[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 61 (Monday, April 28, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E587]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 TAIWAN RELATIONS ACT AFFIRMATION AND NAVAL VESSEL TRANSFER ACT OF 2014

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 7, 2014

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize the 35th anniversary of the enactment of the Taiwan Relations 
Act (TRA) which has governed our relationship with Taiwan since its 
enactment.
  The TRA was signed into law April 10, 1979, by President Carter in 
order to maintain economic, cultural, and security ties with Taiwan in 
the absence of an official diplomatic relationship. The TRA has been 
vital in strengthening this mutually-beneficial partnership over the 
last 35 years. The U.S. enjoys no closer friend than Taiwan. Our 
friendship is built on a firm foundation of shared values--democracy 
and freedom, free and fair elections, a free press, and a free economy.
  Taiwan has created a vibrant economy and is a significant trading 
partner to the United States. It is also a major innovator and producer 
of IT products--many of which are assembled in China. Taiwan already 
plays a critical role in the global supply chain and has proven they 
would be an asset to the Trans-Pacific Partnership if included.
  Taiwan has used thoughtful dialogue and trade to help ease cross 
strait tensions, ensuring peace in the Western Pacific and resulting in 
greater security for the United States. I invite my colleagues to join 
me in commemorating the 35th anniversary of the TRA and in expressing 
our commitment to our relationship with Taiwan.

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