US President George W Bush today hailed the approval of the Indo-US nuclear deal by the Congress, saying it will strengthen global nuclear non- proliferation efforts and assist India in meeting its growing energy needs in a responsible manner. "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 soon after the Senate overwhelmingly approved the Bill.

 The President said he is looking forward to signing the Bill, considered as a major foreign policy initiative of his Administration, into law and continuing to strengthen the US-India Strategic Partnership.

"I congratulate the Senate on passing the United States-India Nuclear Cooperation Approval and Nonproliferation Enhancement Act, H.R. 7081," he said.

"In particular, I commend the members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for their leadership in crafting this important bipartisan legislation," he said.

The President also thanked Majority Leader Harry Reid and Minority Leader McConnell for bringing this bill to a vote prior to the Senate's adjournment.