[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 134 (Wednesday, October 6, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2034]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  CONCERNING PARTICIPATION OF TAIWAN IN THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION 
                                 (WHO)

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. JOSEPH M. HOEFFEL

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 4, 1999

  Mr. HOFFEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak in favor of Taiwan's 
participation in the World Health Organization. While I have strong 
feelings on the issue of Taiwan's status in the world, I know there are 
some who disagree with me. On the issue of the health of the Taiwanese 
people, I don't think there can be any disagreement. Taiwan should have 
full participation in the World Health Organization.
  As this legislation states: ``Good health is a basic right for every 
citizen of the world and access to the highest standards of health 
information and services is necessary to help guarantee this right.'' 
Health risks do not recognize political boundaries. Unfortunately, 
politics has kept Taiwan from participating in WHO activities and other 
international organizations and the effects of this policy have had 
serious repercussions.
  The World Health Organization was unable to help Taiwan with a viral 
outbreak which killed scores of Taiwanese children and infected more 
than 1,000 Taiwanese children in 1998.
  More recently, Taiwan was struck by an earthquake which did 
substantial damage to the island. The latest estimates are that just 
over 2,000 people have been killed and about 100,000 are homeless. In 
the wake of this disaster, I was shocked to read news reports about the 
United Nations' response. According to one report, instead of 
immediately harnessing its resources and heading to Taiwan to help with 
the relief effort, the United Nations instead sought approval from 
China before sending United Nations relief workers to the scene of the 
disaster. If this is true, lives were again needlessly put at risk.
  Ensuring the health of the people of Taiwan is a commendable goal and 
it is time that we put their health above politics. I commend the 
sponsor of the legislation, Mr. Brown, and I urge my colleagues to 
support the bill.

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