[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 38 (Wednesday, April 10, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E478]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN CELEBRATION OF TAIWAN RELATIONS ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PATRICK J. KENNEDY

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 10, 2002

  Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. Speaker, twenty-three years ago on 
this date, President Jimmy Carter signed into law the Taiwan Relations 
Act (TRA). Since the passage of that historic bill, the TRA has been 
very successful in providing our friend and ally, Taiwan, with a legal 
mechanism to ensure that Taiwan would be ``protected'' if attacked. At 
the same time it has brought a level of stability and peace to that 
island nation and given the Taiwanese people an opportunity to become 
an economic leader in the Asian, and in the global, marketplace.
  President George W. Bush, reiterated our national commitment to the 
TRA while visiting China earlier this year. At that time he stressed 
our commitment to Taiwan security under the Taiwan Relations Act. I 
also support Taiwan's entrance into the World Health Organization.
  As we celebrate this 23rd anniversary of the TRA, it is my hope that 
peace and stability will continue in the Taiwan Strait and that we can 
continue to work with the ally we have in Taiwan.

                          ____________________