[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 143 (Thursday, October 1, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1403]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING TAIWAN'S 104TH NATIONAL DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT GARRETT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 1, 2015

  Mr. GARRETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Taiwan's 104th 
National Day on October 10th, also known as Double Ten Day.
   Both the United States and Taiwan share the belief that remembering 
our countries' heritage is critical to forging a path to a better 
tomorrow. Only a few decades ago, Taiwan was an authoritarian state. 
Yet today, presidents and legislators are elected through a peaceful, 
democratic process. I applaud Taiwan for cherishing these liberties 
rather than taking them for granted.
   The United States has been a close ally of Taiwan for many years, 
and our friendship is solidified by our core set of shared values. 
Justice, rule of law, human rights, and freedom of the press are 
treasured by people in both the United States and Taiwan. Furthermore, 
Taiwan is an important security and economic partner of the United 
States.
   As a member of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, I am pleased to see 
Taiwan's admission to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation group and 
World Trade Organization, as well as Taiwan's observer status at the 
World Health Organization. However, Taiwan and its 23 million people 
are still not fully represented in the United Nations. It is vital for 
the United States to continue to stand with Taiwan by supporting its 
meaningful participation in international bodies. This is why I have 
introduced H. Con. Res. 76, which supports Taiwan's full membership in 
the United Nations. I urge my colleagues in Congress to join me in 
supporting Taiwan's full and equal membership in the United Nations and 
other international organizations.
   I would again like to congratulate the people of Taiwan on their 
104th National Day. This anniversary is a time to remember the 
sacrifices of the past and to look ahead to a promising future.

                          ____________________