Commemorating the 36th Anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act

Floor Speech

Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the 36th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act and recognize the long-standing U.S.-Taiwan relationship. On April 10, 1979, President Jimmy Carter signed TRA and it has served to define the relationship that the United States has shared with Taiwan ever since.

Since the signing of the Taiwan Relations Act, we as a nation have supported the Taiwanese efforts over the last three and a half decades by fostering commercial exchange. Over that time, Taiwan has grown to become a significant security and trading partner to the United States. It is critical that we continue to explore the beneficial connections between our nations and work to promote it at every opportunity.

Taiwan continues to be an economic powerhouse in the Asia Pacific and a beacon of democracy. The United States recognizes Taiwan's unfailing determination to promote a free and fair democratic society. However, because of Taiwan's ambiguous international status they have been left out of many international organizations that the rest of the
world uses to make global decisions. I believe that if allowed to participate more fully, Taiwan would be a valuable asset to organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO).

Taiwan has already contributed significantly to humanitarian relief worldwide. In 2013, they provide shelters and supply to refuges in Jordan and Iraq. In 2014, they donated supplies and money to help treat Ebola in West Africa. Those are just a couple of examples in a long list of humanitarian work by Taiwan, all without being fully allowed to join international organizations.

In the coming years, I hope that Taiwan's hard work and contributions will be rewarded with a place in the global conversation. I hope we can continue to strengthen our unique relationship with Taiwan and its people.

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