For Immediate Release
Washington, D.C. – May 21, 2025
Contact: 202-600-6819

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FAPA Mourns the Passing of Congressman Gerald E. Connolly, Honoring His Contributions to U.S.-Taiwan Relations 

The Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA) mourns the passing of U.S. Representative Gerald E. Connolly (D-VA), who died on the morning of Wednesday, May 21, 2025.   

Congressman Connolly served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2009 until his passing in 2025, leaving a profound impact on countless Taiwanese and American people—including the thousands of FAPA members across the country. Throughout his career, he remained a steadfast advocate for Taiwan and its right to determine its own future, free from the People’s Republic of China’s coercion. 

As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Taiwan Caucus, Congressman Connolly was relentless in advancing policies that deepened U.S.-Taiwan relations. His leadership helped shape a more principled and proactive U.S. approach toward Taiwan. 

Congressman Connolly’s legislative record speaks volumes. During the 119th Congress, he served as the lead sponsor or a key cosponsor of several major pro-Taiwan legislations, including the Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act and the Taiwan International Solidarity Act—both of which passed the House earlier this month—as well as the Taiwan Allies Fund Act and H.Res.148, which supports Taiwan international space and rejects China’s false sovereignty claims over Taiwan. 

His passing is a tremendous loss for those who cherish democracy, freedom, and integrity in public service. Congressman Connolly set a standard for principled foreign policy leadership—both in Congress and around the world. Though his voice is gone, his legacy will continue to resonate for years to come. 

FAPA National President Dr. Su-Mei Kao states: “We deeply mourn the passing of Congressman Gerald Connolly, a steadfast and dedicated champion of Taiwan. As Co-Chair of the House Taiwan Caucus and a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, he played a key role in advancing bipartisan legislations to strengthen U.S.-Taiwan relations.” Dr. Kao added, “His enduring dedication to democracy and human rights not only reinforced the United States’ commitment to Taiwan and strengthened the U.S.-Taiwan partnership, but also inspired countless advocates for Taiwan. His legacy will be forever remembered, and he will be deeply missed.” 

FAPA extends its heartfelt condolences to Congressman Connolly’s family, staff, and colleagues. May he rest in peace. 

 

FAPA 哀悼康納利眾議員辭世，緬懷其對美台關係之卓越貢獻  

美國聯邦眾議員康納利（Gerald E. Connolly, D-VA）於 2025 年 5 月 21 日上午辭世，台灣人公共事務會（FAPA）對此深表哀悼。 
 
康納利自 2009 年起擔任美國聯邦眾議員，至 2025 年辭世。在任期間，他對無數台灣人與美國人產生了深遠影響，其中亦包括遍布全美的數千位 FAPA 會員。康納利在其政治生涯中始終堅定支持台灣，捍衛台灣人民自主決定未來、不受中華人民共和國脅迫的權利。 
 
作為眾議院外交事務委員會成員及跨黨派「國會台灣連線」共同主席，康納利積極推動各項有助於深化美台關係的政策。他的領導力為美國對台政策塑造了更具原則性與前瞻性的方向。 
 
康納利的立法紀錄充分展現其對台灣的長期支持。在第 119 屆國會期間，他主導或共同提案多項關鍵挺台法案，包括《台灣保證實施法案》與《台灣國際團結法案》（兩案皆已於本月稍早通過眾議院），以及《台灣盟友基金法案》與《眾議院第 148 號決議案》，支持台灣拓展國際空間，並駁斥中國對台主權的虛假主張。 
 
康納利的辭世，對所有珍視民主、自由與政治誠信的人而言，都是重大損失。他在國會及國際舞台上展現的原則性外交領導典範，堪為表率。雖其音容已逝，其精神與貢獻將持續影響後世。 
 
FAPA 總會會長林素梅博士表示：「我們深切哀悼康納利眾議員的辭世。他是台灣堅定且熱忱的支持者。作為國會台灣連線的共同主席及眾議院外交委員會的成員，康納利眾議員在推動強化美台關係的重要跨黨派立法中發揮了關鍵作用。」林會長補充道：「他對民主與人權的長期堅持，不僅鞏固了美國對台的承諾，促進美台夥伴關係，也激勵了無數支持台灣的倡議者。他的貢獻將永遠銘記於人們心中，我們將深切懷念他。」 
 
FAPA 謹向康納利眾議員的家屬、幕僚與同仁致上最誠摯的哀悼與敬意。願其安息。