Release Date: December 18, 2006

Washington, DC - Together with the US-India Political Action Committee (USINPAC), the Indian American community today scored a major victory in its efforts to forge new frontiers between the United States and India with the signing of the US-India Peaceful Nuclear Cooperation bill into law. In a ceremony held at the East Room in the White House, President George W Bush signed the bill that would pave the way for final '123 Agreement' negotiations between the two countries.

Key members of the Administration and Congress gather to watch President Bush sign US-India Peaceful Nuclear Cooperation bill into law at the White House

"The signing of this bill is a historic moment for both our great countries," incoming Chairman of the House International Relations Committee, Tom Lantos (D-CA) said, "one that will usher in a new age of friendship and cooperation."

Recognizing the organization's efforts on the bill, Ranking Member on the International Relations Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, Congressman Eni Faleomavaega (D-AS) said, "The passage of this crucial legislation is a testament to USINPAC's determination to work closely with senior administration officials and key Members of Congress to bring to fruition the legislative goals of the Indian American community."

Congressman Frank Pallone (D-NJ) said, "I am proud of the strong support this agreement received." He added, "I congratulate USINPAC today and look forward to continuing to work closely in the future to address the concerns of community."

Dr. Dayal Meshri, one of the USINPAC members in attendance at the White House, said, "This day is one of the proudest of my life. The Indian American community stood united on this issue for the last 18 months and has given tremendous support to USINPAC's extraordinary advocacy effort." Dr. Meshri is the President and CEO of the Oklahoma-based Advanced Research Chemicals and a leading member of the Indian American community. 

Commenting on the exhaustive but necessary congressional process, USINPAC Chairman Sanjay Puri said, "The nuclear agreement went through its due democratic process and the legitimacy of the transfer of this critical technology between the US and India has been concretized."