[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 156 (Friday, October 31, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2189]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     WELCOMING PRESIDENT CHEN SHUI-BIAN OF TAIWAN TO UNITED STATES

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. DAN BURTON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 29, 2003

  Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of 
H. Con. Res. 302. I also want to urge my colleagues to join me in 
supporting this resolution that expresses the sense of Congress 
welcoming President Chen Shui-bian of Taiwan to the United States on 
October 31, 2003.
  Taiwan is a beacon of liberty and democracy in a region of the world 
where human rights and personal freedoms are routinely denied, and I 
believe that this Chamber should recognize Taiwan's achievements and 
congratulate President Chen on his outstanding leadership.
  I ask my colleagues to consider the following facts: Taiwan has 
become one of the world's freest nations, and is now one of the most 
successful models of rapid reform in the region. Fifty years ago, 
Taiwan was a closed authoritarian society with no freedom of speech, no 
freedom of assembly, and no right to vote. Today, Taiwan is a full-
fledged democracy. It has robust political parties, and virtually every 
office in Taiwan is contested through free and fair elections.
  Taiwan supports the same democratic, economic and security values, 
which we as a Nation cherish. Taiwan shares our belief in free-market 
economics, which has resulted in Taiwan providing its people with one 
of the highest standards of living in Asia. Furthermore, U.S. strategic 
interests in the region are closely intertwined with Taiwan's security 
in the region. In addition, Taiwan and the U.S. share the same respect 
for human rights. In fact, I would like to take this opportunity to 
congratulate President Chen Shui-bian for receiving the Human Rights 
Award from the International League for Human Rights.
  H. Con. Res. 302 provides us with a golden opportunity to affirm our 
friendship and support for the free people of Taiwan. Because Taiwan is 
such a steadfast ally of the U.S., I am a proud cosponsor of H. Con. 
Res. 302. I also wish to thank my colleague from Florida, Mr. Wexler, 
for introducing this resolution and the House Leadership for scheduling 
a vote on it. I believe that Congress should extend a warm and public 
welcome to President Chen of Taiwan upon his arrival in the United 
States on October 31, 2003. President Chen's visit will serve to 
broaden and deepen the strong alliance between the United States and 
Taiwan. Also, his visit is of tremendous importance to all Americans 
who join me in recognizing the value of a longstanding friendship 
between the U.S. and Taiwan.
  Once again, Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in support 
of this resolution, and I offer a hearty welcome to President Chen and 
wish him great success upon his visit to the U.S.

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