Pine State News

Click HERE to watch Senator Collins’ remarks on the Senate floor.

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), along with 13 of their Senate colleagues, praised the passage of the resolution commemorating the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement on April 10th, 1998. Former Maine Senator George Mitchell was pivotal in the successful negotiation of the historic agreement that underscored the United States’ steadfast support for both the United Kingdom and Ireland.

In addition to celebrating the historic compromise, which marked the beginning of a new era of peaceful political engagement in Northern Ireland, the bipartisan resolution also affirms support for the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, and subsequent agreements and arrangements, to advance peace on the island of Ireland. 

Last week, Senator Collins commended the leadership of George Mitchell on the Senate floor.

“The inclusive power sharing system established by the Good Friday Agreement was a landmark achievement that established a framework for peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland. Former Maine Senator George Mitchell’s leadership was vital in the successful negotiation of this agreement that brought stability to the British Isles,” said Senator Collins. “Over the past twenty-five years, political leaders in Northern Ireland, along with the British and Irish governments, have made enormous progress, though important issues remain unresolved.  Our resolution encourages all parties to continue to work toward the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement as well as subsequent agreements that promote peace and stability on the island of Ireland.”

George Mitchell, a Waterville native, served as a United States Senator from 1980 to 1995. During his time in office, Mitchell’s work was primarily focused on securing funding for healthcare, education, and environmental conservation related initiatives. In addition to his work representing the State of Maine, Mitchell played a crucial role in the Northern Ireland peace negotiations during the 1990s. As a Special Envoy for Northern Ireland, he had a pivotal role in brokering the Good Friday Agreement, which brought an end to decades of sectarian violence in the region. Mitchell's commitment to public service and diplomacy earned him international recognition and numerous awards. He is admired for his ability to bridge divides and find common ground, both in his home state of Maine and on the global stage.

In addition to Senators Collins and Menendez, the bipartisan resolution was co-sponsored by Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Angus King (I-Maine), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), and Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Sherrod Brown (D-OH).

Click HERE to read the full text of the resolution.

Original source can be found here.