Senate to take up Indo-US Nuclear Bill today

Washington, Nov 16 (UNI) The US Senate will take up the US-India Peaceful Atomic Energy Cooperation Bill (S 3709) today soon after conducting morning business.

Assistant Majority Leader Mitch McConnel, who made this announcement on the Senate floor yesterday, said they had reached an agreement to limit their amendments to the bill.

''It is my hope that we will be able to expedite consideration of the final passage tomorrow,'' he said.

In fact, the Senate had decided to take up the matter yesterday itself but could not proceed because one of the members insisted on the consideration of an agriculture appropriation bill prior to the Indo-US nuclear deal.

Earlier, Majority Leader Bill Frist had announced that a 'unanimous consent' had already been evolved on how to conduct the debate on the bill.

Eighteen amendments will be moved on the legislation, including two in a closed-door session. Prominent among those who intend to introduce amendments include Senators Barack Obama, Barbara Boxer, Diane Feinstein, Tom Harkins, Edward Kennedy and Chris Dodd, all Democrats.

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Richard Lugar issued a formal statement urging fellow senators to approve the legislation which he said would allow the United States to engage in peaceful nuclear cooperation with India.

''Safeguarding US national security and non-proliferation efforts as well as Congressional prerogatives, it is an opportunity to build a vital strategic partnership with a nation that shares our democratic values and will exert increasing influence on the world stage,'' the Republican leader said in a written statement.

The bill, which was passed by the House of Representatives July last, will be considered by the outgoing Senate in which the Republicans have a majority.

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