[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 154 (Wednesday, October 29, 2003)]
[House]
[Pages H10074-H10078]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     WELCOMING PRESIDENT CHEN SHUI-BIAN OF TAIWAN TO UNITED STATES

  Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 302) expressing the sense of 
Congress welcoming President Chen Shui-bian of Taiwan to the United 
States on October 31, 2003.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 302

       Whereas for more than 50 years an iron-clad relationship 
     has existed between the United States and Taiwan which has 
     been of enormous economic, cultural, and strategic benefit to 
     both nations;
       Whereas the United States and Taiwan share common ideals 
     and a clear vision for

[[Page H10075]]

     the 21st century, where freedom and democracy are the 
     foundations for peace, prosperity, and progress;
       Whereas Taiwan has demonstrated its unequivocal support for 
     human rights and a commitment to the democratic ideals of 
     freedom of speech, freedom of the press, rule of law, and 
     free and fair elections routinely held in a multiparty 
     system;
       Whereas the upcoming October 31, 2003, visit to the United 
     States of Taiwan's President Chen Shui-bian is another 
     significant step in broadening and deepening the friendship 
     and cooperation between the United States and Taiwan;
       Whereas on October 31, 2003, Taiwan's President Chen Shui-
     bian will be presented an award by the International League 
     for Human Rights for his efforts in promoting tolerance, 
     democracy, and human rights; and
       Whereas Taiwan's President Chen Shui-bian will bring a 
     strong message from the Taiwanese people that Taiwan will 
     cooperate and support the United States campaign against 
     international terrorism and efforts to rebuild and bring 
     democracy and stability to Afghanistan and Iraq: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That Congress--
       (1) offers its warmest welcome to President Chen Shui-bian 
     of Taiwan upon his visit to the United States on October 31, 
     2003;
       (2) asks President Chen Shui-bian to communicate to the 
     people of Taiwan the support of Congress and of the American 
     people;
       (3) recognizes that the visit of President Chen Shui-bian 
     of Taiwan to the United States is a significant step toward 
     broadening and deepening the friendship and cooperation 
     between the United States and Taiwan;
       (4) congratulates President Chen Shui-bian on his receiving 
     the Human Rights Award from the International League for 
     Human Rights; and
       (5) thanks President Chen Shui-bian and the government and 
     people of Taiwan for their humanitarian and medical 
     assistance in Afghanistan and post-war Iraq as well as for 
     their willingness to contribute to the peace, stability, and 
     prosperity of the Middle East.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Ohio (Mr. Chabot) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Chabot).


                             General Leave

  Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks 
and include extraneous material on H. Con. Res. 302.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Ohio?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I first of all want to thank the distinguished gentleman 
from California (Mr. Lantos) for his leadership on this issue. And I 
might add that I had the opportunity just to get back last night from a 
trip to Baghdad and Turkey and Jordan as well, and traveling with the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) is like travel basically in a 
seminar and listening to him talk about the situation. One learns a 
great deal, not only in committee but traveling with the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Lantos); and I want to thank him for his leadership and 
for educating many of us who were with him.
  I also wanted to commend my colleague, the gentleman from Florida 
(Mr. Wexler), who is also a fellow co-chair of the Congressional Taiwan 
Caucus, for offering this resolution, as well as my colleagues, the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Rohrabacher) and the gentleman from Ohio 
(Mr. Brown), who are also founding co-chairs of the caucus.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my enthusiastic support for H. 
Con. Res. 302, a resolution warmly welcoming the visit to the United 
States of Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian. I call upon all Members to 
join in supporting a resolution which affirms the American values of 
democracy and human rights, for there is no place in the world 
providing a clearer example of respect for these values than that of 
Taiwan.
  President Chen was inaugurated after fair and free elections where 
the people of Taiwan, despite high-handed pressure from the outside, 
exercised their free choice in selecting their leadership. Taiwan 
stands out as a shining example, a beacon of these democratic values 
which reaches across the strait to the people of mainland China.
  It is also fitting and proper that the Congress should welcome the 
visit of the leader of this flourishing democracy, a testament to the 
fact that Chinese culture is not inherently inconsistent with 
democratic values. The International League of Human Rights, which will 
present President Chen a human rights awards for its efforts in 
promoting tolerance, democracy and human rights, fully recognizes the 
fact that Taiwan and its democratically elected leader are sterling 
examples for not only Asia but for the entire world.
  I note that despite his busy New York schedule, President Chen will 
take time to visit a memorial to mourn the passing of the former first 
lady of China and Taiwan, Madam Chiang Kai-shek, who died in Manhattan 
last week at the venerable age of 105 years old.
  Madam Chiang's passing reminds us again of the long and enduring ties 
between the freedom-loving people of the United States and the freedom-
loving people of Taiwan. Madam Chiang was the first Asian woman to 
address a joint session of this Congress during the World War II era 
when we were united in the ultimately successful struggle against 
international fascism during that war. She returned to the Congress in 
1995 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the conclusion of that 
historic conflict. We in the Congress join President Chen and the 
people of Taiwan in mourning Madam Chiang's passing.
  Finally, I do not want to miss the opportunity provided by President 
Chen's visit to thank him and the people of Taiwan for their steadfast 
support for the campaign against international terrorism, the 
prevention of the spread of weapons of mass destruction, and the 
reconstruction of both Iraq and Afghanistan.
  The recent interdiction by Taiwan port authorities of chemical cargo 
bound for North Korea is but one example of their continued support in 
the war against international terrorism.
  With the passage of this resolution, the House warmly welcomes 
President Chen Shui-bian and congratulates him on receiving the Human 
Rights Award.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution. At the 
outset, let me thank my good friend, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. 
Chabot), for his undeserved and very generous comments for which I am 
very deeply grateful.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to commend my friend and distinguished colleague, 
the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Wexler), for introducing this 
significant resolution.
  When I first visited Taiwan decades ago, it was a destitute 
dictatorship. It is now a thriving and prosperous free and democratic 
society. The political landscape in Taiwan has fundamentally changed 
over the past 2 decades. Authoritarian rule has been tossed aside, and 
Taiwan's leaders are now chosen by free and fair elections. Taiwan has 
become a vibrant democracy, serving as a beacon to those across the 
entire Asia Pacific region who yearn for freedom, showing that 
democracy can and does thrive in a Chinese context.
  The resolution before us, Mr. Speaker, welcomes the elected President 
of Taiwan, Chen Shui-bian to the United States during a so-called 
transit visit.
  Mr. Speaker, we are, of course, pleased that President Chen is 
transiting the United States and he will have the opportunity to meet 
with Members of Congress and other American leaders over the next few 
days. But if Taiwan were any other nation, Mr. Speaker, President Chen 
would be welcomed with a Rose Garden ceremony, a state dinner, and the 
opportunity to address a joint session of Congress. These honors, Mr. 
Speaker, would be commensurate with the increasingly close and mutually 
beneficial relationship between our two countries. Not only is Taiwan a 
bulwark of democracy in the Asia Pacific region, it is our eighth 
largest trading partner. We have an extremely close security 
relationship, and Taiwan has stepped up to provide humanitarian and 
medical assistance in both postconflict Afghanistan and postconflict 
Iraq.
  In short, Mr. Speaker, Taiwan is one of our closest allies in the 
Asia Pacific region. Yet, due to the sensitivities of

[[Page H10076]]

the People's Republic of China, the executive branch refuses to give 
Taiwan the status and recognition it deserves.
  Mr. Speaker, I support a strong and vibrant relationship between the 
PRC and the United States. Provocative steps which upset the peace 
across the Taiwan straits should be avoided; but we must find new ways 
to show the people of Taiwan that the United States recognize Taiwan's 
profound economic and Democratic transformation and that our Nation 
will work energetically to promote a greater role for Taiwan in the 
community.
  Mr. Speaker, I look forward to meeting with President Chen this 
weekend and discussing with him ways in which we can strengthen the 
political, economic, and security ties between our two nations. I will 
tell President Chen that this Congress will not stop fighting until 
Taiwan can participate in the World Health Organization and many other 
international organizations in which Taiwan can and will make a 
significant contribution. I strongly urge all of my colleagues to 
support this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas 
(Mr. DeLay), the distinguished majority leader.
  Mr. DeLAY. Mr. Speaker, in the world today, few men live their lives 
as a model of courage and freedom with as much vigor as Chen Shui-bian.
  As President of Taiwan, Chen has been a stalwart champion of human 
rights and an ally of the United States in the war on terror. And 
during his visit to New York this week, President Chen will be 
recognized by the International League of Human Rights promoting and 
defending the inalienable rights of all men to life, liberty, and the 
pursuit of happiness.
  With this resolution, the American people will welcome President Chen 
to our Nation and send a message with him back across the Pacific that 
the United States stands in solidarity with the people of Taiwan. And 
during his time in office, President Chen has revealed himself to be a 
true friend of the American people, and a vital ally in pursuit of our 
common interests around the world.
  I was honored to host President Chen myself in Houston in 2001, his 
first such visit to the United States, during which we took in an 
Astros game and had the chance to introduce him to Texas cuisine. And I 
know it did not compare with shark fin soup, but I think he liked it 
nonetheless.
  Mr. Speaker, Taiwan is an indisputable success as an ally and as a 
nation. America's solidarity with Taiwan and her people, the solidarity 
of freedom, will not be served by convenience nor threatened by 
bullying.
  Our brave friend President Chen leads an island of hope, Mr. Speaker, 
a light shining out from dark shadows of an oppressive tyranny. With 
this resolution we will tell the citizens of that shining island that 
we see their light on the horizon and know the sun of freedom is rising 
over the Pacific.
  I urge my colleagues to send that message of hope and solidarity to 
the people of Taiwan and vote for this resolution.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Wexler), the distinguished author of this 
resolution.
  Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. 
Lantos) for yielding me time.
  Mr. Speaker, as co-chair of the Taiwan Caucus, I join my colleagues, 
the gentleman from California (Mr. Rohrabacher), the gentleman from 
Ohio (Mr. Chabot), and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Brown), in strongly 
supporting this resolution welcoming the President of Taiwan, President 
Chen, to the United States.
  Since assuming office in May 2000, President Chen has demonstrated 
his steadfast commitment to the ironclad relationship between the 
United States and Taiwan and the shared principles upon which our 
partnership has been formed, that of democracy, freedom, and the 
defense of human rights. In fact, during his visit to America, 
President Chen will be presented an award by the International League 
for Human Rights in recognition of his efforts to promote tolerance and 
freedom amongst the people of Taiwan. And I would like to express my 
most sincere congratulations to President Chen for receiving this 
highly esteemed award.
  Mr. Speaker, in the past decades, Taiwan has blossomed into a strong 
and dynamic democracy. It has experienced unprecedented economic, 
political and social growth, culminating with its entry into the World 
Trade Organization in 2002.

                              {time}  1545

  Taiwan has demonstrated its unequivocal support for freedom of 
speech, freedom of the press and the rule of law and a commitment to 
democracy and its multifaceted alliance with the United States. In 
fact, under President Chen's leadership, Taiwan has joined the war 
against terror and contributed humanitarian and medical assistance to 
American-led peacekeeping efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq.
  On behalf of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, I wish to express our 
appreciation to President Chen and the Taiwanese people for this 
invaluable assistance and pledge America's continued commitment to the 
security and prosperity of Taiwan.
  President Chen's visit to America serves as a reminder that Taiwan is 
one of America's most important allies in East Asia and a model of 
democracy and progress in the region. I applaud President Chen for his 
bold leadership, resolve, and vision and urge my colleagues to join me, 
to join us in welcoming him to the United States and thanking him for 
the deepening and historic, mutually beneficial relationship between 
America and Taiwan.
  Finally, I would like to reiterate the comments by the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Lantos) suggesting in the most critical of terms that 
Taiwan be given the opportunity to enter the World Health Organization. 
The experience with respect to SARS this past year points out how 
important it is that Taiwan be given that opportunity, and the people 
of Taiwan should always know that the people of America will stand with 
them in their fight and defense of freedom.
  Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Florida (Mr. Stearns).
  (Mr. STEARNS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, I also want to take this opportunity to 
express our warm welcome to President Chen and his delegation from 
Taiwan to New York City and obviously to support this legislation.
  Taiwan and the United States have enjoyed a very close relationship 
with each other for more than 50 years. It is political, it is 
economic, it is cultural. It has been a rich association for both of 
us. In fact, Mr. Speaker, despite its size, it is our 8th largest 
trading partner, and we are Taiwan's largest trading partner.
  For this and for many other reasons, the United States must 
unabashedly, unabashedly stand behind the Taiwan Relations Act which 
will communicate our resolve, our intention, our commitment for a 
peaceful resolution in Taiwan.
  Mr. Speaker, it has always been that Taiwan has been a reliable ally 
to the United States. They stood with us, shoulder to shoulder, right 
after 9/11, and Taiwan has given us its support of our war with Iraq 
and, as a Nation, has promised humanitarian assistance into postwar 
Iraq. So I look forward to meeting with him in New York and hearing his 
vision and commitment to the continued democratization of Taiwan.
  Just as a footnote, I might point out he is coming up for reelection. 
Just like all of us come up every 2 years, he comes up for reelection 
in March of 2004. He is going to be involved with a free, open election 
process, and with the free election process in Taiwan, they have a very 
active campaign structure, and so I look forward to that just as he 
does.
  I might also point out that he is the first opposition candidate to 
ever be elected in Taiwan. So, again, I think today we can look at that 
country and say democracy is not only working, it is working uniquely, 
and we want to commend him and stand behind that wonderful country of 
Taiwan.

[[Page H10077]]

  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to yield 3 minutes to the 
gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Brown), a distinguished member of the 
Committee on International Relations.
  Mr. BROWN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California 
(Mr. Lantos) for his work and his managing of this bill and his 
incredible support for human rights around the world, for his entire 
service in Congress.
  I also want to thank the sponsors of this resolution and the cochairs 
and founders of the Taiwan Caucus, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. 
Chabot), my friend, the gentleman from California (Mr. Rohrabacher), 
and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Wexler), and I join all of them in 
urging my colleagues to join me in welcoming President Chen Shui-bian 
as he visits the United States this weekend.
  The United States and Taiwan are true democracies that share common 
ideals and share a clear vision for the future. Taiwan is a country 
where freedom and democracy have become the foundation for peace, for 
prosperity, for progress.
  Taiwan shares common goals with the United States in supporting human 
rights and a commitment to the democratic ideals of freedom of speech, 
freedom of the press and free and fair elections that are the strength 
of any democracy, but with Taiwan, it has not always been that way.
  My first trip to Taiwan was many years ago when Taiwan was still 
under marshall law. It was not anything close to a democracy. It was a 
country with one-party rule. Some used the word ``fascist.'' Others 
used other words to describe Taiwan, but one of the real miracles of 
the world in the last 2\1/2\ decades is what has happened to that 
country, a country that went from one-party totalitarian rule to a 
country that is democratic, that is prosperous, that shares the ideals 
of our country.
  That miracle, that road to progress, that road to democracy was in 
large part because of the courage and the fervor for human rights 
exerted by people like Chen Shui-bian who sacrificed a great deal of 
his life, his family's life and much of his time on this earth to 
sacrifice that to bring Taiwan forward.
  The move towards democracy, the miracle of Taiwan is partly because 
of Chen Shui-bian, partly because of his political party of the DPP and 
largely because of the commitment of Taiwanese in Taiwan and Taiwanese 
overseas in this country who have been a major part of that.
  The effort for Taiwan to get into the World Health Organization, as 
the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Wexler) mentioned, as the gentleman 
from California (Mr. Lantos) mentioned has not yet reached fruition. 
That is so very very important.
  On a personal level, I have met President Chen Shui-bian when he was 
mayor and when he was a candidate for the presidency of his country. He 
has done a terrific job in dealing with issues like SARS. He has done a 
terrific job in beginning to rebuild the economy in his country. He and 
his political party, the DPP, have done a miraculous job in helping to 
create the miracle that we know as Taiwan. It is a country that we 
should look to as a model for much of the rest of the world, for a 
developing country, that did not enjoy the fruits of democracy and has 
moved towards that and puts them in the community of nations. We owe it 
to that nation, that country to embrace them in the community of 
nations.
  I think President Chen Shui-bian's visit to the United States will 
help do that this weekend.
  Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Florida (Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart), who has been a tireless leader for 
speaking out on behalf of the people of Cuba.
  Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend 
from Ohio for yielding me the time.
  For me, I consider it a privilege and an honor to be able to speak on 
behalf of the resolution welcoming to the United States the elected 
President of the Republic of China of Taiwan. I have always had 
admiration for the Republic of China of Taiwan.
  I believe that first they demonstrated an extraordinary, an 
extraordinary and commendable and admirable will and devotion to work 
and to sacrifice that permitted them to achieve economic prosperity 
which is the envy of the world, and then they have made, as our 
distinguished colleagues have mentioned today, also extraordinary and 
admirable progress in democratization and have, in fact, established a 
representative democracy that is to be admired by all of the world.
  So I join my colleagues in welcoming President Chen Shui-bian to the 
United States. The entire Congress and the American people welcome him 
and say to him that we consider it a great privilege to be able to be 
an ally and a friend of Taiwan, that that will always be reality, and 
here in Congress I think it is important, Mr. Speaker, that we 
reiterate our support for Taiwan, for the Taiwan Relations Act and that 
we never falter, never falter in support and in reminding the world 
that the safety and security of Taiwan is a matter of extreme 
importance to this Congress, to the American Government and to the 
American people.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  We are all looking forward to the distinguished President's visit. It 
will further strengthen U.S.-Taiwan relations, and on behalf of all of 
us in Congress, we are honored to have him come again to the United 
States.
  Mr. BALLANCE. Mr. Speaker, as many Chinese-Americans and American 
friends of Taiwan prepare to welcome Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian to 
New York on October 31, I wish to pay tribute to this impressive Taiwan 
leader.
  At the age of 49, Mr. Chen Shui-bian was elected the tenth president 
of the Republic of China on Taiwan in March 2000. Mr. Speaker, I have 
learned that his political success came only after a series of personal 
tragedies. As active political opponents of the government in the 
1970's and 1980's, Mr. Chen and his wife were often targets of attack 
by the government. In November 1985, Mr. Chen's wife was hit by a 
tractor-truck speeding out of a narrow lane. Although Mrs. Chen's life 
was spared, the lower half of her body was paralyzed. Mr. Speaker, In 
1986, Mr. Chen was sentenced to eight months in prison for libel for 
criticizing the government. At the end of 1986, campaigning in her 
wheelchair Mrs. Chen was elected to the Legislative Yuan (Parliament). 
After Mr. Chen was released from prison in 1987, he served as Mrs. 
Chen's assistant and joined the Democratic Progressive Party, the 
opposition party.
  Subsequently, Mr. Chen became a member of the Legislative Yuan, 
chairman of the Formosa Foundation and Mayor of Taipei, prior to his 
election as president in 2000. President Chen undoubtedly is a fighter 
for his people and his country. He has instilled confidence in his 
people, making them feel that they are important, that they matter in 
the world, and that they must choose their own future, without 
interference from outside sources. Mr. Speaker, there are many who 
believe that President Chen speaks for his people; the world should 
listen carefully to what he has to say; and only he and his people can 
help maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Mr. Speaker, 
President Chen needs our help to make the right decisions that are good 
for Taiwan.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting President Chen's 
efforts.
  Mr. KIRK. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in welcoming our 
distinguished guest, President Chen Shui-bian of Taiwan, to the United 
States.
  Mr. Chen Shui-bian was elected president of the Republic of China on 
Taiwan on March 20, 2000. Since his election, he has shown true 
leadership in improving Taiwan's economy, instituting further 
democratic reform, and strengthening Taiwan's role in the international 
community.
  I am confident that President Chen will further strengthen Taiwan's 
strong ties with the United States. Taiwan has been a key ally in our 
efforts against global terrorism, and has pledged assistance to the 
rebuilding of Afghanistan and Iraq.
  I also trust that President Chen will soon begin a dialogue with the 
leaders of the People's Republic of China with the interests of the 23 
million people of Taiwan in mind. Taiwan is a sovereign nation and must 
make its own decisions about its future without coercion from the 
People's Republic.
  I applaud President Chen's insistence on his people ``walking their 
own road, their own Taiwan road.'' President Chen is a dynamic leader 
with a vision for Taiwan's future, and I join my colleagues in 
wholeheartedly welcoming him from one democracy to another.
  Mr. CARDOZA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome Taiwan's President, 
Chen Shui-bian as he travels through the United States later this 
month. President Chen recently celebrated his third anniversary in 
office; a term of service which has been marked by Taiwan's

[[Page H10078]]

strong support and friendship with the United States.
  During his time in office, President Chen has shown that he is a 
thoughtful, responsible leader, which has been evident in his handling 
of cross-strait relations with the People's Republic of China. 
President Chen has consistently stated that both sides of Taiwan Strait 
have an obligation to uphold the principles of ``goodwill 
reconciliation, active cooperation and permanent peace.'' Regrettably, 
despite his many calls for dialogue and cooperation, the Chinese 
government has insisted on the dated ``one country, two systems'' 
formula as the solution to the Taiwan issue.
  President Chen's has asserted that ``Taiwan is not a province of one 
country'' but a sovereign nation. I strongly agree with his assertion 
and believe that President Chen is right to guide his country and his 
people toward a brighter, more prosperous future.
  As a strong supporter of Taiwan and its people, I believe the 
widespread praise President Chen has received is well earned. He has 
proven to be an effective leader for all of his people, with an 
unswerving dedication to continued democratization, economic reform and 
basic recognition of human rights.
  I believe President Chen's U.S. visit will further enhance U.S.-
Taiwan relations and friendship. The Untied States and Taiwan have been 
allies, partners and friends and this unique relationship will continue 
to grow stronger in the future.
  Mr. Speaker, America welcomes President Chen and salutes him upon the 
many successes and achievements of his administration.
  Mr. TANCREDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome President Chen 
Shui-bian of Taiwan to the United States, and to wish him a pleasant 
visit to New York City at the end of this month. I am pleased that he 
will have an opportunity to visit with many Members of this Congress, 
and I am confident that his visit will be productive for our two 
countries.
  During this time of uncertainty and regional instability in many 
areas around the world Americans appreciate President Chen's continued 
efforts and dedication to winning the war on terror, his pledge to 
provide humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan and Iraq, and his 
support for the United States as President Bush and regional leaders 
work to diffuse tension on the Korean peninsula.
  Taiwan has been a reliable friend of the United States for many 
decades, and I hope that his visit will provide an occasion for our two 
nations to further strengthen our positive and mutually beneficial 
relationship.
  I also want to assure President Chen and the people of Taiwan that 
they have many friends in the United States, and to reiterate America's 
support and commitment to the security of Taiwan embodied by the Taiwan 
Relations Act, and President Bush's statement last spring that, ``Our 
nation will help Taiwan defend itself,'' should that need ever arise. I 
also want to again state my unequivocal support for Taiwan's 
participation in international organizations like the World Health 
Organization and the United Nations.
  Mr. Speaker, I applaud President Chen's insistence on pursuing a 
higher standard of human rights for people in Taiwan and across the 
globe, his commitment to individual liberty and democracy, and would 
like to again thank him for the stabilizing influence that his 
democratically elected government brings to the entire region.
  I welcome President Chen to America, and I hope that many of my 
colleagues have the chance--as I have--to meet and visit with him when 
he arrives later this month.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, we have no further speakers, and I yield 
back the balance of our time.
  Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Foley). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Chabot) that the House suspend 
the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 302.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of 
those present have voted in the affirmative.
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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