[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 13]
[House]
[Page 19115]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                   CELEBRATING TAIWAN'S NATIONAL DAY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend and applaud the 
23 million people of Taiwan for their support of the United States in 
the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attack on our country.
  From the beginning, Taiwan's message for United States and the world 
has been clear. Taiwan condemned terrorism and especially those 
perpetrators who killed thousands of innocent people and disrupted the 
lives of million of people worldwide.
  Taiwan has stood with the United States in its love for democracy and 
freedom. The strength of our nations to overcome disasters and terror 
has never been clearer.
  The terrorists on September 11 hoped to destabilize our economy and 
strike fear in those countries that believe in the Democratic 
principals of freedom and peace. They did not succeed and will not 
succeed because of friends like Taiwan. On this day, I strongly believe 
that Taiwan needs a greater international presence. I support Taiwan's 
aspirations to be an active member in the international community. It 
has all the qualifications: a sound political system, a much admired 
economy, and a genuine desire to maintain peace and stability in East 
Asia and the world.
  With a United Nations membership, Taiwan will become a very useful 
player, contributing its finances and ideas to combat nuclear 
proliferation, environmental abuses, human rights violations, and 
worldwide terrorism. I urge my colleagues to give all their support to 
Taiwan's bid to become a member of the United Nations and other key 
international organizations. Taiwan is worthy and a faithful friend of 
the United States of America.
  So, again, I urge all my colleagues to join with me in commending and 
recognizing Taiwan for their friendship and the strong relationship 
that exists between our two countries.

                          ____________________