WASHINGTON: As India secured a
historic waiver from the NSG to carry out nuclear commerce, all eyes are now on
the Bush administration to commence the process with Congress for approval to
operationalise the deal.
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has
said she will start talks with Congress leaders today or
tomorrow.
The pressure is building on Congress from the Indian
American community that played a phenomenal role in the run up to the passage of
the Hyde Act with the refrain in community circles being that "anything" can be
done in Washington provided there is a political will.
A senior
community leader from Texas who played an instrumental role in bringing much of
his State's delegation to vote for the Hyde Act including two prominent
Senators, has called on the Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee,
Howard Berman to see the writing on the wall.
Berman has supported
the Hyde Act but is tough on non-proliferation issues; but even he too signalled
on Sunday that if the administration wanted Congress to change the rules of the
time frame then a sufficient case must be put forth-- that is the civilian
nuclear agreement is in full conformity with the Hyde Act.
"Chairman
Berman, forty five nations of the NSG have given their approval and now it is
time to waive the rules and let this agreement be considered by the congress for
up and down vote in this session" the Chairman of the 'US-India Forum' Ashok
Mago said.