[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 68 (Thursday, May 17, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E850-E851]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TAIWANESE--AMERICAN HERITAGE WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SOLOMON P. ORTIZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 17, 2001

  Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, This week Taiwanese Americans all over the 
nation celebrate ``Taiwanese-American Heritage Week.'' The week of May 
13-May 20 honors the diverse contributions of over 500,000 Taiwanese-
Americans in the United States. These Americans have contributed 
significantly to our social fabric, making notable contributions as 
doctors, scientists, small business professionals, entertainers, human 
rights activists, public servants and captains of business and 
industry.
  It is important to recognize the achievements of Taiwanese-Americans 
in the United States. This week also gives us the opportunity to 
celebrate the success of democracy

[[Page E851]]

in Taiwan. Since the lifting of martial law in 1987, Taiwan has made 
consistent strides toward becoming an open, democratic society where 
freedoms are respected and the will of the people is observed. To the 
credit of the many Taiwanese-Americans who fought to bring democratic 
principles back to the island, Taiwan is now a vibrant democratic 
member of the international community.
  The March 18, 2000, election of opposition leader Chen Shui-bian as 
president, and Annette Lu as vice-president, represents the crowning 
achievement of the struggle of the people of Taiwan for full-fledged 
democracy and freedom. As we all know, in a democracy, it is the 
elections won by opposition parties that dictate the peaceful nature of 
the change of power.
  While the future of a democratic Taiwan is promising, many challenges 
remain. Gaining worldwide recognition of the legitimacy of Taiwan's 
govennnent is paramount. With all that Taiwanese and Taiwanese-
Americans have accomplished, there is still much more work to be done 
before Taiwan's status and global contributions are properly 
appreciated. We remain confident that Taiwan will meet their challenges 
and continue to play a productive role in the international community.
  Taiwan and the United States share a common commitment to the ideals 
of democracy, freedom and human rights. The 1979 Taiwan Relations Act, 
which forms the official basis for friendship and cooperation between 
the United States and Taiwan provides a strong foundation for the bond 
between the people of both countries. That bond is made stronger each 
day by the Taiwanese-American community.
  I ask my colleagues to Join me in paying tribute to the Taiwanese-
American community for their strength, commitment and contributions 
during Taiwanese-American Heritage Week.

                          ____________________