Pallone Supports US-India Nuclear Agreement

Washington, D.C. --- U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), founder and former co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, made the following statement in support of the US-India Nuclear Deal Conference Report which is being considered today in the House. A vote is expected later today.

"Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support for the US-India Nuclear Deal conference report.

"I would like to thank Chairman Hyde and incoming Chairman Lantos for their hard work to help ensure passage of this bill after the agreement was announced. I would also like to thank the House and Senate Conferees who negotiated through the night to reconcile differences and reach a compromise.

"The United States has an important strategic partnership with India, and this civilian nuclear cooperation deal is a critical component to a continued, successful partnership. The agreement strengthens energy security for the US and India and promotes the development of stable and efficient energy markets in India to ensure adequate and affordable supplies.

"This deal is also the foundation of a promising US-India alliance that will serve as a defense against terrorism and nuclear proliferation. The US has an important stake in ensuring regional stability in South Asia, even as Pakistan continues to produce and test nuclear weapons without proper safeguards. With the rising power of Communist China in the region and Osama bin Laden continuing to hide in Afghanistan or Pakistan, we need India as our strategic ally.

"The bill before us today is a new policy that will solidify the US-India bilateral relationship. India has been a responsible nuclear power and deserves to be treated that way. I urge my colleagues to vote yes."