USIBA galvanizes support by hosting briefing featuring US Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher.
Washington, DC, USA, September 12, 2008 (PRESSbooth.ORG) -- Wednesday, September 10th, US President George Bush sent the text of a proposed US-India nuclear agreement to Congress for approval.
Today, in response to the President’s actions, the US-India Business Alliance (USIBA) and the US Congressional Task Force on US-India Trade held a briefing on Capitol Hill with Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher regarding the deal’s current status.
Ambassador Boucher congratulated Mr. Sanjay Puri, President of the US India Business Alliance (USIBA) for organizing this most timely event, which was the first briefing to be held by the Administration on Capitol Hill since India was given a waiver by the 45-nation Nuclear Suppliers’ Group (NSG) on Saturday, September 6, 2008. Recognizing the importance of the briefing, Ambassador Boucher said, “This is where the action is,” referring also to the fact that it is now up to Congress to get the deal done. “We hope the legislation can be passed,”
The Chairman of the Taskforce, Rep. Eni Faleomavaega (D-AS), who also serves as Chairman of the Foreign Affairs’ Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and the Global Environment, commended USIBA for the important role it has played in galvanizing the Indian American community. “USIBA’s work has not gone unnoticed, We will continue working in hopes of seeing this deal through, and Mr. Puri and I will be meeting with Chairman Berman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the very near future for further discussions.”
Rep. Joe Crowley (D-NY), a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee and a key Democratic leader in the US House of Representatives, stated, “Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has indicated he would like to see this move, I share that. Its high on the agenda even if it goes to the lame duck session. I am confident that we will pass it.”
Rep Ed Royce (R-CA), also a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, said, “India today views the US as a reliable, dependable partner. If our actions are to match our rhetoric, if we are truly concerned about our ally in a tough neighborhood, now is the time to extend this helping hand.”
Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA), Chair of the Caucus on India and Indian Americans offered a more cautious note. “Congress has received a report from the White House and that sets the clock in motion but you can’t expect this to go through like a rifle shot. The chances are fifty-fifty. But if it doesn’t go through now, I will emphasize it doesn’t mean any disrespect for India.”
“The accord will strengthen economic, military and diplomatic ties with an emerging power and will bring a new source of energy to a fast-growing country working to lift millions out of poverty,” Sanjay Puri, President of USIBA, said, “ and USIBA is fully committed to doing its part to help get this deal done.”
About USIBA:
The U.S.-India Business Alliance (USIBA) is a trade association based in Washington, DC. By drawing its strength from the Indian-American community, USIBA is recognized today as one of the most influential trade groups working for increased commerce between the United States and India.
For more information, go to http://www.usiba.org/
Contact:
Geetanjali Bhushan
Telephone: (202) 628-3450
Email: gbhushan @ usiba.org
1010 Vermont Avenue Northwest,
Suite 816 | Washington, DC 20005
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