Taiwan Non-Discrimination Act of 2023

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 540, the bipartisan Taiwan Non-Discrimination Act, sponsored by Congresswoman Kim of California and Congressman Green of Texas.

This bill would require the United States to advocate for Taiwan's membership and meaningful participation at the International Monetary Fund, or IMF, to the extent that admission is sought by Taiwan.

IMF membership provides several nonprofit benefits to participants, such as access to information on members' economic policies; access to technical assistance related to banking, fiscal affairs, and exchange issues; financial support in times of payment distress; and opportunities for trade and investment.

If IMF admission is sought by Taiwan, this bill would further require the United States to press the IMF to monitor and evaluate the health of Taiwan's economy; provide technical support to Taiwanese officials regarding microeconomic, monetary, and budget policies; and support employment opportunities at the IMF for Taiwan nationals.

To date, Taiwan has not formally requested membership at the IMF. I also understand that Taiwan does not intend to request membership this Congress and is, instead, focusing on other organizations such as the World Health Organization and the International Criminal Police Organization, INTERPOL. We respect that and appreciate the structure of this bill that positions the United States to act should Taiwan request membership.

I also believe it is critical that the United States continue to signal unequivocal opposition to the prospect of China using force in an effort to take control of Taiwan, especially as China is watching Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Democrats have been sounding the alarm, and I will repeat this warning here today: We must provide additional funding for Ukraine or we risk emboldening China's aggression against Taiwan.

While I support this bill and all efforts to prevent conflict in the Taiwan Strait, I am concerned that if Congress cannot come together to provide additional funding for Ukraine, our efforts here today will be in vain.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
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Mrs. BEATTY. Mr. Speaker, since the gentleman from North Carolina has no further speakers, I yield myself the balance of my time to close.

This legislation from Congresswoman Kim and Congressman Green directs the United States to support Taiwan should the island pursue participation in the IMF.

Mr. Speaker, I again urge my colleagues to support this bill and yield back the balance of my time.

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