Irish power waning on Capitol Hill as Hillary Clinton calls emergency meeting

Republicans in House seek to block Irish agenda and funds

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NIALL O'DOWD,

IrishCentral Founder

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US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton

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Two Congressmen, Joe Crowley the Queens Democrat, and Peter King the Long Island Republican, released another letter last week seeking the IFI funding.
 
“For nearly two decades, the United States has been at the forefront of international efforts to promote peace in Northern Ireland.
 
“The United States has consistently demonstrated its commitment to peace in Northern Ireland through high-level negotiations, diplomacy and grassroots peace-building. While many Americans, including those active in the Irish-American community, are proud of the United States' role in these achievements so far, there is still much work to be done moving forward.
 
“Unfortunately, a very real increase in sectarian violence in the North has recently erupted, including more bombing incidents in recent years than at any time since 2002-2003. The surge in hostility may aim to derail what has been achieved throughout the peace process, or to take advantage of ongoing tensions and provocations.

“We understand that budgetary pressures on our own government call for careful decisions about funding. Yet, the IFI has already been out substantially in recent years – even as important matters there remain unresolved. The United States has a solid history of maintaining support for the IFI and deserves considerable credit. With so many Americans of Irish descent, our ties to Ireland are strong, and our interests are well-served by remaining deeply engaged in the peace process.”
 
The letter concluded: “We respectfully request your continued support in providing $15 million for the IFI in the FY 2013 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations bill.”

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