[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 4440]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


     COMMEMORATING THE 37TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TAIWAN RELATIONS ACT

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 15, 2016

  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 37th 
Anniversary of the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) which 
was signed thirty-seven years ago on April 10, 1979.
  Since its enactment, the TRA has undergirded U.S.-Taiwan relations--
resulting in a mutually beneficial relationship that encourages strong 
security, cultural, and economic ties.
  Taiwan's story is an example to the world of the potential of a 
country.
  Taiwan and the United States share many values including: a 
commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
  Indeed, I am particularly proud that as a Member of the U.S. 
Congress, my colleagues and I can serve an important role in 
strengthening bilateral relations by engaging our counterparts in 
Taiwan.
  Mr. Speaker, Taiwan has grown to become America's ninth-largest 
overall trading partner and our seventh-largest destination for 
agricultural exports.
  After Taiwan became part of the U.S. Visa Wavier Program in November 
2012, travel from Taiwan to the United States increased by more than 50 
percent.
  Taiwan is set to join the U.S. Global Entry Program--a manifestation 
of its commitment to continuous cooperation between our two countries.
  Mr. Speaker, I commend the speech delivered by Taiwan President Ma 
Ying-jeou on March 30, 2016 at AmCham Hsie Nian Fan celebration, in 
which he emphasized the strong and abiding friendship between Taiwan 
and the United States, which was integral to Taiwan's transformation 
into the free, prosperous, and just society it is today.
  President Ma also mentioned that through the effort to seek peace, 
Taiwan has become a peacemaker and provider of humanitarian aid.
  President Ma also spoke of Taiwan's future through the lens of three 
key issues: cross-strait relations, energy, and economic development.
  During this time, as we commemorate the 37th anniversary of the 
enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act, I encourage my colleagues to 
continue to join me in support of and in promotion of our bilateral 
relations with Taiwan.
  I also want to congratulate Taiwan on the January 16, 2016 election 
of the first female President to be elected--Dr. Tsai Ing-wen.
  Mr. Speaker, the inauguration of President Dr. Tsai Ing-wen is the 
third peaceful transition of power in Taiwan's democratic history.
  The United States congratulates the people and government of Taiwan 
on the election of President Tsai Ing-wen and Taiwan's enduring and 
strong commitment to nurturing democracy, human rights and the rule of 
law.

                          ____________________