Sixteen members of the United States House of Representatives, from both parties, have written to British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Northern Ireland Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris, and the British Ambassador to the United States, Karen Pierce.
The letter raises profound concern over the pending British government Legacy Bill for Northern Ireland.
In the letter, signed at the top by Republican Brian Fitzpatrick and Democrat William Keating, the representatives state: "We write to you to restate our profound concern about the substance and potential consequences of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill.
"The Special Relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States is one which has always relied on mutual respect and the importance that both nations place on democratic governance and human dignity.
"At the same time, the United States has played an active role in the Northern Ireland peace process and continues to regard the Good Friday Agreement as the best framework for a lasting peace in Northern Ireland. This legislation as written does not uphold the shared principles at the foundation of our partnership or the principles which underline the Good Friday Agreement.
"The unity among all the political parties and many other stakeholders throughout Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom in opposition to this measure is resounding and consistent, and the amendments proposed by His Majesty’s Government to the Bill in the last couple of months have been insufficient in addressing the concerns of those parties, victims’ groups, and civil society in Northern Ireland. Members of His Majesty’s Government have acknowledged in the House of Lords that if the Northern Ireland Assembly were sitting, this Bill might have never been given legislative consent by that body.
"Such a fundamental policy shift on the complex and sensitive issue of the Troubles should not be made unilaterally.
"As you know, His Majesty’s Government and the Irish government already have an agreed starting point for justice and accountability issues, the Stormont House Agreement, which also enjoyed the support of the majority of political parties in Northern Ireland.
"Now is an opportunity for pause, reevaluation, and most importantly, complete consultation with stakeholder and victims affected by violence during the Troubles. Reconciliation will not be possible without acceptance from the victims and their families, all of whom deserve justice, transparency, and truth.
"The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill is an inherent threat to the regional peace and stability bolstered by the Good Friday Agreement since its signing in 1998, and to the reconciliation essential to underpinning its future.
"As an active supporter of the peace, and as a key ally to both the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, the United States continues to have a vested interest in the preservation and fortification of the Good Friday Agreement.
"For all of these reasons, we respectfully urge you to encourage your government to reconsider advancing this legislative proposal and to pursue a cross-community solution to legacy issues and reconciliation in Northern Ireland and Ireland."
In addition to Reps. Fitzpatrick and Keating the letter is signed by Reps. Richard Neal, Michael Lawler, Kevin Mullin, Chris Smith, Mike Quigley, Gerald Connolly, Brendan Boyle, Barbara Lee, Brian Higgins, Mary Gay Scanlon, James McGovern, Chellie Pingree, John Larson and Stephen Lynch.
