[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 135 (Friday, September 19, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1481]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TAIWAN'S 103RD NATIONAL DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 18, 2014

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, as we join in 
congratulating our friends in Taiwan on the occasion of their 103rd 
National Day, I think the best way to celebrate the tremendous progress 
Taiwan has achieved over the past decades, and its contributions to the 
world, is through the continuation of our efforts to support Taiwan's 
meaningful participation in international organizations.
  Twenty years ago, in the 1994 Taiwan Policy Review, the Clinton 
Administration declared that it would support such participation, a 
pledge which successive Administrations have upheld.
  Ten years ago, the House passed legislation in support of Taiwan's 
efforts to gain observer status in the World Health Organization. Last 
year, this House passed bipartisan legislation to secure observer 
status for Taiwan at the International Civil Aviation Organization, or 
ICAO.
  Taiwan has enjoyed observer status at the World Health Assembly every 
year since 2009, and was invited last year to be a guest at the ICAO 
triennial Assembly by the ICAO Council President.
  As Taiwan is a key security and trading partner of this country, it 
is vital for the House to continue its support of Taiwan by bolstering 
its standing and meaningful participation in international bodies. 
Taiwan is a democracy of 23 million people who are highly educated, and 
highly skilled. It is to the benefit of all the world's peoples that 
experts from Taiwan engage with their colleagues in the international 
forums that seek to tackle the challenges of the 21st century.
  I ask my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support Taiwan and 
its people on this issue, and on the other issues vital to our shared 
values, security, and prosperity. Meanwhile, I also wish the people of 
Taiwan a happy Double Ten Day and continued success and prosperity.

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