[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 69 (Tuesday, May 15, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E785]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          CONGRATULATING PRESIDENT MA AND THE PEOPLE OF TAIWAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DENNIS A. ROSS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 15, 2012

  Mr. ROSS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I extend my congratulations and 
best wishes to Mr. Ma Ying-jeou and the people of Taiwan as they 
celebrate Mr. Ma's presidential inauguration this May 20. Mr. Ma Ying-
jeou won re-election as the fifth freely elected president of the 
Republic of China on January 14.
  President George W. Bush once famously described Taiwan as ``a beacon 
of democracy to Asia and the world.'' His words were recognition of 
Taiwan's achievements in democratic developments. The United States and 
Taiwan value human rights, civil liberties and the rule of law. Our 
shared values have produced a strong and dependable friendship for the 
past century. Taiwan was one of the first to come to our aid after the 
events of September 11th and Hurricane Katrina. Taiwan continues to be 
our ally in the war against terrorism by cooperating with humanitarian 
assistance in Iraq and Afghanistan and providing intelligence. They 
have shown generosity and compassion by donating to the Twin Towers 
Fund and Pentagon Memorial Fund.
  In honoring Taiwan, we need to continue to sell defensive weapons to 
Taiwan under the framework of the Taiwan Relations Act. Despite the 
rapprochement that has been built up between Taiwan and the PRC, a 
well-armed Taiwan is still the best guarantee to permanent peace in the 
Strait. Also, I firmly believe that Taiwan should have a much broader 
international visibility. I encourage my colleagues to support Taiwan's 
current bid to join the International Civil Aviation Organization 
(ICAO) as an observer.
  To President Ma and the people of Taiwan, I extend my congratulations 
on their Presidential Inauguration Day.

                          ____________________