Rich Neal: “Mr. Speaker, there is high significance to this issue as we confront it here again on the House floor in the sense that…”

“Mr. Speaker, there is high significance to this issue as we confront it here again on the House floor in the sense that in terms of international relations, this issue was inspired by Members of the House. It was the constant vigilance of the Members of the House of Representatives many years ago that played an enormous role in bringing this question to the surface and allowing members of the international community to pass some judgment. I want to thank Mr. Walsh. Time and again, like many Members of the Republican Party, he and others have been of great assistance on this question over a long period of time. As one who has been involved in the issue of Ireland for the better part of two decades, in fairness it should be acknowledged this afternoon how far we have come. But the truth is, as we have continued to role the boulder back up the hill time and again in the face of obstacles, some minor and some major, it has been the vigilance of this Congress that has ensured that all voices have rightly been heard.”