[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 53 (Wednesday, April 2, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E499]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN SUPPORT OF HOUSE RESOLUTION 494, REAFFIRMING THE TAIWAN RELATIONS 
                                  ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RICHARD M. NOLAN

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 2, 2014

  Mr. NOLAN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of House Resolution 
494, a bill to reaffirm the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979.
   I am proud to say I have long supported the Taiwan-American 
relationship, perhaps longer than most Members of Congress serving 
today. In fact, I cosponsored H. Res. 494 on March 13 of this year, 
exactly 35 years to the day after I voted in this chamber to support 
the original Taiwan Relations Act in 1979.
   At that time, during the height of the Cold War, the United States 
was an essential ally and friend of Taiwan. Even as our nation sought 
to normalize relations with Mainland China, we were not about to 
abandon friends and allies, going back to the darkest days of World War 
II.
   It was our hope then, and it remains our hope today, that Taiwan and 
Mainland China will peacefully resolve their differences. Thanks in 
part to the Taiwan Relations Act, Taiwan has enjoyed decades of peace 
and freedom as a successful representative Democracy.
   Today, Taiwan's rightfully boasts of clean air and water, the rule 
of law in commerce and government, and enjoys a prosperous industry.
   More than a political ally, Taiwan is also a vitally important 
American trade partner. In 2012, exports to Taiwan from my own State of 
Minnesota were valued at $489 million a year. This makes Taiwan the 5th 
largest Asian export market and the 10th largest export market for 
Minnesota worldwide.
   As Taiwan and Mainland China have gradually strengthened their 
economic ties, Taiwan has become a vital front door to the massive 
Mainland Chinese market of 1.3 billion people and to additional markets 
throughout East Asia.
   Minnesota and the United States benefit from this relationship. 
Business, Industry, and Labor welcome Taiwanese investment and trade in 
Minnesota, as well as the opportunity to expand our export markets 
worldwide.
   By passing House Resolution 494, it is my hope that we can build 
upon these past successes, and reaffirm our continued political and 
economic support in this Congress for Taiwan.

                          ____________________