Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and Congressman Faleomavaega weigh-in

Washington, DC, April 9 —USINPAC members continue to be very concerned about the facts and findings of the Tom Lantos Commission.

USINPAC Chairman Sanjay Puri stated, “The panel that was queried by house members on Friday chose to ignore the fact that not one Hindu voice was represented in this hearing and they continue to set forth misleading information about the plight of religious minorities in India.”

US Representative Eni F.H. Faleomavaega was concerned about the optics of such a hearing, “I question the Commission’s intent in holding a hearing about the rights and freedoms of religious minorities in India on the cusp of India’s general election.

Answering questions about the Lantos Hearing at a USINPAC event in Northern Virginia on Saturday, US Representative Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI 2nd District) agreed with Representative Faleomavaega and said, “I attended the hearing to provide a balanced perspective (http://bit.ly/1lL7eEK). We speak so much about the shared democratic values with India and yet, this hearing disrespected this friendship. The timing and the focus of the hearing was blatantly directed at trying to influence and impact the India’s election. It is painful to me personally that people would use such a setting to try to incite and foment religious bigotry and sectarian strife against others. This is not the right place for the US Congress to be.”

Puri stated, “USINPAC is in agreement with Representative Faleomavaega, Tulsi and many others who have taken a stand against this hearing and House Resolution 417. We look forward to continuing to work with Congress on important issues that will be fast approaching with the Indian elections already in full swing this week and believe that Members of U.S. Congress should allow the people of India to decide their next Prime Minister.”