[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 11]
[House]
[Page 15356]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


                   RECOGNIZING TAIWAN'S NATIONAL DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                 HON. CHARLES J. ``CHUCK'' FLEISCHMANN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 2, 2017

  Mr. FLEISCHMANN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to wish both the people of 
Taiwan and Americans celebrating Taiwan's National Day this October 
10th a Happy Double Ten Day.
  In the decades preceding and following the Taiwan Relations Act of 
1979, the United States and Taiwan have built a solid bond that cannot 
be broken--born out of our shared values and our cooperation with each 
other in times of crisis, and in times of advancement.
  During the years, this key ally in the Asia-Pacific has transformed 
itself into a multiparty democracy which is a significant contributor 
to the global economy and humanitarian assistance. This is chiefly due 
to the hard work of the 23.5 million people on Taiwan, who value 
education, science, and progress. Americans share these values, which 
is why we have also contributed to Taiwan's success not only through 
our support and friendship, but through the Taiwan Relations Act and 
the Six Assurances, cornerstones of our relations with Taiwan.
  In 2016, Taiwan ranked as the United States' 10th largest trading 
partner and 7th largest export market for U.S. agricultural products. 
Moreover, Tennessee's exports to Taiwan reached $265.19 million in the 
same year. Taiwan is Tennessee's 7th largest export market in Asia. 
Tennessee companies have substantial opportunities to expand their 
business and cooperation with Taiwan. I will, together with Taiwan, 
work to find areas where we can partner to our mutual benefit.
  This is a day to celebrate, and to be optimistic. I ask my colleagues 
to join me in recommitting ourselves to the U.S.-Taiwan relationship, 
and in wishing Taiwan a Happy Double Ten Day.

                          ____________________