[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 15]
[Senate]
[Pages 20304-20305]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




              TAIWAN-UNITED STATES AGRICULTURAL AGREEMENT

  Mr. BROWNBACK. Mr. President, every 2 years or so, an agricultural 
buying mission from Taiwan visits the United States, to sign letters of 
intent and contracts to buy billions of dollars worth of U.S. wheat, 
corn, soybeans and hides. As you can well imagine, this practice has 
helped to guaranty an income to farmers across the country, and helped 
to create jobs in communities throughout this Nation.

[[Page 20305]]

  Between 1978 and 1993, Taiwan dispatched 18 of these missions to this 
country. Taiwan has an active ``buy American'' program, which has 
helped to shrink our trade deficit over the years. Hopefully, this 
robust trading relationship between Taiwan and the United States will 
continue for years to come. I know for a fact that our farmers and 
exporters, especially from my home State of Kansas, deeply appreciate 
Taiwan's business.
  Our friends in Taiwan have helped this country in other ways as well. 
Whether it is full cooperation in the global war on terror, significant 
monetary contributions to the Twin Towers Fund, or their recent 
generous pledge of $2,000,000 in aid for the victims of Hurricane 
Katrina, we can always count on Taiwan to be there when we need them.
  Mr. President, I rise today to thank our friends in Taiwan as they 
once again demonstrate their good will towards the United States 
through the visit of this agricultural buying mission to my State, as 
well as those of many of my colleagues.

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