[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 15]
[House]
[Pages 20447-20448]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 WELCOMING PRESIDENT CHEN SHUI-BIAN OF TAIWAN TO THE UNITED STATES ON 
                           SEPTEMBER 20, 2005

  Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee 
on International Relations be discharged from further consideration of 
the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 237) expressing the sense of 
Congress welcoming President Chen Shui-bian of Taiwan to the United 
States on September 20, 2005, and ask for its immediate consideration 
in the House.
  The Clerk read the title of the concurrent resolution.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Ohio?
  There was no objection.
  The Clerk read the concurrent resolution, as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 237

       Whereas for more than 50 years an iron-clad relationship 
     has existed between the United States and Taiwan which has 
     been of enormous economic, cultural, and strategic benefit to 
     both nations;
       Whereas the United States and Taiwan share common ideals 
     and a clear vision for the 21st century, where freedom and 
     democracy are the foundations for peace, prosperity, and 
     progress;
       Whereas Taiwan has demonstrated its unequivocal support for 
     human rights and a commitment to the democratic ideals of 
     freedom of speech, freedom of the press, rule of law, and 
     free and fair elections routinely held in a multiparty 
     system;
       Whereas the upcoming September 20, 2005, visit to the 
     United States of Taiwan's President Chen Shui-bian is another 
     significant step in broadening and deepening the friendship 
     and cooperation between the United States and Taiwan;

[[Page 20448]]

       Whereas on September 20, 2005, Taiwan's President Chen 
     Shui-bian will be presented the Human Rights Award by the 
     Congressional Human Rights Caucus for his efforts in 
     promoting tolerance, democracy, and human rights;
       Whereas Taiwan's President Chen Shui-bian will bring a 
     strong message from the Taiwanese people that Taiwan will 
     cooperate and support the United States campaign against 
     international terrorism and efforts to rebuild and bring 
     democracy and stability to Afghanistan and Iraq; and
       Whereas the Government of Taiwan has donated $2 million to 
     the Government of the United States to help with relief 
     efforts in the devastated areas of the Gulf Coast of the 
     United States stricken by Hurricane Katrina: Now, therefore, 
     be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring),  That Congress--
       (1) offers its warmest welcome to President Chen Shui-bian 
     of Taiwan upon his visit to the United States on September 
     20, 2005;
       (2) asks President Chen Shui-bian to communicate to the 
     people of Taiwan the support of Congress and of the American 
     people;
       (3) recognizes that the visit of President Chen Shui-bian 
     of Taiwan to the United States is a significant step toward 
     broadening and deepening the friendship and cooperation 
     between the United States and Taiwan;
       (4) recognizes the commitment and efforts of President Chen 
     Shui-bian of Taiwan to maintain the peace and stability in 
     the Taiwan Strait;
       (5) congratulates President Chen Shui-bian on his receiving 
     the Human Rights Award from the Congressional Human Rights 
     Caucus; and
       (6) thanks President Chen Shui-bian and the government and 
     people of Taiwan for their contribution to relief efforts in 
     the devastated areas of the Gulf Coast of the United States 
     stricken by Hurricane Katrina.

  The concurrent resolution was agreed to.


            Amendment To The Preamble Offered By Mr. Chabot

  Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, I offer an amendment to the preamble.
  The Clerk read as follows:

       Amendment to the preamble offered by Mr. Chabot:
       In the first clause of the preamble, strike ``iron-clad 
     relationship'' and insert ``enduring friendship''.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the amendment to the 
preamble offered by the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Chabot).
  The amendment to the preamble was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________