[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 65 (Tuesday, May 11, 2004)]
[House]
[Pages H2758-H2761]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING 50 YEARS OF RELATIONS BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT 
                         AND THE EUROPEAN UNION

  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 577) recognizing 50 years of relations between 
the United States Government and the European Union, as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                              H. Res. 577

       Whereas on May 9, 1950, 6 countries of Europe, committed to 
     promoting a united Europe, founded the European Coal and 
     Steel Community (ECSC), which has evolved into the European 
     Union (EU);
       Whereas in November 1953 the United States sent its first 
     diplomatic observers to the European Coal and Steel 
     Community;
       Whereas in 1954 the High Authority of the European Coal and 
     Steel Community commissioned the United States law firm of 
     Clearly and Gottlieb to open an Information Office in 
     Washington, District of Columbia, thus establishing the first 
     official presence of the precursor to the European Union in 
     the United States;
       Whereas on November 18, 2003, Secretary of State Colin 
     Powell, while in Brussels, Belgium, dedicating a plaque 
     commemorating 50 years of cooperation between the United 
     States and the European Union stated that ``the United States 
     embraces the European Union as a global partner for peace and 
     security . . . and that the world's best hope for meeting 
     [global] challenges still rests, in large part, on a deep, 
     broad, and lasting partnership between Europe and the United 
     States'';
       Whereas although differences of opinion have existed on a 
     broad array of issues over the past 50 years, there remains 
     an important foundation of shared values across the Atlantic 
     which reaffirms that the current strengths and common 
     interests of the United States and the European Union far 
     outweigh the differences;
       Whereas an effective political partnership between the 
     United States and the European Union has continued to develop 
     over the past 50 years in many areas of vital common interest 
     which has resulted in the United States and European Union 
     consistently and effectively working together for prosperous, 
     stable, and democratic world;
       Whereas the events of the past several years, including the 
     events of September 11, 2001, have increased the need for 
     forceful and coordinated strategic cooperation between the 
     United States and the European Union on economic, trade, and 
     domestic and foreign security matters;
       Whereas the economic foundations for the United States-
     European Union partnership are a central and irreversible 
     reality of the world economy;
       Whereas to effectively manage the United States-European 
     Union partnership, closer institutional linkages and other 
     mechanisms to facilitate more direct and continuous United 
     States-European Union dialogue are necessary; and
       Whereas in May 2004, an event commemorating 50 years of 
     relations between the United States and the European Union 
     will take place in Washington, District of Columbia: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) celebrates the 50th anniversary of relations between 
     the United States and the European Union;
       (2) commends the United States mission to the European 
     Union and the mission of the European Commission to the 
     United States for the professional representation of the 
     interests of the United States and European Union over the 
     past 50 years;
       (3) recognizes that continued cooperation between the 
     United States and the European Union is essential to 
     resolving international disputes, promoting peace, expanding 
     global economic opportunity, combating global threats, and 
     being prepared to respond to unforeseen events; and
       (4) encourages enhanced United States-European Union 
     strategic discussion and institutional cooperation, including 
     increased discussions between representatives of the United 
     States Congress and the European Parliament through the 
     Transatlantic Legislator's Dialogue.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter).


                             General Leave

  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and 
include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Nebraska?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 577, as amended. I would 
note for my colleagues that two amendments were made to the original 
text of this resolution. One more precisely addresses the history of 
the EU and one notes that an event at the Department of State regarding 
the anniversary has now taken place.
  Mr. Speaker, 53 years ago, in an effort to rebuild and integrate a 
war-devastated economic system throughout Europe, six nations of Europe 
came together and signed the European Coal and Steel Community treaty 
(ECSC) in Paris on April 18, 1951. Since then, the coal and steel 
community has evolved to become what we now refer to as the European 
Union. In 1953, the United States government sent its first diplomatic 
observers to the European Coal and Steel Community and one year later, 
in 1954, the High Authority of the ECSC established its first official 
presence in the United States. This resolution which we have under 
consideration today recognizes 50 years of formal relationship between 
the United States and the European Union.
  Mr. Speaker, relations with Europe have been an integral part of our 
own history. The importance of that relationship became even more clear 
as the Euro-Atlantic community entered the postwar period in 1945. 
During that period and throughout the Cold War, the United States and 
Europe developed a strong set of shared values, common interests, 
mutual political goals, and fully integrated economies. The cooperation 
which has developed between the United States and Europe has resulted 
in an effective partnership which has met the global challenges of 
building a peaceful, secure, democratic and prosperous world.
  Yet as we all know, the relationship has not always been cordial. We 
have had our differences of opinion on many issues. The relationship 
has had what some might consider ``defining moments.'' But as we have 
seen over these past 50 years, the melding of our common interests and 
the strength of our partnership has far outweighed the differences we 
have encountered.
  Last November, the U.S. Mission in Brussels, led by Ambassador 
Rockwell Schnabel, held an event to kick off the 50th anniversary of 
relations between the United States and the European Union. Secretary 
of State Colin Powell attended the ceremony and dedicated a plaque 
commemorating the anniversary. In his statement, the Secretary noted 
that the ``United States embraces the European Union as a global 
partner for peace and security and that the world's best hope for 
meeting global challenges still rests, in large part, on a deep, broad 
and lasting partnership between Europe and the United States.''
  Last week, on May 6, a similar event was held here in Washington at 
the Department of State which continued the celebration. One difference 
between the November event and this month's event is the fact that by 
virtue of the enlargement of the European Union which took place on May 
1, the celebration here in Washington was with 25 nations of Europe 
rather than 15. As we welcome those 10 new members of the European 
Union, we welcome the opportunity to develop an even stronger 
partnership with the EU and its member states.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing, H. Res. 577 recognizes the 50th anniversary 
of U.S.-EU relations. It reaffirms the importance of cooperation 
between the United States and Europe. It encourages closer 
institutional linkages in order to facilitate a more direct and 
continuous dialogue with Europe and its union. Finally, the resolution 
supports an enhanced dialogue between this institution, the Congress, 
and our colleagues in the European Parliament.
  I urge the adoption of this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution 
and I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I want to commend the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter), chair 
of the Subcommittee on Europe, for this excellent resolution. I also 
want to thank our colleagues who played a role

[[Page H2759]]

in bringing this resolution forward: the gentleman from Florida (Mr. 
Wexler), the ranking member of the subcommittee; the gentlewoman from 
Virginia (Mrs. Jo Ann Davis), chair of the Transatlantic Legislators 
Dialogue, the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Delahunt), and the 
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee).
  Mr. Speaker, May 1, 2004, was a historic day. Ten days ago, the 
European Union expanded to a total of 25 member countries with the 
addition of 10 new member states to the European Union. This was the 
largest expansion in the organization's almost half a century of 
history. Most remarkably, 8 of the 10 countries became new members of 
the European Union that were formerly members of the Soviet bloc. 
Having seen on countless occasions firsthand the trials and challenges 
these countries faced in the 50 years following the Second World War, I 
am personally delighted and encouraged at the prospects that this new 
union will give to these countries.
  The 10 new member states bring an additional 75 million citizens to 
the European Union. The population of the European Union, as we all 
know, now surpasses that of our own country. The economic output of the 
25-member European Union is very near to our own. With open and free 
borders, common economic policies and shared security objectives, the 
new European Union can and will become an even stronger economic and 
political force globally.
  Mr. Speaker, this expansion of the European Union extends the zone of 
economic and political stability and security hundreds of miles to the 
east.

                              {time}  1615

  It anchors the new member states in an economic and political union 
that is committed to democratic values and respect for civil and human 
rights and the rule of law.
  The new member countries which were formerly part of the Soviet 
sphere have had more limited experience with democratic governments and 
the free market economy. Their participation in the EU will provide new 
experience and a stronger commitment to these vital values that we 
share with the European Union.
  Mr. Speaker, while the effects of this EU expansion will be different 
for every one of the new member states, it is clear that there is 
potential benefit for the United States in this historic development. 
We in the Congress welcome this new expansion of the European Union, 
and we reaffirm our desire to continue the positive relationship that 
we have had with the European Union and its predecessor organizations 
over the last half century.
  The U.S.-European relationship is critical to stability and security 
throughout the globe. To the extent that we cooperate and work 
together, the entire world will be a safer and more prosperous place. 
But to the extent that our political and economic relations are in 
disarray, the entire world will suffer.
  Mr. Speaker, in the economic sphere I call upon the united European 
Union, and particularly the new member states as well as our own 
government, to focus our relations on working together to resolve the 
trade and economic differences that occasionally divide us. Our 
economic ties are far too important to be dominated by minor disputes.
  In the political and security sphere, it is critical that we 
cooperate in dealing with the threat of terrorism and the challenges 
that face all of our societies. I urge all member countries of the 
European Union to work with the United States to assure that our 
significant mutual interests take precedence over less important 
irritants that have strained our relations in recent times.
  Mr. Speaker, our resolution welcomes a historic change in the 
European Union. We in the United States stand to gain much from this 
change, and we should all welcome it. I urge all of my colleagues to 
support H. Res. 577.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
distinguished gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Shimkus).
  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, to the chairman and the ranking member I 
want to thank them for bringing this resolution to the floor. I have 
had a chance to speak in a Special Order and tie the EU expansion also 
to NATO expansion. And what it does is it brings a Europe whole, 
united, and free; and I think it brings great opportunity for the 
world, stability in the region, the ability for the European Union 
countries to help be more active in their backyard as they have 
committed to bolster their ability to respond based upon the Petersburg 
task but also a commitment to NATO in the Article V self-defense 
relationship that makes the transatlantic nations so important. It ties 
the North American continent to Europe in a stronger fabric that I 
think will really benefit the Nation and democratic institutions for 
years to come.
  As we know, there are constant threats to democracy and liberty 
around the world. So I think I speak for many of our colleagues who 
will get a chance to either vocally vote ``yes'' or to do it through a 
registered vote by saying wherever democracy, liberty, freedom, the 
rule of law prevail, we as a country and as a world are stronger 
because of that.
  So I, too, want to welcome the new members to the EU. I also want to 
applaud the old members for their reaching out and the invitation for 
these new members; and I want to tie that to the great self-defense 
organization that we know and have loved for so long, which is the 
North Atlantic Treaty Organization. That transatlantic link will serve 
us both well from now and into the future.
  I want to applaud the ranking member; I want to applaud the chairman. 
And I thank the chairman for yielding me this time.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, as I was listening to the distinguished gentleman from 
California, I was thinking how remarkable this must look to him in 
particular since as a boy and a young man, he grew up in a very 
different part of Europe and a different kind of system in Hungary and 
what a contribution the gentleman has made. I recall in my second or 
third term, I became, fortunately, a member of what we then called the 
U.S. House-European Parliamentary Exchange, and the gentleman was the 
chairman for all of those years in which his party was in the majority; 
and I remember the outstanding leadership and education he gave this 
Member in those years.
  And I think back to how remarkable it is for all of us, but perhaps 
especially for the gentleman, that the line drawn across Europe at 
Yalta which brought down the Iron Curtain to which Winston Churchill 
referred. It separated the countries that had been a part of a whole, 
and now gradually we have seen that curtain lifted and we have a united 
Europe.
  Just this morning I had a chance to examine a proposed welcome from 
one of our Slovak parliamentary colleagues, Josef Banas. Mr. Banas was 
preparing his welcome to our spring meeting of the NATO Parliamentary 
Assembly, which will be in their capital city, Bratislava, Slovakia, 
over the Memorial Day recess to drive his point home how much things 
have changed and how much joy is in his country as one of the 10 new 
members of the European Union, one of the seven new members of NATO.
  He talked about his mother, who has lived and is yet living in a 
small village near Bratislava. She was born in that village before 
World War I, and he was tracing how many different countries and 
different political systems she has lived under in her time, even 
though she has never moved from that village. It has been that kind of 
remarkable change in Central Europe which we have witnessed in the 
years since World War I, but especially remarkable changes since World 
War II.
  I want to thank the gentleman for his leadership all these years on 
European issues, and I want to say that I am enthusiastic about the 
current leadership, both Democrat and Republican, on what is now 
called, and I am still having a hard time with the new name, the 
Transatlantic Legislative Dialogue. And the gentlewoman from Virginia 
(Mrs. Jo Ann Davis) has a statement which will be submitted under 
General Leave. She would have liked to have been here today to 
participate in this dialogue, and I very

[[Page H2760]]

much wish the gentleman well as he continues this dialogue with 
European parliamentarians.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?
  Mr. BEREUTER. I yield to the gentleman from California.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, let me first thank him for his most generous 
observations, and let me again say how deeply we will miss his enormous 
contributions to this body as he assumes new and bigger 
responsibilities.
  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his kind 
remarks, and I know that Europe will be in good hands. That is why I am 
moving my focus to a different continent.
  Mr. LINDER. Mr. Speaker, today, the House will debate H. Res. 577, a 
resolution recognizing 50 years of relations between the United States 
and the European Union. I hope the House overwhelmingly approves this 
resolution.
  The U.S. and EU not only have shared values and an indisputable 
friendship, but also shared global responsibilities. Responsibilities 
that are grave in light of the terrorist threat facing our world today. 
The U.S. and EU must continue to work together to root out terrorism 
around the world, and seek to promote peace and stability. I am pleased 
to note that members of the EU and the U.S. are currently working 
alongside each other in both Afghanistan and Iraq to combat terrorism, 
and to ensure that these countries successfully make the transition 
toward democracy.
  In addition to our shared interest in promoting global security, the 
U.S. and the EU share economic interests. The U.S. and the EU have the 
largest bilateral trading and investment relationship in the world with 
transatlantic flows of trade and investment amounting to roughly $1 
billion a day.
  Mr. Speaker, President Bush has stated that strong ties between 
America and Europe are essential to peace and the prosperity of the 
world. I believe that both sides will remain committed to fostering the 
relationship so that together the U.S. and the EU can promote their 
common goals and interests in the world much more effectively.
  Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. 
Res. 577 noting the 50th Anniversary of formal relations between the 
United States and the European Union.
  Fifty years ago the United States government sent its first 
diplomatic representatives to what was then the European Coal and Steel 
Community because the U.S. Government was fully supportive of the 
integration of Europe's economic systems as a way to help rebuild a 
war-torn continent. One year later, in 1954, the High Representative of 
the Coal and Steel Community opened an office here in Washington.
  In November, the United States Mission in Brussels held a ceremony 
marking the beginning of the anniversary. Last week, a similar ceremony 
was held at the State Department to continue the celebration. H. Res. 
577 reminds us that over these past five decades, we and Europe have 
worked to develop a common bond based on values, shared views of the 
need to promote democracy and market reform and a commitment to 
stability and peace throughout the world. As our Europe Subcommittee 
Chairman has said, the relationship has not always been easy or 
friendly. We have had some serious disagreements. Nevertheless, it 
should be clear to this House that a strong and mature transatlantic 
relationship is critical to the long-term political, economic and 
security interests of the United States. It is also clear that one of 
the central ingredients to a successful transatlantic partnership is a 
stable, integrated and dynamic Europe.
  Recently, I traveled to Europe with a delegation of our House 
Colleagues to participate in the Transatlantic Legislators' Dialogue. 
Our meetings with our Colleagues from the European Parliament were 
frank, but cordial. It reaffirmed the need for continuous dialogue and 
understanding of how we each view those common challenges which face us 
and how we should respond. I appreciate the fact that H. Res. 577 notes 
that the TLD is an important aspect of this U.S.-EU relationship.
  Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, I want to remind my Colleagues that on 
Saturday, May 1st, we witnessed yet another historic event in the 
evolution of the European Union. On that day 10 new nations of Europe 
joined the European Union. What began just fifty-three years ago as a 
Union of 6 has now become a Union of 25. As the U.S. Chairman of the 
Transatlantic Legislators' Dialogue, I look forward to meeting and 
working with the Parliamentarians of these newest members who soon take 
their seats in the European Parliament and who will be part of the next 
fifty years of U.S.-UE relations.
  I urge adoption of this Resolution.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas, Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of 
this symbolic and commemorative resolution that speaks to our 
commitment to the establishment of continued and ever-growing ties with 
the European Union (E.U.). Especially given the dangers that plague the 
international community as a whole, it is important that we do 
everything we can to break bread with our international partners to 
form alliances against those who threaten to do our families harm.
  The European Union and the United States are the two largest 
economies in the world and jointly account for about half the entire 
world economy. The E.U. and the U.S. have also the largest bi-lateral 
trading and investment relationship. Transatlantic trade and investment 
amount to around $1 billion a day, and jointly, our global trade 
accounts for almost 40 percent of world trade. By working together, the 
U.S. and the E.U. can promote their common goals and interests in the 
world much more effectively.
  According to information gathered by the European Community's Trade 
Directorate General, the United States and the European Union have had 
the most prolific commercial relationship in the world and have been 
each other's largest trade and investment partners. In 2002, E.U. 
exports to the United States were estimated at $227.9 billion, 
representing 24.1 percent of total E.U. exports. E.U. imports from the 
United States totaled $166.1 billion, representing 17.7 percent of 
total E.U. imports.
  Investment of E.U. firms in U.S. markets has been growing 
consistently. In fact, direct investments in the U.S. amounted to $863 
billion in 2002. Together, both nations employ about 4 million 
respectively.
  In a similar trend, American investment in the E.U. totaled $700 
billion in 2002. The initiation of the Economic and Monetary Union on 
January 1, 1999 improved and facilitated American investment by 
providing a maturing Single Market.
  The relationship between the E.U. and the U.S. exists even on a 
nation-to-state level. In December 2001, the European Union Center, one 
of 15 such Centers in the entire U.S., was established at Texas A&M 
University and was supported by funding from the European Commission to 
form a Network of European Union Centers.
  The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) launched its Container 
Security Initiative (CSI) in the area of maritime security after the 
attacks of 9/11. Our main concern was the possibility of containers 
being used for terrorist attacks either against ports of the United 
States or against a participant in maritime transport. As a first step, 
the U.S. has invited about twenty mega-ports worldwide to join this 
initiative.
  As a Member of the House Select Committee on Homeland Security, I 
applaud the fact that the U.S. has signed declarations of principle 
(bi-lateral agreements) on the application of its Container Security 
Initiative (CSI) in individual ports with eight E.U. Member States--the 
Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom and 
Sweden. These bilateral agreements propose to shortly involve the 
stationing of U.S. customs officials in many of the ports that have 
significant container traffic to the United States.

  In terms of formal agreements between the E.U. and the U.S., the two 
have executed the Transatlantic Declaration, the New Transatlantic 
Agenda, and the Transatlantic Economic Partnership.
  The Transatlantic Declaration was adopted by the U.S. and the E.U. in 
1990. This document set forth principles for greater E.U.-U.S. 
cooperation and consultation in economy, education, science, and 
culture.
  In 1995, the New Transatlantic Agenda (NTA) and the E.U.-U.S. Joint 
Action Plan were adopted. The NTA and the Joint Action Plan stimulated 
partnership and cooperation under four areas: promoting peace and 
stability, democracy and development around the world; responding to 
global changes; contributing to the expansion of world trade and 
fostering closer ties; and building bridges across the Atlantic.
  The Transatlantic Economic Partnership (TEP) was executed at the 
London summit in May 1998. The TEP is an extension of the spirit and 
premise behind the NTA. It includes both multilateral and bilateral 
elements. Bilaterally the purpose is to tackle technical barriers to 
trade. The purpose of the second part is to stimulate further 
multilateral liberalization--by joining forces on international trade 
issues. An innovative aspect of the proposal is to integrate labor, 
business, environmental and consumer issues into the process. It is, 
however, too early to say what will come out of this partnership.
  Mutual commitment to ``full and equal partnership'' in economic, 
political, and security matters was the hallmark of the Bonn 
Declaration adopted by both nations at the 21 June 1999 E.U.-U.S. 
summit held in June 1999 in Bonn. The Bonn Declaration outlines how the 
E.U. and the U.S. want to shape their relationship over the next decade 
and is embedded in the NTA process.
  The record of joint efforts to strengthen the economic, social, and 
diplomatic ties between

[[Page H2761]]

the European Union and the United States demonstrates that we can do 
even better. I commend my colleague Mr. Bereuter for his efforts and 
leadership in bringing this important resolution to the Floor. It will 
help to improve our record even more through its representation of the 
voice of Congress.
  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Hayes). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter) that the House 
suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 577, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of 
those present have voted in the affirmative.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

                          ____________________