Statements from Supporters
Michael H. Wysong
Director, National Security & Foreign Affairs
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States
The VFW wholeheartedly supports this agreement. We view this strategic partnership with as a matter of national security.
We understand that not all the questions from the skeptics have been satisfied. But we believe the pros far outweigh the few uncertainties.
We’re hopeful that, among many other advantages for the , this agreement will move into the mainstream of nonproliferation policy by allowing International Atomic Energy Association inspectors access to their civilian nuclear facilities.
We also believe that this agreement will bring closer to the and help confront any challenges that , , and may pose in the future. Having a strong ally in the region is most beneficial to security interests.
Since 2000, the has increased its cooperation with in many fields, including missile defense, an area of vital importance to the VFW and to this nation. This agreement builds on that cooperation.
The VFW knows that there are no guarantees that the will benefit from the agreement. will have to weigh its options and decide how best to honor this deal.
This is an arrangement for mutual advantage. A strategic partnership that the VFW is confident will flourish. It’s a matter of trust, between the world’s two largest democracies, that will help bring about stability in the region and strengthen ’s security.
Therefore, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the urges the U.S. Congress to enact it into law without delay.
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Seth Benge
Legislative Director
Reserve Enlisted Association
My name is
Seth Benge ; I am the Legislative Director for the Reserve Enlisted Association. I am also a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, having served last year with the Marine Corps in Ramadi.
The Reserve Enlisted Association supports this agreement as a matter of national security. is a nation that in recent years has moved closer to the connected global community both economical and militarily. It is essential that the foster even closer relationships with such nations.
Through this agreement will enjoy the exchange of technology with the and the world will be secure in the knowledge that ’s nuclear program will be monitored by international organizations. Other nations should take note what democracy and cooperation can get them.
Finally, it should be pointed out that the and share a common enemy in the Global War on Terror, as evident by the terrible Mumbai attacks. This is why it so important that we stand together through pacts such are the U.S.-India nuclear agreement and that is why the Reserve Enlisted Association urges Congress to quickly pass the legislation to implement the agreement.
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Chuck Partridge
Government Relations
American Military Society
The American Military Society strongly supports this agreement with and believes it will provide a valuable enhancement of our national security.
We see as a key partner in countering global extremists and terrorism and limiting nuclear proliferation.
The India-U.S. Initiative has long term strategic benefits for the ; is a prominent and growing power in the world and is an increasingly important ally in the Middle East and
South Asia . As a stable democracy with a strong middle class, growing economy and a large army, could be an effective counterbalance to should the need arise in the future.
The Director General (Mohammed ElBaradei) of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has stated that the provisions of the pending agreement such as permanent safeguards and international inspection of nuclear power plants will bring more in line with the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty.
As a veterans organization, support of a strong national defense and the security of our country underlies all that we do. We believe that enactment of the legislation leading to this agreement will be a major step toward enhancing the safety and security of our citizens and we urge Congress to complete action on this matter.
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Supporting Organizations
Veterans of Foreign Wars
2,400,000 members
8,000+ Posts throughout America
The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the , with its Auxiliaries, includes 2.4 million members in over 8,000 Posts. Founded by returning veterans, they created local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service. Its mission is to “honor the dead by helping the living” through veterans services, community service, national security and a strong national defense.
Reserve Officers Association
75,000 members
The Reserve Officers Association is open to all federally recognized commissioned officers and warrant officers and their spouses from the Armed Forces as well as the Public Health Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It was chartered by Congress to support and promote military policies that will provide adequate national security, such as fully funding the equipment and training requirements of the National Guard and Reserves.
American Military Society
157,848 Paid members 900,000 Supporters
Founded in 1983, the American Military Society (AMS) is one of the largest and most active military organizations in the Members are active and retired military personnel from all branches of the Armed Forces. AMS develops and supports activities which promote the general well-being of members; upholds and defends the Constitution; supports national defense; and preserves the memories and traditions of the Armed Forces.
Armed Forces Top Enlisted Association
The Armed Forces Top Enlisted Association (AFTEA) is an alliance of senior non-commissioned officers who have joined in supporting all aspects of national security, with an emphasis, on the men and women who serve and who have served. The AFTEA advocates a strong national defense that will protect the security of the . They seek to educate the public and Members of Congress about issues that will affect the national security of the United States .
The Retired Enlisted Association
67,000 Members
Founded by two retired Air Force Master Sergeants in 1963, The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA) has grown to represent some 67,000 members from all branches of the armed forces. Their mission is to work on behalf of the retired non-commissioned officers to ensure the quality of life for uniformed services enlisted personnel and their families to maintain esprit de corps, dedication and patriotism and to continue their devotion and allegiance to God and Country.
Gold Star Wives of America
10,000 Members
Gold Star Wives of America Inc. is a non-profit membership organization chartered by the U.S. Congress as a unique organization. Their vision is to work diligently and unselfishly in the interest of all who have been called upon in a very personal way to share in the “last full measure of devotion” to our county and mankind. To that end, they support legislation and regulations that would strengthen the national security of the and the protection of the Armed Forces.
Korean War Veterans
16,200 Members
The Korean War Veterans Association (KWVA) is a non-profit veterans group whose mission is to help care for the veterans of the conflicts in Korea as well as working to ensure that the missing and fallen are not forgotten from the public memory. It is with that in mind that they support a strong national defense to prevent additional conflicts as well as continuing their support for a free Korea .
Reserve Enlisted Association
In November 2003, the Reserve Enlisted Association (REA) was created to be an advocate for the enlisted men and women of the United States Military Reserve Components in all branches of service. The REA seeks to advocate for enlisted reserve components in support of National Security and Homeland Defense, with an emphasis on the readiness and training to protect the United States .
Support for India Nuclear Pact Visible
By Judy Sarasohn
Washington Post - July 31 2006, Page A23
Showing its growing political clout, the Indian American community jumped into the Capitol Hill fray over the U.S.-India nuclear initiative that would eliminate obstacles to U.S. participation in India's civilian nuclear energy sector.
The House was expected last night to approve the deal struck last year by the Bush administration. But the situation in the Senate is much dicier.
Joining other Indian American groups, corporations and lobbyists to push for the accord is a new organization, just three weeks old -- the Indian American Security Leadership Council. The council was formed by Indian American business executives, professionals and others who particularly care about national security issues.
The council ran an ad supporting the accord in Roll Call yesterday, signed by leaders of eight veterans groups, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Gold Star Wives of America. "We urge Congress to complete its work on the pact and lay the groundwork for increased security and cooperation with India because it is in America's future security interests to do so," the ad said.
Bonner & Associates helped frame the national security issue for a grass-roots effort and recruited the vet groups for the ad, which cost $14,700.
"We felt it [national security] was the most important issue. For the next 30 years, our problem will be radical Islam and non-democratic China," said Ramesh V. Kapur , president of the council and a Massachusetts businessman.
The council is bipartisan: Kapur has been a major Democratic fundraiser, and Krishna V. Srinivasa , vice president, is active in GOP circles.
Ron Somers , president of the U.S.-India Business Council, which has been out front in support of the nuclear initiative, said the ad was helpful. "It's important for our elected officials to recognize that there is broad support from many quarters," he said in a telephone interview from New Delhi.
