The United States Congress has passed Resolution 585 calling for the full implementation of the Good Friday and subsequent Agreements.

The resolution insists that any future trade deal between the US and Britain must protect the Good Friday Agreement.

Speaking following the passing of the resolution Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD said:

“Over the past twenty-five years, United States Presidents and political leaders have been central to the Irish Peace process and the Good Friday Agreement.

“That special relationship endures and crosses party political lines.

“A future trade deal between the US and Britain post Brexit is the responsibility of the US Congress.

“Today the congress passed a resolution to oppose a hard border on the island of Ireland and supported the right to national self-determination in line with provisions of the Good Friday Agreement.

“The Congress also insisted that any new trade deal with Britain must be contingent on meeting the obligations of the Good Friday Agreement including the continued incorporation into law of the European Convention on Human Rights.

“I would like to thank Rep. Tom Suozzi for introducing this resolution and Rep. Peter King for his bipartisan sponsorship.

“I would also like to thank Speaker Pelosi for her continued support and to Rep. Richard Neal, joint Chairperson of the Congressional Friends of Ireland for his steadfast and unflinching leadership.

“This resolution gives Rep. Richard Neal, the Chairperson of the Ways and Means Committee a clear bipartisan mandate to continue his policy of ensuring that the Good Friday Agreement is protected in all it’s parts, in any trade agreement between the US and Britain.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor

See Resolution attached.