Council has support of more than 3 Million U.S. Veterans and National Indo-American Leaders

WASHINGTON, Nov. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- The Indian American Security Leadership Council (IASLC), a bi-partisan organization created to encourage closer ties between America and India, called on the returning U.S. Senate to pass Senate Bill 2429 also known as the U.S. & India Nuclear Cooperation Promotion Act. The legislation passed in the House of Representatives with overwhelming support and has received bi-partisan support in the U.S. Senate.

The IASLC has garnered support for passage of the legislation from a variety of organizations including Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, The Retired Enlisted Association, American Military Society, Reserve Officers Association, Korean War Veterans, Armed Forces Top Enlisted Association, Reserve Enlisted Association, and The Gold Star Wives of America.

"As a veteran of a foreign war, I recognize the importance of strengthening national security both home and abroad," said Steve Sanson, Director of the Nevada Chapter of Veterans in Politics. "Because of this, I support the U.S. & India Nuclear Cooperation Promotion Act."

The passage of the U.S. & India Nuclear Cooperation Promotion Act will overturn a three-decade ban from supplying nuclear fuel and equipment to energy-deprived India. Upon passage, the law will grant India, the world's largest democracy, access to the same civilian nuclear technology as other industrial and powerful nations. It will also send a clear message to rogue nations in volatile regions of the world, that India is a strong and democratic country, a major international force, and a key ally in the war on terror.

"Now is the time for the U.S. Senate to take the steps necessary to pass this crucial legislation," said Ramesh V. Kapur, Founder and President of the IASLC. "We believe that India, the world's largest democracy with over half a century of electoral stability, is a growing military and economic force in the region, and can help safeguard American security in a way that no other country in the region can."

On Wednesday, November 15, 2006 the IASLC plans to run a full-page advertisement in Roll Call urging the Senate to pass the bill without any killer amendments. The advertisement will be signed by IASLC supporters from national veterans organizations.

"We have been overwhelmed by the support we received from veterans organizations, Indo-American leaders and other Americans who are concerned about U.S. national security and have expressed to their Senators the need to have this bill passed before the 109th Congress adjourns," said Kapur.

The Indian American Security Leadership Council (IASLC), a bi-partisan organization, was created to encourage closer ties between America and India, and to promote the idea that America's future security would be greatly enhanced by working closely with India. The IASLC is funded entirely by the personal contributions of American citizens that share the Council's position. The organization was founded by its president, Ramesh V. Kapur, and its vice-president, Krishna V. Srinivasa. Additional information about the IASLC can be found at http://www.indianamericansecurityleadershipcouncil.org.

Web site: http://www.indianamericansecurityleadershipcouncil.org/