Sam Brownback: “Last month, following India's nuclear tests, I offered legislation to repeal section 620(e) of the Foreign Assistance…”

“Last month, following India's nuclear tests, I offered legislation to repeal section 620(e) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (otherwise known as the Pressler amendment). The Pressler amendment concerns restriction on the provision of military assistance and other transfers to Pakistan. When Pakistan blundered into responding to India's nuclear tests with tests of its own, this amendment not only became pointless symbolically, but because of existing sanctions law it was no longer relevant. How rapidly events change. Last month when I proposed to repeal Pressler, the world was reacting in stunned disbelief to India's nuclear tests. At the time it seemed our only hope in stalling an all out nuclear arms race in South Asia was to offer Pakistan some security assurances, while at the same time urging them in the strongest terms not to be drawn into this dangerous display of nuclear saber rattling. Unfortunately, Pakistan did test, and we are now imposing sanctions rather than lifting them. The month of May 1998 will be remembered as a time of nuclear anxiety. Tensions were high as the world watched India and Pakistan play nuclear roulette. June has brought some respite; India and Pakistan have declared a moratorium on further nuclear testing, and they are discussing bilateral talks this month. I pray that this nuclear nightmare will pass.”