A group of prominent Irish-Americans has written to the newly appointed Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Julian Smith raising concerns about protecting the Good Friday Agreement and maintaining a seamless border on the island of Ireland.
The 'Ad Hoc Committee to Protect the Good Friday Agreement' is made up of 40 well-known Irish-American politicians and business leaders such as the former US Congressman Bruce Morrison, the former US Ambassador to Ireland Kevin O'Malley, the former Governor of Virginia Terry McAuliffe and the former Governor of Maryland Martin O'Malley.
In its letter, the committee has asked to meet with the new Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he pays his first visit to Washington.
Bruce Morrison, who is the co-chair of the committee, said they hope Julian Smith will bring new energy to the ongoing effort to restore the devolved government in Northern Ireland.
"The Secretary will have to earn the trust of all the political parties and must be seen as fair and impartial. We look forward to meeting him," Mr Morrison said.
The committee has also voiced its support for recent comments made by the US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi in relation to Brexit.
Speaker Pelosi has reiterated her opposition to any US/UK trade deal that places the Good Friday Agreement in jeopardy.
