[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 142 (Tuesday, September 20, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1313]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                 CELEBRATING THE NATIONAL DAY OF TAIWAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PETE SESSIONS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 20, 2016

  Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Congressional Taiwan 
Caucus, I would like to take this chance to celebrate the National Day 
of Taiwan.
  Taiwan has and continues to be a staunch ally of the United States, 
one who shares our common values of freedom, human rights, and civil 
society. I have personally had the privilege of visiting Taiwan and 
have seen, first hand, its proud democracy and strong economy.
  As a part of their push for global integration, Taiwan has been 
seeking inclusion into international organizations. My colleagues and I 
understand the need for Taiwan to be a part of the global conversation 
and have passed legislation to help Taiwan receive observer status in 
international organizations such as: the World Health Organization 
(WHO), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and the 
International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol).
  I am pleased that for the last eight years, the World Health Assembly 
has continued to include Taiwan. Taiwanese experts have taken this 
opportunity to share their experiences with their counterparts from 
other countries around the world and they continue to make 
contributions to the global health network.
  As a key aviation hub in East Asia, I would encourage the 
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to utilize Taiwan's 
expertise. Close to fifty eight million people each year enter, leave, 
or pass through the Taipei Flight Information Region. In addition, 
Taiwan is connected to over 100 cities around the world with hundreds 
of air-passenger and air-freight routes. In 2013, Taiwan was invited to 
attend the triennial ICAO assembly as a guest of the ICAO chair of the 
Executive Committee. It would be beneficial to Taiwan and the 
international for Taiwan to be included in ICAO meetings.
  As Taiwan's National Day approaches, I would like to encourage the 
ICAO to welcome Taiwan's meaningful participation in its Assembly this 
month, and I hope that we as a Congress continue to incorporate the 
Taiwanese into the global network.

                          ____________________