Date: 1986-08-14
Speaker: THOMAS P. ONEILL (democrat)
Chamber: H

whose leadership on this issue has been outstanding. I also want to thank the gentleman from Indiana. Mr. HAMILTON. the chairman of the Subcommittee on Europe and the Middle East. and the gentleman from New York. the ranking member of that subcommittee. Mr. GILMAN. and all the other members who have worked so diligently on this vital legislation. Mr. Speaker. in November 1985 the Government of the United Kingdom and the Government of Ireland reached an agreement whose purpose was to try to bring peace to Northern Ireland. ending violence and bloodshed in that troubled region. The United States agreed to support the peace process by participating in an intemational fund to be established under the agreement The House passed H.R. 4329 in March. the Senate passed similar legislation in July. The basic difference between the two bills was that the Senate passed bill authorized $10 million for each of the fiscal years 1986 and 1987 while the House passed bill authorized $50 million per year for 5 years for a total commitment of $250 million. which was consistent with the longterm commitments made by Presidents Carter and Reagan. The Senate amendment which we are considering today is a compromise between the two bills. It authorizes $50 million for fiscal year 1986 and $35 million for each of the fiscal years. 1987 and 1988. While it is not a 5year authoization. it is long enough to demonstrate that the United States is committed to providIng longterm support for the peace process. We are willing to provide assistance for 5 years and possibly longer it required and appropriate. And although the authorization is less than the $250 million authorized by the House. it is a solid first step toward achieving the ultimate contribution of $250 million given by President Reagan. Secretary of State George Shultz. and our Speaker THOMAS P. ONEILL. Furthermore. nothing in the legislation precludes the Congress from reconsidering the amount of the authorization in future years or to increase the authorization if necessary. The funds made available by the recently enacted Urgent Supplemental Appropriations Act of 1986. satisfy the requirement contained In section 3(a) of H.R. 4329 as amended that the United States contribute $50 million to the AngloIrish International Fund from the ESF account in fiscal year 1986. Further. the Congress intends that the various requirements contained in H.R. 4329 apply with respect to the contribution made with the funds made available by the Urgent Supplemental Appropriations Act. Mr. Speaker. the United States contributions to the Fund are designed to help promote a reconciliation in Northern Ireland in which all the people of that part of Ireland may live in peace. free from discrimination. terrorism. and Intolerance and to provide an opportunity for both communities to participate fully in the structures and processes of government. Mr. Speaker. H.R. 4329. as amended. contains authorities and requirements that will Insure effective oversight of this important assistance program. Through annual prior certifications by the President and through annual reports on the program Implemented. Congress will be able to monitor the program closely to ensure that the money Is being spent wisely and property. The legislation also requires the President to make every effort to insure U.S. representation of the Board of the International Fund. It should also be noted that in the annual report to the Congress. the President will report on the degree to which: First. the International Fund has contributed to reconciliation between the communities In Northern Ireland. Second. the U.S. contribution to the International Fund is meeting its objective of encouraging new investment. job creation. and economic reconstruction on the basis of strict equality of opportunity. and Third. the International Fund has increased respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all people in Northern Ireland. Mr. Speaker. 9 months ago the Government of Ireland and the United Kingdom entered into an historic agreement to try to provide a brighter future for the peoples of Northern Ireland and Ireland. Our action today in support of H.R. 4329. as amended. is an appropriate means for the Congress to help sustain and reinforce the AngloIrish Agreement. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4329. as amended.