February 7, 2004 House of Lords to Hear Claims of 'Shoot-to-Kill Policy'
by Mícheál Lehane

Dear Friend:

As you may already know, we are working to secure Commodore John Barry's rightful place in American history as the first flag officer of the United States Navy. We currently need your help lobbying Congress to pass a Joint Resolution recognizing Commodore Barry in Public Law. If we are successful, this resolution will secure the historical recognition previously denied Commodore Barry and the Irish people.

Senator Arlen Specter (PA) introduced our resolution in the US Senate on October 16, 2003, and it was referred to the Senate Committee on Armed Services (S.J.Res.19). An identical resolution (H.J.Res.62) by Rep. Peter King (NY) is in the US House of Representatives, but they must first wait for the passage of the Senate resolution (due to the fact that the House passed this resolution in the last Congress in October 2002). To become law, both of these resolutions must be passed and signed by President Bush during this current session of Congress, which ends this year. Consequently, we must get the Senate Resolution (S.J.Res.19) moved from the Senate Committee on Armed Services to the Senate Floor for a vote as soon as possible.

ACTION NEEDED:
Please write, fax, or call your two US Senators urging them to sign on as cosponsors of S.J.Res.19. Also urge them to work on getting the resolution to the Senate floor for passage. Remind them that Irish America, a sizable community, will be very grateful for their efforts.

To contact your US Senators, you may call the US Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask for your Senator's office (ask to speak to the staff member who handles legislation). Or you can get your Senator's address, fax, phone number, etc. and the latest information on the Commodore Barry resolution by logging on our web site: www.aohqueens.com/johnbarry.html (This web site also has the names of the Senators on the Senate Committee on Armed Services, the cosponsors of S.J.Res.19 (Senate), the cosponsors of H.J.Res.62 (House), sample letters, and other latest information.)

Thank you very much for helping ensure Commodore Barry's and the Irish people's rightful place in American history.

      Regards,

      Mike Kearney, Chairman
      Commodore John Barry Committee
      Ancient Order of Hibernians
      NY State Board