[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 129 (Thursday, October 6, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2026]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           TRIBUTE TO TAIWAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 6, 2005

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in 
extending my congratulations to the people of Taiwan on the occasion of 
94 years of progress.
  In recent years, Taiwan has become a model society. It has excellent 
schools, outstanding medical care, a strong economy, and many of its 
people enjoy one of the highest standards of living. Taiwan's social 
welfare programs have been laudable efforts to raise the standard of 
living for all. Moreover, Taiwan's constitution guarantees its citizens 
basic civil liberties, including freedom of peaceful assembly and 
association, freedom of speech and press, and freedom of religion. 
Taiwan's full commitment to democracy and human rights is commendable.
  We are very appreciative of Taiwan's commitment to fight global 
terrorism, particularly by cooperating with our law enforcement 
agencies in sharing intelligence and doing everything possible to 
protect American interests in Taiwan. We are also aware of Taiwan's 
contributions to the Twin Towers Fund, the Pentagon Memorial Fund and 
to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
  We wish the 23 million people of Taiwan continued progress and 
prosperity.

                          ____________________