Condemning in the strongest possible terms the July 11, 2006, terrorist attacks in India and expressing condolences to the families of the victims and sympathy to the people of India.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 911) expressing sympathy for the people of India in the aftermath of the deadly terrorist attacks in Mumbai on July 11, 2006, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H. Res. 911.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

At the outset, let me acknowledge the leadership of Mr. Wilson and Mr. Crowley in sponsoring this important and timely resolution, as well as that of the current cochairs of the India Caucus, Ms. Ros-Lehtinen and Mr. Ackerman, as well as the leadership of Mr. Hyde and, of course, Mr. Lantos, the distinguished ranking member.

I would also like to express appreciation to House leadership for scheduling floor time today for this measure.

On July 11, 2006, more than 200 people were killed and over 700 others injured in seven bomb blasts that targeted several locations on the local railway network in Mumbai, India's commercial capital during evening rush hour. Meanwhile, earlier that same day, grenade attacks in Srinagar, Kashmir targeted tourists, killing eight innocent civilians and wounding over 40 more.

Although the motivations behind this attack are still a bit vague, previous attacks have been designed to provoke communal conflict and to disrupt the Indian economy. However, India's multicultural and multiethnic democracy is enormously resilient, and the warped schemes of those who planned and executed these attacks have so far, thankfully, come to naught.

Mr. Speaker, it is self-evident that these brutal terrorist attacks are an affront to the world community, and they have, appropriately, been thoroughly and unequivocally condemned by leaders and ordinary citizens around the globe.

For example, in the immediate aftermath of the attacks, President and Mrs. Bush issued a statement on behalf of the American people expressing their deepest condolences to the friends and families of the victims.

The President spoke for all Americans when he noted that ``The United States stands with the people and the Government of India and condemns in the strongest terms these atrocities which were committed against innocent people as they went about their daily lives. Such acts only strengthen the resolve of the international community to stand united against terrorism and to declare unequivocally that there is no justification for the vicious murder of innocent people,'' said President and Mrs. Bush.

More recently on July 17, representatives at the Group of Eight Summit in St. Petersburg, Russia also condemned these ``barbaric terrorist acts'' and emphasized their unity with India in a common resolve to intensify efforts to combat anarchistic acts of terrorism and uphold the rule of law.

Mr. Speaker, tribute must be paid to the people of Mumbai who not only responded with great compassion to families of those who were killed and injured in the attacks, but who demonstrated such courage and resolve in almost immediately restoring normalcy in that great and bustling city. It is astonishing that in the wake of these attacks not only were Mumbai's trains running the next day, but millions of its citizens overcame their fears and returned to those trains in order to keep that extraordinary city thriving.

Likewise, at a time when international events seem to be spinning dangerously out of control, tribute must also be paid to the leadership of Prime Minister Singh, who has responded to the attacks in Mumbai and Srinagar with firm resolve but measured restraint as the investigation of these attacks unfold.

Here, Mr. Speaker, let me stress that the challenge of establishing a balance between the two ``Rs,'' resolve and restraint, involves the most difficult judgment call in international relations today. Senseless, anarchistic acts tempt human nature. It is easy to succumb to the third ``R,'' revenge, but not infrequently that is the response terrorists most desire because it escalates violence and disorder.

In this context, it is impressive how historically Indian democracy stands out, not only for its size, for its success in amalgamating extraordinary diversity, but for its origin in Gandhi-esque principles, revolution premised on nonviolence, the Indian term ``satyagraha.'' The power of principled nonviolence overwhelmed the power of colonialist arms.

Today, there are models in the world of military reaction to terrorist disorder. These models of escalated violence are understandable, but it will be interesting to see if the model of restraint being established in India today to these unpardonable acts of violence proves more effective, as well as more humane, than military responses.

I urge support for this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to yield to the distinguished chairman of the Middle East Subcommittee, the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen), for such time as she may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Foley).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Jindal).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the distinguished gentleman, Mr. Royce, also from California.

Mr. Speaker, I would be delighted to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Maryland.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, one of the extraordinary aspects of terrorism is that a few can, with relative ease, disrupt peace negotiations between nation- states. The challenge is to see that a small number of terrorists do not destroy the right to peace of the many.

As rightfully angered and concerned as the Indian Government must be, it would be a mistake of historic proportions to allow the violence of July 11 to end the warming dialogue that has commenced between the Indian and Pakistani Governments. There are few places on the globe where war can more easily break out than on the Indian subcontinent. India and Pakistan have fought three wars over the past 60 years, and both now possess nuclear weapons. The will to pursue peace is thus a social imperative. Revenge may be warranted, but real courage rests with maintaining restraint.

Our heart goes out to the families affected by these acts of violence, and our heads congratulate the care with which the Indian Government has refused, to date, to overreact. This Congress sympathizes with our Indian friends and holds in deepest respect the leaders in Delhi who have such difficult decisions to make in the weeks and months ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Just over a week ago, barbarism boarded seven trains in Mumbai, India, and turned them into a horror show. The toll was horrific, over 200 dead, hundreds of others maimed and traumatized. Across the region, shocked, grieving people had suddenly lost parents, spouses, children, brothers and sisters to this random, heinous act.

The explosive devices were placed to cause maximum havoc. Hidden in overhead luggage racks, they tore through the upper bodies of some victims, decapitating many. And they were set to detonate during Mumbai's rush hour to increase the carnage.

I wish to express my personal solidarity with the victims of this sickening, heartless act and with their families, along with the people of India as a whole. With our resolution today, Congress condemns this assault on civilization in the strongest of terms.

Mr. Speaker, as we in Congress move ahead with efforts to improve the geostrategic relationship with India, we now have a fresh incentive to forge ever-closer ties. At a time such as this, we consider what our two great democracies have in common: our values, our aspirations, our hopes, and our respect for human life.

Mr. Speaker, it is an irony of timing in the legislative process that the legislation we are considering today is referred to as H. Res. 911, but this coincidence serves to remind us of a common experience. In India, as in the United States, it is a tragic outcome of the civilized world's struggle with terrorism that the world's largest democracy and its oldest are both victims of terrorist attacks. Both of our great nations are targeted by terrorists hell-

bent on destroying the innocent and frightening our governments into submission and appeasement.

Let us reaffirm today that the terrorists will not succeed. The civilized and peace-loving nations of the world are joining forces to combat this evil ideology. Good will prevail. Life will triumph over death. Together, India and the United States will hold aloft the bright beacon of freedom and democracy to lead the way.

Mr. Speaker, this is far from the first such incident in India. Let it be the last, and let us send an unequivocal message that we stand with our brothers and sisters in Indian in the face of the barbarous onslaught in Mumbai.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to yield 3 minutes to the distinguish chairman of the India Caucus, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Ackerman).

Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to yield 4 minutes to a distinguish member of the International Relations Committee, the author of this resolution, my good friend, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Crowley).

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to yield 1 minute to the distinguished Democratic leader with whom I have the privilege of sharing representation of the great city of San Francisco (Ms. Pelosi).

Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to yield 3 minutes to the distinguished member of the International Relations Committee, my friend from New York (Mr. Engel).

Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).

(Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

May I inquire, Mr. Speaker, how much time is left for both sides?

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

This resolution is a deeply felt emotional resolution expressing our solidarity with the people of India who were subjected to a totally unprovoked and brutal terrorist act.

Next week this body will consider one of the most significant pieces of legislation of the current session of Congress, establishing a relationship in the field of civilian nuclear power between the United States and India. That legislation will usher in a whole new era of the historic geostrategic relationship between these two great democracies.

I earnestly wish that we did not need to deal with this tragedy, but I think it is appropriate that we demonstrate to our friends in India that we are with them in their times of trouble, and we are with them at moments when they plan to accelerate their economic development and move into the 21st century with large-scale civilian nuclear power.

Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to yield the balance of my time to the distinguished Democratic whip, my good friend from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer).

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) for yielding me this time.

I want to join saluting all those who are sponsoring this resolution today. In particular I want to salute the cochairs of the India Caucus, Mr. Ackerman and Ms. Ros-Lehtinen, for their words in support of this resolution today and their leadership as cochairs of the caucus.

I rise to express myself in the strongest way in support of this resolution and extend my sincere condolences to all of the families of all of the victims of last week's bombing in Mumbai, India.

I would like to thank the majority leader for bringing this resolution to the floor today. And in particular once again I want to thank Mr. Lantos for his leadership and Chairman Hyde for

his leadership on the committee in working with us to bring this important resolution to the floor.

On July 11, 2006, over 200 innocent people were brutally murdered in India's financial capital by terrorists. Right before these coordinated attacks, terrorists killed 8 people and injured 40 more civilians in Kashmir. Attacks like these are a scourge on our world that all democratic nations must join in unison to fight.

By targeting Mumbai's commuter rail service at the height of rush hour, the terrorists had hoped to accomplish the maximum amount of bloodshed for this cowardly act on innocent civilians. But the Indian people responded to the attacks by turning out in hundreds to donate blood, taking bed sheets to turn into stretchers, and offering assistance and comfort to the victims of this attack.

Today as Members of Congress we send our condolences to the families of the victims. We condemn this act of terrorism by these perpetrators of this senseless act of carnage.

And we express our sympathy with all the people of India and all the people of goodwill throughout this world. India has remained a strong ally of the United States in our global fight against terrorism. And the United States will never forget that. The terrorists who have been attacking India since their founding are the same brand of extremists who continue to threaten the United States of America. Our two countries need to increase our cooperation to root out all terrorism.

Since President Clinton's administration, our country has been moving closer to India to create the natural alliance we should have always had. And, thankfully, President Bush recognized what this relationship could become, and just over a year ago, our two nations signed the July 18 declaration. This declared our resolve to transform our relationship and establish a global partnership committed to the values of human freedom, democracy and the rule of law. This relationship will promote stability, democracy, prosperity and peace throughout the world and enhance our ability to work together to provide global leadership in areas of mutual concern and interest.

With this resolution today, we are reinforcing that relationship. We are pledging our support for the Indian Government as it seeks to reassure its people and capture and bring the perpetrators of this horrific crime to justice during these very, very difficult times in India.

I want to thank my over 100 colleagues who have joined us in sponsoring this resolution today. And I ask each and every one of you, my colleagues, for a ``yes'' vote.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding, thank him for his extraordinary leadership in making foreign policy for our country that is values based, and it makes us safer.

My compliments, Mr. Speaker, to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Crowley) and Mr. Wilson of South Carolina for bringing this important legislation to the floor.

Thank you, Mr. Leach, for your leadership on this as well. I am pleased to be a cosponsor of it.

I wish this resolution expressing the condolences of yet another terrorist attack was not necessary. The people of the United States know only too well the shock and sorrow experienced by the people of India on July 11. We grieve with them and share their resolve to defeat the forces of evil who would perpetrate such heinous and, yes, cowardly acts.

We also salute the bravery of the millions of residents of Mumbai, who got back on those commuter trains the day after the attacks, refusing to alter their lives and thereby concede even a little to the terrorists.

At a time like this, when we are commending the people of India for their courage and expressing the sympathy and condolences of our constituents to the people and the Government of India, it gives us pause to think about how much we owe India. We in the United States came through, a generation ago, a civil rights movement that was inspired by the spirit of nonviolence which was led in India by Mahatma Gandhi. Our own Martin Luther King and Coretta Scott King visited India to learn about nonviolence, and we all know what a tremendous impact it had on succeeding in advancing civil rights in our own country. We will be forever in the debt of India for that magnificent contribution to our own social progress in the United States.

And nobody knows better than Mr. Lantos the debt of gratitude we owe India for its hospital to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. When I was a brand new Member of Congress, one of the first meetings I was invited to was by Mr. Lantos to meet His Holiness. He talked about his plan for Tibet. And it has been rough sledding since then, but the Government of India has been a friend to all who are concerned about human rights and respect for the dignity and worth of every person and in the person of His Holiness, a man of peace, a man of balance, a man who would condemn this kind of violence. So India has certainly taken the lead in the nonviolence that influenced our own civil rights movement and the hospitality extended to His Holiness in so many ways as the largest democracy in the world. It is just that democracy and that freedom of movement that, of course, made them a target of these cowards.

So, again, I express the love of freedom and commitment to a democracy that the United States and India share. We will stand together against those who value neither and whose disdain for human life is evidence of the shallowness of the agenda they seek to advance.

The resolution before us is a strong testament to the shared values and the friendship which binds the United States and India. I urge its overwhelming adoption by this House, and again, thank Mr. Crowley for his leadership in bringing it to the floor.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished ranking member of the full committee and to the chairman of the full committee Mr. Leach; sponsors of this legislation, two strong advocates, former cochairs of the India Caucus, Mr. Crowley and Mr. Wilson, whom I have had the opportunity to work with.

I remember, and all of us have recalled many times on this floor, the unspeakable experience of 9/11, as we are in betwixt two movies that are now coming out to recount again that tragic day. We also recall how the world stood alongside of America in her time of mourning and her time of sheer desperation and despair, for she had lost 3,000-plus of her citizens.

The same time we now come to stand alongside of India for that day of July 11, when not only was there an attack in Kashmir that saw eight people lose their lives, but we know the triggering of the terror act in Mumbai that generated 200 dead and probably many more injured and how many more to die because of their injuries.

So it is important to stand and to acknowledge our sympathy and as well our compassion. But at the same time I want to emphasize that good people everywhere abhor terror, and I hope that the region of South Asia will embrace those in India and offer their greatest sympathy and, of course, their support against the war on terror and those despots, desperate persons, those horrific individuals who would take their own causes and turn them into terror against others so that others' lives might be lost.

We fight on the battlefields of war. We debate in places like the United Nations, and we have heads of state that engage or disagree. But when we lift up against another human being, another nation, in reckless, random terror, there can be no solace. There can be no comfort. There can be no excuse. There can be no acceptance.

So we join with the people of India in acknowledging that, as the largest democracy and the oldest democracy, you have a friend in the United States. You have a democratic ally in the United States. And you have a family of human beings, ourselves, experiencing terror either in terms of ongoing threats or by watching our friends suffer the consequences.

So it is important, if you will, that today this resolution is more than our affirmation of our friendship and sympathy, but also our brotherhood and sisterhood in the war on terror. I look forward to a day when these resolutions will not be the call of the day, but simply that we will extinguish those who think that they can expand their causes by using terror against innocent, democratic, free-loving people around the world, wherever they might be.

And, again, my deepest sympathy to the people of India. And, again, we

stand with you at this time against acts of terror around the world.