[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6637]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING AMBASSADOR PETER AMMON

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 30, 2014

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Peter Ammon as 
he leaves his post as Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to 
the United States. His hard work and dedication to strengthening the 
economic and cultural relationship between Germany and the United 
States must be commended.
  In his role as Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Ammon 
strengthened the strong ties that bind Germany and the United States. 
Within the U.S., he visited 45 states and met with ordinary Americans, 
Governors, State Legislators, Members of Congress, and local elected 
officials. He also helped establish the German residence as an icon of 
German culture by featuring art crafted by U.S. and German artists on a 
rotating basis. The National Day parties hosted at the residence drew 
more than 3,500 guests, who enjoyed German art and food.
  Dr. Ammon has championed the Transatlantic Trade and Investment 
Partnership both as German Ambassador and for nearly 20 years prior 
because he knows this groundbreaking trade agreement will create jobs 
and growth on both sides of the Atlantic. Dr. Ammon leaves his post in 
Washington with the United States and Europe taking great strides 
toward finishing these tough, but necessary negotiations.
  Dr. Ammon has served as German Ambassador to the United States since 
2011. Previously, he served as Ambassador to Paris, France, and various 
other roles in the German government, including Director General for 
Economics at the German Foreign Office from 2001 to 2007 and Head of 
Policy Planning from 1996 to 1999. Prior to his service in these roles, 
Dr. Ammon served as a career diplomat in London, Senegal, and New 
Dehli.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing my good 
friend Dr. Peter Ammon for his great service and commitment to the 
special relationship between Germany and the United States. We thank 
Dr. Ammon for his leadership and send him our very best wishes for his 
next post in the United Kingdom.

                          ____________________