Chabot-Sherman Taiwan Travel Act Signed into Law

Press Release

U.S. Representative Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks), the Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Asia Pacific Subcommittee, applauded the enactment of H.R. 535, the Taiwan Travel Act. Sherman introduced the legislation last January with U.S. Representative Steve Chabot (R-Ohio) and House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-California).

"Taiwan is not just an important trading partner, it is a democratic ally of the U.S. and a place where our values are displayed in the Asia-pacific region. Yet it would be surprising for most Americans to know that leaders from Taiwan are not allowed to visit the U.S. under any reasonable format," said Rep. Sherman.

Sherman continued, "This bill simply says that it is time to encourage travel of high-ranking officials from Taiwan to visit the U.S. and hold meetings at the highest levels. We should also send high-ranking officials to Taiwan. This bill is an important step in ending the effort to isolate Taiwan. By encouraging more dialogue we will reaffirm the U.S. commitment to the freedom of Taiwan."

Rep. Sherman, a long-time supporter of strong U.S.-Taiwan relations, spoke in support of the Taiwan Travel Act on January 9, prior to the House unanimously passing the legislation.

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