Keating Applauds Macron’s After Joint Session Address

William Richard Keating

WASHINGTON – Cape Cod’s congressman was complimentary of French President Emmanuel Macron’s address to a joint session of Congress, saying the alliance between the United States and France is strong.

In a statement, Bill Keating (D-Bourne) said he has spoken with Macron a number of times during his trip about trade tensions between the U.S. and the European Union, an issue Keating said is a concern for the region.  

“President Macron is a strong and willing partner and this visit has put to rest any doubts about the status of our partnership,” Keating said.

Keating, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade, said he agreed with Macron’s stance that the Iran nuclear deal should stay in place, amid threats by President Trump to back out of the agreement.

“I found President Macron particularly compelling in his address to Congress on three points: the pursuit of nuclear weapons, climate change, and trade. I strongly agree with the President that it is imperative that we work together to preserve the Iran Nuclear Deal and stop the spread of nuclear weapons to preserve our own national security and the security of our allies. As we embark on discussions to end North Korea’s efforts to develop its own nuclear weapons program, who will believe that we will stand by our agreements if we tear up the Iran Deal as President Trump has threatened?”

During his address to Congress, Macron predicted the U.S. will one day return to the Paris climate agreement, a treaty President Trump has announced plans to back out of. In his statement, Keating expressed hope that the U.S. will continue to work on the global stage to combat climate change.

“President Macron also addressed the growing concerns related to nationalism and isolationism, and reaffirmed our mutual interests in combating the effects of climate change. These are some of the most important issues of our generation, and it is my hope that we will continue to work together with our French and other allies around the world to address these challenges.”

Keating previously served as the top Democrat on the Europe, Eurasia, and Emerging Threats Subcommittee and is the current Co-Chair of the Congressional French Caucus.