Date:14/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/14/stories/2008091459090900.htm

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Don’t rush vote on nuclear deal: Democrats

Washington: A small group of senior Democratic lawmakers has cautioned against rushing with an expedited vote on the India-U.S. nuclear deal that could unsettle administration plans for a quick approval of the pact before the end of the Congress session this month-end.

The three-person group, led by Massachusetts Congressman Edward Markey, said there were many lingering questions about the deal that required further examination.

The group’s demand comes in the wake of reports that the 30-day rule for the legislation to be considered will be waived to meet the deadline of September 26, when the present session ends.

In a letter to the Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Howard Berman, the three-person group said: “As many questions whether or not the 123 Agreement, the India-IAEA Safeguards Agreement, the NSG waiver and the presidential certifications meet the requirements of the Atomic Energy Act and the Hyde Act are still remaining, we urge you to take all necessary time to carefully review the President’s submission.

“The NSG waiver for India that was approved on September 6 clearly does not incorporate the restrictions and conditions on U.S. nuclear trade mandated by the Hyde Act, such as the requirement that nuclear cooperation be immediately halted if India conducts a nuclear test.”

Interestingly, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a Democrat herself, on Friday expressed the hope that the mandatory period will be waived. — PTI