For Immediate Release
Washington DC – July 15, 2004
Contact: (202) 547-3686
U.S. House Passes TRA Legislation Further Opening The Door For Future Visit By Taiwan’s President To Washington D.C.
On July 14, the House of Representatives passed H.Con.Res.462 commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act. A final vote on the resolution did not take place until the morning of July 15, when the resolution passed overwhelmingly with 400-18 votes.
It concludes: “Congress affirms its unwavering commitment to the Taiwan Relations Act (22 U.S.C. 3301 et seq.) as the cornerstone of United States relations with Taiwan.” And: “The United States Government should not discourage current officials of the Taiwan Government from visiting the United States on the basis that doing so would violate the “one China policy.”
During floor deliberations, Congressman Christopher Smith (R-NJ) referred to the TRA as “one of Congress’ most important and enduring pieces of legislation. Over the past quarter century, the Act has served as the foundation of the United States’ relationship with the people of Taiwan and has ensured the island’s security.”
House International Relations Committee ranking member Rep. Tom Lantos (D-CA) stated: “Mr. Speaker, it was a great pleasure for me to host Taiwan’s Vice President, Annette Lu, during a recent visit to San Francisco. It is my fondest hope that Congress will have the honor of greeting both President Chen and Vice President Lu in Washington in the foreseeable
future.”
FAPA President Ming-chi Wu, Ph.D. states: “It is very important that the resolution states that hi-level visits are not in conflict with the US “One China Policy.” This opens the door for a future visit by President Chen to Washington DC.” Taiwanese Americans concur with Rep. Lantos and also look forward to a visit by the democratically elected president of Taiwan to visit Washington DC. Such as visit is long overdue.”
H.Con.Res.462
