Bush hails passage of N-deal in Congress

Washington, Oct 2 (PTI) U.S. President George W Bush today hailed the approval of the Indo-U.S. nuclear deal by the Congress, saying it will strengthen global nuclear non- proliferation efforts and assist India in meeting its growing energy needs in a responsible manner.

"This legislation will strengthen our global nuclear
non-proliferation efforts, protect the environment, create
jobs, and assist India in meeting its growing energy needs in
a responsible manner," Bush said in a statement soon after the
Senate overwhelmingly approved the Bill.

The President said he is looking forward to signing
the Bill, considered as a major foreign policy initiative of
his Administration, into law and continuing to strengthen the
US-India Strategic Partnership.

"I congratulate the Senate on passing the United
States-India Nuclear Cooperation Approval and Nonproliferation
Enhancement Act, H.R. 7081," he said.

"In particular, I commend the members of the Senate
Foreign Relations Committee for their leadership in crafting
this important bipartisan legislation," he said.

The President also thanked Majority Leader Harry Reid
and Minority Leader McConnell for bringing this bill to a vote
prior to the Senate's adjournment. PTI ETB