Wilson Applauds Passage of US-India Nuclear Cooperation Promotion Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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July 26, 2006

WILSON APPLAUDS PASSAGE OF
US-INDIA NUCLEAR COOPERATION PROMOTION ACT

The House of Representatives today approved H.R. 5682, the “United States and India Nuclear Cooperation Promotion Act of 2006.” The bill passed by an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 359 - 68. Congressman Joe Wilson, past Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, made the following statement:

“Today we approved a monumental piece of legislation that will strengthen our non-proliferation efforts, increase national security and create jobs. This is an issue I have worked on for some time and is very near to my heart. Chairman Henry Hyde, Ranking Member Tom Lantos and other members of the International Relations Committee are to be commended for crafting a well-balanced piece of legislation.

“While working on this bill, we encountered resistance from some who did not want this agreement to come to fruition. Thankfully, we were able to overcome their obstructionist efforts and approve this critical measure.

“Passage of this agreement holds countless economic benefits for the United States. Secretary Condoleezza Rice has noted that as many as 5,000 direct jobs and 15,000 indirect jobs could be created as a result of this agreement. In addition, India will be better positioned to compete in the global economy, and trade between our countries will continue to grow.”

Congressman Wilson serves on the House Committee on International Relations and is past Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans.

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