U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Vice-Chairman of the House International Relations Committee spoke today on the House floor defending the $10.8 million earmark for the U.S. contribution to the International Fund for Ireland (IFI). An amendment to eliminate the IFI earmark was offered by Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite (R-FL), but then withdrawn during the debate. The $10.8 million earmark is now part of the Foreign Ops bill (Foreign Operations, Export Financing and Related Programs Appropriations Act, HR 5522) which passed the House and is now pending in the Senate. Below are excerpts of Rep. Smith’s remarks: 

    “The International Fund for Ireland is widely recognized for creating comprehensive programs that have helped promote peace and reconciliation in the north of Ireland and the border counties in the Republic of Ireland. 

    Since the inception of the IFI, the U.S. has contributed nearly $460 million and the results have been remarkable. As of 2004, the IFI has created nearly 38,000 direct jobs, and 18,000 indirect ones. The IFI has contributed to over 5700 projects and has provided 17,000 young people from cross-community areas with job training. 

    This is a tangible success in our struggle to end the conditions of despair and hopelessness which are the breeding grounds for terrorism.

    Earlier in this Congress, and also in the 108^th Congress, the House passed my legislation (HR 2601 and HR 1208 respectively) reauthorizing the program at more than $20 million and urging the Fund to shift its focus from primarily economic programs to those that have a greater emphasis on peace and reconciliation. 

    I am pleased to say, the Fund has responded. Under the leadership of its new Chairman, Denis Rooney, the IFI released a Strategic Framework of Action 2006-2010 which strongly emphasizes cross community and reconciliation programs. The strategic plan also puts in place an exit strategy in which the Fund will wind down its reliance on international support. 

    With this comprehensive strategic plan in place, the US cannot falter on our commitment. The IFI has developed a thoughtful transition to self-reliant cross-community, social advancement. It is a good strategy and one that deserves our support until the end.”