To authorize the Government of France to establish a commemorative work in the District of Columbia and its environs to honor the extraordinary contributions of Jean Monnet to restoring peace between European nations and establishing the European Union, and for other purposes.

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.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6611) to authorize the Embassy of France in Washington, DC, to establish a commemorative work in the District of Columbia and its environs to honor the extraordinary contributions of Jean Monnet to restoring peace between European nations and establishing the European Union, and for other purposes, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 6611, introduced by my colleague, Representative Keating.

This bill authorizes the French Embassy to establish a commemorative bench in Washington, D.C.'s Rock Creek Park to honor the historic contributions of Jean Monnet.

Jean Monnet was a French diplomat and entrepreneur known as a founding father of the European Union.

Monnet served as a key diplomat during World War II, coming to Washington on France's behalf to meet with President Roosevelt to negotiate a massive aircraft purchase at the start of the war.

Later in the war, after Nazi Germany invaded France, Monnet negotiated with American authorities to deliver much-needed supplies to the British front lines. Monnet's efforts helped save millions of lives and led the way in uniting Europe in the postwar era.

Monnet himself said that walks through Rock Creek Park helped him think and develop plans to achieve peace and unity in Europe. I can think of no better way to honor his legacy than this legislation.

I thank my colleague, Representative Keating, for introducing this important bill and championing the legislation.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes,'' and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, as a cosponsor of H.R. 6611 and U.S. Chair of the Transatlantic Legislators' Dialogue (TLD), I urge swift passage of this legislation. H.R. 6611, introduced by Representative Bill Keating earlier this year, would authorize the establishment of a commemorative work in Washington, D.C. to honor the contributions of French Diplomat Jean Monnet. I thank Congressman Keating for leading this legislation.

Jean Monnet was a distinguished French diplomat whose efforts in the immediate post-World War II era were instrumental in the establishment of the European Coal and Steel Community, which was a precursor to what eventually became the European Union (EU). Monnet is widely considered a ``founding father'' of the EU. His vision argued that a unified and economically integrated Europe would lead to long-term peace and stability on the continent.

Monnet was a strong ally and partner of the United States. He spent time in Washington, D.C. during World War II and was a strong advocate for U.S. military assistance to the Allied countries. During his time in Washington, Monnet lived near Rock Creek Park and frequently took long walks in what he referred to as ``my park.'' Monnet claimed that it was on these walks that he thought out and developed plans to achieve lasting peace through a unified Europe.

With this in mind, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, that would authorize a fitting tribute to Jean Monnet, a critical figure in European history and our Transatlantic Relationship.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6611, which would authorize the Embassy of France in Washington, D.C., to establish a commemorative bench honoring the extraordinary contributions of Jean Monnet to restoring peace between European nations and establishing the European Union.

Jean Monnet, known as the ``Father of Europe,'' was a French diplomat and political economist who was instrumental behind the scenes in negotiating an early end to the Second World War, fortifying American and French relations, and politically and economically integrating Europe in the post-war era. Thanks to his innovation and vision, the United States and the European Union continue to share an enduring commitment to defending peace and liberty around the world and to standing together in the face of great challenges.

Throughout his many years of diplomatic service, Jean Monnet was a frequent visitor to Washington, D.C.--and like many of us, he felt a special connection to the natural beauty of Rock Creek Park. My hope is that this small token of respect in the place he loved will inspire others to follow in his footsteps and celebrate the democratic values that unite us all.

I ask all members to join me in supporting H.R. 6611, and in paying tribute to one of the great peacemakers of the 20th century.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, H.R. 6611 would allow the Government of France to establish a bench near the French Embassy in Washington, D.C., as a commemorative work honoring the life and the legacy of Jean Monnet.

Jean Monnet was a French diplomat who advocated for European unity and peace following both World War I and World War II. After World War II, Jean Monnet proposed the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community to pool coal and steel production to increase living standards across Europe and make war materially impossible.

The actions of Jean Monnet are poignant and valuable lessons today as Europe and the rest of the world seek to counter the unhinged and unwarranted aggression of Vladimir Putin against the sovereign nation of Ukraine.

In the future, it is my hope that we can work together to unleash American energy production to support not only the needs of Americans but also the needs of our allies abroad. Ensuring the United States' and our allies' energy independence will be vital for national security and peace across Europe.

Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.