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The vote, to be preceded by debate, would be an important, but far from final step, in moving the agreement forward.
Updated : Nov 19, 2013, 11:17 PM IST
The vote, to be preceded by debate, would be an important, but far from final step, in moving the agreement forward.
The deal, allowing India to buy American nuclear reactors and fuel for the first time in 30 years, "could be the most important step made in cementing a critical partnership between India and the United States," said Rep. Joseph Crowley, a New York Democrat.
"Most members of Congress agree that a strong relationship with
But Democratic Rep. Edward Markey of Massachusetts, co-chairman of a bi-partisan task force on non-proliferation, said the deal would throw fuel on a simmering nuclear arms race in Asia (and) will send the wrong message to Iran and North Korea.
He and other lawmakers accused the Bush administration of delaying publication of a State Department report that is rumoured to contain new evidence that Indian companies and individuals have transferred weapons of mass destruction technology to
Since 2003, the
They argued the House should be able to know if any more Indian firms or persons have been cited before it votes.
The House vote is one step in a lengthy process. The Senate must also approve the bill but a vote is not expected until September. The House and Senate would vote again after US-India negotiations on the technical details of the agreement are completed.