Press Releases

This week, U.S. Congressman Richard E. Neal (D-MA-01) and U.S. Congressman Mike Kelly (R-PA-16), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Friends of Ireland Caucus, formally announced the relaunch of the bipartisan caucus, which leads diplomatic relations between the U.S. House of Representatives and Irish leaders.

Founded in 1981 by Irish-American politicians House Speaker Tip O’Neill, Senator Ted Kennedy, and Senator Daniel Moynihan, the Congressional Friends of Ireland Caucus has remained a prominent voice in maintaining strong U.S.-Ireland relations. Founded to support initiatives for peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland, the Caucus has continued to play a critical role in upholding the tenets of the Good Friday Agreement, while advocating for policies that strengthen relations between the United States and Ireland.

“Since 1981, the Congressional Friends of Ireland have supported peace and reconciliation on the island of Ireland, strengthening relations between our two nations. Enduring more than a century, the relationship between the United States and Ireland is rooted in our strong ancestral ties and shared democratic values. The sanctity of that relationship was underscored when the United States helped broker the Good Friday Agreement, an achievement the Friends of Ireland played an indispensable role in reaching,” said Congressman Richard E. Neal. “With the United States serving as a guarantor of that agreement, the Congressional Friends of Ireland continue to play a critical role in upholding the principles embodied in the peace accord. We will continue working to ensure the gains that have been achieved can be enjoyed by future generations to come, regardless of where on the island you live or what tradition you practice.”

"Diplomatic relations between the United States and Ireland date back a century. Like many Americans, I'm proud to trace my roots back to Ireland," said Congressman Mike Kelly. "As the 119th Congress begins, I look forward to working with Chairman Neal and Irish leaders to further advance the common interests between our two nations."

Members of the Congressional Friends of Ireland Caucus began the session by meeting with Irish Ambassador to the United States Geraldine Byrne Nason.

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