Political Quotes

“This appears to be a very worthwhile bill, as it amends the Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program Act of 1998 to extend through fiscal year 2006. The Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program provides for admission into the U.S. each fiscal year of up to 4,000 young disadvantaged aliens from designated counties in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. These youths suffer from sectarian violence and high unemployment. The need for these programs is highlighted by the recent outbreak of violence in the country. The Guardian newspaper reports today that a young 20-year-old Catholic man was shot dead in north Belfast. This shooting is a continuation of a series of shootings. Earlier, a 19-year-old Protestant man was shot in the groin in Ardoyne close to the site of last year's loyalist picket at Holy Cross School. The shootings followed a series of violent clashes in north Belfast over the weekend in which an elderly disabled man narrowly escaped death when a petrol bomb was thrown into his home as he slept. Officials and residents are concerned that the renewed attacks will escalate violence in the country. Hopefully, Mr. Speaker, this program will help put an end to such violence.”