[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 67 (Wednesday, April 25, 2018)]
[House]
[Pages H3509-H3513]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1037
  JOINT MEETING TO HEAR AN ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY EMMANUEL MACRON, 
                    PRESIDENT OF THE FRENCH REPUBLIC

  During the recess, the House was called to order by the Speaker at 10 
o'clock and 37 minutes a.m.
  The Assistant to the Sergeant at Arms, Ms. Kathleen Joyce, announced

[[Page H3510]]

the Vice President and Members of the U.S. Senate, who entered the Hall 
of the House of Representatives, the Vice President taking the chair at 
the right of the Speaker, and the Members of the Senate the seats 
reserved for them.
  The SPEAKER. The joint meeting will come to order.
  The Chair appoints as members of the committee on the part of the 
House to escort His Excellency Emmanuel Macron into the Chamber:
  The gentleman from California (Mr. McCarthy);
  The gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Scalise);
  The gentlewoman from Washington (Mrs. McMorris Rodgers);
  The gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Stivers);
  The gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Collins);
  The gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Smith);
  The gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. McHenry);
  The gentleman from California (Mr. Royce);
  The gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Wilson);
  The gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Latta);
  The gentlewoman from California (Ms. Pelosi);
  The gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer);
  The gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Clyburn);
  The gentleman from New York (Mr. Crowley);
  The gentlewoman from California (Ms. Sanchez);
  The gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Lewis);
  The gentleman from California (Mr. Schiff);
  The gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Keating);
  The gentleman from New York (Mr. Meeks);
  The gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Murphy); and
  The gentlewoman from Connecticut (Ms. Esty).
  The VICE PRESIDENT. The President of the Senate, at the direction of 
that body, appoints the following Senators as members of the committee 
on the part of the Senate to escort His Excellency Emmanuel Macron into 
the House Chamber:
  The Senator from Kentucky (Mr. McConnell);
  The Senator from Texas (Mr. Cornyn);
  The Senator from Missouri (Mr. Blunt);
  The Senator from Colorado (Mr. Gardner);
  The Senator from Tennessee (Mr. Corker);
  The Senator from Arkansas (Mr. Boozman);
  The Senator from Arkansas (Mr. Cotton);
  The Senator from Illinois (Mr. Durbin);
  The Senator from Washington (Mrs. Murray);
  The Senator from Vermont (Mr. Leahy);
  The Senator from Minnesota (Ms. Klobuchar);
  The Senator from Wisconsin (Ms. Baldwin);
  The Senator from New Jersey (Mr. Menendez); and
  The Senator from Delaware (Mr. Coons).
  The Assistant to the Sergeant at Arms announced the Acting Dean of 
the Diplomatic Corps, His Excellency Serge Mombouli, Ambassador of the 
Republic of the Congo.
  The Acting Dean of the Diplomatic Corps entered the Hall of the House 
of Representatives and took the seat reserved for him.
  The Assistant to the Sergeant at Arms announced the Cabinet of the 
President of the United States.
  The members of the Cabinet of the President of the United States 
entered the Hall of the House of Representatives and took the seats 
reserved for them in front of the Speaker's rostrum.
  At 10 o'clock and 47 minutes a.m., the Sergeant at Arms, the 
Honorable Paul D. Irving, announced His Excellency Emmanuel Macron, 
President of the French Republic.
  The President of the French Republic, escorted by the committee of 
Senators and Representatives, entered the Hall of the House of 
Representatives and stood at the Clerk's desk.
  (Applause, the Members rising.)
  The SPEAKER. Members of Congress, I have the high privilege and the 
distinct honor of presenting to you His Excellency Emmanuel Macron, 
President of the French Republic.
  (Applause, the Members rising.)
  President MACRON. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, honorable Members 
of the United States Congress, ladies and gentlemen, it is an honor for 
France, for the French people, and for me to be received in this 
sanctuary of democracy, where so much of the history of the United 
States has been written. We are surrounded today with images, 
portraits, and symbols, which reminds us that France has participated 
with heart in hand in the story of this great Nation from the very 
beginning.
  We have fought shoulder to shoulder in many battles, starting with 
those that gave birth to the United States of America. Since then, we 
have shared a common vision for humanity.


 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  April 25, 2018, on page H3510, the following appeared: We have 
fought shoulder to shoulder in many battles, starting with those 
who gave birth to the United States of America.
  
  The online version has been corrected to read: We have fought 
shoulder to shoulder in many battles, starting with those that 
gave birth to the United States of America.


 ========================= END NOTE ========================= 

  Our two nations are rooted in the same soil, grounded in the same 
ideals of the American and French revolutions. We have worked together 
for the universal ideals of liberty, tolerance, and equal rights; and 
yet this is also about our human, gutsy, personal bonds throughout 
history.
  In 1778, the French philosopher Voltaire and Benjamin Franklin met in 
Paris. John Adams tells the story that, after they had shaken hands, 
they embraced each other by hugging one another in their arms and 
kissing each other's cheeks. It can remind you of something.
  And this morning, I stand under the protective gaze of Lafayette 
right behind me. As a brave young man, he fought alongside George 
Washington and forged a tight relationship, fueled by respect and 
affection.
  Lafayette used to call himself ``a son of the United States,'' and in 
1792, George Washington became a son of America and France when our 
first Republic awarded citizenship to him.


 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  April 25, 2018 on page H3510, the following appeared: Lafayette 
used to call himself a son of the United States, and in 1792,
  
  The online version has been corrected to read: Lafayette used to 
call himself ``a son of the United States,'' and in 1792,


 ========================= END NOTE ========================= 

  Here we stand in your beautiful capital city, whose plans were 
conceived by a French architect, Charles L'Enfant.
  The miracle of the relationship between the United States and France 
is that we have never lost this special bond deeply rooted not only in 
our history, but also in our flesh. This is why I invited President 
Donald Trump for the first Bastille Day parade of my Presidency on the 
14th of July last year. Today, President Trump's decision to offer 
France his first state visit to Washington has a particular resonance 
because it represents the continuity of our shared history in a 
troubled world.


 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  April 25, 2018, on page H3510, the following appeared: never 
lost the special bond deeply rooted
  
  The online version has been corrected to read: never lost this 
special bond deeply rooted


 ========================= END NOTE ========================= 

  And let me thank your President and the First Lady for this wonderful 
invitation to my wife and me. I am so very grateful. And I would like, 
also, to thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for welcoming me on this 
occasion. And I would like to especially thank you, Mr. Speaker, for 
your invitation. I want you to know how much I appreciate this unique 
gesture. Thank you, sir.
  The strength of our bonds is the source of our shared ideals. This is 
what united us in the struggle against imperialism during the First 
World War, then in the fight against Nazism during the Second World 
War. This is what united us again during the era of the Stalinist 
threats, and now we lean on that strength to fight against terrorist 
groups.


 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  April 25, 2018, on page H3510, the following appeared: The 
strength of all bonds is the source of our shared ideals.
  
  The online version has been corrected to read: The strength of 
our bonds is the source of our shared ideals.


 ========================= END NOTE ========================= 

  Let us, for a moment, transport ourselves to the past. Imagine this 
is July 4, 1916. Back then, the United States had not entered World War 
I; and yet a young American poet enlisted in the ranks of our Foreign 
Legion because he loved France and he loved the cause of freedom.
  This young American would fight and die on Independence Day at 
Belloy-en-Santerre, not far from Amiens, my hometown, after having 
written these words: ``I have a rendezvous with death.'' The name of 
this young American was Alan Seeger. A statue stands in his honor in 
Paris.
  Since 1776, we, the American and French people, have had a rendezvous 
with freedom, and with it comes sacrifices. That is why we are very 
honored by the presence today of Robert Jackson Ewald, a World War II 
veteran. Robert Jackson Ewald took part in the D-day landing. He fought 
for our freedom 74 years ago.
  Sir, on behalf of France, thank you. I bow to your courage and your 
devotion.
  In recent years, our nations have suffered wrenching losses simply 
because

[[Page H3511]]

of our values and our taste for freedom, because these values are the 
very ones those terrorists precisely hate.
  Tragically, on September 11, 2001, many Americans had an unexpected 
rendezvous with death.
  Over the last 5 years, my country and Europe also experienced 
terrible terrorist attacks, and we shall never forget the innocent 
victims nor the incredible resilience of our people in the aftermath. 
It is a horrific price to pay for freedom, for democracy.
  That is why we stand together in Syria and in Sahel today, to fight 
together against these terrorist groups who seek to destroy everything 
for which we stand. We have encountered countless rendezvous with death 
because we have this constant attachment to freedom and democracy.
  As emblazoned on the flags of the French Revolutionaries, ``live free 
or die,'' ``vivre libre ou mourir.''
  Thankfully, freedom is also the source of all that is worth living 
for. Freedom is a call to think and to love. It is a call to our will. 
That is why in times of peace, France and the United States were able 
to forge unbreakable bonds from the grist of painful memories.
  The most indestructible, the most powerful, the most definitive knot 
between us is the one that ties the true purpose of our peoples to 
advance, as Abraham Lincoln said, the ``unfinished business'' of 
democracy.


 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  April 25, 2018, on page H3511, the following appeared: The most 
indestructible, the most powerful, the most definitive knot 
between us is the one that ties the true purpose of our people's 
advance, as Abraham Lincoln said, the unfinished business of 
democracy.
  
  The online version has been corrected to read: The most 
indestructible, the most powerful, the most definitive knot 
between us is the one that ties the true purpose of our peoples to 
advance, as Abraham Lincoln said, the ``unfinished business'' of 
democracy.


 ========================= END NOTE ========================= 

  Indeed, our two societies have stood up to advance human rights for 
all. They have engaged in a continual dialogue to unpack this 
``unfinished business.''


 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  April 25, 2018, on page H3511, the following appeared: Indeed, 
our two societies have stood up to advance human rights for all. 
They have engaged in a continual dialogue to impact this 
unfinished business.
  
  The online version has been corrected to read: Indeed, our two 
societies have stood up to advance human rights for all. They have 
engaged in a continual dialogue to unpack this ``unfinished 
business.''


 ========================= END NOTE ========================= 

  In this Capitol rotunda, the bust of Martin Luther King, assassinated 
50 years ago, reminds us of the inspiration of African-American 
leaders, artists, writers, who have become part of our common heritage. 
We celebrate, among them, James Baldwin and Richard Wright whom France 
hosted on our soil.


 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  April 25, 2018, on page H3511, the following appeared: We 
celebrate, among them, James Baldwin and Richard Wright in France. 
All stood on our soil.
  
  The online version has been corrected to read: We celebrate, 
among them, James Baldwin and Richard Wright whom France hosted on 
our soil.


 ========================= END NOTE ========================= 

  We have shared the history of civil rights. France's Simone de 
Beauvoir became a respected figure in the movement for gender equality 
in America in the 1970s. Women's rights have long been a fundamental 
driver for our societies on both sides of the Atlantic. This explains 
why the Me Too movement has recently had such a deep resonance in 
France.
  Democracy is made of day-to-day conversation and mutual understanding 
between citizens. It is easier and deeper when we have the ability to 
speak each other's language. The heart of Francophonie also beats here 
in the United States, from New Orleans to Seattle. I want this heart to 
beat even harder in American schools all across the country.


 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  April 25, 2018, on page H3511, the following appeared: The heart 
of Franco Fini also beats here in the United States, from New 
Orleans to Seattle.
  
  The online version has been corrected to read: The heart of 
Francophonie also beats here in the United States, from New 
Orleans to Seattle.


 ========================= END NOTE ========================= 

  Democracy relies also on the faculty of freely describing the present 
and the capacity to invent the future. This is what culture brings.


 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  April 25, 2018, on page H3511, the following appeared: Democracy 
relies also on the faculty of freely describing the present and 
the capacity to advance the future.
  
  The online version has been corrected to read: Democracy relies 
also on the faculty of freely describing the present and the 
capacity to invent the future.


 ========================= END NOTE ========================= 

  Thousands of examples come to mind when we think of the exchanges 
between our cultures across the centuries: from Thomas Jefferson, who 
was Ambassador to France and built his house in Monticello based on the 
building he loved in Paris; to Hemingway's novel, ``Movable Feast,'' 
celebrating the capital city of France; from our great 19th century 
French writer Chateaubriand bringing to the French people the dream of 
America's open spaces, forests, and mountains; to Faulkner's novels, 
crafted in the Deep South, but first read in France, where they quickly 
gained literary praise; from jazz coming from Louisiana and the blues 
from Mississippi, finding in France an enthusiastic public; to the 
American fascination for impressionists and the French modern and 
contemporary art.


 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  April 25, 2018, on page H3511, the following appeared: from 
Thomas Jefferson, who was ambassador to France and built his house 
in Monticello based on the building he loved in Paris
  
  The online version has been corrected to read: from Thomas 
Jefferson, who was Ambassador to France and built his house in 
Monticello based on the building he loved in Paris


 ========================= END NOTE ========================= 

  These exchanges are vibrant, in so many fields, from cinema to 
fashion, from design to high cuisine, from sports to visual arts.
  Medicine and scientific research as well as business and innovation 
are also a significant part of our shared journey. The United States is 
France's first scientific partner. Our economic ties create hundreds of 
thousands of jobs on both sides of the Atlantic.
  The story of France and the United States is a story of an endless 
dialogue made of common dreams, of a common struggle for dignity and 
progress. It is the best achievement of our democratic principles and 
values. This very special relationship, this is us.
  But we must remember the warning of President Theodore Roosevelt: 
``Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We 
didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought 
for, protected, handed on for them to do the same.''


 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  April 25, 2018, on page H3511, the following appeared: But we 
must remember the warning of President Theodore Roosevelt: Freedom 
is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't 
pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, 
protected, handed down for them to do the same.
  
  The online version has been corrected to read: But we must 
remember the warning of President Theodore Roosevelt: ``Freedom is 
never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't 
pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, 
protected, handed on for them to do the same.''


 ========================= END NOTE ========================= 

  This is an urgent reminder indeed, because now, going beyond our 
bilateral ties, beyond our very special relationship, Europe and the 
United States must face together the global challenges of this century.


 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  April 25, 2018, on page H3511, the following appeared: Europe 
and the United States must face together the global challenges of 
the century
  
  The online version has been corrected to read: Europe and the 
United States must face together the global challenges of this 
century


 ========================= END NOTE ========================= 

  We cannot take for granted our transatlantic history and bonds. At 
the core, our Western values themselves are at risk.


 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  April 25, 2018, on page H3511, the following appeared: We cannot 
take for granted our transatlantic history and bonds. At the core, 
our Western values and souls are at risk.
  
  The online version has been corrected to read: We cannot take 
for granted our transatlantic history and bonds. At the core, our 
Western values themselves are at risk.


 ========================= END NOTE ========================= 

  We have to succeed facing these challenges, and we cannot succeed in 
forgetting our principles and our history.
  In fact, the 21st century has brought a series of new threats and new 
challenges that our ancestors might not ever have imagined. Our 
strongest beliefs are challenged by the rise of a yet unknown new world 
order. Our societies are concerned about the future of their children.
  All of us gathered here in this noble Chamber, we elected officials, 
all share the responsibility to demonstrate that democracy remains the 
best answer to the questions and doubts that arise today.


 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  April 25, 2018, on page H3511, the following appeared: we 
elected officials, all share the responsibility to demonstrate 
that democracy remains the best answer to the questions and doubts 
that are raised today.
  
  The online version has been corrected to read: we elected 
officials, all share the responsibility to demonstrate that 
democracy remains the best answer to the questions and doubts that 
arise today.


 ========================= END NOTE ========================= 

  Even if the foundations of our progress are disrupted, we must stand 
firmly and fight to make our principles prevail, but we bear another 
responsibility inherited from our collective history.
  Today, the international community needs to step up our game and 
build the 21st century world order based on the perennial principles we 
established together after World War II. The rule of law, the 
fundamental values on which we secured peace for 70 years, are now 
questioned by urgent issues that require our joint action.
  Together with our international allies and partners we are facing 
inequalities created by globalization, threats to the planet, our 
common good, attacks on democracy through the rise of illiberalism, and 
the destabilization of our international communities by new powers and 
criminal states. All these risks aggrieve our citizens.


 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  April 25, 2018, on page H3511, the following appeared: 
globalization, threats to the planet, our common good, attacks on 
democracy through the rise of liberalism and the destabilization 
of our international communities
  
  The online version has been corrected to read: globalization, 
threats to the planet, our common good, attacks on democracy 
through the rise of illiberalism, and the destabilization of our 
international communities


 ========================= END NOTE ========================= 

  Both in the United States and in Europe, we are living in a time of 
anger and fear because of these current global threats, but these 
feelings do not build anything. You can play with fears and anger for a 
time, but they do not construct anything. Anger only freezes and 
weakens us. And as Franklin Delano Roosevelt said during his first 
inaugural speech: ``The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.''


 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  April 25, 2018, on page H3511, the following appeared: You can 
play with fears and angers for a time, but they do not construct 
anything. Anger only freezes and weakens us. And as Franklin 
Delano Roosevelt said during his first inaugural speech: The only 
thing we have to fear is fear itself.
  
  The online version has been corrected to read: You can play with 
fears and anger for a time, but they do not construct anything. 
Anger only freezes and weakens us. And as Franklin Delano 
Roosevelt said during his first inaugural speech: ``The only thing 
we have to fear is fear itself.''


 ========================= END NOTE ========================= 

  Therefore, let me say we have two possible ways ahead. We can choose 
isolationism, withdrawal, and nationalism; this is an option. It can be 
tempting to us as a temporary remedy to our fears. But closing the door 
to the world will not stop the evolution of the world. It will not 
douse but inflame the fears of our citizens.
  We have to keep our eyes wide open to the new risks right in front of 
us. I am convinced that, if we decide to open our eyes wider, we will 
be stronger. We will overcome the dangers. We will not let the 
rampaging work of extreme nationalism shake a world full of hopes for 
greater prosperity.
  It is a critical moment. If we do not act with urgency as a global 
community, I am convinced that the international institutions, 
including the United Nations and NATO, will no longer be able to 
exercise a mandate and stabilizing influence. We would then inevitably 
and severely undermine the liberal order we built after World War II.
  Other powers, with a stronger strategy and ambition, will then fill 
the void we would leave empty. Other powers will not hesitate one 
second to advocate their own model to shape the 21st century world 
order.


 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  April 25, 2018, on page H3511, the following appeared: Other 
powers, with a stronger strategy and ambition, will then fill the 
void we will leave empty.
  
  The online version has been corrected to read: Other powers, 
with a stronger strategy and ambition, will then fill the void we 
would leave empty.


 ========================= END NOTE ========================= 

  Personally, if you ask me, I do not share the fascination for new, 
strong powers, the abandonment of freedom, and the illusion of 
nationalism.
  Therefore, distinguished Members of the Congress, let us push them 
aside, write our own history, and birth the future we want. We have to 
shape our common answers to the global threats that we are facing.
  The only option then is to strengthen our cooperation. We can build 
the 21st century world order based on a new breed of multilateralism, 
based on a more effective, accountable, and results-oriented 
multilateralism, a

[[Page H3512]]

strong multilateralism. This requires, more than ever, the United 
States' involvement, as your role was decisive for creating and 
safeguarding today's free world.
  The United States is the one who invented this multilateralism. You 
are the one now who has to help preserve and reinvent it. This strong 
multilateralism will not outshine our national cultures and national 
identities. It is exactly the other way around. A strong 
multilateralism will allow our cultures and identities to be respected, 
to be protected, and to flourish freely together. Why? Because 
precisely our own culture is based, on both sides of the Atlantic, on 
this unique taste for freedom, on this unique attachment for liberty 
and peace. This strong multilateralism is a unique option compatible 
with our nations, our cultures, our identities.


 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  April 25, 2018, on page H3512, the following appeared: Because 
precisely our own cultures are based, on both sides of the 
Atlantic,
  
  The online version has been corrected to read: Because precisely 
our own culture is based, on both sides of the Atlantic,


 ========================= END NOTE ========================= 

  With the U.S. President, with the support of every 535 Member of this 
Joint Session, representing the whole American Nation, we can actively 
contribute together to building the 21st century world order for our 
people.
  The United States and Europe have a historical role in this respect 
because it is the only way to defend what we believe in; to promote our 
universal values; to express strongly that human rights, the rights of 
minorities, and shared liberty are the true answer to the disorders of 
the world.
  I believe in these rights and values. I believe that, against 
ignorance, we have education. Against inequalities, development. 
Against cynicism, trust and good faith. Against fanaticism, culture. 
Against disease and epidemics, medicine. Against the threats on the 
planet, science.
  I believe in concrete action. I believe the solutions are in our 
hands. I believe in the liberation of the individual and in the freedom 
and responsibility of everyone to build their own lives and pursue 
happiness. I believe in the power of intelligently regulated market 
economies.
  We are experiencing the positive impact of our current economic 
globalization with innovation, with job creation. We see, however, the 
abuses of globalized capitalism and digital disruptions which 
jeopardize the stability of our economies and democracies. I believe 
facing these challenges requires the opposite of massive deregulation 
and extreme nationalism.


 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  April 25, 2018, on page H3512, the following appeared: We are 
experiencing the positive impact of our current economic 
globalization with innovations, with job creations.
  
  The online version has been corrected to read: We are 
experiencing the positive impact of our current economic 
globalization with innovation, with job creation.


 ========================= END NOTE ========================= 

  Commercial war is not the proper answer to this evolution. We need a 
free and fair trade for sure. A commercial war opposing allies is not 
consistent with our mission, with our history, with our current 
commitments for global security. At the end of the day, it will destroy 
jobs, increase prices, and the middle class will have to pay for it.
  I believe we can build the right answers to legitimate concerns 
regarding trade imbalances, excesses, and overcapacities by negotiating 
through the World Trade Organization and building cooperative 
solutions.
  We wrote these rules; we should follow them.
  I believe we can address our citizens' concerns regarding privacy and 
personal data.
  The recent Facebook hearings highlighted the necessity to preserve 
our citizens' digital rights all over the world and protect the 
confidence in today's digital tools of life.
  The European Union passed a new regulation for data protection. I 
believe the United States and the European Union should cooperate to 
find the right balance between innovation and ethics and harness the 
best of today's revolutions in digital data and artificial 
intelligence.
  I believe facing inequalities should push us to improve policy 
coordination within the G20 to reduce financial speculation and create 
mechanisms to protect the middle class' interest because our middle 
classes are the backbone of our democracies.


 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  April 25, 2018, on page H3512, the following appeared: I believe 
facing inequalities should push us to improve policy coordination 
within the G20 to reduce financial speculation and create 
mechanisms to protect the middle class' interests because our 
middle classes are the backbone of our democracies.
  
  The online version has been corrected to read: I believe facing 
inequalities should push us to improve policy coordination within 
the G20 to reduce financial speculation and create mechanisms to 
protect the middle class' interest because our middle classes are 
the backbone of our democracies.


 ========================= END NOTE ========================= 

  I believe in building a better future for our children, which 
requires offering them a planet that is still habitable in 25 years.
  Some people think that securing current industries and their jobs is 
more urgent than transforming our economies to meet the global 
challenge of climate change. I hear these concerns, but we must find a 
smooth transition to a low-carbon economy.


 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  April 25, 2018, on page H3512, the following appeared: Some 
people think that securing current industries and their jobs are 
more urgent than transforming our economies
  
  The online version has been corrected to read: Some people think 
that securing current industries and their jobs is more urgent 
than transforming our economies


 ========================= END NOTE ========================= 

  Because what is the meaning of our life, really, if we work and live 
destroying the planet while sacrificing the future of our children?
  What is the meaning of our life if our decision, our conscious 
decision, is to reduce the opportunities for our children and our 
grandchildren?


 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  April 25, 2018, on page H3512, the following appeared: What is 
the meaning of our life if our concerted decision is to reduce the 
opportunities for our children and our grandchildren?
  
  The online version has been corrected to read: What is the 
meaning of our life if our decision, our conscious decision, is to 
reduce the opportunities for our children and our grandchildren?


 ========================= END NOTE ========================= 

  By polluting the oceans, not mitigating CO2 emissions, and 
destroying our biodiversity, we are killing our planet.
  Let us face it: There is no planet B.
  On this issue, it may happen we have disagreements between the United 
States and France. It may happen, like in all families. But that is, 
for me, a short-term disagreement.
  In the long run, we will have to face the same realities, and we are 
just citizens of the same planet. So we will have to face it.
  So beyond some short-term disagreements, we have to work together 
with business leaders and local communities. Let us work together in 
order to make our planet great again and create new jobs and new 
opportunities while safeguarding our Earth.
  And I am sure one day the United States will come back and join the 
Paris Agreement. And I am sure we can work together to fulfill with you 
the ambitions of the global compact on the environment.
  Ladies and gentlemen, I believe in democracy. Many of our forebearers 
were slain for the cause of freedom and human rights. With the great 
inheritance they gave us comes the responsibility to continue their 
mission in this new century and to preserve the perennial values handed 
to us and assure that today's unprecedented innovations in science and 
technology remain in the service of liberty and in the preservation of 
our planet for the next generations.


 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  April 25, 2018, on page H3512, the following appeared: and 
ensure that today's unprecedented innovations in science and 
technology remain in the service of liberty
  
  The online version has been corrected to read: and assure that 
today's unprecedented innovations in science and technology remain 
in the service of liberty


 ========================= END NOTE ========================= 

  To protect our democracies, we have to fight against the ever-growing 
virus of fake news, which exposes our people to irrational fear and 
imaginary risks.
  And let me attribute the fair copyright for this expression ``fake 
news,'' especially here.
  Without reason, without truth, there is no real democracy because 
democracy is about true choices and rational decisions.
  The corruption of information is an attempt to corrode the very 
spirit of our democracies.
  We also have to fight against the terrorist propaganda that spreads 
out its fanaticism on the internet.
  It has a gripping influence on some of our citizens and children. I 
want this fight to be part of our bilateral commitment, and we 
discussed with your President the importance of such an agenda.
  I want this fight to be part of the G7 agenda because, here again, it 
deeply harms our rights and shared values.


 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  April 25, 2018, on page H3512, the following appeared: I want 
this fight to be part of a G-7 agenda
  
  The online version has been corrected to read: I want this fight 
to be part of the G7 agenda


 ========================= END NOTE ========================= 

  The terrorist threat is even more dangerous when it is combined with 
the nuclear proliferation threat. We must, therefore, be stricter than 
ever with countries seeking to acquire the nuclear bomb.
  That is why France supports fully the United States in its efforts to 
bring P'yongyang through sanctions and negotiations towards 
denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
  As for Iran, our objective is clear. Iran shall never possess any 
nuclear weapons. Not now, not in 5 years, not in 10 years. Never.
  But this policy should never lead us to war in the Middle East. We 
must ensure stability and respect sovereignty of the nations, including 
that one of Iran, which represents a great civilization.
  Let us not replicate past mistakes in the region. Let us not be naive 
on one side. Let us not create new walls ourselves on the other side.


 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  April 25, 2018, on page H3512, the following appeared: Let us 
not replicate past mistakes in the region. Let us not be naive on 
what side. Let us not create new wars ourselveson the other side.
  
  The online version has been corrected to read: Let us not 
replicate past mistakes in the region. Let us not be naive on one 
side. Let us not create new walls ourselves on the other side.


 ========================= END NOTE ========================= 

  There is an existing framework called the JCPOA to control the 
nuclear activity of Iran. We signed it at the initiative of the United 
States. We signed it, both the United States and France. That is why we 
cannot say we should get rid of it like that.
  But it is true to say that this agreement may not address all 
concerns, and very important concerns. This is true. But we should not 
abandon it without having something substantial, and more substantial, 
instead. That is my position.


 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  April 25, 2018, on page H3512, the following appeared: It is 
true to say that this agreement may not address all concerns, and 
very important concerns.
  
  The online version has been corrected to read: But it is true to 
say that this agreement may not address all concerns, and very 
important concerns.


 ========================= END NOTE ========================= 

  That is why France will not leave the JCPOA, because we signed it. 
Your President and your country will have to take, in the current days 
and weeks, its own responsibilities regarding this issue. That is what 
I want to do. And once we decide it together, with your

[[Page H3513]]

President, we can work on a more comprehensive deal addressing all of 
his concerns.
  That is why we have to work on this more comprehensive deal based, as 
was discussed with President Trump yesterday, on four pillars: the 
substance of the existing agreement, especially if you decide to leave 
it; the post-2025 period, in order to be sure that we will never have 
any nuclear activity for Iran; the containment of the military 
influence of the Iranian regime in the region; and the monitoring of 
ballistic activity.
  I think these four pillars, the ones I addressed in front of the 
General Assembly of the United Nations last September, are the ones 
which cover the legitimate fears of the United States and our allies in 
the region.
  I think we have to start working now on these four pillars to build 
this new, comprehensive deal and to be sure that, whatever the decision 
of the United States will be, we will not leave the floor to the 
absence of rules. We will not leave the floor to these conflicts of 
power in the Middle East. We will not fuel ourselves in increasing 
tensions and potential war.


 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  April 25, 2018, on page H3513, the following appeared: I think 
we have to start working now on these four pillars to build this 
new, comprehensive deal and to be sure that, whatever the decision 
of the United States will be, we will not leave the floor to the 
absence of rule. We will not leave the floor to this conflict of 
powers in the Middle East. We will not fuel ourselves in 
increasing tensions and potential war.
  
  The online version has been corrected to read: I think we have 
to start working now on these four pillars to build this new, 
comprehensive deal and to be sure that, whatever the decision of 
the United States will be, we will not leave the floor to the 
absence of rules. We will not leave the floor to these conflicts 
of power in the Middle East. We will not fuel ourselves in 
increasing tensions and potential war.


 ========================= END NOTE ========================= 

  That is my position, and I think we can work together to build this 
comprehensive deal for the whole region for our people, because I think 
it fairly addresses our concerns. That is my position.
  And this containment I mentioned in one of the pillars is necessary 
in Yemen, in Lebanon, in Iraq, and also in Syria. Building a 
sustainable peace in a united and inclusive Syria requires, indeed, 
that all powers in the region respect the sovereignty of its people and 
the diversity of its communities.
  In Syria, we work very closely together. After prohibited weapons 
were used against the population by the regime of Bashar al-Assad 2 
weeks ago, the United States and France, together with the United 
Kingdom, acted to destroy chemical facilities and to restore the 
credibility of the international community. This action was one of the 
best evidences of this strong multilateralism.


 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  April 25, 2018, on page H3513, the following appeared: This 
action was one of the best evidences of the strong military 
liaison.
  
  The online version has been corrected to read: This action was 
one of the best evidences of this strong multilateralism.


 ========================= END NOTE ========================= 

  And I want to pay a special tribute to our soldiers, because they did 
a very great job in this region and on this occasion.
  Beyond this action, we will, together, work for humanitarian 
solutions in the short-term on the ground, and contribute actively to a 
lasting political solution to put an end to this tragic conflict.
  I think one of the very important decisions we took together with 
President Trump was precisely to include Syria in this large framework 
for the overall region and to decide to work together on a political 
deal for Syria and for the Syrian people, even after our war against 
ISIS.
  In the Sahel, where terrorist networks span a footprint as large as 
Europe, French and American soldiers are confronting the same enemy and 
risking their lives together.
  Here, I would like to pay special tribute to the American soldiers 
who fell this past fall in the region and to their French comrades who 
lost their lives earlier this year in Mali. Better than anyone, I think 
our troops know what the alliance and friendship between our countries 
mean.
  I believe facing all these challenges, all these fears, all this 
anger, our duty, our destiny is to work together and to build this new 
strong multilateralism.


 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  April 25, 2018, on page H3513, the following appeared: I believe 
facing all these challenges, all these fears, all of this anger, 
our duty, our destiny is to work together and to build this new 
strong military liaison.
  
  The online version has been corrected to read: I believe facing 
all these challenges, all these fears, all this anger, our duty, 
our destiny is to work together and to build this new strong 
multilateralism.


 ========================= END NOTE ========================= 

  Distinguished Members of Congress, ladies and gentlemen, on April 25, 
1960, General de Gaulle affirmed in this Chamber that nothing was as 
important to France as ``the reason, the resolution, the friendship of 
the great people of the United States.'' Fifty-eight years later, to 
this very day, I come here to convey the warmest feelings of the French 
nation and to tell you that our people cherish the friendship of the 
American people with as much intensity as ever.


 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  April 25, 2018, on page H3513, the following appeared: 
Distinguished Members of Congress, ladies and gentlemen, on April 
25, 1960, General de Gaulle affirmed in this Chamber that nothing 
was as important to France as the reason, the resolution, the 
friendship of the great people of the United States.
  
  The online version has been corrected to read: Distinguished 
Members of Congress, ladies and gentlemen, on April 25, 1960, 
General de Gaulle affirmed in this Chamber that nothing was as 
important to France as ``the reason, the resolution, the 
friendship of the great people of the United States.''


 ========================= END NOTE ========================= 

  The United States and the American people are an essential part of 
our confidence in the future, in democracy, in what women and men can 
accomplish in this world when we are driven by high ideals and an 
unbreakable trust in humanity and progress.


 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  April 25, 2018, on page H3513, the following appeared: The 
United States and the American people are an essential part of our 
confidence in future, in democracy, in what women and men can 
accomplish
  
  The online version has been corrected to read: The United States 
and the American people are an essential part of our confidence in 
the future, in democracy, in what women and men can accomplish


 ========================= END NOTE ========================= 

  Today, the call we hear is the call of history. This is a time of 
determination and courage. What we cherish is at stake. What we love is 
in danger. We have no choice but to prevail; and together, we shall 
prevail.
  ``Long live the friendship between France and the United States of 
America,'' ``vive les Etats-Unis d'Amerique.''
  ``Long live the Republic,'' ``vive la Republique.'' ``Long live 
France,'' ``vive la France.'' ``Long live our friendship,'' ``vive 
notre amitie.''
  ``Thank you,'' ``merci.''
  (Applause, the Members rising.)
  At 11 o'clock and 52 minutes a.m., His Excellency Emmanuel Macron, 
President of the French Republic, accompanied by the committee of 
escort, retired from the Hall of the House of Representatives.
  The Assistant to the Sergeant at Arms escorted the invited guests 
from the Chamber in the following order:
  The members of the President's Cabinet;
  The Acting Dean of the Diplomatic Corps.

                          ____________________