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Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) criticized the vote by the U.K. House of Commons to move forward with a controversial Northern Ireland bill that effectively ends prosecutions related to the Troubles. The legislation has been widely criticized by victims rights groups and is opposed by all of Northern Ireland's political parties. 

"Thousands were murdered and tens of thousands were injured in the three decades of domestic terrorism that devastated Northern Ireland," said Congressman Lawler (NY-17). "Victims' families vehemently oppose this bill and it should say something that even in a time of deep political polarization in Northern Ireland, every political party there is united in opposition to this bill."

"Advocates of the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill claim it will put the past behind them, but you can't put the past behind you without justice for the victims and their families," Congressman Lawler (NY-17) added. "This legislation only reopens old wounds, violates fundamental principles of human rights and justice, and fuels further division."

The House of Commons passed the controversial legislation yesterday and rejected an amendment to give victims' families a greater say in granting immunity to perpetrators by a margin of 288 to 205. The bill is now expected to return to the House of Lords next Tuesday, September 12th.

New York's 17th Congressional District is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.