    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book II)]
    [September 27, 2008]
    [Page 1253]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on House of Representatives Passage of India-United States
    Nuclear Cooperation and Nonproliferation Legislation
    September 27, 2008

        I congratulate the House of Representatives for passing H.R. 7081,
    the United States-India Nuclear Cooperation Approval and
    Nonproliferation Enhancement Act. The passage of this legislation by the
    House is another major step forward in achieving the transformation of
    the U.S.-India relationship.
        I thank the Members of Congress who helped to pass this legislation,
    especially House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Howard
    Berman (D-CA) and Ranking Member Ileana
    Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL). In addition, I
    would like to recognize the contributions of two great Americans and
    legislators, Congressmen Tom Lantos and Henry Hyde, who saw early on the
    importance of a strategic partnership with India and of bringing the
    people of our two great nations together through this initiative.
        I urge the Senate to quickly take up and pass this important piece
    of legislation before their October adjournment. Signing this bipartisan
    bill will help strengthen our partnership with India.