N-deal likely to be through by July-end

ALL indications are that the Indo-US civilian nuclear co-operation bill between India and the US would be finally put to vote by both the Chambers of Congressthe House of Representatives and the Senatein the last week of this month.

Congressional sources said that the nuke bill (no. HR 5682) was now expected to be brought to the floor of the House for voting in week of July 24. The Bush Administration is keen that the historic agreement between the two countries that allows civilian nuclear co-operation with India be approved by the House before it goes the long summer recess from June 29 to September 4.

As soon as the House gives its approval, which is considered to be a foregone conclusion given the ground swelling support in favor of the bill, the related nuclear bill is expected to be brought before the floor of the Senate within a few days or the next week. The support in favor of India in the Congress has increased after the Mumbai bomb blast as the general opinion here is that India has been targeted as the country is increasingly coming closer to the US camp. Informed sources who are keeping a close tab on Congressional legislative schedule said the exact date was expected to be determined soon. Both the voting and debate would be web cast and telecast live.

In another indication, the Friends Committee on National Legislation in the latest issue of its Nuclear Calendar said the nuke bill could be brought before the Senate for vote in the last week of July or soon after the summer recess in September.