[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 2] [House] [Page 1880] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]U.S.-INDIA NUCLEAR COOPERATION DEAL The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone) is recognized for 5 minutes. Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I am always pleased to lend my personal support to strengthening the partnership between India and the United States, and today I rise to express my support for the recent civil nuclear energy cooperation agreement between the world's two largest democracies. I also urge my colleagues to support such an agreement when it comes under consideration in Congress. Based on their shared values of diversity, democracy and prosperity, the United States and India have a natural connection. The growing bilateral relationship between the United States and India is creating new and profound opportunities between our two countries. We have shared democratic values and national interests that have fostered a transformed relationship that is central to the future success of the international community, and that includes the global war on terrorism and slowing the spread of weapons of mass destruction. Building this strategic partnership was unforeseen a few years ago, but its success is important in creating a strong democratic foundation in Asia. Mr. Speaker, India, which has long been a victim of terrorism, was the first to offer its services to the United States in its war on terrorism in Afghanistan. The Bush administration has made separation of India's military and civilian nuclear facilities an important benchmark by which to judge India's seriousness. In separating these facilities and placing the civilian ones under safeguards, it shows India's commitment to its role in the global community. Mr. Speaker, the United States-India civil nuclear agreement strengthens energy security for both the United States and India and promotes the development of stable and efficient energy markets in India to ensure adequate and affordable supplies. Development and expansion of U.S.-India civil nuclear cooperation should, over time, lessen India's dependence on imported hydrocarbons, including those from Iran. Mr. Speaker, India is taking necessary steps to build its relationship with the international community. Although India has never been a signatory of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, it should not be considered as a problem state with regard to nonproliferation issues. It has no record of proliferating dual-use nuclear technology to other countries. India understands the danger of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and has agreed to key international nonproliferation requirements. Finally, Mr. Speaker, once the Bush administration outlines the details of the civil nuclear energy cooperation agreement, then Congress must begin steps to enact the changes necessary for implementation, and I would urge all my colleagues on a bipartisan basis to move in that direction and support it. The United States has established a remarkable strategic partnership with India, and a civil nuclear cooperation would be a great accomplishment. Its implementation is important for national security and for U.S.-India relations. Our two nations have made extraordinary progress over the last several years, and the path that lies ahead is critical to our improving relationship. ____________________