[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 50 (Tuesday, March 24, 2009)]
[House]
[Pages H3777-H3780]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF TAIWAN RELATIONS ACT

  Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 55) recognizing the 30th 
anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the concurrent resolution.
  The text of the concurrent resolution is as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 55

       Whereas April 10, 2009, will mark the 30th anniversary of 
     the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act (Public Law 96-8), 
     codifying in law the basis for continued commercial, 
     cultural, and other relations between the United States and 
     the Republic of China (Taiwan);
       Whereas the Taiwan Relations Act has been instrumental in 
     maintaining peace, security, and stability in the Taiwan 
     Strait since its enactment in 1979;
       Whereas when the Taiwan Relations Act was enacted, it 
     affirmed that the United States' decision to establish 
     diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China was 
     based on the expectation that the future of Taiwan would be 
     determined by peaceful means;
       Whereas the Taiwan Relations Act declares that peace and 
     stability in the area are in the political, security, and 
     economic interests of the United States, and are matters of 
     international concern;
       Whereas the Taiwan Relations Act states that it is the 
     policy of the United States to provide Taiwan with arms of a 
     defensive character to maintain the capacity to resist any 
     resort to force or other forms of coercion that would 
     jeopardize the security, or the social or economic system, of 
     the people on Taiwan;
       Whereas the Taiwan Relations Act also states that ``it is 
     the policy of the United States to preserve and promote 
     extensive, close, and friendly commercial, cultural and other 
     relations between the people on Taiwan, as well as the people 
     on the China mainland'';
       Whereas the relationship between the United States and 
     Taiwan has strengthened with--
       (1) Taiwan's evolution into a free society and a full-
     fledged, multi-party democracy;
       (2) the development of Taiwan's robust free-market economy;
       (3) Taiwan's determined effort and collaboration with the 
     United States to combat global terrorism, as demonstrated in 
     part by its participation in the Container Security 
     Initiative and its generous contribution to the Pentagon 
     Memorial Fund; and
       (4) the leadership role Taiwan has demonstrated in 
     addressing transnational and global challenges, including its 
     active engagement in humanitarian relief measures, public 
     health endeavors, environmental protection initiatives, and 
     financial market stabilization efforts; and
       Whereas Taiwan's democracy has deepened with the second 
     peaceful transfer of power from one political party to 
     another after the presidential election in March 2008: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That Congress--
       (1) reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the Taiwan 
     Relations Act as the cornerstone of relations between the 
     United States and Taiwan;
       (2) reaffirms its support for Taiwan's democratic 
     institutions; and
       (3) supports the strong and deepening relationship between 
     the United States and Taiwan.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Berman) and the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-
Lehtinen) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.


                             General Leave

  Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include 
extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the resolution 
and yield myself as much time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, this resolution recognizes the enactment of the Taiwan 
Relations Act 30 years ago and reaffirms congressional support for that 
law. I would like to thank my good friend, Representative Shelley 
Berkley of Nevada, for her leadership both as cochair of the Taiwan 
Caucus and as the chief sponsor of this resolution.
  The Taiwan Relations Act of 1979 forms the official basis for 
friendship and cooperation between the United States and Taiwan. It has 
been instrumental in maintaining peace and security across the Taiwan 
Straits and in East Asia. Since the lifting of martial law in 1987, 
Taiwan has evolved into a robust and lively democracy. The U.S.-Taiwan 
relationship, once based solely on shared interests, is now based on 
shared values.
  This remarkable political evolution proves beyond any doubt that the 
notion of ``Asian values,'' often used to justify one-man or one-party 
rule, is a fallacy. Taiwan's democratic ideals have become even more 
engrained in its national identity following its second peaceful 
transfer of power in last year's presidential election.

[[Page H3778]]

  Taiwan has also developed into a vibrant free-market economy and a 
major trading partner of the United States. Taiwan's impressive 
political and economic achievements give it the potential to play a 
very constructive role in international affairs. I would urge that 
special consideration be given to Taiwan's desire to gain observer 
status at the World Health Assembly later this spring.
  Taiwan has extremely important social and economic ties with China, 
and it would benefit both governments to take additional steps towards 
reducing cross-Strait tensions. The act was enacted 30 years ago with 
the expectation that the future of Taiwan would be determined only by 
peaceful means. It is encouraging that China's top leadership recently 
stated that it was ready to hold talks with Taiwan to create conditions 
for ending hostilities and concluding a peace agreement between the two 
sides.
  I applaud this development and urge China to do more to reach out to 
both the government and the people of Taiwan. I'm confident that the 
Taiwan Relations Act will remain the cornerstone of our very close 
friendship with Taiwan. I strongly support this resolution. I encourage 
my colleagues to do the same.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, to start the discussion on our side of 
the aisle, I'm honored to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
Florida, my colleague, Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart, who is the co-chair of 
the House Taiwan Caucus as well as a prime sponsor of this important 
resolution.
  Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank my 
distinguished colleague for the time.
  I am honored to speak on this resolution commemorating the 30th 
anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act. This resolution reaffirms the 
United States' commitment to the Republic of China on Taiwan and 
describes the Taiwan Relations Act as the ``cornerstone'' of U.S.-
Taiwan relations.
  The Taiwan Relations Act stresses the concept of peace through 
strength. It has served as a key impediment to Communist Chinese 
military aggression and its attempts at forced reunification under 
communism with the people on Taiwan.
  As Members of the United States Congress, we will do all that is 
necessary so that the Republic of China on Taiwan continues to have the 
tools it needs to defend itself. This resolution is especially 
important because over the past 30 years, through six administrations, 
Congress has remained a steady and loyal friend and ally of the 
Republic of China on Taiwan. The strong support of Congress was evident 
once again by the fact that over 120 Members of Congress rushed to lend 
their name to this resolution in less than 1 month. As the 30th 
anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act is just a few weeks away, the 
action by the United States Congress today reaffirms, once again, the 
close relationship between Taiwan and the United States.
  Although the Republic of China on Taiwan has achieved the tremendous 
economic successes of a flourishing market-based economy and one of the 
highest standards of living in the world, the U.S.-Taiwan friendship 
rests on much more than shared economic interests and trade. Our 
friendship stems from a shared commitment to the fundamental ideals of 
the rule of law, freedom and opposition to totalitarianism.
  The United States of America must never waiver in our support of the 
Republic of China on Taiwan. We must, and we will, continue to remind 
the world that Taiwan's security is of the utmost importance to the 
United States Congress, to the American Government, and to the American 
people.
  I have always had tremendous admiration for the Republic of China, 
for its history in China and its renaissance on Taiwan. And I look 
forward to continuing to work to deepen cooperation between the United 
States and the Republic of China on Taiwan.
  Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I'm very pleased to yield 2 minutes to the 
sponsor of the resolution, the gentlelady from Nevada (Ms. Berkley).
  Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding and for 
his extraordinary leadership on this resolution. I would also like to 
thank the delegate from American Samoa and the ranking member of the 
Foreign Affairs Committee for their support on this important 
resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today as the cochairman of the Taiwan Caucus and 
as a prime sponsor in support of this resolution and in support of our 
growing and continuing relationship with Taiwan. Three decades ago, 
Congress declared that the U.S. would stand with Taiwan against any use 
of force that would jeopardize its security. We have kept our 
commitment, and we can now proudly commemorate this historic 
anniversary marking 30 years of an ever-strengthening U.S.-Taiwan 
relationship.
  For 30 years, the Taiwan Relations Act has been instrumental in 
maintaining peace, security and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Over 
that period, Taiwan has transformed itself into a vibrant democracy, 
holding several free and fair elections along with two peaceful 
transitions of power. Taiwan is an inspiring story of expanding 
freedom, a robust capitalist economy and a strong trading partner of 
the United States. We must do everything in our power to continue 
protecting it and ensuring its survival.
  As Taiwan enters a new era in cross-Strait relations and faces new 
economic and security challenges, Congress today reaffirms, through 
this resolution, its commitment to the Taiwan Relations Act, to 
Taiwan's democracy and to our deep, long-standing friendship.
  I thank the gentleman once again.
  I urge support for the resolution.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would now like to yield 2 minutes to 
the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Burton), who is the ranking member of 
our Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia.
  Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I won't take the whole 2 minutes.
  I think everything that is going to be said about the Republic of 
China on Taiwan can be boiled down to just a few words. They are our 
true friend. They have been with us through thick and thin. There have 
been times when we haven't been as good a friend to them as I think we 
should have been. But they have always been there for us. Ever since 
they left the mainland and went to Taiwan, they have been a strong free 
country that has grown into one of the biggest economic countries in 
the entire world, certainly one of our greatest trading partners.
  So I would just like to say that I am very happy to be here to 
celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act and to say 
to all of my friends, all of our friends in Taiwan, thank you, thank 
you, thank you for being such great friends.
  Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers on the floor now, 
so I will reserve the balance of my time.

                              {time}  1445

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would now like to yield 2 minutes to 
the gentleman from Florida, my colleague, Mr. Mario Diaz-Balart, who is 
also a sponsor of this resolution.
  Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the 
gentlelady from Florida, and also all the sponsors of this legislation.
  I rise today in recognition of the 30th anniversary of this landmark 
legislation, the Taiwan Relations Act. It codifies into law the basis 
for the continued special relationship between the United States and 
the Republic of China on Taiwan. Our two nations share so many common 
beliefs and values. We both cherish freedom, human rights and 
democracy.
  And last year, during the most recent Presidential election, they 
once again showed that, yes, of course they are a true, vibrant 
democracy. The Republic of China on Taiwan continues to be our strong 
ally on the war on terrorism. And they continuously prove that they are 
a true partner of the people of the United States of America.
  Now contrast that, Mr. Speaker, with what just took place a month ago 
when the Communist Chinese dictatorship sent a number of ships to 
harass an unarmed U.S. Naval surveillance ship. This provocative 
action, and many others like it, should serve as a cause for concern 
when dealing with that nation that regularly violates human rights. 
Again, that highlights the importance that the people of Taiwan know 
and

[[Page H3779]]

that the world knows the United States Congress stands with this strong 
and proud democracy.
  Again, Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for this resolution, for having the 
opportunity to support this resolution, and make sure that our friends 
in Taiwan understand that Congress stands with them, really stands with 
them.
  Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to yield 1 minute to the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Royce), the ranking member of our 
Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade.
  Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution, which 
recognizes the 30th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act. This is a 
historic occasion. Taiwan, of course, is a beacon of democracy in Asia. 
We have a strong partnership that stretches back over half a century 
with this country. Today our relations remain strong, as Taiwan is a 
cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy in Asia.
  This was signed 30 years ago, and the Taiwan Relations Act laid into 
the law the basis for the continued commercial, cultural and defense 
relationship between the U.S. and Taiwan. As this resolution states, it 
has been instrumental in maintaining the peace, the security and the 
stability in the Taiwan Straits.
  While this resolution highlights many of the positive attributes of 
the U.S.-Taiwan relationship, language detailing our important economic 
relationship was regrettably struck. As the original version states, 
Taiwan is the ninth largest trading partner of the U.S., with United 
States exports totaling over $26 billion. Imports from Taiwan are 
important too.
  The truth is that trade is very important to Taiwanese security. 
Security isn't based on weapons alone.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I yield an additional 1 minute to the gentleman 
from California.
  Mr. ROYCE. I suspect it is wishful thinking with this administration, 
but I would like to see movement on a trade agreement with Taiwan. 
Certainly, if we throw up trade barriers, it would do much to 
destabilize Taiwan's economy. We shouldn't give trade short shrift.
  Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, we have no further requests for time, so I 
will reserve to the ranking member.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield myself such time 
as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support as an original cosponsor of 
House Concurrent Resolution 55. This resolution recognizes the Taiwan 
Relations Act as the cornerstone of the unbreakable relations which 
exist today between the people of the United States and the people of 
Taiwan.
  The Taiwan Relations Act stands out as one of the key pieces of 
foreign policy legislation passed by Congress in the 20th century.
  Congress was prompted to act by the decision of President Jimmy 
Carter to suddenly cut off, as of January 1, 1979, our historic 
relations with a traditional ally, and to provide nothing further for 
its continued security nor defensive needs.
  Taiwan has stood with the United States, both during the Second World 
War and in the Cold War, yet little thought was given to the fate of 
the then approximately 18 million people living on the island. Is this 
the way to treat an old friend? The response from the House of 
Representatives 30 years ago was a resounding ``no.''
  On March 28, 1979, the House passed the Taiwan Relations Act by an 
overwhelming bipartisan majority of 339-50. It is this anniversary that 
we commemorate this coming Saturday and, in so doing, Mr. Speaker, 
reaffirm our commitment to strengthen the U.S.-Taiwan relationship and 
our support for the defensive needs of the Taiwanese people.
  Thirty years ago Taiwan was put forward as the sacrificial lamb for 
our own apprehensions, ready to be surrendered to Beijing's unyielding 
demands. The Taiwan Relations Act put an end to that defeatist way of 
thinking.
  In the three decades since the Taiwan Relations Act, Mr. Speaker, the 
economic and democratic evolution of Taiwan has been beyond even the 
most optimistic projections at that time. Taiwan's robust, free-market 
economy made the island the ninth largest trading partner of the United 
States in 2007.
  Taiwan, as a young democracy with a record of two peaceful 
transitions of power, is blossoming amidst a sea of Chinese communism. 
It has become a beacon of hope to all who aspire to democracy in the 
Chinese cultural world.
  Now, more than ever, we must ensure that our robust ties with the 
people of Taiwan are maintained and even strengthened. Now, more than 
ever, we must ensure that the people of Taiwan are provided with 
defensive weapons needed to ensure that no sudden change in the status 
quo by the use of force undermines their political aspirations. Now, 
more than ever, we must ensure that Congress is fully consulted on a 
regular basis on both our overall relations with Taiwan, and our 
planned future arms sales.
  The best means to achieve these goals, Mr. Speaker, is through 
overwhelming Congressional support for this resolution as a sign of our 
unwavering recommitment to the Taiwan Relations Act on its 30th 
anniversary.
  Let us send a strong, unequivocal message to Beijing that we are 
unwavering in our commitment to democracy, to free markets, and to the 
people of Taiwan. Now more than ever, we must all stand by Taiwan on 
this important anniversary.
  Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise as a proud co-sponsor of H. Con. 
Res. 55 and I want to commend Chairman Faleomavaega and Ranking Member 
Manzullo for moving this timely resolution forward.
   Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join in recognizing the 30th 
anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act. Since 1979, the TRA's clarity 
of purpose as the framer of U.S.-Taiwan relations and its singular role 
in shaping our relationship with the Peoples Republic of China has few 
equals in terms of foreign policy legislation produced by the Congress.
   Under the TRA, Taiwan, and I dare say the mainland, have both 
prospered and are vastly different places from what they were before 
the TRA was enacted. The TRA has facilitated Taiwan's evolution into a 
full-fledged, multiparty democracy with a robust free market economy. 
And as Taiwan has evolved domestically, its role internationally has 
changed as well. Taiwan is an active participant in addressing 
transnational threats and has been deeply engaged in humanitarian 
relief efforts, addressing public health and environmental protection 
initiative as well as financial stabilization efforts.
   The resolution before the subcommittee today reaffirms the 
unwavering support of the United States Congress for Taiwan, its 
democratic institutions, and urges a deeper and stronger relationship 
between the United States and Taiwan. These are sentiments with which 
we can all agree, so I urge my colleagues to support the resolution.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this 
resolution recognizing one of our strongest partners in business and in 
democracy, Taiwan. I would like to thank my colleague Shelley Berkley 
of Nevada for her continued strong leadership on issues affecting 
Taiwan, and Asia in general.
  Whether you refer to it as the Republic of China, Formosa or Taiwan, 
this is a free society that has been a beacon of light and freedom in 
the Taiwan Strait.
  April 10, 2009 will mark the 30th anniversary of the enactment of the 
Taiwan Relations Act, codifying in law the basis for continued 
commercial, cultural, and other relations between the United States and 
the Republic of China, or Taiwan. The Taiwan Relations Act has been 
instrumental in maintaining peace, security, and stability in the 
Taiwan Strait since its enactment in 1979.
  When the Taiwan Relations Act was enacted, it affirmed that the 
United States decision to establish diplomatic relations with the 
People's Republic of China was based on the expectation that the future 
of Taiwan would be determined by peaceful means. I truly believe that 
all of Asia wants the future of Taiwan to be peaceful and that this 
glorious society continues to be a beacon of light, freedom and 
commercial opportunity.
  My district in Texas is home to a very strong Taiwanese American 
community, and while I understand that Texas is not known for it's 
Asian population, it is very vital and an important part of the 
tapestry of diversity that the state of Texas must get recognition for.
  The Taiwan Relations Act makes it a policy of the United States to 
provide defense articles and defense services in such quantity as may 
be necessary to enable Taiwan to maintain a sufficient self-defense 
capability. Our continued desire is that these articles remain unused.
  The Taiwan Relations Act also makes it a policy of the United States 
to maintain the capacity to resist any resort to force or other

[[Page H3780]]

forms of coercion that would jeopardize the security, or the social or 
economic system, of the people of Taiwan. That is why we must remain 
vigilant on what happens in the Taiwan Strait. This is still one of the 
most peaceful and prosperous areas of the world. It also has one of the 
most steadily growing populations.
  Taiwan's democracy has deepened with the second peaceful transfer of 
power from one political party to another after the presidential 
election in March 2008. The new President has made it a point of 
fostering an atmosphere of peace and.harmony, while seeking to secure 
Taiwan's place as an economic growth engine. This is particularly 
important when the global economy is faltering.
  The relationship between the United States and Taiwan has 
strengthened with Taiwan's evolution into a free society and a full-
fledged, multi-party democracy and the development of Taiwan's robust 
free-market economy, with Taiwan becoming the 9th largest trading 
partner of the United States in 2007 and imports from the United States 
in that year totaling over $26 billion. Our economic and trading 
relationship is one of our most important to both Taiwan and to the 
United States.
  Also Taiwan's determined effort and collaboration with the United 
States to combat global terrorism, as demonstrated in part by its 
participation in the Container Security Initiative and its generous 
contribution to the Pentagon Memorial Fund are further evidence of our 
strong partnership.
  I would also cite the leadership role Taiwan has demonstrated in 
addressing transnational and global challenges, including its active 
engagement in humanitarian relief measures, public health endeavors, 
environmental protection initiatives, and financial market 
stabilization efforts.
  These reasons are why it is important that we continue to pursue 
peace and harmony in this region and why Secretary of State Hillary 
Clinton made Asia her first overseas trip in her new role. The 
symbolism is not lost on our Asian partners and why we must support 
this resolution.
  I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
  Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, I want to join my colleagues in recognizing 
the 30th anniversary of the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act and 
America's commitment to U.S.-Taiwan relations and supporting H. Con. 
Res. 55.
  As many of my colleagues know, the Taiwan Relations Act has been 
instrumental in maintaining peace, security, and stability in the 
Taiwan Strait since its enactment in 1979. Over the past 30 years, 
Taiwan has evolved into a model democracy that respects human rights 
and the rule of law. It has also transformed into one the world's most 
dynamic economies and is counted among America's most important trading 
partners. To that end, it is critical that the United States Congress 
continue to highlight the importance of the TRA and take further steps 
to enhance our overall partnership with Taiwan which has been mutually 
beneficial for generations in both America and Taiwan.
  As a member of Congress who believes the United States should foster 
this relationship and create new avenues of cooperation, it is 
important in the context of this anniversary to recognize the bold 
efforts of Taiwanese President Ying-jeou Ma to bring peace and 
stability to the Taiwan Strait. I welcome President Ma's efforts and 
the progress he has made to reduce tensions and to extend an olive 
branch to Beijing. While the issues that separate Taipei and Beijing 
are significant and the road ahead difficult, it is important for 
President Ma to fulfill his stated vision and continue to pursue a 
policy that lays down the ``foundation for a century of peace and 
prosperity'' in the region.
  Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I was recently privileged to 
become one of the co-chairs of the House Taiwan Caucus, and I look 
forward to working to strengthen our country's relationship with Taiwan 
through the efforts of the Caucus.
  Just this week, I was also pleased to have met Ambassador Yuan and 
Director General Tseng down at the Georgia Capitol where the Ambassador 
was being honored by the Georgia General Assembly.
  I rise today in strong support of House Concurrent Resolution 55, 
which commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act. As 
stated in this resolution, the Taiwan Relations Act has served as the 
cornerstone of America's relationship with Taiwan since its enactment 
in 1979.
  This resolution recognizes ``Taiwan's evolution into a free society 
and a full-fledged, multi-party democracy.'' As the 9th largest trading 
partner of the United States in 2007, Taiwan has demonstrated its 
commitment to work with the United States and to collaborate on a range 
of issues--especially in regards to combating global terrorism.
  Mr. Speaker, Taiwan has also made clear its commitment to give back 
to the global community through humanitarian relief an other 
contributions to help stabilize global financial markets.
  Mr. Speaker, in recognition of this milestone anniversary of the 
Taiwan Relations Act, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in 
reaffirming our support for Taiwan's democratic institutions and 
commitment to our strong friendship with Taiwan.
  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of passage of 
House Concurrent Resolution 55 a resolution recognizing the 30th 
anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act. The Taiwan Relations Act's 
passage in 1979 marked an important law that allowed for continued 
cultural and economic relations with the people of Taiwan. The 
resolution we are considering, H. Con. Res. 55, reasserts Congressional 
intent on this very important relationship. The Taiwan Relations Act 
helped the United States continue to foster a greater partnership that 
has resulted in economic benefits and stability for both of our people 
and that has contributed to peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific 
region.
  I appreciate the partnership that the people of Taiwan have with the 
people of Guam. The Director General of the Taipei Economic and 
Cultural Office on Guam, Mr. Vince Tsai, has been a valuable member of 
our island community and I appreciate his office's continued 
involvement with our local community in many social, business and civic 
activities. I also want to thank my good friend Congresswoman Shelley 
Berkley from Nevada for introducing this resolution and for her 
continued interest in Asian-Pacific affairs. I believe that this 
resolution will continue to encourage and foster the friendship and 
beneficial relationship between the people of the United States and the 
people of Taiwan, as the Taiwan Relations Act envisioned thirty years 
ago.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I urge strong support for the resolution, an 
``aye'' vote, and yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Berman) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 55, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the concurrent resolution, as amended, was 
agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________