NORTHERN IRELAND ALERT

2002 NORTHERN IRELAND
CONGRESSIONAL SCORECARD

AND BUSH ADMINISTRATION SCORECARD

DESCRIPTION OF CONGRESSIONAL ACTIONS
REGARDING NORTHERN IRELAND

From January, 2001 through February, 2002 the United States Congress has participated in the following significant actions to improve the human rights conditions in Northern Ireland, as well as to support ongoing peace process, police reform, and economic and education initiatives:

1) H. Res. 132: Recognizing Historical Significance Of Hunger Strikes

This resolution recognizes the historical significance of the sacrifices made by the Irish Republican hunger strikers of 1981 and the subsequent political impact their actions had on the Northern Ireland peace process. Sponsor: Rep. Capuano. Status: Referred to the House International Relations Committee’s Subcommittee on Europe. (Source: Thomas Internet site) The Scorecard records a “+” for each Congressperson who (co)sponsored this resolution.

2) H. Res. 185: Supporting Implementation Of Good Friday Agreement

This resolution supports the Good Friday Agreement, urges all sponsoring political parties to implement it, encourages the British government to review expressed concerns about the inadequacies of police reform, encourages parties to appoint members to the policing board, and urges the British government to reconsider its use of plastic bullets. Sponsor: Rep. Gallegly. Status: Referred to House International Relations Committee’s Subcommittee on Europe. (Source: Thomas Internet site) The Scorecard records a “+” for each Congressperson who (co)sponsored this resolution.

3) H.R. 1: No Child Left Behind Act

This bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to revise, reauthorize, and consolidate various programs. It extends authorizations of appropriations for ESEA programs through fiscal year 2007, and makes the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland eligible for Cooperative Educational Exchange programs. Sponsor: Rep. Boehner. Status: Passed in House (381-41) and Senate (87-10), signed into law by President Bush as Public Law No. 107-110. (Source: Thomas Internet site) The Scorecard records a “+” for each Congressperson who voted in favor of this bill.

4) H.R. 611 & Sen. 413: Education For Democracy Act

This bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to revise and reauthorize provisions for civic education. It makes the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland eligible for the Cooperative Educational Exchange programs of civic education by the Center for Civic Education, and economic education by the National Council on Economic Education. Sponsor: Rep. Kildee. Status: Referred to House International Relations Committee’s Subcommittee on Education Reform.

Sen. 413 proposes a similar amendment. Sponsor: Sen. Cochran. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (Source: Thomas Internet site) The Scorecard records a “+” for each Congressperson who (co)sponsored these bills.

5) H.R. 1646: Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 2002 And 2003

This bill, among other purposes, authorizes appropriations for the Department of State for fiscal years 2002 and 2003. It extends through fiscal year 2002 a requirement that the President report to the appropriate Congressional committees on training or exchange programs conducted by the FBI or other federal law enforcement agencies for the Royal Ulster Constabulary (“RUC”). It requires the President to make additional certification before any Federal law enforcement agency conducts training for the RUC in fiscal year 2003. As sponsored by Reps. King and Chris Smith, it directs the President to report to the appropriate Congressional committee the extent to which (1) the British government has implemented policing reforms contained in the Patten Commission’s report and (2) the status of the investigation into the murders of Patrick Finucane, Rosemary Nelson, and Robert Hamill. It also expresses (sponsored by Rep. Crowley) the sense of Congress regarding that there should be a lifting of the ban on the participation of Sinn Fein ministers on the North-South Ministerial Council. Sponsor: Rep. Hyde. Status: Passed by the House (352-73). Received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. On December 7, President Bush signed documents of certification to lift the Congressional restrictions on FBI training of the Northern Ireland Police Service. (Source: Thomas Internet site, December 8, 2001 BBC News) The Scorecard records a “+” for each Congressperson who voted in favor of this resolution.

6) H.R. 1885 And S. 778: Section 245i Extension Act Of 2001

This bill, among other purposes, expands the class of beneficiaries who may apply for adjustment of status under section 245i of the Immigration and Nationality Act by extending the deadline for classification petition and labor certification filings. Sponsor: Rep. Geekas. Status: Passed in House (336-43) and Senate (unanimous). Message on Senate action sent to the House.

H.R. 1195, HR. 1242, H.R. 1615, and H.R. 1713 propounded similar expansions under 245i, and S. 778 (Sponsor: Sen. Hagel) did likewise in the Senate. (Source: Thomas Internet site) The Scorecard records a “+” for each Congressperson who voted in support of H.R. 1185 or S. 778.

7) H.R. 2506: Foreign Operations, Export Financing, And Related Programs Appropriations Act Of 2002

This bill, among other purposes, makes appropriations for foreign operations, export financing, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2002. A portion of this bill authorizes $25 million for the United States contribution to the International Fund for Ireland, in accordance with the provisions of the Anglo-Irish Agreement Support Act of 1986. Sponsor: Rep. Kolbe. Status: Passed in House (357-66) and Senate (unanimous), signed into law by President Bush as Public Law No. 107-115. (Source: Thomas Internet site) The Scorecard records a “+” for each Congressperson who voted in favor of this bill.

8) H.R. 2623 & S. 1859: Posthumous Citizenship Restoration Act Of 2001

This bill would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to extend until two years after the later of the date of this Act or the date of the person’s death the deadline for the Attorney General to approve a request to grant posthumous citizenship to individuals who die while on active-duty military service. This bill would cover a noted group of Irish Korean War veterans. Sponsor: Rep. Meehan. Status: Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary’s Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims.

S. 1859 grants a similar extension. Sponsor: Sen. Schumer. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (Source: Thomas Internet site) The Scorecard records a “+” for each Congressperson who (co)sponsored these bills.

9) Speaking Before The House Of Representatives

Several Representatives spoke before the House concerning assorted Northern Ireland-related issues, including the peace process, Northern Ireland police reform, the murders of Rosemary Nelson and Patrick Finucane, Bloody Sunday, and economic and education initiatives. (Source: Thomas Internet site) The Scorecard records a “+” for each Representative who spoke about these or other substantive issues.

10) Speaking Before The Senate

Several Senators spoke before the Senate concerning assorted Northern Ireland-related issues, including the peace process, Northern Ireland police reform, sectarian violence at Holy Cross Girls Primary School in Belfast, and economic and education initiatives. (Source: Thomas Internet site) The Scorecard records a “+” for each Senator who spoke about these or other substantive issues.

11) Congressional Hearing Regarding Northern Ireland Human Rights

On March 15, 2001, the House International Relations Committee’s Subcommittee on International Operations and Human Rights conducted a hearing on Northern Ireland human rights titled, “Human Rights in Northern Ireland: Promises Kept or Promises Broken?” The topics covered Northern Ireland police reform, the murders of attorneys Patrick Finucane and Rosemary Nelson, prospects for a Northern Ireland Bill of Rights, and progress concerning the Criminal Justice Review and the peace process. The subcommittee members, chaired by Rep. Chris Smith, heard testimony from the Lawyers Committee for Human Rights, British Irish Rights Watch, the Committee on the Administration of Justice, and the Irish American Review Service. (Source: Hearing transcript obtained from House International Relations Committee’s web site, Federal Document Clearing House) The Scorecard records a “+” for each Congressperson who spoke at or attended the hearing.

12) Membership In Irish Organizations

The Ad Hoc Congressional Committee For Irish Affairs and the Friends Of Ireland are the two principle Congressional organizations devoted to monitoring and acting upon the current political situation and human rights conditions in Northern Ireland, as well as general Irish cultural matters. (Source: Membership lists received from offices of Sen. Kennedy and Rep. Walsh, Irish-American Unity Conference) The Scorecard records a “+” for each Congressperson who is a member of either organization.

13) Congressional Visits To Northern Ireland (Or The United Kingdom Or The Republic Of Ireland Regarding Northern Ireland-Related Issues)

Several Senators and Representatives (or their staffs) have visited Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, or England to discuss Northern Ireland political, economic, and education matters. To their credit, many of these representatives have investigated and spoken about the human rights problems and concerns facing citizens on both sides of the divide. (Source: Thomas Internet site, numerous news articles regarding Congressional visits concerning Northern Ireland-related issues, responses to Northern Ireland Alert activity questionnaire) The Scorecard records a “+” for any Congressperson who made such a trip concerning Northern Ireland-related matters. (Note: Sen. Clinton’s September visit to Ireland was postponed until March, 2002, due to September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.)

14) Congressional Letter To President Bush Urging Engagement With Peace Process

In February, 2001, a Congressional letter was sent to President Bush, urging him to become directly involved in the Northern Ireland peace process. The letter, also sent to Vice President Dick Cheney and Secretary of State Colin Powell, asked President Bush to sustain former President Clinton’s Irish policies as a top presidential priority. It also asked that he affirm his personal commitment to an Irish policy via his upcoming State of the Union address to Congress. (Source: February 7-13, 2001 Irish Echo) In March, 2001, a similar letter was sent to President Bush, urging him to keep Northern Ireland high on his foreign policy agenda. The letter was initiated by the US-Ireland Alliance. (Source: March 6, 2001 Irish Voice) The Scorecard records a “+” for each Congressperson who signed either letter.

15) Congressional Letter To Northern Ireland Secretary Of State Regarding Sectarian Violence

In February, 2001, a Congressional letter was sent to Northern Ireland Secretary of State John Reid, urging that immediate action be taken to stop recent violent attacks on Catholic homes in Northern Ireland. The letter expressed concern over a growing spate of sectarian attacks, particularly regarding a campaign of loyalist pipe bomb attacks against Catholic homes in a number of areas. (Source: February 14-20, 2001 Irish Echo) The Scorecard records a “+” for each Congressperson who signed this letter.

16) Congressional Letter To Parades Commission Regarding Parades Decision

On April 13, 2001, members of the Congressional Black Caucus and House International Relations Committee sent a letter to the Northern Ireland Parades Commission, expressing concern over its recent decision to allow a loyalist Apprentice Boys march through the nationalist community of the Lower Ormeau Road on Easter Monday, April 16. While supporting the right of peaceable assembly and the Apprentice Boy’s desire to celebrate their culture, the letter urged the Parades Commission to reconsider its decision of allowing this celebration in an area where the Apprentice Boys were “patently unwanted.” (Source: April 13, 2001 Congressional letter to Northern Ireland Parades Commission) The Scorecard records a “+” for each Congressperson who signed this letter.

17) Congressional Letter To OMB Director Regarding IFI

In spring, 2001, a Congressional letter was sent to Mitchell Daniels, Jr., Director of the Office of Management and Budget, urging him to maintain the current United States contribution of $25 million to the International Fund for Ireland (“IFI”) in the President’s fiscal year 2002 budget request. The IFI was established as an independent, international organization by the British and Irish governments in 1986. It promotes economic and social advancement, and encourages contact, dialogue, and reconciliation throughout Ireland, particularly Northern Ireland and the six Southern border counties. (Source: Spring, 2001 Congressional letter to Director of Office of Management and Budget, received from Rep. Crowley) The Scorecard records a “+” for each Congressperson who signed this letter.

18) Letter In Support Of Holy Cross School Children

In late October, 2001, during the midst of intense harassment and sectarianism directed at the children and parents of Holy Cross Primary School in Belfast, Senator Hilary Clinton authored a letter in support of the families. The letter, calling for an end to the Holy Cross protest and for the children to be educated free from abuse, was read aloud at a Belfast rally in support of the families. (Source: IrelandClick.com)

19) Congressional Letter Regarding Lifting Ban On FBI Training Of Northern Ireland Police, Requesting Nominations To New Policing Board

On November 7, 2001, Reps. Ben Gilman and William Delahunt authored in The Irish Times a bi-partisan letter calling for a lifting of the ban previously imposed by Congress on training the new Police Service of Northern Ireland by the FBI. By law, Congress prohibited such training until the United Kingdom and Ireland governments fully committed themselves to carrying out police reforms recommended by the Patten Commission; in their letter, Gilman and Delahunt stated their belief that this commitment has been honored. In support of this belief, Rep. Gilman also issued a statement in early August calling on the North’s nationalist parties to end their prevarication on policing by nominating members to the new Policing Board. (Note: as of publication, the SDLP has nominated members, Sinn Fein has not.) (Source: August 8, 2001 and November 7, 2001 editions of The Irish Times)

20) Meetings With Northern Ireland Leaders

Several Congresspersons have met with Northern Ireland leaders or citizens to discuss the human rights conditions in Northern Ireland and the status of the ongoing peace talks. These meetings have occurred during the annual St. Patrick’s Day pilgrimage of Northern Ireland politicians to Washington, as well as at various times during the peace process, both here and abroad. Tracking all 535 members of Congress on this activity is beyond the scope and abilities of our Scorecard. However, for those who wonder where their Congresspersons stand on this issue, those tabulated at or near the higher rankings of our Scorecard have most likely met with one or more Northern Ireland leaders, academicians, human rights workers, or community leaders. Conversely, those in the middle or bottom range of our Scorecard most likely have not met these leaders. There are, of course, exceptions to this rule, such as House Speaker Dennis Hastert, who, although not high in activity, has met with leaders. Still, as a rule of thumb, our analysis applies. For those desiring a perfect snapshot of their Congresspersons’ activity on this issue, they should contact their Congressional offices.

NORTHERN IRELAND ALERT

2002 NORTHERN IRELAND MA CONGRESSIONAL SCORECARD

Senate Actions Taken

	Party	State	TOTAL	H.R. 1: Children	Sen. 413: Education Act	S. 778: Section 245i	H.R. 2506: Foreign Approp.	S. 1859: Citizenship Act	Speaking Before Senate	Irish Organizations	Visit Northern Ireland	Ltrs. To Bush: Irish Activity	Holy Cross Letter
MEMBER			100	3	4	6	7	8	10	12	13	14	18
Kennedy, Edward	D	MA	7	+	+	+	+		+	+		+
Kerry, John	D	MA	4	+		+	+					+

NORTHERN IRELAND ALERT

2002 NORTHERN IRELAND
MA CONGRESSIONAL SCORECARD

House Of Representatives Actions Taken

	Party	State	TOTAL	H.Res. 132: Hunger Strikes	H.Res. 185: Support GFA	H.R. 1: Children	H.R. 611: Education Act	H.R. 1646: FRAA	H.R. 1885: Section 245i	H.R. 2506: Foreign Approp.	H.R. 2623: Citizenship Act	Speaking Before House	Congressional Hearing	Irish Organizations	Visit Northern Ireland	Ltrs. To Bush: Irish Activity	Ltr. To Reid: Sectarianism	Ltr. To Parades Comm’n	Ltr. To OMB Re IFI	Ltrs. Re Policing
MEMBER				1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	19
Neal, Richard	D	MA	10	+		+	+	+		+	+			+		+	+		+
Delahunt, William	D	MA	8	+