[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 59 (Friday, April 11, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E744]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              24TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TAIWAN RELATIONS ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM DeLAY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 10, 2003

  Mr. DeLAY. Mr. Speaker, on April 10, 1979, the Taiwan Relations Act 
became law, and the United States affirmed its friendship with the 
people of Taiwan.
  That friendship remains a cornerstone of America's vision for a free, 
secure, and prosperous Asia at peace with itself and the community of 
nations.
  The TRA requires the United States to provide Taiwan sufficient arms 
to defend herself and demands a peaceful resolution to its dispute with 
Beijing.
  Under the TRA, the Taiwanese are assured the United States will not 
allow bullying or blackmail across the Taiwan Strait.
  Today, its 24th anniversary, this historic legislation is even more 
relevant than at its enactment.
  Though Taiwan is one of America's largest trading partners, our 
friendship is much deeper than an economic partnership. Our two nations 
are bound by common values of self-determination, freedom, and economic 
opportunity.
  We are also bound by a common resistance to the efforts of any regime 
to repress man's God-given human rights.
  ``The price of liberty is eternal vigilance,'' Thomas Jefferson said.
  Free men and women in Taiwan, whose neighbors on the mainland suffer 
under the boot-heel of Communist tyranny, have no choice but to live 
that sentiment every day.
  Taiwan is a free nation, and must remain so. Her open and tolerant 
society should be seen by Beijing not as a threat, but a model for 
progress.
  I have traveled to Taiwan several times. Anyone who has can tell you 
it is home to a vibrant, modern nation of free and prosperous people, 
grateful for America's friendship.
  It is now our responsibility to ensure that friendship grows even 
stronger. Our responsibility in such times is no less than to ensure 
the security of free men everywhere in the world.
  The House of Representatives understands this responsibility, and has 
affirmed its support for Taiwan numerous times since TRA, including in 
its overwhelming passage of the Taiwan Security Enhancement Act in 
February, 2000.
  So, too, does the President. He has made it clear the United States 
will do whatever it takes to defend Taiwan. His Administration has 
provided Taiwan with essential weapons systems and continues to expand 
our economic partnership. The House will continue to work with the 
Administration to ensure Taiwan's security.
  For 24 years, the United States has cultivated a relationship with 
Taiwan, whose roots run to the core of our shared love of liberty. 
Against the harsh winds of despotism, that relationship has bloomed, 
and through the eternal vigilance of our two nations, billions will one 
day enjoy its fruit.

                          ____________________