We're uncertain, but hopeful about N-deal: US

The United States on Thursday acknowledged that there is a 'great deal of uncertainty' over the civil nuclear deal but said it was hopeful that the bill on it would go through the Senate next week despite the change of power equation in the Congress.

The cause of optimism is the fact that the deal enjoys a strong bipartisan support, which was reflected by the statements by leaders, including Democrats, since Wednesday, US Ambassador David C Mulford told reporters.

He said the Senate is likely to meet for the Lame Duck session next Wednesday or Thursday and expectedly consider the bill on civil nuclear agreement that provides for allowing nuclear trade between India and the US.

"We are optimistic. There is a strong bipartisan support to the civil nuclear agreement in the US," Mulford said a day after Democrats emerged victorious in the American Congressional polls.

The House of Representatives has already passed the bill but the Senate could not consider it as its term expired.

All eyes are now on the Lame Duck session of the old Senate, which will meet next week as per normal practice.

Mulford, however, noted that it was hard to predict the duration of the Lame Duck session and how the business is conducted considering that it primarily meets to consider the money bills, which number around 12.

Also, there has to be time for conferencing session of the House and the Senate to reconcile the two bills followed by floor vote in the two chambers of the Congress.

"Still, there is great deal of uncertainty. The Senate is an independent body. Let us see what happens," he said.

Since the Republicans still have the majority in the Senate, they will have the initiative to call the Lame Duck session and manage it, Mulford said.

The Senate will, however, have the choice with regard to consideration of bills, he said.

Besides the money bill, the Senate has to consider a bill on Vietnam and the Indian nuclear bill.

Leaders of the Senate have since Wednesday made statements expressing their commitment to address the civil nuclear deal issue, the US Ambassador said.

"Clearly there is an intention to address the issue. There is strong bipartisan support to the agreement and overall relations between the US and India," he said.

He said the number of amendments sought by members had reduced to 'manageable' level since October and this could help in early passage of the bill.

If the bill is not considered by the present Senate, the whole legislative process will have to be restarted when the new Congress convenes in January.

Mulford said there may be a delay in the process but the Bush administration remains committed to the legislation and was determined to push it.

"We both (US and India) are democracies and our processes are complex," he noted, adding the deal provides for ending sanctions after 30 odd years and it is not easy for the Congress to pass it without proper consideration.