[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 28 (Tuesday, March 14, 2000)]
[House]
[Page H938]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 THE TAIWAN FACILITIES ENHANCEMENT ACT

  (Mr. BEREUTER asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, this Member rises to alert his colleagues 
to the introduction of H.R. 3707, the Taiwan Facilities Enhancement 
Act. This bill authorizes construction of modern, secure facilities for 
the American Institute on Taiwan.
  In the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, the Congress established the 
American Institute on Taiwan to perform on behalf of the United States 
Government any and all programs and other relations with Taiwan. These 
facilities are grossly inadequate today from a security perspective, 
and major enhancements would be necessary to bring them into compliance 
with security requirements.
  Mr. Speaker, Congress must specifically act to authorize because it 
is not a normal embassy or a consulate.
  Mr. Speaker, over 20 years after the enactment of the Taiwan 
Relations Act, our unofficial relations with the people of Taiwan are 
stronger, more robust, and more important than ever. For very practical 
and security reasons, the Congress needs to act to upgrade our 
diplomatic facilities on Taiwan as well.
  It will also demonstrate that we have and will have a presence in 
Taipei for the long-term, if necessary, to assure that any 
reunification is peaceful and uncoerced. This Member hopes that all 
Members of Congress will cosponsor and support this legislation.

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