Congratulations to Taiwan on the Occasion of Their National Day

Floor Speech

Mr. STOCKMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the people of the Republic of China (Taiwan) on their upcoming National Day on October 10th.

Through three decades marked by momentous social, economic and political transformation, Taiwan remains to be a strong and trusted ally of the United States and shares with us the ideals of freedom and democracy. I still remember in 1996, when I first came to Congress, Taiwan held its first democratic presidential election in history. Today, Taiwan has emerged as a beacon of democracy and free enterprise in East Asia and our peoples have enjoyed a close friendship forged by our political, economic, cultural, and strategic ties.

The U.S. Congress has continuously played a unique and important role in supporting U.S.-Taiwan Relations. The Taiwan Relations Act passed by Congress in 1979, remains to be the cornerstone of our bilateral relations. It codifies America's commitment to support the people of Taiwan as they seek a safe and secure place in the world. Earlier this year, Congress passed a bill (H.R. 1151) in support of Taiwan's participation in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Subsequently, Taiwan has been invited as a guest to the ICAO assembly this year.

Looking forward, I believe that our government should further strengthen this important partnership by sending Cabinet level officials to Taiwan, as well as welcoming high-level officials from Taiwan to meet with their American counterparts, so that the Administration can witness first-hand the strategic and economic benefits this relationship has produced.

I am confident that our relations with Taiwan will continue to grow and flourish, and I heartily congratulate the people of Taiwan on their 102nd anniversary.

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