[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 158 (Tuesday, September 30, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2170]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         U.S. TAIWAN RELATIONS

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                           HON. SCOTT GARRETT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 29, 2008

  Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I am pleased that the House 
recently considered and passed H.R. 6646, a bill that would require the 
Secretary of State to provide Congress with detailed briefings on any 
recent discussions conducted between the United States Government and 
the Government of Taiwan and any potential transfer of defense articles 
or defense services to the Government of Taiwan.
  I was proud to cosponsor this legislation, which I hope will end a 
reported freeze on arms sales to Taiwan. The U.S. and Taiwan have 
enjoyed a positive economic and political relationship for several 
decades and it is our duty to make defense articles available to our 
allies, especially in the Asia Pacific region.
  The U.S. Taiwan Relations Act states in Section 2(b)(5) that ``it is 
the policy of the United States to provide Taiwan with arms of a 
defensive character.'' The same Act specifies in Section 3(b) that 
Congress has a role in determining the defensive needs of Taiwan. 
Furthermore, Section 3(b) also states that any determination ``shall 
include review by United States military authorities in connection with 
recommendations to the President and the Congress.'' Yet the 
administration has not reported any recommendations to Congress nor 
explained why arms sales to Taiwan have been delayed. Since Taiwan's 
legislature passed its arms budget last year, further inaction by the 
administration is unnecessary.
  As twenty-four Members and I wrote in a letter to President Bush on 
July 31, ``A secure and prosperous Taiwan requires the means to provide 
for its own self defense and the ability to engage its neighbors 
without fear of military intimidation.'' If we are serious about 
Taiwan's security, we must continue to permit the judicious sale of 
defesive weapons to our key ally.
  H. Res. 6646 provides a framework for maintaining peace and stability 
across the Taiwan Strait by requiring the administration to consult 
with Congress regarding its arms transfer policy. I applaud the passage 
of this much-needed legislation.

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