Washington, DC
Following a meeting on tax reform at the White House today with bipartisan members of the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee, Congressman Richard E. Neal urged President Donald J. Trump not to eliminate the position of Special Envoy to Northern Ireland. Citing concerns over Brexit and the suspension of the power-sharing government in Belfast, Neal said it is critical that the United States continues to have a dedicated representative in the region working with the five main political parties and the Irish and British governments. President Trump agreed and made a commitment to fill the vacant post. Neal then confirmed the President’s decision with White House Chief of Staff John Kelly.
“I told President Trump that eliminating the position of Special Envoy would send a message around the world that the United States is no longer engaged in the region. As we approach the 20thAnniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, America must continue to play a meaningful role in the peace process. With the political institutions in the North suspended, the United States should have a dedicated representative to help prevent further political instability. I also believe we can make an important contribution to the Brexit debate and its implications on the island of Ireland. At this critical time, I am pleased that President Trump promised not to eliminate the Special Envoy post ,” said Congressman Richard Neal.
Congressman Richard E. Neal and more than 30 of his colleagues sent a bipartisan letter to U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson last week urging the Trump administration not to eliminate the Northern Ireland Special Envoy position. A copy of that letter is attached. Neal is Co-Chairman of the Friends of Ireland Caucus in the United States Congress.
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