Sean Patrick Maloney: “I rise against the Burton amendment, which would limit development assistance to India. Mr. Speaker, it is 1 year later…”

“I rise against the Burton amendment, which would limit development assistance to India. Mr. Speaker, it is 1 year later and we are still fighting the same fight. We defeated a similar amendment last year by an overwhelming margin--296 to 127. I am proud to be a member of the Congressional India Caucus, and was pleased to travel to India recently. On August 15, we celebrated India's 50th anniversary of democratic self rule. Passage of this amendment will have a devastating effect on the growing relationship between India and the United States. The United States is now India's largest overseas investor and its biggest trading partner. Since 1991, major Fortune 500 companies have invested in India. The Commerce Department has designated India as one of the most important 'Big Emerging Markets.' Mr. Speaker, American businesses recognize the importance of a strong relationship with India. The gentleman from Indiana appears to have a noble purpose--to focus the attention of the House on human rights abuses. But despite his intentions, the amendment will do great harm to the very people it purports to help. Yes, India has had problems with human rights in the past. But this nation--this great democracy--has taken exceptionally strong steps forward.…”