Congressional Statements

Rep. Ackerman Hails Burton Amendment's Withdrawal

Press Release
July 13, 2000

Pro-India forces spearheaded by Congressmen Gary L. Ackerman (D-N.Y.) today decisively buried yet another effort by perennial anti-India critic, Rep. Dan Burton, to cut off development assistance to New Delhi.

"This is a huge victory for the Indian American community and U.S. policy toward India," Rep. Ackerman said commenting on the Burton reverse. He added: "My colleague from Indiana knew full well that a massive defeat was staring in the face, but yet wanted to take some potshots at India. However, pro-India sentiments in the House prevailed and the policy to stigmatize India was rejected - again."

Rep. Ackerman, cochairman of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, added: "Today's outcome clearly shows that my colleagues in the House in a bipartisan manner fully appreciate that U.S.-India relations have moved to a new plane. I commend my Caucus colleagues and my cochairman, Rep. James Greenwood (R-PA), for their excellent work in defeating the Burton Amendment."

"I'm pleased to see a strong pro-India sentiment sweeping Washington, especially on the Hill. And correctly so. Our hard work and the Indian American community's tireless lobbying have begun to yield positive and real results. Today's outcome is an example of that trend," the New York lawmaker asserted.

The opposition to the anti-India measure was so overwhelming that Rep. Burton (R-IN) withdrew his amendment even before it was put to a vote on the House floor. Burton conceded on the floor that pro-Indian American forces had organized an overwhelming force against his measure and asserted: "The Indian lobby has been very effective. I congratulate them." The Burton amendment was offered during the consideration of Foreign Operations bill and was technically pull back because of time considerations.

In his statement on the House floor Rep. Ackerman said: "The Burton amendment is the wrong amendment at the wrong time. In the wake of the President's successful visit to India, the U.S. and India have a new opportunity to build a broad-based relationship. Instead of applauding India for establishing a joint working group with the U.S. to fight against terrorism, this amendment would punish India by cutting crucial assistance."

In his brief, but spirited, speech, Rep. Ackerman said: "To characterize India's struggle against terrorism as a violation of human rights, is not only unjust, but also provides aid and comfort to the terrorists who have claimed thousands of innocent victims in India.

"...the people of India are major victims of terrorism perpetrated by groups supported by and trained in Pakistan, and associated with Osama bin Laden [the Saudi terrorist based in Afghanistan]."

Rep. Ackerman added: "The momentum gained in U.S.-India relations by the President's visit needs to be sustained and strengthened. For Congress to act now to stigmatize India for alleged human rights abuses would send the wrong signal to the people of India."