Authorization to Establish Commemorative Work

Floor Speech

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Mr. OBERNOLTE. 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.

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