Irish Americans for Biden Harris

"We meet at an important time in the history of Northern Ireland . In the 11 years since the Good Friday Agreement was signed, you have traveled a long way together on the road to peace . Groups have laid down their weapons. Empty streets are now bustling with activity. And here, in this chamber, men and women who were once sworn enemies work side by side to secure the achievements of recent years, and to deliver a stable, prosperous future for the people you represent. These accomplishments are remarkable, and a credit to you and to all those who have worked for peace, not only the leaders here at Stormont, but also Westminster and Leinster House. But most importantly, to the thousands of ordinary citizens, mothers and fathers, whose determination to end the Troubles made them fervent activists for peace. At this time, we can recognize you have traveled a great distance. But you do not need me to tell you that your journey is not yet over. The promise of the Good Friday Agreemen...

Dan Rooney, US Ambassador to Ireland “It is with sorrow that I report on the passing of Senator Edward M. Kennedy. Senator Kennedy was not only a great American statesman, but a good friend of mine and of Ireland and its people. “Senator Kennedy was a true advocate of health care, especially for children. He was committed to the idea that everyone should have access to health care. “He was a giant in furthering legislative resolutions for people in need, among not only his own constituents, but also among the people of Ireland. “Since his early days in the Senate, Ted Kennedy was active in the Northern Ireland peace process. He introduced resolutions condemning all violence in Northern Ireland, expressing support for the Good Friday agreement in 1998 and the blueprint for lasting peace. “Senator Kennedy was an instrumental supporter of Barack Obama's candidacy for the office of President of the United States. He continued that support after President Obama was elected. “My deepest ...

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release August 26, 2009 - - - - - - - BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION Senator Edward M. Kennedy was not only one of the greatest senators of our time, but one of the most accomplished Americans ever to serve our democracy. Over the past half-century, nearly every major piece of legislation that has advanced the civil rights, health, and economic well-being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts. With his passing, an important chapter in our American story has come to an end. As a mark of respect for the memory of Senator Edward M. Kennedy, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America, that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the ...

Michelle and I were heartbroken to learn this morning of the death of our dear friend, Senator Ted Kennedy. For five decades, virtually every major piece of legislation to advance the civil rights, health and economic well being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts. I valued his wise counsel in the Senate, where, regardless of the swirl of events, he always had time for a new colleague. I cherished his confidence and momentous support in my race for the Presidency. And even as he waged a valiant struggle with a mortal illness, I've profited as President from his encouragement and wisdom. An important chapter in our history has come to an end. Our country has lost a great leader, who picked up the torch of his fallen brothers and became the greatest United States Senator of our time. And the Kennedy family has lost their patriarch, a tower of strength and support through good times and bad. Our hearts and prayers go out to them today--to his wonderful w...

Dan Rooney's Swearing-In Ceremony as US Ambassador to Ireland

Well, good afternoon, and welcome to the State Department. I came off the injured reserve list – – in order to officiate at this ceremony because I could not be more delighted than to make official what is going to be so well received in Ireland and means so much to Americans, not only Irish Americans but all Americans, and that is the swearing-in of our new ambassador to Ireland. Now, we do have special guests with us, and I thank the Irish chargé d'affaires for being here, Mr. McDaid, and I thank Mrs. Collins for being here as well. Her husband, the ambassador, is in Ireland as we speak. And having Senator Robert Casey, my colleague, here, as well as Attorney General Eric Holder is a special treat. Now, I’m not sure that we specifically mentioned all of the Rooneys who are here. Please forgive us if we forgot anyone. But this is just a representative sampling of the Rooney family. You know, we may be meeting in Washington, but the city at the heart of today’s celebration is Pitts...

WASHINGTON, DC-U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) welcomed the confirmation of Dan Rooney to be ambassador to Ireland. Senator Casey released the following statement: “I am very pleased that the U.S. Senate has confirmed my friend Dan Rooney to be ambassador to Ireland. This speedy confirmation will allow Dan Rooney to get to work as a bridge between the United States and Ireland. In the Steelers loss the United States gains a humble and knowledgeable public servant.” Although Rooney only had his nomination hearing yesterday, Senator Casey, in his capacity as a Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, worked closely with Chairman John Kerry and Ranking Member Dick Lugar to expedite full Senate consideration of Rooney’s nomination to ensure that Rooney can travel to Ireland as early as next week to present his credentials to the Irish President and assume his new diplomatic posting. Senator Robert Casey

Daniel Rooney Ambassador-Designate to Ireland Statement Before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations June 24, 2009 Mr. Chairman and members of the Committee, it is my honor to be here today as the President’s nominee to be the United States Ambassador to Ireland. I would like to thank the President and Secretary Clinton for the confidence they have demonstrated in nominating me. I was always warned against the sin of pride but I offer the following in a spirit of humility and in recognition that I have been blessed by many opportunities in this great nation. First, I believe that an American Ambassador must have a great love for, and knowledge of, our country and our people and be able to advance the interests of the United States in a professional, effective and creative way. It is my intention to serve in that manner. I am passionate about America and what we stand for. Like millions of others, I was deeply stirred by President Obama’s declaration to people and governments around...

WASHINGTON, DC- After the White House officially transmitted to the U.S. Senate the formal nomination of Dan Rooney to be U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement: “I welcome this step forward in Mr. Rooney’s nomination process and will work closely with Chairman Kerry in seeking a Senate Foreign Relations Committee confirmation hearing for him as soon as possible.” Transmitting the nomination to the Senate was the next official step in the process following President Obama’s announcement of the intent to nominate Dan Rooney on St. Patrick’s Day. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee can now schedule a nomination hearing. Senator Casey's Office

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary _______________________________ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 11, 2009 NOMINATION SENT TO THE SENATE: Daniel M. Rooney of Pennsylvania , to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Ireland .

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary ________________________________________ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 17, 2009 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today at the White House, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate Daniel Rooney as the Ambassador to Ireland. President Obama said, "I am honored and grateful that such a dedicated and accomplished individual has agreed to serve as the representative of the United States to the Irish people. Dan Rooney is an unwavering supporter of Irish peace, culture, and education, and I have every confidence that he and Secretary Clinton will ensure America’s continued close and unique partnership with Ireland in the years ahead." Dan Rooney is the recent recipient of the American Ireland Fund’s Lifetime Achievement Award and honorary Commander of the British Empire for contributions to peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland, has played an integral role in the Irish peace process since the early 1970s. I...

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary _______________________________________ For Immediate Release March 2, 2009 BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION Even before the birth of our Nation, the sons and daughters of Erin departed their homes in search of liberty and a more hopeful future. As these early pioneers left familiar lands, they carried with them the rich traditions of home. This March we honor their journey and their lasting contributions to the history and culture of the United States. Following the colonial migrations, the United States enjoyed the greatest influx of Irish during the 1840s as Ireland suffered the Great Famine. Hungry but hopeful, poor but perseverant, Irish-Americans seized the opportunity to work hard, enjoy success, and pursue the American Dream.Many took on the difficult work of constructing America's infrastructure. Others assumed positions of leadership. Among those leaders were signers of the Declaration of Indepen...