A Building Block in Our Relationship with India

A BUILDING BLOCK IN OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH INDIA -- (House of Representatives - March 16, 2006)

(Mr. WILSON of South Carolina asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, today we will witness another important building block in the development of the strategic partnership between the United States and India.

By introduction of bipartisan legislation to amend the Atomic Energy Act, Congress will begin the important process of authorizing peaceful nuclear cooperation between two great democracies that share similar values of goals and hopes for the future.

While the title of this agreement focuses on nuclear cooperation, the scope of this proposal reaches far beyond nuclear issues. Improved strategic relations with India will promote nonproliferation, will increase our energy independence, will provide environmental protection, strengthen our national security, and create thousands of new jobs for American workers.

As the global economy becomes increasingly competitive and the threat of terrorism endangers all free nations, America faces a historic opportunity with our friend, India. Our countries should take advantage of this unique chance to deliver tremendous mutual benefits to both Indian and American families.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11.

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