The “Jean Monnet” bill has been included in the FY2023 omnibus appropriation legislation, authorizing the creation of a commemorative memorial in honor of Jean Monnet in Rock Creek Park in Washington, D.C. In addition to his role as one of the founding fathers of the European Union, Jean Monnet also had deep ties to the United States. While he dedicated his stay in Washington to winning the support of U.S. leaders during World War II, he also found time to reflect on the future of post-war Europe during long walks near his home in Rock Creek Park. He drew inspiration from the U.S. system and took these ideas home with him to Europe, where they took root and grew into the European Coal and Steel Community, which predated the European Union.

Senator Boozman (R-AR): “Jean Monnet spent a lifetime fostering stronger relationships between France, the United States and all of Europe. His contributions helped promote peace and prosperity for our citizens, and I am pleased to have worked with my fellow French Caucus co-chairs in honoring Jean Monnet.”

Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH5): “Jean Monnet was an indispensable friend and ally to America, and he was instrumental in helping Europe recover after World War II. His contributions to the United States during the war, and beyond, are worthy of our praise and gratitude. His service deserves this lasting tribute to his legacy.”

Senator Chris Coons (D-DE): “Jean Monnet was a visionary who helped save millions of lives by shortening the Second World War and led the way in uniting the European continent to face the challenges and opportunities of the post-war era,” said Senator Coons. “I am pleased that my fellow co-chairs of the Congressional French Caucus and I were able to pass bipartisan legislation to honor Jean Monnet’s legacy of both peacebuilding and finding peace in natural spaces like Rock Creek Park.”

Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA28): “Thanks to great visionaries like Jean Monnet, 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,” said Representative Schiff. “I am thrilled our legislation to honor his legacy will be included in this year’s government funding package, and hope this small token of respect will inspire others to follow in his footsteps and celebrate the democratic values that unite us all.”

Congressman William R. Keating (D-MA-09): “Jean Monnet played a pivotal role in the Allied victory of WWII and later forged the institutional foundations for longstanding peace and prosperity in Europe. Through Monnet’s thoughtful diplomacy and leadership, he undoubtedly saved American lives during World War II, and cemented the unassailable bond between the United States and our European allies we enjoy today. With the House passage of this bipartisan legislation, I am pleased to have been a part in this effort to recognize the legacy of Jean Monnet.”

Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC): “Jean Monnet’s tireless efforts after World War II to create a lasting transatlantic cooperation between the United States and nations of Europe will forever be remembered. As Co-Chair of the Congressional French Caucus, I am grateful to join my colleagues in creating a commemorative work in our nation’s capital to honor his international peace contributions.”

Congressman Raul Grijalva (D-NM): “I’m pleased that Ambassador Monnet’s remarkable work to restore peace in European nations and to strengthen the trans-Atlantic partnership will receive its due commemoration in our nation’s capital. I want to thank Ambassador Étienne and our partners in the French embassy for helping to make this happen.”

French Ambassador to the United States, Philippe Etienne: “Jean Monnet is an everyday inspiration for us, French and Europeans. When he was sent to the U.S. by allies to persuade them to provide supplies to their European friends, Jean Monnet still found time for quiet, personal ponderings, and small moments that proved to be monumental. Just like I do, he deeply admired the synergy of American States and their dynamic interconnectivity, and dreamed of a day when Europe could find peace through a stronger alliance between its members. During the French Presidency of the Council of the EU, on the first semester of 2022, we reflected upon his actions, and celebrated the part of the EU dream that was born in Washington, D.C..

As the 117^th Congress finishes its work, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Co-Chairs of the Congressional French Caucus – Senator Chris Coons, Senator John Boozman, Congressman Bill Keating, Congressman Bob Latta, Congressman Joe Wilson, and Congressman Adam Schiff – for taking the initiative to develop and promote this legislation to honor Jean Monnet. In addition, I would like to thank the other Members of Congress, who lent their support to the bill, as well as Congressman Raul Grijalva, Chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, who helped to ensure its inclusion in the year-end omnibus appropriations bill. Un grand merci to all of them!”