National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TEXT

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong support of the Granger Amendment #44 to H.R. 4310 that was included in the En Bloc Amendment #3. As one of the co-chairs of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, I believe this amendment embodies the spirit of the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979 in providing assistance to Taiwan for its own defense.

Through the TRA, we are able to conduct arms sales to Taipei. Over the past 30 years, we have done this time and time again. Unfortunately, the Obama Administration has failed to proceed on Taiwan's top request--the F 16 C/D aircraft. Taiwan has an aging fixed wing aircraft fleet, and with the growing military gap across the Taiwan Strait, it is critical that we sell them this aircraft. The Granger Amendment does just that by requiring the President to move forward on the sale of no fewer than 66 F 16 C/Ds.
Mr. Chair, the Taiwan Caucus sent letters in 2010 and 2011 urging the White House to move forward on this matter. In 2010, 136 bipartisan Members signed that letter, and in 2011, 181 Members joined in the effort. Unfortunately, those letters were received with mostly silence. However, the White House cannot ignore this amendment.
I urge my colleagues to uphold our commitment to Taiwan and support the Granger Amendment.

Source