[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 194 (Tuesday, December 18, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Pages S15925-S15926]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 60--EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF CONGRESS 
   RELATING TO NEGOTIATING A FREE TRADE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE UNITED 
                           STATES AND TAIWAN

  Mr. BAUCUS (for himself and Mr. Kyl) submitted the following 
concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Finance:

                            S. Con. Res. 60

       Whereas for more than 50 years a close bilateral 
     relationship has existed between the United States and Taiwan 
     as evidenced by the Taiwan Relations Act;
       Whereas on January 1, 2002, Taiwan was admitted to the 
     World Trade Organization, which has resulted in a reduction 
     in duties for foreign goods and an increase in market access 
     for foreign investment;
       Whereas a 2002 United States International Trade Commission 
     report found that exports by some sectors of the United 
     States economy would increase significantly if the United 
     States entered into a free trade agreement with Taiwan;
       Whereas bilateral trade between Taiwan and the United 
     States was $57,000,000,000 in 2005 and $61,000,000,000 in 
     2006;
       Whereas Taiwan ranks as the 9th largest trading partner of 
     the United States and the 11th largest export market for 
     United States goods;
       Whereas Taiwan is the 6th largest market for United States 
     agricultural products, the 3rd largest buyer of United States 
     corn, the 4th largest buyer of United States soybeans, the 
     5th largest buyer of United States beef, and the 6th largest 
     buyer of United States wheat;
       Whereas the United States is an important supplier of 
     electrical machinery and appliances, aircraft, scientific 
     instruments, and chemical products to Taiwan;
       Whereas increasing exports to large and commercially 
     significant economies in Asia is a critical part of reducing 
     the United States trade deficit;
       Whereas Taiwan, as a democracy and free market economy, 
     shares with the United States principles and values that 
     provide a strong foundation for open, fair, and mutually 
     beneficial trade relations; and
       Whereas maintaining and strengthening a robust trade 
     relationship with Taiwan is of economic significance to the 
     United States: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives 
     concurring), That it is the sense of Congress that the United 
     States should increase trade opportunities with Taiwan and

[[Page S15926]]

     should launch negotiations for a free trade agreement with 
     Taiwan.

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