News for 'Congressional'

EU lawmakers to visit Kashmir; briefed by PM, NSA

EU lawmakers to visit Kashmir; briefed by PM, NSA

Rediff.com29 Oct 2019

Modi told the delegation that urgent action was needed against those supporting and sponsoring terrorism.

Has Xi Jinping gone bonkers?

Has Xi Jinping gone bonkers?

Rediff.com6 Aug 2020

'It doesn't look as if any sensible, worldly wise, person is in charge in China.' 'If at all anybody is in charge, it can only be a bunch of bumpkins of whom Xi has become a puppet,' observes B S Raghavan, the veteran civil servant.

'India a very imp part of the US foreign policy'

'India a very imp part of the US foreign policy'

Rediff.com4 Jun 2009

India is "very important" for America's foreign policy and crucial for the stability and peace in the region, an influential US lawmaker said on Thursday. "India is a very important part of the United States foreign policy," Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, who is co-chair of the Congressional caucus on Pakistan and heads the Afghan caucus said at a panel discussion in Washington.

Comatose US Senate India Caucus gets new life

Comatose US Senate India Caucus gets new life

Rediff.com4 Jun 2009

US Senators Christopher Dodd, Connecticut Democrat and John Cornyn, Texas Republican have launched an attempt to revive the largely comatose US Senate India Caucus.

Clinton publicly sworn in as US Secretary of State

Clinton publicly sworn in as US Secretary of State

Rediff.com3 Feb 2009

Hillary Clinton was publicly sworn in as United States Secretary of State by Vice President Joe Biden at a ceremony held at Foggy Bottom. Hillary's husband and former US President Bill Clinton and her daughter Chelsea were also present at the ceremonial swearing-in ceremony on Monday, which included several former Secretaries of States and Congressional leaders. She is the 67th Secretary of State. Hillary replaces Condoleezza Rice of the previous Bush administration.

Unable to alter Pak aid terms: US lawmaker

Unable to alter Pak aid terms: US lawmaker

Rediff.com18 Sep 2009

Though the Indian caucus in the Obama administration is concerned over the recent reports concerning Pakistan's funds being used against India, it may be unable to bring any changes in the Kerry-Lugar bill that has assured Pakistan of USD 1.5 billion on an annual basis for five years.

Kennedy collapses during Obama's luncheon

Kennedy collapses during Obama's luncheon

Rediff.com21 Jan 2009

According to the CNN, Senator Kennedy collapsed at the inauguration luncheon. However, channel did not give any details leading to the collapse of the veteran Democratic leader from Massachusetts.

Bill seeking closer Indo-US ties introduced

Bill seeking closer Indo-US ties introduced

Rediff.com20 May 2009

"India is one of our most important allies and creating an exchange program between members of the US Congress and Representatives of India's Parliament will only deepen our ties and lead to greater understanding between our countries," McDermott said.

Pakistan needs to do more on 26/11: US

Pakistan needs to do more on 26/11: US

Rediff.com15 May 2009

Virtually supporting India's precondition for any peace talks with Pakistan, a top United States diplomat on Thursday said Islamabad needs to do more to bring to justice the perpetrators of the Mumbai terror attack, which claimed over 170 lives including six Americans. Robert Blake, now tipped to become the Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Bureau of the State Department, told a powerful Congressional Committee that Pakistan needs to do more on 26/11.

Even US intelligence agents don't share info

Even US intelligence agents don't share info

Rediff.com14 Jan 2009

Indian Intelligence agencies have drawn much flak for their glaring lack in communication that failed to preempt the 26/11 terror attacks last year. American intelligence agencies operating in South Asia also don't share information with each other, Massachusetts Democrat and Senator John F Kerry, who recently visited Indian, Pakistan and Afghanistan, revealed during a Congressional hearing on Tuesday.

Trump says teachers with guns can only stop school shootings

Trump says teachers with guns can only stop school shootings

Rediff.com24 Feb 2018

Trump said it is 'very, very important' to have offensive capability, as well as defensive capability that's within the schools.

Only 800 of 65,000 H-1B slots up for grabs now

Only 800 of 65,000 H-1B slots up for grabs now

Rediff.com18 Dec 2009

Given the rate at which the USCIS has now been receiving the H-1B applications on a daily basis, officials said it would not be a surprise that they announce that the cap has been reached before the end of this year.

India must overcome 'tremendous' challenges to realise potential, says top Indian-American diplomat

India must overcome 'tremendous' challenges to realise potential, says top Indian-American diplomat

Rediff.com11 May 2016

The US wants its trade with India to grow multi-fold, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Nisha Desai Biswal told lawmakers.

Trump ends preferential trade privileges for India

Trump ends preferential trade privileges for India

Rediff.com1 Jun 2019

Prez says that India has not assured the United States that it will provide 'equitable and reasonable access to its markets'.

US VP Biden to take up Mumbai attack with Pak

US VP Biden to take up Mumbai attack with Pak

Rediff.com6 Jan 2009

United States vice president-elect Joe Biden will lead a bipartisan Congressional delegation on a visit to Southwest Asia before he takes office alongside Barack Obama on January 20. For security reasons, details of the trip and the countries to be visited have not been released. Biden would be accompanied by Senator John Kerry, the former Democratic Presidential candidate and the incoming Chairman of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

20,000 H-1B visas still available

20,000 H-1B visas still available

Rediff.com12 Aug 2009

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services said it has received approximately 49,000 H-1B petitions till August seven counting toward the Congressionally-mandated 65,000 cap, more than four months after it started accepting applications for visas for the 2010 fiscal beginning this October.

Pakistani Ambassador slams US policies on AfPak

Pakistani Ambassador slams US policies on AfPak

Rediff.com17 Apr 2009

Pakistan's Ambassador to the United States, Husain Haqqani, went ballistic at a forum in Washington DC, slamming Congressional critics, the media and leading analysts who have predicted that Pakistan is on the verge of becoming a failed state and bound to implode, and those who have accused the ISI of colluding with al Qaeda and the Taliban while Islamabad rakes in the massive largesse of American economic and security assistance.

Former Pak envoy to US begins India-bashing

Former Pak envoy to US begins India-bashing

Rediff.com31 Jul 2009

She's highly articulate, extremely charming, yet unabashedly hawkish when it comes to defending Pakistan, warts and all on the Kashmir issue, and this is sure to be a thorn in India's side in the think-tank circuit in Washington in the months to come and during Congressional hearings on South Asia, to which she's certain to be invited to testify.

Rice's visit will be symbolic, says ex-CIA man

Rice's visit will be symbolic, says ex-CIA man

Rediff.com3 Dec 2008

Robert Hathaway, currently director of the Asia Program at the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington, DC, said, "The US calls for patience are not likely to satisfy New Delhi, and when Secretary Rice arrives in India she is likely to face sharp questioning about Washington's continued support for Pakistan."

Over 11,000 H-1B slots still up for grabs

Over 11,000 H-1B slots still up for grabs

Rediff.com12 Nov 2009

This is against the Congressionally-mandated cap of 65,000 H-1B visas for this year.

Pakistan can't 'pick and choose' terror groups to go after: US

Pakistan can't 'pick and choose' terror groups to go after: US

Rediff.com8 Sep 2016

The US also rejected 2008 Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed's remarks that America and India have joined hands against the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which runs through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Mexico slaps tariffs on US exports

Mexico slaps tariffs on US exports

Rediff.com17 Mar 2009

The Mexican government said on Monday it would slap tariffs on 90 US industrial and agricultural products in retaliation of a Congressional action which ended the programme giving Mexican trucks access to US highways. The 2009 Omnibus appropriations Bill, passed by the Congress, terminated the project between the two countries.

Democrat Nancy Pelosi becomes US House Speaker for second time

Democrat Nancy Pelosi becomes US House Speaker for second time

Rediff.com4 Jan 2019

Pelosi's appointment comes at a time when a standoff with regards to the United States-Mexico border wall has snowballed into a partial government shutdown.

Safety of Pak's nuke arsenal worries US lawmakers

Safety of Pak's nuke arsenal worries US lawmakers

Rediff.com25 Jun 2008

Amidst growing Congressional concern over the safety and security of Pakistan's nuclear arsenal, US Senator Thomas R Carperas said that "preventing Pakistan's nuclear weapons and technology from falling into the wrong hands should remain top priority." Carperas chairs the Senate Subcommittee on International Security -- an appendage of the larger Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs

US blames Pakistan for deterioration in Indo-Pak ties

US blames Pakistan for deterioration in Indo-Pak ties

Rediff.com12 May 2017

Director of US National Intelligence said that Islamabad's failure to curb terrorists and the rise in number of cross-firing incidents was the cause for increasing tensions.

WTO: Nath holds talks with senior US leaders

WTO: Nath holds talks with senior US leaders

Rediff.com12 Jun 2008

Minister for Commerce and Industry Kamal Nath, who arrived in Washington had critical bilateral discussions with senior administration and Congressional leaders on issues related to WTO and bilateral issues.

Mr Sandhu Goes to Washington

Mr Sandhu Goes to Washington

Rediff.com17 Jan 2020

'Taranjit has the ideal temperament to deal with the Americans who understand firmness and appreciate flexibility.' 'He can hold his ground with a cheerful face and still make it clear that India and the US are partners, rivals,' says Ambassador T P Sreenivasan.

More than 18,000 H-1B visas yet to be grabbed

More than 18,000 H-1B visas yet to be grabbed

Rediff.com1 Oct 2009

According to the latest figure update by US Citizenship and Immigration Services, approximately 46,700 of the H-1B visas in the general category were filled up by September 25; against a Congressional mandated figure of 65,000.

After Ranbaxy, US FDA turns the heat on Actavis

After Ranbaxy, US FDA turns the heat on Actavis

Rediff.com13 Oct 2008

The US Congressional committee, which is inquiring into the country's Food and Drug Administration's handling of drug-marketing approvals of India's leading drug-maker Ranbaxy, has extended its probe into similar permissions given to Iceland's Actavis.

26/11 aftermath: Pakistan's major PR effort in US

26/11 aftermath: Pakistan's major PR effort in US

Rediff.com12 Feb 2009

Pakistan is trying to dissipate the anger and concern in Congressional circles and among the public at large on this score that Pakistan is not being wholly cooperative, acknowledged that "given the history of India-Pakistan relations, you will have some sort of backward and forward movement.

Richard Verma to quit as US envoy before Trump takes charge

Richard Verma to quit as US envoy before Trump takes charge

Rediff.com7 Jan 2017

Forty-eight-year-old Verma, who played a quiet but key role in deepening Indo-US ties, will quit before the president-elect assumes charge as his team said the envoys, who are political appointees, will not be given any "grace period" beyond Trump's inauguration day.

Deal with US raises troubling questions

Deal with US raises troubling questions

Rediff.com2 Oct 2008

'The deal on offer creates a Tarapur-style trap of gigantic dimensions. In fact, the latest Act specifically empowers the US to do what it did in 1978 -- retroactively rewrite the rules of cooperation with India by enacting a new domestic law.'

US lawmaker on Obama and the Indian connection

US lawmaker on Obama and the Indian connection

Rediff.com28 Jan 2009

Gregory Meeks, speaking to nearly 150 Indian Americans who had come to Capitol Hill as part of a Task Force to express outrage over the Mumbai terror attacks, couldn't contain his euphoria over the swearing in of Barack Obama as the nation's first African American President and the indirect connection to Mahatma Gandhi

Bill on N-deal in US House of Representatives

Bill on N-deal in US House of Representatives

Rediff.com25 Sep 2008

The Senate version of the bill of approval of the Indo-United States nuclear agreement was introduced on Wednesday in the House of Representatives, giving boost to efforts to push the agreement hours before a meeting between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President George W Bush in Washington.The bill was introduced by the Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Florida Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen.

Discuss religious freedom with Dr Singh, Bush told

Discuss religious freedom with Dr Singh, Bush told

Rediff.com23 Sep 2008

In a missive to Bush, USCIRF chair Felice D Gaer urged him to 'ask Prime Minister Singh to ensure the immediate security of Indian citizens -- security that is undermined by recurrent attacks on religious minorities and communities.'

Executive pay: Making Wall Street pay it back

Executive pay: Making Wall Street pay it back

Rediff.com24 Jan 2009

'Clawback' provisions tied to federal bailout funds will be hotly contested. Right now only bankers who committed clear fraud are liable

20,000 slots still left in H1B visas

20,000 slots still left in H1B visas

Rediff.com20 May 2009

Once the most sought after H-1B American work visa is still having nearly 20,000 slots open seven weeks after the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) started receiving applications for the financial year 2010 beginning October this year.

Obama to have Lincoln lunch menu

Obama to have Lincoln lunch menu

Rediff.com20 Jan 2009

Reflecting the immense respect he has for his idol Abraham Lincoln, Barack Obama will replicate on his special luncheon menu the food served to the civil war-era US president after his inauguration in 1861. Soon after being sworn in as the 44th president of the United States, Obama would have his first lunch hosted by the joint congressional committee on inaugural ceremonies at the historic Statuary Hall at the US capitol.

US lawmakers urged to support N-deal in Congress

US lawmakers urged to support N-deal in Congress

Rediff.com17 Sep 2008

A bipartisan group of US lawmakers comprising erstwhile and current co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans have circulated a letter among their colleagues expressing their strong support for the US-India civilian nuclear agreement and included in their 'Dear Colleague' letter a copy of the September 12 Washington Post editorial titled 'Yes for an Answer: Why Congress should expedite approval of the US-India nuclear accord."

Don't rush N-deal vote, say Democratic lawmakers

Don't rush N-deal vote, say Democratic lawmakers

Rediff.com13 Sep 2008

With the Bush administration pushing hard for a quick Congressional nod for the landmark India-United States civil nuclear agreement, a small group of senior Democratic lawmakers have demanded the detailed examination of the pact.The three-person group led by Massachussetts Congressman Edward Markey has said that there are many lingering questions about the deal that require further examination and hence the Congress should rule out any rush for an expedited vote.