Praising the Indian American Republican Council

PRAISING THE INDIAN AMERICAN REPUBLICAN COUNCIL -- (House of Representatives - July 15, 2004)

(Mr. WILSON of South Carolina asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the impressive gains made by the Indian American Republican Council since its founding 2 years ago. Under the outstanding leadership of Chairman Dr. Raghavendra Vijayanagar, there are 11 independent IARC state affiliates, eight Indian Americans are delegates at the Republican National Convention, and President George W. Bush has appointed 14 Indian Americans to his administration, more than any other President.

In particular, I commend the delegates attending the Republican National Convention: from Florida, Dr. Vijay, Dr. Zach Zachariah, Dr. George Thomas, and Dr. Akshay Desai; from Georgia, Mr. Narender Reddy; from Mississippi, Dr. Sampat Shivangi; from Maryland, Dr. Shambu Banik; and from Virginia, Shayam Menon, a prominent graduate of Washington and Lee University.

The IARC has become a nationally respected organization due to the energy, commitment, and dedication shown by its board of directors lead by Dr. Vijay. I look forward to working with the IARC to further the growing ties between Indian Americans and the Republican Party based on the shared values of promoting families and limited government.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11