Authorization to Establish Commemorative Work

Floor Speech

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Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, as a cosponsor of H.R. 6611 and U.S. Chair of the Transatlantic Legislators' Dialogue (TLD), I urge swift passage of this legislation. H.R. 6611, introduced by Representative Bill Keating earlier this year, would authorize the establishment of a commemorative work in Washington, D.C. to honor the contributions of French Diplomat Jean Monnet. I thank Congressman Keating for leading this legislation.

Jean Monnet was a distinguished French diplomat whose efforts in the immediate post-World War II era were instrumental in the establishment of the European Coal and Steel Community, which was a precursor to what eventually became the European Union (EU). Monnet is widely considered a ``founding father'' of the EU. His vision argued that a unified and economically integrated Europe would lead to long-term peace and stability on the continent.

Monnet was a strong ally and partner of the United States. He spent time in Washington, D.C. during World War II and was a strong advocate for U.S. military assistance to the Allied countries. During his time in Washington, Monnet lived near Rock Creek Park and frequently took long walks in what he referred to as ``my park.'' Monnet claimed that it was on these walks that he thought out and developed plans to achieve lasting peace through a unified Europe.

With this in mind, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, that would authorize a fitting tribute to Jean Monnet, a critical figure in European history and our Transatlantic Relationship.

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