[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.

                          ____________________