US Senate Condemns Terrorist Attacks in Mumbai

Release:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate late last night passed a bipartisan resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and George Voinovich (R-OH) condemning the terrorist attacks in Mumbai. The resolution applauds the restraint exhibited so far by the Indian government as it investigates the attacks and strongly urges the Pakistani government to root out all extremist groups operating on its territory.

“No words can adequately express the sadness resulting from this horrific attack and my thoughts and prayers go to the victims, their families and the people of India,” said Senator Casey. “If anyone has forgotten the horrors of international terrorism, the savage attacks in Mumbai are yet another tragic wake up call. This enemy, whether it strikes in Mumbai, Jakarta, London or New York City, is savage and seeks to undermine the progressive and tolerant values that unite nations like India and the United States. We must do more in partnership with our friends and allies to bolster counter-terrorism efforts and stay strong against our enemies.”

“Our hearts go out to the victims of these barbaric terrorist attacks and their family and friends,” Senator Voinovich said. “America is standing with the people of India and our support is strong. These attacks underscore that we are indeed in a war against terrorism with an enemy that is bound and determined to wage war against any that share our values. And, as evident in the terrorist murders of Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg and his wife Rivka in Mumbai, the United States must bolster efforts to develop and implement policies and projects to combat anti-Semitism. Our vigilance and resolve must remain strong in the face of these enemies, and we will prevail.”

The Casey-Voinovich resolution affirms that our nation stands in unison with the people of India in the aftermath of the horrific attacks and that the U.S. Government will provide any assistance the people of India might need. The resolution encourages the Indian Government to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the attacks and applauds India’s tone of moderation and restraint in reaction to the attacks. It urges the Government of Pakistan to aggressively investigate the possible connection of groups based in Pakistan to the attacks and take appropriate steps necessary to root out all extremist groups operating within its territory.

The resolution also urges bolstered U.S. efforts to develop and implement policies and projects to combat all forms of religious extremism, including anti-Semitism, in order to deter targeted attacks like that waged against the Chabad Lubavitch center in Mumbai. Finally, the resolution strongly encourages President-elect Obama to consider ways in which the U.S. government can expand counter-terrorism cooperation to provide relevant equipment and training to the Indian government.