Mumbai attack: Indian American body working with Congress on giving proper response

WASHINGTON: The US India Political Action Committee (USINPAC) continues to lead the Indian American community's response to terrorist attacks in Mumbai.

The USINPAC, the political voice of 2.5 million Indian-Americans which provides bipartisan support to candidates for federal, state and local office, is working with several key Members of Congress to ensure the US responds properly to the attacks.

USINPAC has spoken with Rep. Steve Israel, a member of the influential House Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs,about US-India counter-terrorism legislation.

He has said that he is currently drafting it and an upcoming Congressional Resolution that will condemn the attacks.

The USINPAC is also planning a highly anticipated Congressional briefing next week.

"USINPACwill be working with Congress every step of the way,including gaining support for next week's Congressional Resolution condemning the attacks, and providing updated information and analysis to key decision makers in the US and India," said Sanjay Puri, Chairman of USINPAC.

"Congress is relying heavily on USINPAC because we have a proven expertise on US-India relations and terrorism against India," continued Puri.

"We are constantly monitoring what is happening in India,Pakistan, and the US so we can brief Congress with the most reliable and relevant information on the attacks," he said.

USINPAC is circulating a petition calling for changes in US aid to Pakistan to be signed by Indian Americans across the country and will then present the petition to Congress.

Many members of Congress have issued statements condemning the attacks, offering condolences to the victims and their families,and promising to continue to work with USINPAC to advance US-India relations and combat terrorism.