Neal, Boyle pen resolution honoring First Dáil

Congressman Brendan Boyle

 

By Irish Echo Staff

Congressman Brendan Boyle and Congressman Richard Neal have introduced a resolution in Congress honoring the hundredth anniversary of the inaugural meeting of Dáil Éireann, which produced a Declaration of Independence for Ireland on January 21, 2019.

“One hundred and forty-three years after a group of brave American patriots signed the Declaration of Independence in my hometown of Philadelphia, a group of Irish citizens began their own revolution, said Boyle in a statement.

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The Dáil’s first meeting one hundred years ago declared Ireland an independent nation and enabled its people to enjoy the freedoms they treasure today. This resolution honors Ireland’s struggle for liberty, and those who fought to advance Irish independence,” Boyle continued.

This is an important commemoration for Ireland, for the millions of Irish ancestry in the United States, and for all who believe in liberty worldwide,” added Philadelphia’s Boyle, who is the only member of the current U.S. Congress with an Irish-born parent.

Stated Rep. Neal: “As the Democratic Chairman of the Friends of Ireland Caucus in the United States Congress, I am pleased to be an original cosponsor of this resolution celebrating the hundreth Anniversary of the first Dáil Eireann in 1919.

“This seminal event in Dublin’s Mansion House a century ago helped change history and led to the creation of an independent and modern Ireland. The relationship between America and Ireland is strong and enduring, and it is fitting that the U.S. House of Representatives should recognize the centenary of the establishment of Ireland’s first democratic structures and institutions.

I am pleased to mark this historic occasion, and congratulate my friends and colleagues in the current Dáil for achieving this significant milestone,” the Massachusetts representative said.

In the meantime, Neal and Boyle are likely to be conferring on a frequent basis in the months ahead.

Boyle has just been appointed to serve on the House Ways and Means Committee, the oldest committee in Congress, and the only one to be called for in the U.S. Constitution.

Ways and Means is the chief economic development committee. It presides over key issues such as tax policy, trade, Medicare, and Social Security. The committee counts among its former members: seven U.S. presidents, eight U.S. vice-presidents, twenty-one Speakers of the House of Representatives, and four justices of the Supreme Court.

The current chairman of Ways and Means is Rep. Neal.

“I would like to thank Speaker Pelosi and my Democratic colleagues on Steering and Policy for selecting me for this important position,” said Boyle.

“Serving on this storied and powerful committee will allow me to fight for Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania like never before.

“From ensuring tax policy is fair to working families to protecting vital programs like Social Security and Medicare, I will do everything in my power to ensure the people of Pennsylvania and people of America have the support they need to thrive.”

At 41, Boyle, whose father is from county Donegal, will become one of the youngest members of Congress’ oldest committee.

“I am grateful for this committee nomination, particularly at this point relatively early in my congressional career, and I will use my new position to fight to give Pennsylvanians of every zip code a shot at the American dream,” he said.

 

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