Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02), past Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, today released the following statement regarding final passage of the US-India nuclear agreement.
The bill, officially named the “Henry J. Hyde United States and India Nuclear Cooperation Promotion Act of 2006,” passed by an overwhelming majority of 330-59. The counterpart legislation is currently pending in the Senate.
“I am pleased we have taken the last step toward solidifying a civil nuclear agreement with India. This bill is vital to continuing a prosperous relationship between our countries and moving our non-proliferation efforts forward.
“While it appeared for sometime this agreement would not come to fruition, the dedication of Chairman Henry Hyde, Ranking Member Tom Lantos, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, and Chairman Richard Lugar made its passage possible.
“I look forward to President Bush signing the bill into law so we may strengthen relations with our Indian allies.”