[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 6]
[Senate]
[Page 8078]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                    TAIWANESE-AMERICAN HERITAGE WEEK

 Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, this week I join people in Wisconsin 
and across the nation in celebrating Taiwanese-American Heritage Week. 
This week of celebration, from May 7 to May 14, honors the many diverse 
contributions of over 500,000 Taiwanese-Americans in the United States. 
These Americans have contributed significantly to our social fabric, 
making notable contributions as medical professionals, Nobel Laureate 
scientists, business owners, human rights activists, and teachers.
  While it is important to recognize the achievements of Taiwanese-
Americans in the United States, Taiwanese-American Heritage Week also 
gives us the opportunity to celebrate the success of democracy in 
Taiwan. Since the lifting of martial law in 1987, Taiwan has made 
consistent strides toward becoming an open, democratic society where 
freedoms are respected and the will of the people is observed. To the 
credit of the many Taiwanese-Americans who fought to bring democratic 
principles back to the island, Taiwan is now a vibrant democratic 
member of the international community.
  With the recent election of opposition leader Chen Shui-bian as 
President, Taiwan has again reaffirmed its commitment to the open 
electoral process that is the cornerstone of democracy. While this 
election bodes well for the future of a democratic Taiwan, many 
challenges remain. Taiwan must continue to resist internal anti-
democratic forces, while also providing for its own security in a 
region with too few democratic neighbors. However, I am confident that 
Taiwan will meet these challenges and continue to play a productive 
role in the international community.
  Mr. President, Taiwanese-American Heritage Week properly recognizes 
the longstanding friendship between the United States and Taiwan. Once 
again, I commend the accomplishments and on-going contributions of the 
Taiwanese-American community.

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