Chairman Hastings, Ranking Member Markey, and Members of the Committee, this concludes our prepared statement.

As we celebrate together, let us take a moment to appreciate all that Ireland has given to America.

We do not expect harmful levels of radiation to reach the United States.

I am confident that Japan will recover and rebuild because of the strength and spirit of the Japanese people.

Violence against the civilian population of Libya must cease.

That is the judgment of our Nuclear Regulatory Commission and many other experts.

We obviously have the strongest possible relationship with Ireland.

In the face of all that we have in common, our differences are insignificant.

Even though St. Patrick's Day has perhaps been better known for revelry than reflection, it's also a chance for us to remember how the journey to America began for so many of our ancestors.

Overall, the state of the relationship between our two countries is extraordinarily strong.

I'm expecting to go not only to all the famous sites, but also to go to Moneygall, where my great-great-great-great-great-grandfather hails from.

In so many ways, the Irish and their descendants have set an example for us as a people.

He will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.

Michelle and I were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jim Tyree.

Jim was a quintessential Chicagoan, a South Side kid from humble roots who worked his way to the top but never left the city behind.

I can't imagine a better place to be than right here with the sons and daughters of Ireland--and those who wish they were.

The Japanese people are not alone in this time of great trial and sorrow.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Eve and their three children in these most difficult of times.