Congressional Hearings/Resolutions

House Resolution to Expand US-India Relations

106th Congress, 2nd Session
H.Res. 572

September 12, 2000

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

September 12, 2000

Mr. GILMAN (for himself, Mr. GEJDENSON, Mr. HOLT, Mrs. MALONEY of New York, Mr. BLAGOJEVICH, Mrs. TAUSCHER, Mr. ACKERMAN, Mr. WEXLER, Mr. PALLONE, Mr. WEINER, Mr. MALONEY of Connecticut, Mr. FOLEY, Mr. TIERNEY, Mr. GEPHARDT, Mr. SHAYS, Mr. MINGE, Mr. BECERRA, Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, Mr. BROWN of Ohio, Mr. DOYLE, Mr. DEUTSCH, Mr. MCINTYRE, Mr. SAXTON, Mr. HASTINGS of Florida, Mr. MCDERMOTT, and Mr. KNOLLENBERG) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on International Relations

September 12, 2000

Committee on International Relations discharged; considered under suspension of the rules and agreed to

RESOLUTION

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that it is in the interest of both the United States and the Republic of India to expand and strengthen United States-India relations, intensify bilateral cooperation in the fight against terrorism, and broaden the ongoing dialogue between the United States and India , of which the upcoming visit to the United States of the Prime Minister of India , Atal Bihari Vajpayee, is a significant step.

Whereas the United States and the Republic of India are two of the world's largest democracies that together represent one-fifth of the world's population and more than one-fourth of the world's economy;

Whereas the United States and India share common ideals and a vision for the 21st century, where freedom and democracy are the strongest foundations for peace and prosperity;

Whereas in keeping with this vision India has given refuge to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Burmese refugees fleeing repression in Burma, and is a refuge for people in the region struggling for their basic human rights;

Whereas the United States and India are partners in peace with common interests in and complementary responsibility for ensuring international security and regional peace and stability;

Whereas the United States and India are allies in the cause of democracy, sharing our experience in nurturing and strengthening democratic institutions throughout the world and fighting the challenge to democratic order from forces such as terrorism;

Whereas the growing partnership between the United States and India is reinforced by the ties of scholarship, commerce, and increasingly of kinship among our people;

Whereas the industry, enterprise, and cultural contributions of Americans of Indian heritage have enriched and enlivened the societies of both the United States and India; and

Whereas the bonds of friendship between the United States and India can be deepened and strengthened through cooperative programs in areas such as education, science and technology, information technology, finance and investment, trade, agriculture, energy, the fight against poverty, improving the environment, infrastructure development, and the eradication of human suffering, disease, and poverty: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that--

1. the United States and the Republic of India should continue to expand and strengthen bilateral security, economic, and political ties for the mutual benefit of both countries, and for the maintenance of peace, stability, and prosperity in South Asia;
2. the United States should consider removing existing unilateral legislative and administrative measures imposed against India , which prevent the normalization of United States-India bilateral economic and trade relations;
3. established institutional and collaborative mechanisms between the United States and India should be maintained and enhanced to further a robust partnership between the two countries;
4. it is vitally important that the United States and India continue to share information and intensify their cooperation in combating terrorism; and
5. the upcoming visit of the Prime Minister of India , Atal Bihari Vajpayee, to the United States is a significant step toward broadening and deepening the friendship and cooperation between United States and India.