H982 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2004 PERSONAL EXPLANATION Whereas on January 26, 1950, India adopted from South Carolina (Mr. WILSON), the its Constitution, which formalized India as a distinguished head of the Indian Cau- Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoid- parliamentary democracy; ably absent during some of the votes on cus, and our colleague on the Com- Whereas the celebration of India’s Repub- mittee on International Relations, the amendments to H.R. 339, the ‘‘Personal Re- lic Day on January 26th is the second most sponsibility in Food Consumption Act.’’ I would important national holiday after Independ- gentleman from New York (Mr. CROW- like the Record to reflect that, had I been ence Day; LEY). It was considered and adopted present, I would have voted in the following Whereas the framers of India’s Constitu- without amendment by the committee manner: tion were greatly influenced by the Amer- on February 25. ican Founding Fathers James Madison, Alex- Watt No. 6/ Scott (exempt state agency ac- As Members are aware, in recent ander Hamilton, and John Adams; years the relationship between the tions to enforce state consumer protection Whereas among the rights and freedoms laws concerning mislabeling or other unfair United States and India has been fun- provided to the people of India under its Con- damentally transformed in exception- and deceptive trade practices): ‘‘Yes.’’ stitution is universal suffrage for all men ally positive ways. Thankfully, the Watt No. 7 (preserve the right of state and women over the age of eighteen; courts to hear cases brought under state law): Whereas India’s Constitution adopted the time has long since passed when it ‘‘Yes.’’ American ideals of equality for all citizens, could be said that India and America Andrews No. 2 (exempt manufacturers of regardless of faith, gender, or ethnicity; are democracies estranged. Instead, in Whereas the basic freedoms we cherish in genetically modified foods that do not disclose recognition both of the end of the Cold America such as the freedom of speech, free- War and India’s embrace of market ec- that the food is genetically modified from the dom of association, and freedom of religion legal immunity provided in the bill): ‘‘Yes.’’ onomics, our two great countries have are also recognized in India; not only rediscovered each other but Ackerman No. 1 (exempt manufacturers and Whereas Mohandas Mahatma Gandhi is developed a remarkable degree of sellers of foods that have not taken steps to recognized around the world as the father of prevent meat from being tainted with mad cow India’s nonviolent struggle for independence; amity and rapport. The United States/India political re- disease from the legal immunity provided in Whereas people of many faiths, including lationship is rapidly maturing. We are the bill): ‘‘Yes.’’ Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians, were united in securing India’s freedom from colo- having regular meetings at the highest f nial rule and have all served in various ca- levels of government. At the summit in ELECTION OF MEMBERS TO COM- pacities in high-ranking government posi- Washington in November 2001, Presi- tions; MITTEE ON GOVERNMENT RE- dent Bush and Prime Minister Whereas the Republic of India has faith- Vajpayee articulated their vision of the FORM fully adhered to the principles of democracy relationship our countries should Mr. LEACH. Mr. Speaker, I offer a by continuing to hold elections on a regular enjoy. The prime minister insightfully resolution (H. Res. 553) and I ask unan- basis on the local, regional, and national lev- described it as a natural partnership. imous consent for its immediate con- els; Whereas the people of the United States Our deepening government-to-gov- sideration. and the Republic of India have a common ernment relationship is complemented The SPEAKER pro tempore. The bond of shared values and a strong commit- by a rich mosaic of expanding people- Clerk will report the resolution. ment to democratic principles; and to-people ties. In many ways, the more The Clerk read as follows: Whereas President George W. Bush and than 2 million Indian Americans in the H. RES. 553 Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee are elected leaders of the world’s two largest de- United States have become a living Resolved, That the following Members be mocracies and are actively cultivating bridge between our two great democ- and are hereby elected to the following strong ties between the United States and racies, bringing together our two peo- standing committee of the House of Rep- India: Now, therefore, be it ples, as well as greatly enlarging the resentatives: Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Committee on Government Reform: Mr. United States’ understanding of India Senate concurring), That Congress— Tiberi and Ms. Harris. and Indian understanding of the United (1) commends India on its celebration of The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there States. Republic Day; and In short, this timely resolution ap- objection to the request of the gen- (2) reiterates its support for continued propriately honors the world’s largest tleman from Iowa? strong relations between the United States democracy, a country with which the There was no objection. and India. United States is enjoying increasingly The resolution was agreed to. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. warm ties and a people for whom A motion to reconsider was laid on MILLER of Michigan). Pursuant to the Americans have a great and enduring the table. rule, the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. affection. LEACH) and the gentleman from Cali- f I urge the adoption of this resolution. fornia (Mr. LANTOS) each will control Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER 20 minutes. PRO TEMPORE ance of my time. The Chair recognizes the gentleman Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- from Iowa (Mr. LEACH). yield myself such time as I may con- ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the Chair GENERAL LEAVE sume. will postpone further proceedings Mr. LEACH. Madam Speaker, I ask I rise in strong support of this resolu- today on additional motions to suspend unanimous consent that all Members tion. the rules on which a record vote or the may have 5 legislative days within Madam Speaker, I first would like to yeas and nays are ordered or on which which to revise and extend their re- commend the chairman of our com- a vote is objected to under clause 6 of marks and include extraneous material mittee, the gentleman from Illinois rule XX. on H. Con. Res. 15. (Mr. HYDE), for moving forward with Record votes on postponed questions The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there this legislation so expeditiously. will be taken tomorrow. objection to the request of the gen- This important resolution commends f tleman from Iowa? India on its celebration of Republic There was no objection. Day which occurs on January 26. While COMMENDING INDIA ON ITS Mr. LEACH. Madam Speaker, I yield we may be a few weeks late in com- CELEBRATION OF REPUBLIC DAY myself such time as I may consume. memorating this important event, our Mr. LEACH. Madam Speaker, I move Madam Speaker, I rise in support of enthusiasm for reaffirming the strong to suspend the rules and agree to the House Concurrent Resolution 15, a and unbreakable ties between the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 15) measure commending India on its Re- United States and India remain strong. commending India on its celebration of public Day and reiterating congres- Madam Speaker, a new chapter in the Republic Day. sional support for continued strong re- bilateral relationship between the The Clerk read as follows: lations between India and the United United States and India was opened H. CON. RES. 15 States. with President Clinton’s historic visit Whereas the Republic of India is the This thoughtful concurrent resolu- to India 4 years ago. President Clinton world’s largest democracy; tion was introduced by the gentleman and Prime Minister Vajpayee broke

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:16 Mar 11, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A10MR7.054 H10PT1 March 10, 2004 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H983 decades of ice which covered our rela- resolution which praises India’s firm on East Asia and the Pacific, and the tionship and ushered in a new and un- commitment to democratic principles. gentleman from Illinois (Mr. HYDE), precedented form of cooperation be- On January 26, 1950, after a long chairman of the Committee on Inter- tween our two great democratic na- struggle for freedom led by Mahatma national Relations, for allowing the tions. Gandhi, India began its formal exist- committee to consider and pass this The most dramatic demonstration of ence as a parliamentary democracy. historic and important resolution. I our new friendship with India was In- Republic Day is the second most im- urge my colleagues to support House dia’s immediate offer of full coopera- portant national holiday in India after Concurrent Resolution 15. tion in the war on terrorism after the Independence Day, which is celebrated Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I September 11 tragedy and its willing- on August 15. yield 3 minutes to the distinguished ness to allow the use of Indian bases India modelled its constitution after gentleman from New York (Mr. ENGEL), for counterterrorism operations. But in America’s and both our nations believe an important member of the House so many other ways, the tenor and that the freedoms enshrined in the con- Committee on International Relations. tempo of our bilateral cooperation has stitution are universal for all human Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I thank continued to improve remarkably over beings. the gentleman for yielding me time. the past 4 years. Security cooperation India’s national elections occur next I rise in strong support of H. Con. between the United States and India month, a historic occasion with more Res. 15, which commends India on its has increased significantly, with the than the 600 million that voted in the celebration of Republic Day and reiter- United States providing funds for mili- last election expected to vote next ates its support for continued strong tary assistance, counternarcotics aid, month. The last national elections in relations between the United States and other forms of military training. 1999 had the largest voter participation and India. We are working with the Indian gov- of any election in world history. My colleagues have all talked about ernment to rationalize India’s economy India’s creation and adherence to a the importance of this relationship. I to promote American investment in national constitution can serve as an for many years in the Congress have al- India and to accelerate India’s eco- example to newly liberated countries ways tried to stress this relationship. I nomic growth. like Iraq of how much can be gained by am pleased to say that I was one of the We are also working closely with the creating a constitution supported by founding original members of the In- Indian government to tackle the spread the people and respected by democratic dian Caucus and have remained a mem- of HIV/AIDS. As the executive branch institutions. ber of the Indian Caucus. And as it was moves forward with the implementa- India’s struggles and success can be a pointed out, it is the largest caucus tions of the Global HIV/AIDS bill ap- source of inspiration to the people of here on Capitol Hill, and with good rea- proved by us last year, it is critically Iraq. Since independence, India has son. As my colleagues have mentioned, important that funding for India be in- struggled with high poverty and illit- India and the United States share com- creased. In short, Madam Speaker, the eracy rates, maintained a socialist mon values: the oldest democracy, the United States and India are developing economy, endured numerous conflicts United States; and the biggest democ- close partnerships on key security, po- with Pakistan, and sometimes even ex- racy, India. litical and humanitarian matters, part- perienced internal conflicts between b 1815 nerships that will further strengthen various religious and ethnic groups in the already close ties between our two India. Yet India has risen to the chal- It is not easy to be a democracy for great nations. But there is no stronger lenge every time, showing the rest of as many years as we have been a de- relationship between the United States the world that a nation of more than a mocracy and for the people of India and India than our shared commitment billion people can consistently adhere who have struggled to be a democracy. to democracy and civil society. We are to elections at the local, state, and na- So we have shared values and shared truly natural allies. tional levels and overcome challenges concerns. We have many, many Indian We must also be mindful at all times in its path. Americans in this country, and we cel- of the enormous strides taken by India has dramatically reduced its ebrate our Indian American friends and Prime Minister Vajpayee towards poverty and illiteracy rates and re- what they have added to the United peace with Pakistan. Time and again it cently opened its economy to the States of America, and that also solidi- has been India that has reached out to world, experiencing nearly an 8 percent fies the ties between India and the its neighbor in the cause of peace. I fer- economic growth during the last fiscal United States. vently hope that this time the discus- year. India and Pakistan have begun a I had the pleasure of visiting India a sions between the two nations will fi- composite dialogue with the prospect few years ago, and I was amazed by the nally bear fruit. India is the world’s of a negotiated agreement to the Kash- warmth I felt by the people who want- largest democracy with almost a bil- mir dispute on the horizon. And India ed to be close to Americans. During the lion people. Its democratic form of gov- continues to make improvements to its days of the Cold War sometimes the ernment rests solidly on the Indian economic infrastructure, judicial sys- ties between India and the United constitution. So as we commemorate tem, and electoral process to ensure States were strained. It never made the day that India formally adopted its that the freedoms outlined in the con- any sense to me, but since the end of constitution, we celebrate the strength stitution are truly protected for all of the Cold War, we have moved very of India’s democracy, the vitality of India’s people. India is most deserving closely together to ensure that the ties the Indian people and U.S.-Indian of today’s congressional recognition of between India and the United States friendship. I urge all of my colleagues this faithful adherence to democracy are strong, remain strong and continue to support H. Con. Res. 15. for more than 50 years. to get strong year by year. Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- America and India have entered into It certainly makes a lot of sense. In- ance of my time. a new era of friendship with victory in dia’s a strategic partner of the United Mr. LEACH. Madam Speaker, I yield the Cold War. India as the world’s larg- States. India has the same concerns as 5 minutes to the gentleman from South est democracy and America as the the United States, fighting terrorism Carolina (Mr. WILSON), the chairman of world’s oldest democracy are realizing on its borders and inside its country. the India Caucus. more every day that we have shared India stands with the United States as Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. values. a strong fighter in the war against ter- Madam Speaker, I am honored to speak I want to commend President George rorism, and India also is very con- today as the co-chair of the Caucus on W. Bush for his leadership in bringing cerned by other countries that sur- India and Indian Americans, the larg- America and India closer together as round India or near India, and the est country caucus on Capitol Hill with allies with his vision of a new strategic United States also needs to share those 183 members. I am grateful for the partnership. concerns. leadership of the prior co-chairman, In conclusion, I would like to thank So H. Con. Res. 15, in congratulating the gentleman from California (Mr. both the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. India, points out the strong bonds be- ROYCE). I support this truly historic LEACH), chairman of the Subcommittee tween our two Nations, and those of us

VerDate jul 14 2003 02:16 Mar 11, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.129 H10PT1 H984 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE March 10, 2004 in Congress on both sides of the aisle I yield myself such time as I may con- ship into areas where our two nations had not will continue to work to strengthen sume. previously cooperated: defense and counter- ties between two great democracies, In conclusion, I would simply like to terrorism. Evidence of the new and intense India and the United States. express my personal appreciation for level of cooperation in these areas can be Mr. LEACH. Madam Speaker, I yield the gentleman from South Carolina found in the most recent joint exercises be- 5 minutes to the distinguished gen- (Mr. WILSON) and the gentleman from tween air force units of the United States and tleman from California (Mr. ROYCE) California (Mr. ROYCE) for their leader- India in central India just last month. who is a member of the Subcommittee ship on so many Indian affairs, and On the other aspects of our relationship, like on Asia and the Pacific, chairman particularly for this bipartisan expres- the newly announced U.S.-India Strategic emeritus of the India Caucus, as well as sion of admiration for India and its Partnership and a steady stream of senior a leader in Congress on many Asian achievements, and for the gentleman level visits in both capitals speak volumes re- issues. from California (Mr. LANTOS) and the garding the robust nature of our relationship. Mr. ROYCE. Madam Speaker, I thank gentleman from New York (Mr. ENGEL), So it is only fitting Mr. Speaker, that the Con- the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. LEACH) two leaders of this House on Indian af- gress, join the chorus of voices in recognizing for yielding me the time, and I am only fairs. that the oldest and largest democracies are on going to take maybe a minute here to Yes, it has been noted that India is a new and welcome path bilaterally. say that I am a cosponsor of this reso- the world’s largest democracy, but it Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to lution, but I think most of the resolu- also should be made clear it is one of support the resolution. tions that we deal with here in this the oldest and greatest civilizations on Chamber that come to this floor right- this planet with evidence of civil soci- Mrs. MALONEY. Madam Speaker, I rise in ly focus on what is wrong throughout ety dating back many millennium be- strong support of H. Con. Res. 15, which com- the world, whether it is the authori- fore Christ. mends India on its celebration of Republic Day tarian regime of Robert Mugabe in In the years since its modern day and expresses congressional support for con- Zimbabwe or Kim Jong Il in North independence in 1947, it has produced tinued strong relations between the United Korea. In this context, I think it is some of the greatest leaders in modern States and India. proper for the House to recognize posi- times: Mr. Gandhi and his doctrine of As the largest democracy in the world, India tive developments, and in this case, nonviolence, civil disobedience. The has shown a genuine commitment to improv- that positive development is the vi- doctrine of Sarjat Hagahoth is a great ing its economic ties to the United States, and brant democracy that is India. symbol and inspiration for many citi- the U.S. and India have formally committed to India adopted that Constitution on zens of the globe. Mr. Nehru stood for a work together to build peace and security in January 26 of 1950 that formalized her great international leadership of inde- South Asia, increase bilateral trade and invest- identity as a parliamentary democ- pendence and neutrality, and then in ment, meet global environmental challenges, racy, and the framers of India’s con- the new era of Mr. Vajpayee we have an fight disease, and eradicate poverty. stitution were greatly influenced by India dedicated to economic develop- There is no doubt that the close relationship our Founding Fathers. I had an oppor- ment and market forces, all of which between the U.S. and India is crucial to world tunity to talk to one of those framers, betokens in terms of history, in terms stability and to the economic futures of both and he made the point that many of of longevity of civilization, a modern countries. India’s long-term economic potential the same freedoms that are enshrined day society that is one of the greatest is tremendous, and the U.S. is already its larg- in our Constitution are enshrined in on this planet, and we in this body are est trading and investment partner. theirs for a reason. deeply impressed. I am hopeful that we will foster an even So today, yes, India’s the world’s Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- closer relationship in the coming years by largest democracy and that is an im- ance of my time. working together to tackle new and existing pressive distinction. It is an incredible Mr. ACKERMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise challenges. commitment when we think of 600 mil- today in support of H. Con. Res. 15 and con- Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam Speaker, I lion people going and filing their bal- gratulate my colleague Mr. WILSON of South rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 15, com- lots in a democratic election, but the Carolina for his sponsorship of the resolution. mending India on its celebration of Republic other point I think that we are focused Madam Speaker, the resolution before us Day. India is the world’s largest democracy on tonight is the fact that it is India’s today commends India on its celebration of and Republic Day is India’s second most im- growth as a world power that is cre- Republic Day and urges continued strong bi- portant national holiday. ating a chance for peace and for sta- lateral relations between the United States India became a Republic on January 26, bility in south Asia. and India. But there is much more to celebrate 1950, adopting a written Constitution and Last month, members of the Com- than simply India’s Republic Day. There are electing its first democratic parliament. Prior to mittee on International Relations had the commonalities between the U.S. and India, independence, India was under British rule. a chance to meet with India’s foreign in particular both are thriving multi-cultural de- Today, India stands with the people of the minister to discuss the growing bilat- mocracies. India is the largest and the U.S. is United States. The Republic of India and the eral relationship in the areas of space the oldest. This year both nations are in the United States have a common bond of shared and of science, and I think this resolu- midst of the great democratic tradition of elec- values and a strong commitment to demo- tion signals Congress’ interest in fur- tions. India’s elections begin later this month cratic principles. thering this important relationship. and run through the beginning of April. I would also be remiss if, in closing, Beyond our common experiences with de- We are also united in the war against ter- I did not mention the growing con- mocracy, the United States and India have rorism. As the Ranking Members of the Inter- tribution of the Indian American com- been growing ever closer over the last several national Relations Subcommittee. I will not munity here in the United States. I years. Beginning with President Clinton’s trip rest until Pakistan makes good on its promises have always been impressed with, when to India in 2000, the U.S.-India relationship to end cross border terrorism, shut down its working with that community, their has truly blossomed over the last several terrorist training camps, and cease the transfer energy, their enthusiasm and indeed years. of nuclear technology to rogue nations and their dedication to education. Their In the immediate aftermath of the horren- third parties. upward social mobility through edu- dous attacks on the World Trade Center and I commend India for its continued commit- cation is unmatched, and I think that the Pentagon, India was the first nation to step ment to peace and for promoting the ideals of that particular community possesses forward and offer unqualified support and as- equality for all citizens, regardless of faith, some of our most effective future lead- sistance to us. Just a few months later, India gender or ethnicity. I also pay tribute to ers in this country. suffered a devastating attack in the heart of its Mahandas Mahatma Gandhi who is recog- So, with that said, I urge passage of democracy, the parliament building in New nized as the father of India’s nonviolent strug- this resolution, and I thank the gen- Delhi. These events underscore the fact that gle for independence. tleman for yielding me the time. both nations have faced, and continue to face, Finally, I express my appreciation to Prime Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, we re- serious threats from global terrorist organiza- Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for his leadership serve the balance of our time. tions. in cultivating strong ties with the United States Mr. LEACH. Madam Speaker, we These unfortunate events have led to a sig- and for initiating historic talks with Pakistan in have no further requests for time, and nificant expansion of the U.S.-India relation- hopes of decreasing tensions in South Asia. I

VerDate jul 14 2003 04:14 Mar 11, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K10MR7.131 H10PT1 March 10, 2004 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H985 also knowledge the contributions of His Excel- Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I Whereas Mr. Trajkovski worked to foster lency Lalit Mansingh, Ambassador of the Re- want to commend all of my colleagues peace for the entire Balkan region and to in- public of India, who has represented the inter- who spoke on behalf of this important tegrate Macedonia into the international ests of India before the U.S. Congress in a resolution. community; and Whereas the death of Mr. Trajkovski is a manner that has strengthened U.S.-India rela- Madam Speaker, we have no further tragedy for the people of Macedonia: Now, tions. requests for time and we yield back the therefore, be it I also applaud the efforts of Sanjay Puri, balance of our time. Resolved, That the House of Representa- founder and Executive Director of an organiza- Mr. LEACH. Madam Speaker, we tives— tion working to influence policy on issues of yield back the balance of our time. (1) expresses its deepest sympathies to the concern to the Indian American community. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. people of the Republic of Macedonia, the With a membership of 27,000, this organiza- MILLER of Michigan). The question is family of President Boris Trajkovski, and tion is giving more than 2 million Indian Ameri- on the motion offered by the gen- the families of the other crash victims; (2) expresses its desire for a smooth and or- cans a voice in the political process and I be- tleman from Iowa (Mr. LEACH) that the lieve both India and the United States are for- derly transition of power; and House suspend the rules and agree to (3) expresses the solidarity of the people of tunate to have more than 27,000 Indian Amer- the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. the United States with the people of Mac- icans working with us to address important 15. edonia and the Macedonian Government dur- issues like terrorism, trade, HIV/AIDS, and im- The question was taken. ing this tragedy. migration. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Again, I applaud the efforts of so many and opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of ant to the rule, the gentleman from I commend India on its celebration of Republic those present have voted in the affirm- Nebraska (Mr. BEREUTER) and the gen- Day. ative. tleman from California (Mr. LANTOS) Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I urge all of Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, on my colleagues to support this important Reso- each will control 20 minutes. that I demand the yeas and nays. The Chair recognizes the gentleman lution commending the incredibly diverse, The yeas and nays were ordered. democratic nation of India on the celebration from Nebraska (Mr. BEREUTER). The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- of its Republic Day. GENERAL LEAVE ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the This Resolution reiterates the overwhelming Mr. BEREUTER. Madam Speaker, I Congressional support for continued strong re- Chair’s prior announcement, further ask unanimous consent that all Mem- lations between the United States and India. proceedings on this motion will be bers may have 5 legislative days within And it notes India’s commitment, under the In- postponed. which to revise and extend their re- dian constitution, for universal suffrage; equal- f marks on H. Res. 540, the resolution ity for all citizens, regardless of faith, gender, EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES OF under consideration. or ethnicity; and protections for freedom of HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there speech, association and religion. FOR UNTIMELY DEATH OF MAC- objection to the request of the gen- Our two nations are ‘‘natural allies,’’ as EDONIAN PRESIDENT BORIS tleman from Nebraska? Prime Minister Vajpayee has stated. For while TRAJKOVSKI There was no objection. our alliance is relatively young, it has already Mr. BEREUTER. Madam Speaker, I begun to flourish based on our shared values Mr. BEREUTER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may con- and commitment to democratic principles. move to suspend the rules and agree to sume. In recognition of our growing relationship, the resolution (H. Res. 540) expressing Madam Speaker, this Member rises the gentleman from New York (Mr. CROWLEY) the condolences and deepest sym- in support of H. Res. 540, as amended, and I led a delegation of nine members of pathies of the House of Representatives expressing the condolences and deepest Congress to India in January. for the untimely death of Macedonian sympathy of the U.S. House of Rep- During our trip, we were privileged to be re- President Boris Trajkovski, as amend- resentatives upon the death of Macedo- ceived by a number of Mr. Vajpayee’s Min- ed. nian President Boris Trajkovski. This isters and we engaged key policymakers in The Clerk read as follows: resolution was introduced by the dis- thoughtful discussions on issues ranging from H. RES. 540 tinguished gentleman from Indiana Kashmir and Pakistan to this year’s national Whereas on February 26, 2004, President (Mr. SOUDER). elections in both India and the United States. Boris Trajkovski of the Republic of Mac- On February 26, 2004, President Boris While we certainly discussed, and even de- edonia was tragically killed in a plane crash Trajkovski of the former Yugoslav re- bated, a number of issues on which our coun- in Bosnia-Herzegovina while he was on his public of Macedonia was tragically tries have legitimate differences, the lasting way to an international investment con- killed in a plane crash over Bosnia- impressions were the broad areas of agree- ference; Herzegovina, while traveling to Mos- ment and cooperation, and the strength and Whereas Mr. Trajkovski served Macedonia as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs from cow to attend a regional economic con- dynamism of the growing U.S.-India relation- December 21, 1998 until he was inaugurated ference. He and eight other individuals ship. as President on December 15, 1999; on the aircraft died in this tragic acci- Madam Speaker, the mutual respect dem- Whereas Mr. Trajkovski stood up for what onstrated in these discussions was a clear dent. This Member understands the of- he believed was right and moral, even when ficial State funeral was held Friday of sign of our maturing relationship and the trust he faced opposition within Macedonia; between us. Whereas under Mr. Trajkovski’s leader- last week in Skopje. For example, our armed forces now regu- ship, Macedonia was one of the first coun- President Trajkovski is one of the larly participate in joint exercises involving all tries to publicly support Operation Iraqi most important reasons why Mac- branches of the military, and the sale of U.S. Freedom and to commit troops to the effort; edonia is making the progress it has military equipment to India approached $200 Whereas during Macedonia’s armed ethnic made in recent years. President clashes Mr. Trajkovski demonstrated his Trajkovski was an important leader million last year. willingness to work with all of Macedonia’s In the immediate aftermath of the Sep- and voice of reason in resolving the ethnic groups, which helped to prevent a ethnic conflict that was threatening tember 11 terrorist attacks, India pledged its civil war; full cooperation and offered the use of all its Whereas Mr. Trajkovski was a strong be- his country 3 years ago and in imple- military bases for counterterrorism efforts. And liever in free markets and worked tirelessly menting the Ohrid peace agreement of India continues to play a key role in stabiliza- to bring development and investment to August 2001. His leadership and mod- tion and reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan. Macedonia; eration between opposing sides have Our economic cooperation also is note- Whereas under President Trajkovski’s been absolutely essential in creating worthy. In fact, the nearly 60% increase in leadership, Macedonia negotiated an agree- the conditions for the progress that his total trade between the United States and ment with the United States under Article 98 government and his country have made of the Rome Statute of the International since then. India since 1996 illustrates that. Criminal Court, signed the agreement on With more than 1 billion citizens, India still June 30, 2003, and ratified the agreement on He worked tirelessly to ensure that faces many problems. And the increasing en- October 16, 2003, thereby helping to ensure democratic values and institutions gagement with the United States will help United States citizens will not be subject to would prevail in his country and to India to address them. politically motivated prosecutions; bring his country closer towards full

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