Authorization to Establish Commemorative Work

Floor Speech

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Mr. GRIJALVA. 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.

The Clerk read the title of the bill.

The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 6611

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. AUTHORIZATION TO ESTABLISH COMMEMORATIVE WORK.

(a) Definitions.--In this section:

(1) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the Interior.

(2) Sponsor.--The term ``Sponsor'' means the Government of France.

(b) Authorization.--

(1) In general.--The Sponsor may establish a commemorative work on Federal land in the District of Columbia and its environs to honor the extraordinary contributions of Jean Monnet with respect to--

(A) restoring peace between European nations; and

(B) establishing the European Union.

(2) Compliance with standards for commemorative works.--The establishment of the commemorative work under this section shall be in accordance with chapter 89 of title 40, United States Code (commonly known as the ``Commemorative Works Act''), except that sections 8902(a)(1) and 8908(b) shall not apply with respect to the commemorative work.

(3) Prohibition on the use of federal funds.--

(A) In general.--Federal funds may not be used to pay any expense of the establishment or maintenance of the commemorative work under this section.

(B) Acceptance of contributions and payment of expenses.-- The Sponsor shall be solely responsible for the acceptance of contributions for, and the payment of the expenses of, the establishment and maintenance of the commemorative work under this section.

(4) Deposit of excess funds.--

(A) In general.--If, on payment of all expenses for the establishment of the commemorative work under this section (including the maintenance and preservation amount required by section 8906(b)(1) of title 40, United States Code), there remains a balance of funds received for the establishment of the commemorative work, the Sponsor shall transmit the amount of the balance to the Secretary for deposit in the account provided for in section 8906(b)(3) of that title.

(B) On expiration of authority.--If, on expiration of the authority for the commemorative work under section 8903(e) of title 40, United States Code, there remains a balance of funds received for the establishment of the commemorative work under this section, the Sponsor shall transmit the amount of the balance to a separate account with the National Park Foundation for memorials, to be available to the Secretary or the Administrator of General Services, as appropriate, in accordance with the process provided in paragraph (4) of section 8906(b) of that title for accounts established under paragraph (2) or (3) of that section.

(c) Determination of Budgetary Effects.--The budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall be determined by reference to the latest statement titled ``Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation'' for this Act, submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, provided that such statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage.
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Mr. GRIJALVA. 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.

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

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