[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 57 (Thursday, April 14, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E468]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATIONS ON THE 37TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ENACTMENT OF THE TAIWAN 
                             RELATIONS ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                 HON. CHARLES J. ``CHUCK'' FLEISCHMANN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 14, 2016

  Mr. FLEISCHMANN. Mr. Speaker, on April 10th, the United States and 
Taiwan celebrated the 37th anniversary of the enactment of the Taiwan 
Relations Act (TRA). This U.S. law, passed in 1979, codifies the 
enduring strength of the relationship between our two great peoples.
   Taiwan is one of America's oldest and most dependable partners in 
Asia. The U.S.-Taiwan relationship is based on our shared values and 
our common interest in stability and prosperity in East Asia. Taiwan is 
a young democracy, but its people have built a prosperous and free 
society with strong institutions, worthy of emulation and envy.
   I would also like to highlight that U.S.-Taiwan relations have been 
at its best since 1979, not only demonstrated at the government-to-
government level, but also in grassroot and people-to-people 
connection. Just take our bilateral trade for example. Seven years ago 
this island of 23 million people was our 15th largest export partner. 
Now, Taiwan has grown to become our 9th largest overall trading partner 
and our 7th largest destination for agricultural exports. Also, Taiwan 
is the 5th largest export market for Asia in my home state of 
Tennessee. Moreover, Taiwan participated in the U.S. Visa Waiver 
Program in 2012. As a result, travel for business and pleasure from 
Taiwan to the United States jumped 35 percent in 2013 alone. With these 
robust and strong connections, I am not surprised that in the past 
three years there were 40 state legislative chambers that passed 
resolutions in support of our close relationship with Taiwan. I am 
proud that Tennessee was one of them and has the sister-state 
relationship with Taiwan.
   As our focus on the Asia-Pacific increases, we will maintain our 
commitment to TRA and continue to support Taiwan's freedom, democracy, 
and economic prosperity.

                          ____________________