Authorization to Establish Commemorative Work

Floor Speech

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Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 6611 to authorize the French Embassy in the United States to establish a commemorative work in Rock Creek Park to honor the extraordinary contributions of Jean Monnet.

Jean Monnet, a French citizen living in Washington, DC, played an extraordinary role promoting cooperation and peace on both sides of the Atlantic, which has furthered the national interest of the United States and is also of lasting historical significance to the American people.

Specifically, he is credited for his skillful efforts to restore peace between European nations, playing a critical role during both World Wars, and is often referred to as the founder of the European Union. Having sowed the seeds of the European Union, we continue to reap the benefits of Monnet's work today as evidence through the strength of the European Union and the continued coordination of the transatlantic alliance countering authoritarianism wherever it exists.

To provide more color on the importance of establishing this commemorative work, I would like to speak about the great accomplishments of Jean Monnet.

He was a French diplomat and businessman, as well as a dedicated citizen of Europe and a devoted friend of the United States. Monnet was a thoughtful individual who played a critical role in many of the 20th centuries major events. Today, he is most known for his efforts during both World Wars, the rebuilding of Europe, and the founding of European Union.

Specifically, Monnet is recognized for his creative thinking that was essential to the U.S. and Allied victory over Nazi Germany. After seeking refuge in the United States during Nazi-Germany's occupation of France, Monnet served as an adviser to U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and as a special envoy of the United States to the Free French. During that time, he also became a member of the British Purchasing Commission. There, he worked with senior U.S. officials to coordinate Allied resources, galvanize U.S. war production, and unleash the ``arsenal of democracy,'' a phrase coined by Monnet and later made famous by President Roosevelt. In fact, economist John Maynard Keynes once said that Monnet's contributions shortened the global conflict by an entire year and, through his actions, saved tens of thousands of European and American lives.

Following the Allied victory of WWII, Monnet started several initiatives which are known to have been the catalysts for the eventual creation of the European Union. For instance, Monnet proposed the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC), an initiative that pooled the coal and steel resources of 6 counties in Europe, greatly contributing to increased production and resolving a centuries old dispute over these resources. In addition, he established the Action Committee for the United States of Europe, a political organization that united parties across Europe to advocate for further European integration. These 2 actions, the creation of the ECSC and the Action Committee, were both critical steps in the formation of the political union that the European Union represents today.

Monnet's legacy continues today as the transatlantic alliance stands united in the face of Russian aggression and rising autocracy globally. The United States and Europe must continue to face our challenges as he so strongly encouraged: by working together towards a more peaceful future.

With that being said, I want to acknowledge the bi-partisan effort it took to move this legislation forward and I thank my fellow Co-Chairs on the House French Caucus, Representatives Latta, Schiff, and Wilson for their original co-sponsorship and all efforts to advance this legislation. I'd also like to thank Chairs Grijalva, Neguse, and my colleagues on the Natural Resources Committee for consideration of this measure and for allowing it to move to the floor so expeditiously.

I also want to thank the leadership of this House for taking on this important issue, and supporting the passing of H.R. 6611. The commemoration to Monnet will stand as a continual reminder of the historic and continuing importance of the transatlantic partnership between the United States, France, and the greater European community. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

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