The US House of Representatives voted last night to commit $50 million (€46 million) over two years to advancing the peace process in Northern Ireland.
The legislation would assure continued US participation in the International Fund for Ireland, which since 1986 has sought to help bring peace in Northern Ireland by creating jobs and cross-community development.
The United States has contributed $380 million to the fund to date.
Representative Christopher Smith, who sponsored the bill, said people are less likely to get caught up in sectarian strife when they have jobs The programme has created 37,500 jobs and supported 4,400 business projects, he said.
The legislation would approve $25 million each for fiscal years 2004, and it must be considered in the Senate.
The House recommended that 80 per cent of the aid go to economic development, and the other 20 per cent to police training and other programmes that enhance relations between communities.
AP