[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 73 (Tuesday, June 9, 1998)]
[House]
[Pages H4279-H4283]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    ACKNOWLEDGING POSITIVE ROLE OF TAIWAN IN ASIAN FINANCIAL CRISIS

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 270) acknowledging the positive 
role of Taiwan in the current Asian financial crisis and affirming the 
support of the American people for peace and stability on the Taiwan 
Strait and security for Taiwan's democracy, as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 270

       Whereas the President of the United States has announced he 
     intends to travel to Beijing in June 1998 to discuss the 
     common interests of the United States and the People's 
     Republic of China;
       Whereas the American people desire strong relations with 
     the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait;
       Whereas it is the policy of the United States Government to 
     take all necessary action to ensure peace and stability on 
     the Taiwan Strait, while continuing mutually beneficial trade 
     relations with Taiwan's vibrant economy;
       Whereas the American people have repeatedly welcomed and 
     supported democracy for the people of Taiwan;
       Whereas Taiwan set an example for democratization in the 
     region having successfully held free and fair elections at 
     the local and national level and encouraging the development 
     of democratic institutions;
       Whereas the American people seek to promote economic 
     stability and growth amidst the current financial turmoil in 
     the Asia-Pacific region;
       Whereas Taiwan's economy has weathered the current Asian 
     financial crisis better than others in the region;
       Whereas Taiwan has proposed to use various means to help 
     stabilize the economies of many of its neighbors, including 
     possibilities for action by the Asian Pacific Economic 
     Cooperation (APEC) forum of which it is a member;

[[Page H4280]]

       Whereas Taiwan has expressed its willingness to provide 
     financial assistance to its neighbors;
       Whereas in the spring of 1996, the political leadership of 
     the People's Republic of China used provocative military 
     maneuvers, including missile launch exercises in the Taiwan 
     Strait, in an attempt to intimidate the people of Taiwan 
     during their historic, free, and democratic presidential 
     election;
       Whereas officials of the People's Republic of China refuse 
     to renounce the use of force against the people on Taiwan;
       Whereas the use of force, and the threat to use force, by 
     the People's Republic of China against Taiwan undermines 
     regional stability; and
       Whereas a senior United States executive branch official 
     has again recently called upon the People's Republic of China 
     to renounce any use of force against Taiwan: Now, therefore, 
     be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring),  That it is the sense of the Congress that--
       (1) the United States abides by all previous understandings 
     of a ``one China'' policy and its abiding interest in a 
     peaceful resolution of the Taiwan Straits issue; and
       (2) the President of the United States should seek, at the 
     June summit meeting this year in Beijing, a public 
     renunciation by the People's Republic of China of any use of 
     force, or threat to use force, against democratic Taiwan.
         Amend the title so as to read: ``Concurrent resolution 
     acknowledging Taiwan's desire to play a positive role in the 
     current Asian financial crisis and affirming the support of 
     the American people for peace and stability on the Taiwan 
     Strait and security for Taiwan's democracy.''.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. Gilman) and the gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. 
Faleomavaega) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman).


                             General Leave

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks 
on this measure.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from New York?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  (Mr. GILMAN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the distinguished 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Solomon), the chairman of the Committee on 
Rules, for introducing this timely resolution on Taiwan. I also want to 
thank the distinguished gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter), 
chairman of the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, for his support 
of the measure. I am pleased to bring it to the floor today for 
consideration.
  Mr. Speaker, it is particularly important that the House make a 
statement on Taiwan, especially in light of President Clinton's fast 
approaching summit with the Chinese in Beijing. Taiwan is of singular 
importance to our Nation. Taiwan plays a pivotal role in regional 
prosperity and stability. But this prosperity and stability can be 
threatened. We need only to remember back to the ominous period in the 
spring of 1996 when Chinese M-9 missiles flew across the Strait of 
Taiwan into international air and sea lanes in a heavy-handed attempt 
by Beijing to threaten the first democratic elections in 5,000 years of 
Chinese history. That sort of missile diplomacy on the part of China is 
unacceptable, and it is appropriate that we call on Beijing to renounce 
the use of force in settling the Taiwan question.
  Finally, I want to commend Taiwan on the development of a vibrant 
democracy and a robust economy. I want to state my firm belief that the 
issue of one China must be settled peacefully and first and foremost by 
the Chinese people on both sides of the Strait of Taiwan, not by one 
side dictating terms to the other through missile diplomacy or 
otherwise. I support this resolution. I encourage my colleagues to do 
so as well.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  (Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA asked and was given permission to revise and extend 
his remarks.)
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Concurrent 
Resolution 270, which acknowledges Taiwan's desire to play a positive 
role in the Asian financial crisis and affirms American support for 
peace and stability on the Taiwan Strait and security for Taiwan's 
democracy.
  I commend the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman) the author of the 
resolution and the chairman of the Committee on International 
Relations, also the gentleman from New York (Mr. Solomon) the chairman 
of the Committee on Rules, and other colleagues that have worked toward 
adoption of this important measure. I am proud to join our colleagues 
in support of this legislation. Again, Mr. Speaker, I want to also 
commend the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter), the chairman of the 
Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific for his leadership and support of 
this measure.
  Mr. Speaker, the people of Taiwan should be congratulated for the 
outstanding accomplishments of this thriving and prosperous democracy 
of 22 million people. Taiwan is one of the world's most compelling 
economic success stories, rising from the destruction of World War II 
to become a global trading power with foreign exchange reserves today 
second only to Japan.
  Despite the financial crisis that has crippled many countries in 
Asia, Taiwan has shown great resilience. While South Korea, Indonesia, 
Japan and other neighbors have stagnant economies, Taiwan's gross 
domestic product is projected to increase by 6 percent in 1998. This 
maintains the momentum of the past three decades, where Taiwan's GDP 
growth averaged 9 percent.

                              {time}  1730

  Taiwan's stock market has also survived very well with market 
capitalization of some $300 billion. Taiwan's stock market has 
surpassed Hong Kong's to rank second only to Japan's stock market in 
Asia.
  Mr. Speaker, in light of Taiwan's relative prosperity, her offer to 
extend financial assistance to her Asian neighbors undergoing financial 
turmoil is welcome and highly commendable. Whether Taiwan's assistance 
be provided through APEC or another forum, the United States should 
recognize and support Taiwan's significant efforts to promote economic 
stability in the Asian Pacific region.
  Taiwan must also be commended its significant progress towards 
democratization with free and fair elections being held at the local 
and national levels. This movement came to full bloom in 1996 with 
Taiwan's first Presidential elections. The historic elections were 
conducted democratically and peacefully despite the threats and 
provocations issued by the People's Republic of China.
  In the spring of 1996, I supported the actions taken by the Clinton 
administration in sending the Nimitz and the Independence carrier 
groups to the Taiwan Strait to maintain peace. China's missile tests 
and threatened use of force contravened China's commitment under the 
1979 and 1982 joint communiques to resolve Taiwan's status by peaceful 
means. The joint communiques along with the Taiwan's Relations Act are 
the foundation of our One China policy which fundamentally stresses 
that force should not be used in resolution of the Taiwan question. 
Clearly it is in the interests of the United States and all parties 
that the obligation be honored.
  Mr. Speaker, in light of our understanding of the One China policy 
and its support of the peaceful resolution of the Taiwan Strait issue, 
I will join our colleagues in urging that the President raise this 
matter in his summit meeting with Chinese President Jiang Zemin.
  I support this legislation and urge my colleagues to support it and 
to adopt it.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. Solomon) the sponsor of this resolution and the distinguished 
chairman of our Committee on Rules.
  (Mr. SOLOMON asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. 
Gilman) for yielding this time to me, and I certainly thank the 
chairman of the subcommittee as well.
  Mr. Speaker, as the author of this very simple resolution, let me 
just say

[[Page H4281]]

that it is necessary because of the continuing belligerent attitude of 
the Communist Chinese towards our great friends, the people in Taiwan, 
our stronger allies in the history of this Nation. We all know that 
Communist China has repeatedly and brazenly refused to renounce the 
potential use of military force to resolve its disputes with Taiwan, 
and it has shown on more than one occasion that it is willing to 
intimidate Taiwan with military force in these modern times, and that 
is terrible.
  Let us recall that in March 1996, while Taiwan was conducting the 
very first free head of state elections in Chinese history, Communist 
China sought to intimidate the people of Taiwan by firing missiles just 
off Taiwan's coast. It was in anticipation of just this sort of rogue 
behavior which China is noted for by the Communist Chinese that induced 
those of us involved in writing the Taiwan Relations Act back 19 years 
ago to insert provisions designed to help defend Taiwan from Chinese 
military aggression. Go back and read the Taiwan Relations Act, and 
those provisions clearly state that the United States expects that the 
future of Taiwan will be decided by strictly peaceful means, and that 
any attempt by China to do otherwise would be considered a matter of 
grave concern to the United States of America while obliging the United 
States to maintain the capacity to resist any resort to force against 
Taiwan.
  My colleagues, that is the law of the land, that is the American law, 
and it was in response to China's increasingly belligerent tone that 
prompted this House of Representatives in March of 1996 to pass the Cox 
resolution, which called on China to renounce force and explicitly 
informed Congress' views that the United States should, in fact, assist 
in defending Taiwan from invasion, attack or blockade by the People's 
Republic of China.
  Regrettably this resolution today also seems necessary because of a 
disturbing trend in the Clinton administration's policy toward both 
countries. President Clinton has had in place a policy of unmitigated 
appeasement towards Communist China for 5 years now, but what is new, 
Mr. Speaker, is that in the past few months leading up to President 
Clinton's summit in Beijing, his administration has signaled in various 
ways that it may be ready to reach another Yalta accord with Communist 
China that would sell Taiwan down the drain. We have heard talk of yet 
another communique with the PRC. We have heard Secretary Albright talk 
of a strategic partnership with the PRC, and we have seen several 
former high-ranking Clinton administration officials, and I must say 
Republican administration officials as well that served under Reagan 
and Bush, touring China and Taiwan recently on what looks conspicuously 
like officially sanctioned missions and delivering the message that 
Taiwan cannot expect any help from the United States. If it declares 
independence, then China then invades.
  These ``blame the victim'' statements are, of course, immoral, and 
they are outrageous. They remind me of the sole statements we heard in 
opposition to lifting the arms embargo from Bosnia from people who said 
that doing so would embolden the Bosnians. Imagine that. We might just 
have emboldened people who were being slaughtered, and now we just 
might embolden our friends, our staunch allies in Taiwan by pressuring 
the butchers of Beijing to renounce force.
  Oh, no, Mr. Speaker, it is precisely because the approach of the 
China appeasers lacks moral depth that also makes it so strategically 
myopic and dangerous. Because the Communist leaders in Beijing also 
lack any morality, they are bound to interpret these emanations from 
the Clinton administration, if left unchecked, as a sign of dwindling 
U.S. commitment to the defense of Taiwan. These are exactly the kinds 
of green lights that Adolf Hitler received in the 1930s and Saddam 
Hussein and Slobodan Milosevic received in the early 1990s, and we will 
all know what happened each time that is. The fact is it is they, the 
Communists, the butchers of Beijing, who will be responsible if they 
invade Taiwan, and it is they who need to receive the message 
unequivocally and repeatedly that we expect them to resist using force.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  I certainly want to compliment the gentleman from New York (Mr. 
Solomon) for his deep understanding of the relationship existing 
between our country and Taiwan, and certainly like to say for the 
record I think the Clinton administration took appropriate action in 
showing our friends in China that two naval embattled carrier groups 
was sufficient to show that we also meant business. So I think along 
those lines, Mr. Speaker, I think the administration did the 
appropriate thing.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. 
Brown), a distinguished member of the Committee on International 
Relations.
  Mr. BROWN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from American Samoa 
for yielding this time to me.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution which calls upon 
the United States to support the people of Taiwan in their 
democratically-elected government in the face of uncertainties in this 
increasingly volatile region of the world. I do so, however, with 
reservations, since this resolution has been amended by the Committee 
on International Relations since its introduction to reaffirm our 
adherence to the One China policy.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to address a related injustice facing the 
people of Taiwan. Since 1972, the Taiwanese people have been denied 
membership in the World Health Organization. Young children and older 
citizens who are particularly vulnerable to a host of emerging 
infectious diseases are without the knowledge and the expertise shared 
among the member nations of the World Health Organization. With 
increased travel and trade among the members of our global village, 
these diseases surely do not stop at national borders and boundaries. 
So why should we erect boundaries to shared information which would 
help improve the lives and the health of the 20 million inhabitants of 
Taiwan?
  Due to Chinese opposition Taiwan continues to be denied WHO 
membership. This hurts the people of Taiwan, and importantly it denies 
the WHO and all of us in the world community the benefit of Taiwan's 
knowledge and expertise.
  Interestingly the world gains more from Taiwanese membership in the 
WHO probably than Taiwan gains from membership in the WHO.
  The people of Taiwan and their democratically-elected government face 
many serious threats to their sovereignty. Chinese aggression and their 
continuing threat of force to settle their claim to Taiwan is a serious 
problem. Equally threatening are their efforts to continue to thwart 
Taiwan's efforts to help improve the health of its citizens.
  I have introduced legislation urging the President to press Taiwan's 
case for membership in the WHO and to urge my colleagues to join in 
this effort. As a free people, we should support the will of the people 
of Taiwan to choose their own destiny.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished 
gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter).
  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 
270 and thank the gentleman from New York for yielding me this time.
  As everyone in this body knows, the Congress has long played a 
critical role in the Taiwan relationship. Together with the other body, 
we have worked with the various Presidential administrations over the 
years to ensure adequate U.S. arms sales to Taiwan to meet Taiwan's 
defense needs without provoking an arms race with the PRC or other 
countries in the region, and this body is, after all, the actual author 
of the Taiwan Relations Act. It remains the law of the land.
  Taiwan and the U.S. now share numerous fundamental values both 
economically and politically. Last February Taiwan and the United 
States concluded a market access agreement which provides immediate 
market access for U.S. agriculture products in Taiwan, for example, as 
a way of loosening restrictions on U.S. telecommunications firms 
operating in Taiwan as well. This is important because really it paves 
the way for Taiwan's membership in the WTO.

[[Page H4282]]

  Politically Taiwan is now a vibrant democracy characterized by free 
elections, a free press and dynamic political campaigns. Taiwan's 
political metamorphosis over the last decade has been fundamentally 
impressive and serves as a model for peaceful democratic change in the 
region and beyond.
  H. Con. Res. 270, which was introduced by the distinguished gentleman 
from New York (Mr. Solomon) sends a clear message of Congress' deep 
respect and affinity for the people of Taiwan as well as a firm 
commitment to seeking a peaceful resolution regarding Taiwan's future. 
While it is true only the Chinese on both sides of the strait can 
determine their future, the United States must continue to play a role 
in ensuring the peace and stability of the region.
  Mr. Speaker, this Member would commend the gentleman from New York 
for introducing H. Con. Res. 270 at this important point in U.S.-
Chinese-Taiwanese relations. Mr. Speaker, I think it is particularly 
important that the Congress act on this legislation before the upcoming 
summit, and I urge adoption of H. Con. Res. 270.
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Rohrabacher), a member of our committee.
  Mr. ROHRABACHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution, 
which leaves no doubt on either side of the Taiwan Straits as to just 
what is American policy.
  And it was not that long ago that this administration proclaimed 
strategic ambiguity as its position on certain issues concerning the 
China-Taiwan situation. More recently we have been told that President 
Clinton had some intention of proposing a strategic partnership to the 
Communist Chinese when he will visit Communist China later on this 
month. What we need to know is what is a strategic partnership; what 
does that mean?
  When we talk about a strategic partnership with a Communist 
dictatorship, no wonder the democratic peoples around the Pacific begin 
to worry about whether or not the United States will stand strong with 
them against a belligerent totalitarian government like they have in 
Beijing. A strategic partnership? Well, I hope that President Clinton 
has put that one away and decided not to use that.
  This resolution underscores the Shanghai Declaration that was put in 
place by President Nixon so long ago during the cold war at a time when 
it made a great deal of sense to try to make sure that we were not in a 
conflict with China or with Russia at the same time that that 
declaration made it very clear that we believe in a One China policy. 
That was our concession, and their concession was that they would only 
use peaceful means to settle any dispute with Taiwan.

                              {time}  1745

  This resolution reconfirms that declaration so long ago. Some people 
have been trying to suggest this has been an evolution of our policy, 
that in some way the talk of strategic partnership may well mean that 
we have not really maintained this same stalwart position on opposing 
the use of force against Taiwan.
  No, that is what this resolution is about. We again state for the 
record in this resolution that as far as the Congress goes, yes, there 
is one China, and, yes, we insist that no force be used against the 
free and democratic people of Taiwan.
  By the way, one note about one China. I believe there is one China, 
and, just as in the basis of what most Americans believe to be 
legitimate government, legitimate government is that government that 
has the consent of the governed. Legitimate government is that 
government that respects the human rights of its people. That is what 
our Founding Fathers said, that is what George Washington fought for, 
and that is what we write in our own founding documents.
  So if there is one China, which I believe in, that one China has only 
one elected government, because the government in Beijing is not an 
elected government. We have one elected government in China and that is 
in Taiwan. We have a group of gangsters on the mainland. We have to 
make sure there is not force or violence to make sure that those two do 
not go into dispute.
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 1 minute.
  Mr. Speaker, I think, just for the clarity of the record, that the 
administration is quite clear as far as its policies concerning the one 
China policy. It is quite clear the administration policy is one of 
engagement with the People's Republic of China. It is quite firm also, 
the administration's policy towards Taiwan is to continue the current 
relationship as it has been in the past. So with regard to the comments 
of my good friend from California, I think there is no ambiguity about 
the policy of the administration.
  Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back 
the balance of my time.
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, this is an important resolution stressing Taiwan's 
importance to our own Nation, and it is supported by the administration 
and deserves bipartisan support. Accordingly, I urge my colleagues in 
the House to fully support the measure.
  Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H. Con. Res. 
270, the resolution on Taiwan. The Congress has always been a strong 
supporter of Taiwan. Taiwan's transition to a democratic state with a 
vibrant free market economy has solidified Congressional support. The 
emergence of a democratic Taiwan is indeed one of the most encouraging 
developments in Asia over the last decade. A democratic Taiwan is a 
shining example to all the countries in Asia which linger under the 
control of one man or one party. This resolution sends a clear signal 
of our continued interest in preserving Taiwan's achievement.
  This resolution calls on the President to seek at his upcoming summit 
in Beijing a commitment by the Chinese to renounce the use of force 
against Taiwan. I think this is in China's interest. Sowing the seeds 
of fear in the Taiwan Strait benefits neither side given the growing 
trade, travel, and investment between both countries.
  Let me also make clear that this resolution, while noting the United 
States' acknowledgement that China believes that Taiwan is part of 
China--the so-called ``One China'' policy, is not an endorsement by the 
Congress of the Chinese perspective. Taiwan no longer claims that it 
controls China. Only when China makes a similar declaration will both 
sides be able to move beyond their present conflict to its resolution. 
There is one China, but it does not include Taiwan.
  I would also take this opportunity to urge the Administration to 
fulfill the commitment it made in its Taiwan policy review to seek 
membership for Taiwan in appropriate international organizations. 
Taiwan's singular political and economic achievement give it the 
potential to play a tremendous constructive role in the international 
community. As this resolution suggests, Taiwan has proposed to assist 
its neighbors in the recent Asian financial crisis. It could play more 
of a role if given the chance. I would urge special consideration be 
given to finding a role for Taiwan in the World Bank, International 
Monetary Fund, and World Health Organization. Just as it made no sense 
for the United States to pretend that China did not exist during the 
Cold War, it is equal nonsense to pretend that Taiwan does not exist in 
the post Cold War period.
  I urge my colleagues to support this resolution of which I am a 
cosponsor.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this 
resolution, which asks the President to seek to improve the 
relationship between Taiwan and China.
  President Clinton's trip to China this month presents an opportunity 
to address a multitude of issues which will substantially effect the 
Pacific Rim, as well as American interests in the Pacific Rim. Taiwan's 
security is one such issue that should be discussed.
  I understand that the relationship between Taiwan and the Chinese 
government is a tense one. This resolution seeks to reduce that tension 
by asking China to abstain from the use of military force in resolving 
the dispute.
  In 1996, when China displayed a show of force in the Taiwan Strait, 
it was not just the people of China and Taiwan that were ill at ease, 
it was unsettling for the entire region. There is little doubt that the 
fragility of the situation poses a significant threat to American 
businesses that we want to protect.
  I encourage the President to express to China our concerns for the 
stability of the region, and the importance that any dispute be 
resolved in a peaceful manner. And announce his support and America's 
support for the safety and security of the Democratic country of 
Taiwan--the Republic of China.
  Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 270, 
acknowledging the importance of the Taiwanese leadership in the current 
Asian financial crisis, as well as the importance of the stability of 
the Taiwanese

[[Page H4283]]

Strait. I consider myself a good friend of Taiwan, and I am proud of 
the relationship that my Congressional District has with the government 
of Taiwan. Mr. Speaker, we all know that international trade is the 
essence of prosperity in this new economic era. There is perhaps no 
country which offers more promise for the United States and my home 
state of Texas than Taiwan.
  I am proud of the role I have played in laying the foundation for our 
nation's relationship with Taiwan. It is my belief that the United 
States should embrace the people of Taiwan in matters of trade as the 
friends that they are.
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Stearns). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman) that the House 
suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 
270, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a 
quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not 
present.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 5, rule I, and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.
  The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn.

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