Rep. James Leach (R-IA), Chairman of the International Relations Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, noted Policymakers in Washington too frequently assume that relations between countries are principally government-to-government. Actually, citizen diplomacy generally precedes and increasingly supersedes governmental relations. It is un-elected people of good will, whether they be businessmen and women, artists, scientists or students, who are more integral to defining the tone of relations between states than elected officials. In this regard, I want to congratulate the U.S.-India Business Alliance for its leadership in seeking to accelerate the development of financial and commercial ties between our two great countries and I pleased to serve on this historic Taskforce.

Rep. Jerry Lewis (R-CA), Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, stated that My first visit to India was as a young college graduate in the 1950s, and I was impressed by the productivity of the people and economic potential for this growing nation. I have renewed that impression time and again through the friendship of many in the 2 million strong Indian American community, including doctors and educators, pioneers in technology and energetic entrepreneurs in areas ranging from energy to defense. I am gratified that our nations have signed a 10-year defense framework agreement, and I look forward to working with the USIBA Congressional Taskforce to ensure that we continue to strengthen the ties that make India and the United States international friends and allies.

Rep. Donald A. Manzullo (R-IL), Chairman of the House Committee on Small Business, mentioned The USIBA Congressional Taskforce is open to all vested stakeholders and draws upon the expertise of Indian Americans who have been a strong catalyst for the growth of small and medium sized businesses. Small and medium sized businesses employ most of the workforce in both the U.S. and India and, for this reason, I am pleased to be a member of the Taskforce to see that their needs are represented.

Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Member of the International Relations Committee and Chair of the House Caucus on India and Indian Americans, said The USIBA Congressional Taskforce, composed of U.S. and Indian business leaders, and supported by key lawmakers in the U.S. Congress, coincides with the launch of the CEO Forum established between India and the U.S. to further our economic dialogue. The USIBA Congressional Taskforce will play a critical role in strengthening bi-lateral trade between our countries and, as the Chair of the Caucus on India and Indian Americans, I am pleased to be a member of the Taskforce and privileged to be a part of this historic initiative.

Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN), Chairman of the House Republican Study Committee, referred to Prime Minister Singh's address to the Joint Session of Congress, where the Prime Minister emphasized that the United States' and India's shared commitment to democratic values, as a firm foundation for the Congressional Taskforce on US India Investment and Trade.

Rep. Charles B. Rangel (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Ways and Means, noted I am honored to take part in this landmark event sponsored by the USIBA Congressional Taskforce to highlight the growing importance of trade relations between India and the United States. My district has benefited greatly from the entrepreneurial efforts and success of Indian Americans and I applaud the community's efforts in helping to organize this event. Given the importance of our bilateral trade relations, I am pleased to serve on this Taskforce.

Rep. Tom Lantos (D-CA), Ranking Democrat of the House Committee on International Relations, said India is the world's most populous democracy, an important ally and valued partner for the United States. The USIBA Congressional Taskforce on US-India investment and trade relations seeks to strengthen bi-lateral growth based on shared values, and I am pleased to take part in its inaugural meeting. I applaud the work of the Indian American community in this effort, and I am honored to serve on this Taskforce.

Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-NY), Member of the House Committee on International Relations, said As a longtime advocate of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), it is an honor to be a member of the USIBA Congressional Taskforce on U.S.-India investment and trade relations. This taskforce will serve to highlight the importance of the growing economic relationship between India and the United States. As the world's largest democracy and a nation that is a proven leader in science and technology, an incredible partnership can yet be forged between the great minds of American business and Indian technology.

Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA), Member of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, said This historic Taskforce, like the July 19, 2005 speech by India Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to a joint session of Congress, is destined to become one of the defining moments in fully realizing the US-India relationship. The Taskforce is a building block around which this relationship can grow and produce benefits for both countries. The Taskforce will serve as a critical focal point to address issues and concerns affecting companies and individuals, and enable business and trade to flourish. I am honored to be part of this historic step and very impressive Taskforce.

Rep. Eni Faleomavaega (D-AS), Ranking Member of the International Relations Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, said The USIBA Congressional Taskforce draws upon the expertise of the Indian American community and has been established to complement the CEO Forum. With bi-partisan representation from key Committees in Congress responsible for removing trade barriers, and with support from government and business leaders in India, the Taskforce will act as a single point of contact for American and Indian businesses interested in fast-tracking US-India trade. I am pleased to serve on this Taskforce and I commend USIBA for its visionary leadership.