Congress OKs Indian nuclear deal, sends to Bush

The Congress has approved a landmark deal ending a three-decade ban on U.S. nuclear trade with India, unleashing billions of dollars of investment and drawing the world's biggest democracy closer to the West. The vote hands a victory to President George W. Bush on a top foreign policy priority, and will be welcomed by Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who fought hard for the deal. Final approval came late on Wednesday when the Senate voted 86-13 to ratify the agreement, sending the legislation to Bush to sign into law. The move came just ahead of an expected trip to India this weekend by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Bush said he looked forward to signing the bill. "This legislation will strengthen our global nuclear non-proliferation efforts, protect the environment, create jobs, and assist India in meeting its growing energy needs in a responsible manner," Bush said in a statement. The Bush administration says the pact will secure a strategic partnership with the world's second most populous nation, help India meet rising energy demand and open a market worth billions.