Developing A Strategy to Obtain Observer Status for Taiwan in the International Criminal Police Organization
Floor Speech
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Mr. SALMON. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in support of Senate Bill 2426, which is the Senate companion to my bill H.R. 1853 that passed the House earlier this year. This bill directs the Administration to work to bring Taiwan in to the International Criminal Police Organization, also known as INTERPOL.
Taiwan is an important U.S. ally and I have long been a supporter of the government and people of Taiwan. In fact, I was lucky enough to serve a mission for my church in Taiwan and grew to love the Taiwanese people for their core values, democratic standards, open-market principles, and peaceful way of life.
While in Congress, I have worked hard to facilitate policies that encourage Taiwan's continued vibrancy, to provide an example of hope and democracy around the world. Although Taiwan has proven to be a faithful, global partner for those in need, China seeks to marginalize Taiwan's role in the world. As such, I have pursued ways to further include Taiwan in the global community for its own good, but perhaps more importantly, for the benefit of the global community.
Today, nearly every country is confronting threats of terrorism and international criminal organizations. Yet at a time when it is more important than ever that countries communicate about these ongoing threats, Taiwan is barred from directly participating. This is short sighted and must be addressed. For that reason, I introduced legislation to direct the President to develop a strategy to obtain observer status for Taiwan in INTERPOL, so that it can more fully engage in the international law enforcement community. The goal is to increase participation with important global actors to share information on international criminals, and together bring them to justice and protect would-be victims.
I was pleased that after my legislation passed the House unanimously last year, Senator Gardner took up the cause and passed his companion bill, S. 2426, through the Senate. I wholeheartedly support this bill's final passage so that we can send this important, pro-security bill to the President for his signature. I encourage all Members to support this legislation.
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