The Taoiseach travels to Washington today for a series of St Patrick's Day engagements in the US capital.
Tonight, Mr Ahern will present a peace award to British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, at the American Ireland Fund dinner. The award has previously been won by former US president Bill Clinton; Mr Ahern; and ex-SDLP leader John Hume.
Northern Secretary Mr Paul Murphy will receive the award on behalf of Mr Blair. Mr Murphy is in Washington, with most of the Northern Ireland political leaders, for the St Patrick's Day celebrations tomorrow.
Tomorrow, Mr Ahern will visit the White House for the annual St Patrick's Day meeting with the US President. Mr Bush will also play host to the leaders of the North's political parties. Afterwards, Mr Ahern will attend the Speakers' Lunch on Capitol Hill.
Mr Bush is expected to use his White House reception to put pressure on Sinn Féin by backing British government calls on republicans to support the new policing structures put in place in Northern Ireland.
He is also expected to make a new call for an end to all paramilitary activity by both the IRA and loyalist groups.