[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6649]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        CONGRATULATING PRESIDENT MA YING-JEOU ON HIS RE-ELECTION

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 10, 2012

  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I stand today to recognize and 
congratulate Ma Ying-jeou, President of Taiwan, as he continues to 
honorably serve the people of the Republic of China. On January 14, 
2012, through a free and fair election, the people of Taiwan reelected 
Ma Ying-jeou to serve a second term as president, continuing the 
country's commitment to a strong and stable democratic government.
  Over the past century Taiwan has increasingly become an influential 
free-market democracy in the Asia-Pacific region. Now a model 
government to surrounding countries, Taiwan continues to play a vital 
role in maintaining peace and stability in the region and has 
experienced sustained economic growth and sociopolitical development in 
recent years.
  As a result, U.S.-Taiwan relations have become especially close. Our 
shared economic, cultural, political, and strategic values coupled with 
our mutual interest in forging strong ties have encouraged innovation 
and growth between our nations. U.S. arms sales to Taiwan have more 
than doubled over the past several years and on December 22, 2011, the 
U.S. State Department announced Taiwan's nomination for inclusion into 
the Visa Waiver Program. Officials estimate acceptance into this 
program will increase the more than 400,000 Taiwanese citizens who 
visit the United States each year by 20 to 30 percent.
  As a member of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, I commend President 
Ma for his exemplary leadership and his efforts to advance and ensure 
regional stability and peace. President Ma and his administration have 
worked tirelessly to develop a strong strategy of rapprochement which 
upholds our shared values of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. I 
look forward to the future as we continue to work together to seek 
mutual best interests for both the United States and Taiwan.
  Mr. Speaker, I would ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating 
President Ma Ying-jeou and wish him continued success as he begins his 
second term as president of the Republic of China.

                          ____________________