Congressional Statements

Pallone urges Clinton to waive the restrictions regarding World Bank loans for India for non-basic human needs

Letter to President Clinton
November 12, 1999

The Honorable William Jefferson Clinton
President of the United States
The White House
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

Last month, under the renewed waiver authority provided by the fiscal year 2000 Defense Appropriations legislation, you took the important step of waiving most of the economic sanctions imposed on India. I particularly appreciated the fact that the manner in which you waived the sanctions demonstrated a de-coupling of the sanctions on India and those on Pakistan. You were right to treat these two nations separately, based on their own individual merits.

However, I am writing to respectfully urge that you waive the restrictions regarding World Bank loans for India for non-basic human needs. Several of my colleagues in the Congress have also written to you on this matter, and I wish to associate myself with their concerns.

Currently, there are $1.235 billion worth of loans for India held up at the World Bank due to U.S. opposition, including funding for highway and state power projects. Clearly, the provision of electricity and the development of infrastructure translate into the ability of a society to meet the basic human needs of its citizens. These projects will have a significant ripple effect, potentially lifting millions out of poverty. Further, whatever our differences with India's central government, these projects are under the jurisdiction of individual state governments in India.

I strongly believe that it is in the national interest of the United States to allow these loans to proceed. I respectfully urge you to exercise the authority Congress has granted and waive U.S. Opposition to World Bank loans for India.

Sincerely,
FRANK PALLONE, JR.