[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 72 (Tuesday, May 12, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S5365]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      MITCHELL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

  MR. DODD. Mr. President, I rise today in support of the George J. 
Mitchell Scholarship program. On May 19, 2009, the Taoiseach will meet 
with the current 12 American Scholars, and congratulate them on their 
impressive achievements.
  For nearly 10 years, this important program has allowed exceptional 
young Americans to engage in a rigorous, intellectually stimulating 
course of study in some of Ireland's most renowned institutes of higher 
learning. The Mitchell Scholarship has allowed America to deepen its 
strategic, political, and cultural ties with Ireland and helps prepare 
future American leaders for an increasingly globalized world. I can 
think of no better way to honor Senator George Mitchell and his pivotal 
role in bringing peace to Northern Ireland than through this valuable 
program dedicated to deepening our ties to Ireland.
  I fondly remember meeting the inaugural class of scholars in late 
2000 when I visited Ireland with President Clinton, and I have proudly 
watched the Mitchell Scholarship program grow to become one of 
America's most respected overseas scholarships. I look forward to 
watching the Mitchell Scholarship program continue to prosper and 
further enrich U.S.-Irish relations.

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