Chairmen Kelly, Neal relaunch Congressional Friends of Ireland Caucus in 119th Congress

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Chairmen of the Congressional Friends of Ireland Caucus Reps. Mike Kelly (R-PA) and Richard Neal (D-MA) formally announced the relaunch of the Congressional Friends of Ireland Caucus in the 119th Congress. This bipartisan caucus leads diplomatic relations between the U.S. House of Representatives and Irish leaders.

This week, members of the Congressional Friends of Ireland Caucus met with Irish Ambassador to the United States Geraldine Byrne Nason.

"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," Rep. Kelly said. "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."

“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.”

In 2024, Rep. Kelly was honored by The Ireland Funds 32nd Annual National Gala for his career in public service. The Ireland Funds was co-founded by former U.S. Ambassador to Ireland and Pittsburgh Steelers owner, the late Dan Rooney. Among the Irish officials in attendance were Leo Varadkar, Taoiseach of Ireland.

Also in 2024, Chairmen Kelly and Neal introduced a resolution commemorating the 100th anniversary of U.S.-Ireland diplomatic relations.