[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 195 (Thursday, December 15, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1304]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             AUTHORIZATION TO ESTABLISH COMMEMORATIVE WORK

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 12, 2022

  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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