Chris Smith: “Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1208, the Northern Ireland Peace and Reconciliation Act of 2003, reauthorizes U.S. contributions to…”

“Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1208, the Northern Ireland Peace and Reconciliation Act of 2003, reauthorizes U.S. contributions to the International Fund for Ireland and reaffirms our government's commitment to fostering peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland. Historically, the United States has helped advance the peace process in Northern Ireland through several avenues. Since 1997, for example, we have had hearings in the Committee on International Relations, as well as in the Helsinki Commission; as a matter of fact, I chaired seven of those hearings, examining the root causes of the violence in Northern Ireland and the need to secure due process rights and fundamental freedoms for both sides of the divide. The Congress has also adopted several bills promoting human rights, police reform, and the elimination of job discrimination in Northern Ireland. In addition, we have provided critical economic support through the International Fund for Ireland.”