[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 55 (Tuesday, April 12, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E402-E403]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 COMMEMORATING THE THIRTY-SEVENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TAIWAN RELATIONS 
                                  ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. KURT SCHRADER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 12, 2016

  Mr. SCHRADER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the thirty-
seventh anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act. Congress enacted the 
TRA as a way to increase trade and investment opportunities with Taiwan 
while also strengthening regional security efforts. The TRA is the 
bedrock of our relationship with Taiwan and has served both countries 
well. Our friendship stretches back decades and remains as important as 
ever in these challenging times.
  Having recently visited, I can attest to how special and close our 
two countries are. Nationally, Taiwan is our ninth largest trading 
partner. They are also our seventh largest source of international 
students; a group that contributed almost a billion dollars to the U.S. 
economy in 2014 alone. The impact to my home state Oregon is even 
larger. Taiwan is Oregon's sixth largest export market with over $1 
billion in Oregon products annually. These numbers show how vital 
Taiwan is to the United States, especially given the importance of the 
Asia-Pacific region.
  As that region of the world continues to grow, it is vital that we 
maintain our key relationships. The Congressional Taiwan Caucus 
recognizes the importance of this relationship and the need to continue 
to build upon the strong ties between our two countries. I am proud to 
join with over 200 members of the House as a part of that caucus. This 
bipartisan support is a testament to the strength of our friendship 
with Taiwan.
  These facts help to show the importance of the U.S.-Taiwan 
friendship. I join with my colleagues to renew our support between the 
government and people of Taiwan. Let us always remember the strong bond 
between us and move towards another thirty-seven years of success.

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