Bush hails approval of N-deal by House of Representatives

Sridhar Krishnaswami
Washington, Sept 28 (PTI) President George W. Bush has hailed the House of Representatives' adoption of the Indo-U.S. nuclear deal as "another major step forward" in achieving transformation of bilateral ties and urged the Senate to take up and pass the "important" legislation quickly prior to its adjournment.

"I congratulate the House of Representatives for passing
HR 7081, the United States-India Nuclear Cooperation Approval
and Non-proliferation Enhancement Act.

"The passage of this legislation by the House is another
major step forward in achieving the transformation of the
U.S.-India relationship," President Bush said in a statement
Saturday night.

He thanked the members of Congress who helped pass the
legislation, especially House Foreign Affairs Committee
Chairman Howard Berman and Ranking Member Ileana Ros-Lehtinen.

In addition, Bush said "I would like to recognise the
contributions of two great Americans and legislators,
Congressmen Tom Lantos and Henry Hyde, who saw early on the
importance of a strategic partnership with India and of
bringing the people of our two great nations together through
this initiative."

"I urge the Senate to quickly take up and pass this
important piece of legislation before their October
adjournment. Signing this bipartisan bill will help strengthen
our partnership with India," the U.S. President said.

The House of Representatives passed the Berman Bill (H.R.
7081) by a 298 to 117 margin in a vote last night. A
two-thirds majority was required on the Bill that was taken up
under the suspension of rules. PTI SK
BK