many innocent people as possible. The resulting explosions left as many as 200 innocent people dead and over 700 people wounded. The response by the authorities and the people of Mumbai to aid the wounded and comfort the families and friends was extraordinary. The bombings horrified decent people everywhere and were condemned by leaders from all over the globe, including the G-8. Terrorism is a disease. It is a cancer on the body of humanity, and all nations that oppose terrorism should work shoulder to shoulder to make sure that this scourge is not just cured, but eliminated. The Government of India has long recognized this truth, and in the wake of September 11, 2001, and its attacks on the United States, India was indeed the first nation to step forward and offer its assistance to our Nation. Let us do the same for India. Let us be prepared not just to offer our condolences and sympathy, but our renewed and reinvigorated commitment to defeating terrorism globally. I thank the Speaker, and I urge my colleagues to stand with India against terrorism and to support them and this resolution. Mr. LEACH. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Foley). Mr. FOLEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time, and for my colleagues in their steadfast support of H. Res. 911, expressing our collective sympathy and outrage [[Page 15089]] for the attacks on the good people of India and Mumbai on July 11, 2006. It harkens back to that tragic day, September 11, when the World Trade Center and the Pentagon were attacked. It harkens back to that brutal devastation of the Spanish train bombing that occurred shortly after. It renews the sense of outrage about the London subway attacks a year ago, and it reminds us of Khobar Towers, the two African American embassies, the USS Cole and so many other targets preyed upon by savage individuals who know no bounds of decency, but only know how to destroy the innocent. To attack a train of peace-loving people on the way to or from work is an absolute atrocity, and so we join together with our good friend India, this strong partner in the global war on terror, a strong partner in our humanitarian ties to help other nations in their time of need, one of the world's largest democracies, who has been there through thick and thin to assist not only our Nation, but nations around the world to ensure that we will not stop until we fully prosecute those responsible. As they investigate, we urge all international partners to assist in this investigation, to take these leads and follow the leads and find, apprehend, detain and sentence the very people who brought this devastating disaster to the fine people of India. Our prayers are with you. Our support is with you, and it should remind the world for us all to open our eyes to the dangers that lurk among us. The sad reality is that terrorism has destroyed too many lives, and that as a world, not just the United States and Great Britain and a few others, we must stand united in our efforts to eradicate this scourge from our world. Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to yield 4 minutes to a distinguish member of the International Relations Committee, the author of this resolution, my good friend, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Crowley). Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) for yielding me this time. I want to join saluting all those who are sponsoring this resolution today. In particular I want to salute the cochairs of the India Caucus, Mr. Ackerman and Ms. Ros-Lehtinen, for their words in support of this resolution today and their leadership as cochairs of the caucus. I rise to express myself in the strongest way in support of this resolution and extend my sincere condolences to all of the families of all of the victims of last week's bombing in Mumbai, India. I would like to thank the majority leader for bringing this resolution to the floor today. And in particular once again I want to thank Mr. Lantos for his leadership and Chairman Hyde for his leadership on the committee in working with us to bring this important resolution to the floor. On July 11, 2006, over 200 innocent people were brutally murdered in India's financial capital by terrorists. Right before these coordinated attacks, terrorists killed 8 people and injured 40 more civilians in Kashmir. Attacks like these are a scourge on our world that all democratic nations must join in unison to fight. By targeting Mumbai's commuter rail service at the height of rush hour, the terrorists had hoped to accomplish the maximum amount of bloodshed for this cowardly act on innocent civilians. But the Indian people responded to the attacks by turning out in hundreds to donate blood, taking bed sheets to turn into stretchers, and offering assistance and comfort to the victims of this attack. Today as Members of Congress we send our condolences to the families of the victims. We condemn this act of terrorism by these perpetrators of this senseless act of carnage. {time} 1530 And we express our sympathy with all the people of India and all the people of goodwill throughout this world. India has remained a strong ally of the United States in our global fight against terrorism. And the United States will never forget that. The terrorists who have been attacking India since their founding are the same brand of extremists who continue to threaten the United States of America. Our two countries need to increase our cooperation to root out all terrorism. Since President Clinton's administration, our country has been moving closer to India to create the natural alliance we should have always had. And, thankfully, President Bush recognized what this relationship could become, and just over a year ago, our two nations signed the July 18 declaration. This declared our resolve to transform our relationship and establish a global partnership committed to the values of human freedom, democracy and the rule of law. This relationship will promote stability, democracy, prosperity and peace throughout the world and enhance our ability to work together to provide global leadership in areas of mutual concern and interest. With this resolution today, we are reinforcing that relationship. We are pledging our support for the Indian Government as it seeks to reassure its people and capture and bring the perpetrators of this horrific crime to justice during these very, very difficult times in India. I want to thank my over 100 colleagues who have joined us in sponsoring this resolution today. And I ask each and every one of you, my colleagues, for a ``yes'' vote. Mr. LEACH. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Jindal). Mr. JINDAL. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleagues for offering this very important resolution. I rose to speak earlier today on the importance of America standing by our good friend, Israel, as it was attacked by terrorists. I rise today to also speak of the importance for America to stand by our good friend, India, as it too is attacked by terrorists. On July 11 of this year, a series of seven explosions killed over 200 people on crowded commuter trains and stations in the Indian city of Mumbai. This deadly attack was an attack not only on India but on the very democracy and pluralism that India represents, values that are important for India, but also for America, values that are important in that part and every part of our world. Nearly 700 people were injured in the blast in the city's western suburbs as commuters made their way home. All seven blasts came within an 11-minute time span. Timers apparently were hidden in pencils and discovered in at least three of these seven sites where these bombs exploded. The bombs were believed to have been made of RDX, one of the most powerful kinds of military explosives. The attacks obviously reminded many of the terrorist attacks on the London public transportation system last July and the Madrid train bombings in March 2004. They also reminded India, however, of a series of terrorist attacks; for example, a series of bomb blasts in Mumbai in 1993 that killed more than 250 people. The Prime Minister of India, Prime Minister Singh, attended the G-8 summit with a clear agenda. The world community must declare, in his words, ``zero tolerance for terrorism anywhere.'' And he is correct. We must not forget. March of 1993, there was a terrorist attack in India again that killed 257 people, wounded more than 1,000. December of 2001, militants attacked India's Parliament, leaving 14 people, including several gunmen, dead. In September of 2002 militants attacked a temple, killing 33 people, including two attackers. March of 2003, a bomb exploded in Mumbai, killing 10 people. August 2003, two taxis packed with explosives blew up outside a tourist attraction, killing 52 people. October 2005, three bombs killed 62 people. And in March 2006, bombs killed 20 people. July 2006, bombs killed more than 140 people. I applaud my colleagues for offering this resolution. I think it is important that America extend its sympathies and that we stand with the people of India and Israel as they are subject to these terrorist attacks and we help our allies, our democratic allies stand for the very values of pluralism and democracy that are so important to us here at home in America. [[Page 15090]] Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to yield 1 minute to the distinguished Democratic leader with whom I have the privilege of sharing representation of the great city of San Francisco (Ms. Pelosi). Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding, thank him for his extraordinary leadership in making foreign policy for our country that is values based, and it makes us safer. My compliments, Mr. Speaker, to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Crowley) and Mr. Wilson of South Carolina for bringing this important legislation to the floor. Thank you, Mr. Leach, for your leadership on this as well. I am pleased to be a cosponsor of it. I wish this resolution expressing the condolences of yet another terrorist attack was not necessary. The people of the United States know only too well the shock and sorrow experienced by the people of India on July 11. We grieve with them and share their resolve to defeat the forces of evil who would perpetrate such heinous and, yes, cowardly acts. We also salute the bravery of the millions of residents of Mumbai, who got back on those commuter trains the day after the attacks, refusing to alter their lives and thereby concede even a little to the terrorists. At a time like this, when we are commending the people of India for their courage and expressing the sympathy and condolences of our constituents to the people and the Government of India, it gives us pause to think about how much we owe India. We in the United States came through, a generation ago, a civil rights movement that was inspired by the spirit of nonviolence which was led in India by Mahatma Gandhi. Our own Martin Luther King and Coretta Scott King visited India to learn about nonviolence, and we all know what a tremendous impact it had on succeeding in advancing civil rights in our own country. We will be forever in the debt of India for that magnificent contribution to our own social progress in the United States. And nobody knows better than Mr. Lantos the debt of gratitude we owe India for its hospital to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. When I was a brand new Member of Congress, one of the first meetings I was invited to was by Mr. Lantos to meet His Holiness. He talked about his plan for Tibet. And it has been rough sledding since then, but the Government of India has been a friend to all who are concerned about human rights and respect for the dignity and worth of every person and in the person of His Holiness, a man of peace, a man of balance, a man who would condemn this kind of violence. So India has certainly taken the lead in the nonviolence that influenced our own civil rights movement and the hospitality extended to His Holiness in so many ways as the largest democracy in the world. It is just that democracy and that freedom of movement that, of course, made them a target of these cowards. So, again, I express the love of freedom and commitment to a democracy that the United States and India share. We will stand together against those who value neither and whose disdain for human life is evidence of the shallowness of the agenda they seek to advance. The resolution before us is a strong testament to the shared values and the friendship which binds the United States and India. I urge its overwhelming adoption by this House, and again, thank Mr. Crowley for his leadership in bringing it to the floor. Mr. LEACH. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the distinguished gentleman, Mr. Royce, also from California. Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Leach for yielding. Mr. Speaker, as chairman of the Subcommittee on International Terrorism and Nonproliferation, I rise in support of this resolution and to strongly condemn the terrorist attack that took place last week in Mumbai, India. Last week, eight bombs ripped through crowded commuter trains headed for Mumbai in a well-coordinated terrorist attack which claimed as many as 200 lives and injured hundreds more. Mumbai is, of course, India's commercial capital, teeming with people contributing to India's growing economy. Yesterday, life across that city of over 12 million halted for 2 minutes, 2 minutes of silence to remember those killed a week ago. The style of the attacks and the targeting of mass transportation share the tactics of al Qaeda and Kashmiri militants, and echo the attacks of London, 7/7, and Madrid, 3/11. The attack in Mumbai took place not long after a series of grenade attacks took eight lives in Kashmir. Tests this week confirmed that the Mumbai bombers used the powerful military explosive, RDX, a weapon that has been favored by the Pakistani-led LeT. LeT has had links to al Qaeda, with a senior al Qaeda leader, Abu Zubaydah, being captured at a LeT safe house in 2002 in Faisalabad, Pakistan. Mr. Speaker, while we commiserate with India, we must also view these attacks as a reminder that terrorism is indeed a global struggle. It is often said that India and America have a natural bond as two of the largest democracies. Today we share a bond of a common enemy: what the 9/11 Commission identified as Islamist terrorism. Today our thoughts are with the people of India, and I am confident that the aftermath of these attacks and in that aftermath, we will see all the resilience that is embodied in the Indian people. Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to yield 3 minutes to the distinguished member of the International Relations Committee, my friend from New York (Mr. Engel). Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I thank my distinguished colleague for giving me this time. And I rise, of course, in strong support of this resolution. The United States and India are strong allies and friends, and our friendship will deepen in the years ahead. Being a New Yorker, and having lived through the catastrophe of the World Trade Center bombings and here in Washington in the Pentagon, we certainly understand the feelings of the people of India because of this horrific terrorist attack killing innocent civilians on the trains. Mr. Speaker, it makes no difference if terrorists attack Haifa in Israel or blow up children on buses in Tel Aviv in Jerusalem or blow up innocent civilians in Spain, in England, and in India. Terrorism is terrorism. And just as we support Israel and other democracies in the war on terror, we support India in its war on terror as well. And that is why the United States, as the oldest democracy in the world, and India, as the biggest democracy in the world, share so many things in common. And I am delighted that we are working very, very closely with the Indian Government. And our hearts go out to the people of India, but it is not just sympathy. There has to be a resolve on the part of India and the United States, other democracies and freedom-loving people in the world, to stamp out the scourge of terrorism. It is very important that we understand what happened. It is very important that we don't mince our words. It is very important that we stand together with the people of India. So I am delighted that this has strong bipartisan support. I think it is important that the Congress act as one. And I think that in the future, India and the United States will continue to work closely together. Again, we share a common vision. In the United States, when political campaigns are fought and the opposition party wins, we turn over the reins of government because we are a Nation of laws. The same thing happens in India. When the party in power loses control, they turn over the reins. And since 1947 when India became independent they have done that time and time and time again, unlike some neighboring states. And again, when we look at the vision of the future, the United States and India have the same adversaries. One of them, of course, is terrorism. But when we look at the geopolitical scene in Asia, the United States and India see things very, very closely. [[Page 15091]] {time} 1545 So I am honored to add my voice to all my colleagues who have spoken on behalf of this resolution, to strengthen the U.S.-India relationship, to tell the people of India that we stand with them, we mourn their loss, and we are more resolved than ever with them to fight the war on terror. Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee). Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished ranking member of the full committee and to the chairman of the full committee Mr. Leach; sponsors of this legislation, two strong advocates, former cochairs of the India Caucus, Mr. Crowley and Mr. Wilson, whom I have had the opportunity to work with. I remember, and all of us have recalled many times on this floor, the unspeakable experience of 9/11, as we are in betwixt two movies that are now coming out to recount again that tragic day. We also recall how the world stood alongside of America in her time of mourning and her time of sheer desperation and despair, for she had lost 3,000-plus of her citizens. The same time we now come to stand alongside of India for that day of July 11, when not only was there an attack in Kashmir that saw eight people lose their lives, but we know the triggering of the terror act in Mumbai that generated 200 dead and probably many more injured and how many more to die because of their injuries. So it is important to stand and to acknowledge our sympathy and as well our compassion. But at the same time I want to emphasize that good people everywhere abhor terror, and I hope that the region of South Asia will embrace those in India and offer their greatest sympathy and, of course, their support against the war on terror and those despots, desperate persons, those horrific individuals who would take their own causes and turn them into terror against others so that others' lives might be lost. We fight on the battlefields of war. We debate in places like the United Nations, and we have heads of state that engage or disagree. But when we lift up against another human being, another nation, in reckless, random terror, there can be no solace. There can be no comfort. There can be no excuse. There can be no acceptance. So we join with the people of India in acknowledging that, as the largest democracy and the oldest democracy, you have a friend in the United States. You have a democratic ally in the United States. And you have a family of human beings, ourselves, experiencing terror either in terms of ongoing threats or by watching our friends suffer the consequences. So it is important, if you will, that today this resolution is more than our affirmation of our friendship and sympathy, but also our brotherhood and sisterhood in the war on terror. I look forward to a day when these resolutions will not be the call of the day, but simply that we will extinguish those who think that they can expand their causes by using terror against innocent, democratic, free-loving people around the world, wherever they might be. And, again, my deepest sympathy to the people of India. And, again, we stand with you at this time against acts of terror around the world. Mr. LANTOS. May I inquire, Mr. Speaker, how much time is left for both sides? The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from California has 3\1/2\ minutes remaining, and the gentleman from Iowa has 6\1/2\ minutes remaining. Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. This resolution is a deeply felt emotional resolution expressing our solidarity with the people of India who were subjected to a totally unprovoked and brutal terrorist act. Next week this body will consider one of the most significant pieces of legislation of the current session of Congress, establishing a relationship in the field of civilian nuclear power between the United States and India. That legislation will usher in a whole new era of the historic geostrategic relationship between these two great democracies. I earnestly wish that we did not need to deal with this tragedy, but I think it is appropriate that we demonstrate to our friends in India that we are with them in their times of trouble, and we are with them at moments when they plan to accelerate their economic development and move into the 21st century with large-scale civilian nuclear power. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to yield the balance of my time to the distinguished Democratic whip, my good friend from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer). Mr. LEACH. Mr. Speaker, I would be delighted to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Maryland. Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friends for yielding. I am glad that I got here in a timely fashion. I join with my colleagues in supporting House Resolution 911 expressing our deep sympathy to the people of India in the aftermath of last week's horrific terrorist attacks in Mumbai and strongly condemning these reprehensible and cowardly acts. I want to commend my colleagues, Representatives Joe Crowley and Joe Wilson, for sponsoring this resolution. On July 11, during the height of the evening rush hour, a series of coordinated explosions shook the heavily traveled commuter rail lines in Mumbai. I am sure that has already been discussed. 207 people were severely injured and killed. Hundreds more were injured less severely. It is my understanding that this represents the deadliest terrorist bombing since the attacks of September 11 of 2001. Mr. Speaker, in recent years relations between United States and India have improved dramatically. There was a period of time during the Cold War when we did not have good relations, but now the world's oldest democracy and the world's largest democracy are forging a partnership and friendship that I think will redound to the benefit of not only the peoples of India and the peoples of the United States, but, indeed, the peoples of the international community. In the immediate aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks, India pledged its full cooperation and offered the use of all its military bases for counterterrorism efforts. That was their offer to us. Mr. Speaker, we mourn the loss suffered by our friends in India and offer our prayers to those who have lost loved ones and those injured in those heinous attacks. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues. Quite obviously this will be a bipartisan effort on behalf of us all. Too few times we act in a bipartisan fashion, but certainly the respect that we have for our democratic friends in India, the respect we have for their history of bringing together almost 1 billion people and soon over 1 billion people together in a democracy and forging a free and open society is one that we can all respect and admire and certainly support. When friends like those sustain great injury, we share with them a sadness and empathy, and we wish them the best, and we let them know that we will be there for them as they have been there for us. I thank Mr. Leach for yielding his time. Mr. LEACH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, one of the extraordinary aspects of terrorism is that a few can, with relative ease, disrupt peace negotiations between nation- states. The challenge is to see that a small number of terrorists do not destroy the right to peace of the many. As rightfully angered and concerned as the Indian Government must be, it would be a mistake of historic proportions to allow the violence of July 11 to end the warming dialogue that has commenced between the Indian and Pakistani Governments. There are few places on the globe where war can more easily break out than on the Indian subcontinent. India and Pakistan have fought three wars over the past 60 years, and both now possess nuclear weapons. The will to pursue peace is thus a social imperative. Revenge may be warranted, but real courage rests with maintaining restraint. [[Page 15092]] Our heart goes out to the families affected by these acts of violence, and our heads congratulate the care with which the Indian Government has refused, to date, to overreact. This Congress sympathizes with our Indian friends and holds in deepest respect the leaders in Delhi who have such difficult decisions to make in the weeks and months ahead. Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 911, which expresses the House of Representatives' deepest condolences to the people of India and the victims and their families for the terrorist attacks that occurred in Mumbai on July 11, 2006. India is a strategic friend and ally of the U.S. As the two largest pluralistic, free-market democracies in the world, it is only natural for the U.S. and India to seek closer ties with one another. India has one of the world's largest and fastest growing populations with nearly 1.1 billion people. According to the United Nations, India's population could overtake China by as early as 2030. In addition, Indian Americans have made an indelible mark upon the culture and diversity of our Nation. I was proud to sponsor H. Res. 227 that recognized the contributions of Indian Americans to our Nation, which the House passed earlier this year. India and the U.S. have a strong history of cooperation. Directly after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, India was one of the first countries to offer immediate aid to the United States. Most recently, the two countries announced an agreement which would allow full trade in civil nuclear energy. In exchange for such trade, India has agreed to separate its military and civilian nuclear programs over the next eight years, placing 14 of its 22 reactors under permanent international safeguards, as well as all future civilian thermal and breeder reactors. It has also agreed to maintain its unilateral moratorium on nuclear testing and to work with the United States toward a fissile material cutoff treaty, which would ban the production of fissile material, like plutonium-239, used in nuclear weapons and other explosive devices. The bloody attacks that took innocent lives in Mumbai earlier this month demonstrate that terrorism does not discriminate by race, ethnicity, or region. Instead, terrorists target those seeking to live a peaceful and free life. We must hunt the terrorists down and bring them to justice. There is no other way to respond to those so committed to the destruction of life. We must also stand in solidarity with the Indian government, its citizens, and the number of Indian Americans who also lost loved ones. This resolution does just that--making it clear that Congress and the American people are behind them during this difficult period. Mr. Speaker, in closing let the House of Representatives speak in unison and with clarity on this issue--terrorism has no place in this world and will not be tolerated. I thank the leadership on both sides for allowing this resolution on the floor today and urge an aye vote. Mrs. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 911, a resolution strongest possible terms the July 11, 2006, terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India. I would like to express my condolences to the families of the victims and sympathy to the people of India in the aftermath of this deadly terrorist attack. The July 11th attack resulted in the death of hundreds of innocent civilians, and injuries to many more. I have traveled to India, and have been to Mumbai, and its people remain in my heart and mind. India is the largest democracy in the world and since its establishment, India has been threatened by terrorists trying to undermine its democratic principles. The security of India's democracy is not only important to India, but it is important to every American as well. I commend the courage of the people of Mumbai, who quickly responded to the attack by turning out to donate blood, taking bed sheets to turn into stretchers, and offering assistance and comfort to the victims of the attack. These same brave citizens resumed using the rail commuter system the very next day. It is an honor to represent Illinois' diverse 9th Congressional District where so many Indian-Americans reside. My sympathies go out to everyone affected by the Mumbai train bombings. I stand with India, the United States must stand with India, and I encourage this Congress to pass this important resolution. Mr. LEACH. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Leach) that the House suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 911, as amended. 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 question will be postponed. ____________________