"This legislation," Pallone noted in his testimony before a subcommittee on national parks and public lands, "coincides with the 50th anniversary of India's independence. The one individual most closely identified with the determined and dignified struggle by the people of India to secure their independence from British colonialism and establish a democracy was M K Gandhi."

"I believe that a memorial to Gandhi is entirely appropriate for what Washington stands for as the capital of the world's most powerful and indispensable nation," he added.

The resolution is co-sponsored by co-chairman Republican Congressman bill and 17 other members in the House of Representatives while inthe senate the lead has been taken to sponsor a similar bill by former ambassador to India senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan.