[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 11]
[House]
[Page 15360]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            CONGRATULATING THE 106TH NATIONAL DAY OF TAIWAN

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TED LIEU

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 2, 2017

  Mr. TED LIEU of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate 
President Tsai Ing-wen and the people of Taiwan as they celebrate the 
106th anniversary of its National Day on October 10, 2017.
  With the success of its sixth direct presidential election, Taiwan 
continues to serve as a beacon of vibrant democracy in the Asia-Pacific 
region.
  We just celebrated the 38th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act 
(TRA) this past April. The TRA was intended by Congress to endure an 
important relationship between close friends and allies. I am heartened 
by the strengthening of ties that have taken place in recent years, 
from Taiwan's admission to the U.S. Visa Waiver Program in 2012, and 
the first visit of a Cabinet-level official since the Clinton 
Administration in 2014. The bond between the United States and Taiwan 
is stronger than ever.
  Taiwan is also a great friend in times of despair. Following the 
recent devastation of Hurricane Harvey, Taiwan generously contributed 
$800,000 for relief efforts. In 2005, after Hurricane Katrina struck 
New Orleans, Taiwan, by the same token, offered a helping hand and 
donated $2 million.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating our friend, Taiwan, 
on this important occasion.

                          ____________________