[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 48 (Monday, March 23, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E374]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     COMMEMORATING THE 36TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TAIWAN RELATIONS ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. DONALD M. PAYNE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 23, 2015

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the 36th anniversary of 
the Taiwan Relations Act and recognize the long-standing U.S.-Taiwan 
relationship. On April 10, 1979, President Jimmy Carter signed TRA and 
it has served to define the relationship that the United States has 
shared with Taiwan ever since.
   Since the signing of the Taiwan Relations Act, we as a nation have 
supported the Taiwanese efforts over the last three and a half decades 
by fostering commercial exchange. Over that time, Taiwan has grown to 
become a significant security and trading partner to the United States. 
It is critical that we continue to explore the beneficial connections 
between our nations and work to promote it at every opportunity.
   Taiwan continues to be an economic powerhouse in the Asia Pacific 
and a beacon of democracy. The United States recognizes Taiwan's 
unfailing determination to promote a free and fair democratic society. 
However, because of Taiwan's ambiguous international status they have 
been left out of many international organizations that the rest of the 
world uses to make global decisions. I believe that if allowed to 
participate more fully, Taiwan would be a valuable asset to 
organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO).
   Taiwan has already contributed significantly to humanitarian relief 
worldwide. In 2013, they provide shelters and supply to refuges in 
Jordan and Iraq. In 2014, they donated supplies and money to help treat 
Ebola in West Africa. Those are just a couple of examples in a long 
list of humanitarian work by Taiwan, all without being fully allowed to 
join international organizations.
   In the coming years, I hope that Taiwan's hard work and 
contributions will be rewarded with a place in the global conversation. 
I hope we can continue to strengthen our unique relationship with 
Taiwan and its people.

                          ____________________