[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 79 (Wednesday, May 18, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E734-E735]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING DR. TSAI ING-WEN

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 18, 2016

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the 
newly elected president of Taiwan, Dr. Tsai Ing-wen, who will be 
inaugurated on May 20, 2016. I ask my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating Dr. Tsai and in applauding Taiwan for completing another 
presidential election.
  Dr. Tsai Ing-wen, the leader of the Democratic Progressive Party 
(DPP), will be Taiwan's first female president, leading the country to 
a new chapter of transformation. Taiwan provides an example to be 
followed in gender equality and women in leadership at its highest 
level of government. Taiwan has made more progress with gender equality 
issues than many of its Pacific neighbors, having adopted a law to 
implement the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms 
of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in 2011.
  Taiwan is also an important partner to the United States, serving as 
a democratic beacon of freedom in the Pacific. Democracy is strong and 
vibrant in Taiwan and we must continue to support these ideals that are 
so similar to our own. We must remain steadfast in our support of 
Taiwan even though its future may hold challenges dealing with their 
neighbors.
  Our shared goal is to provide the basis for long-term peace and 
prosperity for both of our nations and worldwide. Taiwan, like the 
U.S., is also a responsible member of the international community and 
constantly works for the peaceful resolution of disputes. Taiwan has 
achieved a remarkable reduction of cross-strait tensions, and 
effectively works for peace, harmony, and civilized conduct by all 
nations throughout the world.

[[Page E735]]

  It is my privilege to travel to Taiwan for Dr. Tsai Ing-wen's 
Inauguration in May, 2016. I look forward to supporting our friends 
there and personally congratulating Dr. Tsai.

                          ____________________