[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 157 (Monday, October 2, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1298]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HAPPY DOUBLE TEN DAY (TAIWAN)

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 2, 2017

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to wish both the people of 
Taiwan and Americans celebrating Taiwan's National Day this October 
10th a Happy Double Ten Day.
  Our two countries' partnership has flourished thanks to a mutual 
commitment to democratic values and constitutional government Taiwan 
has created a strong democracy, as evidenced by the six direct 
presidential elections the country has held since 1996 and the three 
peaceful passages of power from one political party to another in the 
wake of these elections, most recently in 2016. Taiwan now serves as a 
strong example of democracy for not only the Asia Pacific region, but 
also the world.
  The strength of this bond has also been demonstrated most recently by 
a series of common initiatives. In August, onr two nations collaborated 
on the launch of Taiwan's first domestically built satellite, the 
Formosat-5, and Taiwan signed letters of intent to purchase 
approximately 365 million bushels of U.S. grains in 2018 and 2019 worth 
almost $3 billion. Additionally, Taipei pledged $800,000 to relief 
efforts in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.
  I applaud Taiwan's commitment to deepening ties with the United 
States, and the people of Taiwan should rest assured that Americans and 
this Congress share it.
  This is a day to celebrate, and to be optimistic. I ask my colleagues 
to join me in recommitting ourselves to the U.S.-Taiwan relationship, 
and in wishing Taiwan a Happy Double Ten Day.

                          ____________________