[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 140 (Tuesday, October 7, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1987]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CONGRATULATIONS ON TAIWAN'S 92ND ANNIVERSARY OF NATIONAL DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JIM McDERMOTT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 7, 2003

  Mr. McDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to offer 
my congratulations to the 23 million people of Taiwan; it will be 
celebrating the 92nd anniversary of its National Day on October 10, 
2003.
  Taiwan is a dynamic democracy, and world economic leader. With a 
total of more than 95 political parties, every public office is hotly 
contested through free elections. People enjoy full political freedom, 
including freedom of press and assembly. Its per capita income ranks 
among the highest in the world.
  The State of Washington, including the Seventh Congressional 
District, has enjoyed the close commercial, social and cultural ties 
that link our two nations. Many of our brightest leaders in the state 
trace their roots to Taiwan, and the Taiwanese American community is 
integral to our country's rich ethnic diversity.
  The annual commemoration of this historic date is a valuable reminder 
that freedom and justice are paramount goals shared by our countries.
  Again, congratulations to Taiwan and its people on their National 
Day.

                          ____________________