The nuclear deal finally makes it through the Senate

Thought I’d start my account on this blog with a quickie on the nuclear deal which has finally made it through the Senate 86-13. The New York Times has a useful graphic on how the votes were cast. The actual rollcall in the Senate can be found here. All thirteen who voted against were Democrats, including Sherrod Brown, the junior Senator from Ohio, and a “founder member” of the India Caucus while he was in the House.

According to media reports, the debate went on for two-and-a-half hours though only seven Senators made remarks.  Those who spoke in favour of the deal were Christopher Dodd (D), Richard Lugar (R), John Warner(R) and Kit Bond(R). Those who spoke against were Byrion Dorgan (D), Jeff Bingaman (D) and Tom Harkin (D). Some excerpts of the speeches are up on Youtube.

Last heard, Condi Rice is to come here over the weekend to sign the deal. Looks like the finals steps are happening according to an Indian script since the government was not too anxious to have it signed between Manmohan Singh and George Bush, given the continuing criticism over the deal here. Calibration is king!