[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 123 (Wednesday, September 25, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9225-S9226]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     SALUTE TO TAIWAN'S FIRST LADY

  Ms. LANDRIEU. Mr. President, I take great pleasure in welcoming 
Taiwan's First Lady, Wu Shu-chen, to Capitol Hill. Madam Wu Shu-chen is 
a unique and remarkable woman. She is the Republic of China's youngest 
first lady, yet she has the poise and charm equal to those much older 
than she is. Men and women of all political parties admire her as a 
genuine person, totally unaffected in manners. When she addresses an 
audience, she speaks from her heart and writes her own speeches in a 
simple and direct style. She is what you see, a natural gem, without 
artificial polish.
  Like her husband, Chen Shui-bian, Madame Wu, has overcome a great 
deal of adversity. And like her husband, they have both been 
strengthened by their struggles. In 1985, Madame Wu was struck by a hit 
and run driver. Her injuries left her permanently paralyzed from the 
waste down and confined to a wheel-chair. Soon after Madame Wu was 
tragically wounded, her husband was imprisoned for political reasons. 
Madame Wu did not shrink from her duties to her family or her country. 
While her husband was in jail, she not only served as a pillar for her 
family, but she ran for a seat in the national legislature and won. No 
obstacle affecting her body or her heart could deter her.
  Such a woman deserves our praise. Madame Wu is a natural leader; a 
matriarch in her family; and a matriarch to her country. I salute her 
for her selfless devotion to the people of Taiwan. We can all take 
strength from Madame Wu, and she is a role model for young women 
everywhere.
  Mr. HELMS. Mr. President, I extend my warmest welcome to the First 
Lady of Taiwan, Chen Wu Sue-jen, wife of President Chen Shui-bian, who 
is in Washington this week to visit with some of her and her husband's 
many friends here.
  I am among the many admirers of President Chen. He is a courageous 
leader of his country at a very difficult time. The courage of his wife 
has earned for her great respect. In 1985, while supporting one of her 
husband's campaigns, Mrs. Chen Wu was hit by a vehicle that left her 
paralyzed from the waist down. That regrettable episode, believed by 
many to have been politically motivated, left this dear lady 
permanently confined to a wheelchair.
  The following year when her husband was imprisoned by his political 
foes, Mrs. Chen Wu sought election on his behalf for a seat in the 
national legislature. She won and served in the legislature in spite of 
her serious injury. This courageous lady thereby kept Chen Shui-bian's 
political cause in the public eye.
  Both before and after these events in their lives, Mrs. Chen Wu 
provided indispensable encouragement and support as Chen Shui-bian 
progressed from legislator to Taipei Mayor to President. He has called 
his wife his ``most important source of strength.''
  First Lady Chen Wu Sue-jen was instrumental in building Taiwan's 
early, unequivocal and generous support for the United States and 
American people following the attacks on September 11, 2001. She comes 
to the United States this week with a message of Taiwan's continuing 
strong support in the war against terrorism.
  I know that Senators will share my appreciation for her country's 
friendship and solidarity. I also hope they will join in welcoming 
Taiwan's First Lady on the occasion of her historic visit to the United 
States.
  Mr. BOND. Mr. President, today I would like to recognize Madame Chen 
We Sue-jen, the first lady of Taiwan, and welcome her to Washington, 
DC.
  Madame Chen We Sue-jen has displayed exemplary character and strength 
in her endeavors to promote justice, human rights, and democracy in 
Taiwan. Overcoming both personal and professional hardships with grace, 
she has remained steadfast in her support of these principles.
  Although Madame Chen We Sue-jen has overcome obstacles throughout her 
public career, never has she let it overcome her. She is described as 
optimistic, cheerful and friendly-noted for

[[Page S9226]]

her sense of human and laughter. She continues to act as a strong and 
effective advocate for Taiwan's physically challenged citizens. 
Throughout all her trials, she has remained solid in her support for 
her family and the people of Taiwan. This strength of character has 
contributed much to the First Lady's greatness.
  First Lady Chen Wu is here today to bring a message from her husband 
and the people of Taiwan. Her message is one of cooperation and support 
from the Taiwanese in our joint antiterrorism campaign. Already, with 
support of Madame Chen We Sue-jen, Taiwan has demonstrated charity and 
humanitarian assistance to the victims of the terrorist attacks on 
September 11, 2001. As mentioned in the House Resolution, the 
Government and people of Taiwan have consistently provided tremendous 
support and generous contributions to the United States after those 
attacks.
  Madame Chen We Sue-jen is a woman of great character and strength. I 
wish to offer my warmest welcome to her as she visits the Capitol. I 
extend my gratitude to her for all the important work she has done and 
I wish her well in her pursuits of justice and democracy.

                          ____________________