Statement by Congressman Meeks on the 70th Anniversary of the Marshall Plan for Europe

Statement by Congressman Meeks on the 70th Anniversary of the Marshall Plan for Europe

Washington, D.C.—Ranking Member of the Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats Subcommittee, Congressman Meeks, Congressman Meeks released the following statement on the 70th Anniversary of General George C. Marshall's speech:

"On the 70th Anniversary of General Marshall's speech, we reflect on the deep ties between America and Europe. As the world confronted the daunting task of rebuilding post-war Europe, America led and developed the European Recovery Plan or the 'Marshall Plan.'

"The plan was to bring a peaceful and prosperous postbellum settlement to a continent that was still reeling from two long and bitter wars. It was successful due in large part to our shared commitment to rebuilding Europe. In the decades since, the world has benefitted from the economic and political, values-based alliance we have within the transatlantic space.

"There has long been a debate about America's role in the world and in Europe specifically. But in a world more interconnected than ever before, it would be ill-advised for America to not heed a principal lesson offered by the Marshall Plan's success: engaging with Europe is important and can be mutually beneficial. We should engage both bilaterally and through NATO and the EU to continue on the path of shared peace and prosperity.

"The transatlantic relationship has proved fruitful since the Marshall Plan's inception and subsequent implementation. As Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats and co-chair of the Congressional EU Caucus, I look forward to deepening our economic, political, and cultural ties in this Congress and in the future."