[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 74 (Thursday, May 14, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1161-E1162]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE GEORGE MITCHELL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PETER T. KING

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 14, 2009

  Mr. KING of New York. Madam Speaker, today I rise and am proud to 
join my colleagues in supporting the George J. Mitchell Scholarship 
program. As someone who has long been dedicated to Ireland and Northern 
Ireland, I welcome the important work the United States-Ireland 
Alliance is doing to build a future for this relationship that reflects 
current realities.

[[Page E1162]]

  While Ireland is certainly suffering from the current economic 
crisis, it is no longer the poor country that it once was. And as peace 
has taken hold in Northern Ireland, it is important that we find new 
ways to strengthen this relationship for future generations. While my 
colleagues and I will continue to keep a close eye on Northern Ireland 
as it moves forward, I agree with the Alliance's view that the future 
of the relationship will be focused less on politics and more on 
education, business and culture. This shift is the sign of success of 
the many changes that have occurred in Ireland in the past 15 years and 
I am proud of the role the U.S. has played in bringing those changes 
about.
  While we strongly support and fund the Mitchell Scholarship program, 
I welcome the Alliance's desire to build an endowment for the program 
and I welcome Taoiseach Brian Cowen's commitment to match everything 
the Alliance raises toward this important goal.

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