    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 46 (Monday, November 20, 2006)]
    [Page 2067]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Statement on Senate Passage of the United States-India Nuclear
    Cooperation Bill

    November 17, 2006

        The United States and India enjoy a strategic partnership based upon
    common values. Today the Senate has acted to further strengthen this
    relationship by passing legislation that will deliver energy,
    nonproliferation, and trade benefits to the citizens of two great
    democracies.
        The U.S.-India Civil Nuclear Cooperation agreement will bring India
    into the international nuclear nonproliferation mainstream and will
    increase the transparency of India's entire civilian nuclear program. As
    India's economy continues to grow, this partnership will help India meet
    its energy needs without increasing air pollution and greenhouse gas
    emissions. It will also help reduce India's dependence upon imported
    fossil fuels. By increasing India's demand for civil nuclear technology,
    fuel, and support services, this historic agreement creates new business
    opportunities for American companies and enhances our trade
    relationship.
        I appreciate the Senate's leadership on this important legislation
    and look forward to signing this bill into law soon.

    Note: The statement referred to H.R. 5682, which was passed with
    amendments by the Senate on November 16.