[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 115 (Thursday, September 12, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1566]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE AND TIMELINESS OF UNITED 
                     STATES-IRELAND BUSINESS SUMMIT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 10, 2002

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, today I voice my full support 
for H. Res. 513. This Resolution is timely and presents an historic 
opportunity to recognize the long-standing and enduring relationship 
between Ireland and the United States of America. This Resolution 
serves as a reminder of the very strong bond that exists between our 
two peoples.
  Our two governments have long recognized and supported a free, fair, 
market economy and the principles of open markets that are such an 
inherent part of our free enterprise systems. These same principles 
served to maintain and strengthen our democratic form of governments.
  Ireland's democratic government and market economy were rewarded with 
external investment from the United States, Europe, and Asia that 
flowed into her teeming high technology economy.
  Since September 11, 2001, when the United States was attacked, it has 
been forced to assume a new role as it has engaged in a new war on 
terrorism. This is a war, which, as so many of us have previously 
stated, is dependent upon the support we receive in the international 
community.
  This resolution also serves to recognize the importance of friends 
and allies such as Ireland, that share our beliefs in strong market 
economies and the role such economies play in our current war against 
terrorism.
  As one of America's great presidents, John F. Kennedy, said during a 
speech in Dublin in 1963, ``We need men who can dream of things that 
never were.'' These words serve as a call to us to face a new challenge 
in our time.
  Mr. Speaker, in recognizing our relationship with Ireland, I believe 
that the economic and political success of Ireland and the Irish people 
combined with a longstanding relationship with the U.S. will serve as a 
model for peace and increased economic growth in a peaceful Northern 
Ireland. Private sector innovation and leadership will help to resolve 
conflict and increase understanding between all parties in the region.

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