[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 43 (Tuesday, March 13, 2007)]
[House]
[Pages H2453-H2455]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TREATY OF ROME
Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the
resolution (H. Res. 230) recognizing the 50th Anniversary of the Treaty
of Rome signed on March 25, 1957, which was a key step in creating the
European Union, and reaffirming the close
[[Page H2454]]
and mutually beneficial relationship between the United States and
Europe.
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Res. 230
Whereas, after a half century marked by two world wars and
at a time when Europe was divided and some nations were
deprived of freedom, and as the continent faced the urgent
need for economic and political recovery, major European
statesmen such as Robert Schuman, Jean Monnet, Paul-Henri
Spaak, Konrad Adenauer, Alcide de Gasperi, Sir Winston
Churchill, and others joined together to lay the foundations
of an ever closer union among their peoples;
Whereas on March 25, 1957, the Federal Republic of Germany,
France, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg
signed the Treaty of Rome to establish a customs union, to
create a framework to promote the free movement of people,
services, and capital among the member states, to support
agricultural growth, and to create a common transport policy,
which gave new impetus to the pledge of unity in the European
Coal and Steel Agreement of 1951;
Whereas to fulfill its purpose, the European Union has
created a unique set of institutions: the directly-elected
European Parliament, the Council consisting of
representatives of the Member States, the Commission acting
in the general interest of the Community, and the Court of
Justice to enforce the rule of law;
Whereas on February 7, 1992, the leaders of the then 12
members of the European Community signed the Treaty of
Maastricht establishing a common European currency, the Euro,
to be overseen by a common financial institution, the
European Central Bank, for the purpose of a freer movement of
capital and common European economic policies;
Whereas the European Union was expanded with the addition
of the United Kingdom, Denmark, and Ireland in 1973, Greece
in 1981, Spain and Portugal in 1986, a unified Germany in
1990, Austria, Finland, and Sweden in 1995, Cyprus, the Czech
Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland,
Slovakia, and Slovenia in 2004, and Bulgaria and Romania in
2007, making the European Union a body of 27 countries with a
population of over 450 million people;
Whereas the European Union has developed policies in the
economic, security, diplomatic, and political areas: it has
established a single market with broad common policies to
organize that market and ensure prosperity and cohesion; it
has built an economic and monetary union, including the Euro
currency; and it has built an area of freedom, security, and
justice, extending stability to its neighbors;
Whereas following the end of the Cold War and the
disintegration of the Soviet Union, the European Union has
played a critical role in the former Central European
communist states in promoting free markets, democratic
institutions and values, respect for human rights, and the
resolve to fight against tyranny and for common national
security objectives;
Whereas for the past 50 years the United States and the
European Union have shared a unique partnership, mindful of
their common heritage, shared values and mutual interests,
have worked together to strengthen transatlantic security, to
preserve and promote peace and freedom, to develop free and
prosperous economies, and to advance human rights; and
Whereas the United States has supported the European
integration process and has consistently supported the
objective of European unity and the enlargement of the
European Union as desirable developments which promote
prosperity, peace, and democracy, and which contribute to the
strengthening of the vital relationship between the United
States and the nations of Europe: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) recognizes the historic significance of the Treaty of
Rome on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of its signing;
(2) commends the European Union and the member nations of
the European Union for the positive role which the
institution has played in the growth, development, and
prosperity of contemporary Europe;
(3) recognizes the important role played by the European
Union in fostering the independence, democracy, and economic
development of the former Central European communist states
following the end of the Cold War;
(4) acknowledges the vital role of the European Union in
the development of the close and mutually beneficial
relationship that exists between the United States and
Europe;
(5) affirms that in order to strengthen the transatlantic
partnership there must be a renewed commitment to regular and
intensive consultations between the United States and the
European Union; and
(6) joins with the European Parliament in agreeing to
strengthen the transatlantic partnership by enhancing the
dialogue and collaboration between the United States Congress
and the European Parliament.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Florida (Mr. Wexler) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe) each will
control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Florida.
General Leave
Mr. WEXLER. 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 Florida?
There was no objection.
Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 230, and
yield myself as much time as I may consume.
I first want to thank Chairman Lantos for introducing this resolution
with me. If there is anyone in Congress who fully understands the
significance of this moment, it is Congressman Lantos, who has been an
unwavering supporter of the transatlantic alliance and the creation of
the European Union.
In addition, I want to thank the ranking member of the Europe
Subcommittee, Mr. Gallegly, for his efforts in bringing this resolution
to the floor.
Mr. Speaker, on March 25, 1957, in an attempt to recover from
destruction caused by two devastating world wars, six European nations,
France, Italy, Belgium, The Netherlands, the Federal Republic of
Germany, and Luxembourg, joined together in common interest to form the
foundations of a new economic and political community. The resulting
Treaty of Rome laid the framework to promote an ever closer union among
the peoples of Europe.
At that time, the Treaty of Rome provided for the establishment of a
common market, a customs union and common policies, expanding on the
unity already established in the European Coal and Steel Community. The
founding members, keen on ensuring the past was not to be repeated,
were particularly interested in the idea of creating a community of
peace and stability through economic ties.
The success of the European Economic Community inspired other
countries to apply for membership, making it the first concrete step
toward the creation of the European Union. The Treaty of Rome
established the basic institutions and decision-making mechanisms still
in place today. The European Union, now comprised of 27 countries and
over 450 million people, is a unique and a historic example of nation-
states transcending their former divisions, deciding to come together
for the sake of freedom, peace and prosperity, and resolving their
differences in the interest of the common good and rule of law.
The success of the EU over the past 50 years has also benefited
greatly the United States. Today, the United States and Europe enjoy a
mutually beneficial relationship that has a long and established
history.
As the world's most important alliance, the U.S. and the EU are
intimately intertwined, cooperating on regional conflicts,
collaborating to address global challenges, and sharing strong trade
and investment relations.
It is clear that the strongest possible relationship between the
United States and Europe is a prerequisite for addressing the
challenges of the 21st century. The U.S. and EU are working closely to
promote reform and peace in the Middle East, rebuild and enhance
security in Afghanistan, support the goals of democratization and
prosperity in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, Balkans and Central Asia,
prevent genocide in Darfur and end the violence and terrorism in
Lebanon.
The anniversary of the Rome Treaty is a reminder of the importance of
the transatlantic alliance in an increasingly difficult global
environment. However, the 50-year EU experiment is an example of the
enduring possibilities of democratic transformation and a brighter
future for millions.
It is my hope that the EU will continue to keep its doors open and
remain a beacon of hope to the citizens of Europe who aspire to obtain
the peace and prosperity that have blossomed over the past 50 years.
Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to join me in recognizing the
50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, and strongly urge the passage
of H. Res. 230.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume.
When Americans visit Europe today, it is hard to see how very damaged
the
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countries of that continent were when they emerged from the destruction
of the Second World War. American assistance played a very important
role in rebuilding Western Europe in the 1940s and the 1950s, and
American arms played a crucial role in protecting the democracies of
Europe from the advance of Soviet communism during the Cold War.
Ultimately, however, Europeans needed to do more on their own to
build upon a foundation that the United States had first provided. The
1957 Treaty of Rome, signed by France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, The
Netherlands, and Luxembourg was one of the first steps that Western
Europe took to put the causes and the legacy of the Second World War
behind them.
The treaty established a free-trade region known as the European
Economic Community, the cornerstone of what we today know as the
European Union.
{time} 1330
A post-World War II economically ravaged Europe reasoned that if
nations are linked economically, in this case by recalling the role
that economic decline and hindered trade among nations had played in
the years leading up to World War II, the creators of that free trade
zone saw that the freedom of movement of goods, services, capital, and
people might well prove to be a great deterrent to conflict between the
states of Europe, large and small.
Over the subsequent decades through the entry of new members and
expansions both geographically across Europe and functionally across
issues, the European Community grew beyond the original core membership
of the 1950s and assumed responsibilities going well beyond trade.
Today, the European Union indeed counts among its member states
countries that once were under Soviet domination. It has worked to
transfer more powers from its individual member states to the overall
organization centered on the road to creating a more unified European
foreign and security policy and making the European Union an
organization that the United States increasingly looks to for
leadership on transatlantic issues, joining the NATO alliances that
continue to bind us together in that common cause.
While the European Community continues to provide a framework within
which to conduct international trade, such as multilateral trade
negotiations with the United States, it has also advanced the cause of
liberty, free markets, democratic institutions, and respect for human
rights throughout the European continent. The Treaty of Rome was an
important step in building on the foundation that the United States
helped create after World War II for Europe.
Today, we look to a strong Europe as seen in the expanded NATO and
expanded and strengthened European Union as a foundation on which we
can work together to address new and ever growing challenges.
Therefore, with enthusiasm, Mr. Speaker, it is that this House should
commemorate the 50th anniversary of the signing of this Treaty of Rome.
Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join with my
colleagues in supporting H. Res. 230, a resolution recognizing the 50th
anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, which was signed on March 25, 1957.
The Treaty of Rome established a customs union--formally known as the
European Economic Community--among six countries: Belgium, France,
Italy, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, and the Federal Republic of Germany.
Today, that customs union is known as the European Union, and now
includes 27 countries spanning the length and breadth of Europe. Most
importantly, it has grown into an institution that inspires countries
to be their better selves.
If one travels to Europe today, it may be hard to remember that, 50
years ago, the continent was still recovering from the second of the
two world wars it had unleashed in less than half a century. It may be
hard today to recall or imagine the magnitude of devastation that still
scarred farmland and cities alike. It may be difficult to conceive of
the bitterness, anger and thirst for revenge that bled across the
continent like the blood of those fallen in war. The fact that Germany,
a country that had unleashed a war of aggression against its neighbors
just a few years before, was included in this new ``community'' was
really nothing short of a minor miracle.
Moreover, fifty years ago, Europe was still riven in two--no longer
by a shooting war, but by a cold war. While a small group of nations
was beginning the slow process of rebuilding their own countries and
forging transnational relations based on cooperation, mutual trust, and
mutual benefit, another part of the continent had fallen under the boot
of communist dictatorship, where the Soviet Union exploited its
neighbors, striping them of wealth, prosperity, and opportunity for
generations. Just one year before the Treaty of Rome was signed, the
Soviet Union underscored its opposition to any independent foreign or
economic policy on the part of East European countries--a message
unequivocally sent by its invasion of Hungary.
As the years passed, and the success of the European Economic
Communities became ever more apparent, it is no surprise that more
countries joined this union. Membership in Council of Europe, the
European Union's sister organization and home of the European Court of
Human Rights, helped pave the way for membership in the EU. Meanwhile,
the NATO alliance created a zone of military security where the post-
war citizens of Western Europe could build a zone of financial
security.
Since the fall of communism, there is no doubt that the aspiration of
joining the European Union, much like the goal of joining the NATO
alliance, has helped focus the attention of many countries on
overcoming their past differences for a larger, common good that also
brings substantial benefits to their own citizens. Today, I commemorate
the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Rome, and the new
vision it held for the European continent, one that has helped spread
peace and prosperity to nearly 500 million people.
Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Wexler) that the House suspend the rules
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 230.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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