Doug Bereuter: “This Member rises to alert his colleagues to the introduction of H.R. 3707, the Taiwan Facilities Enhancement Act. This…”

“This Member rises to alert his colleagues to the introduction of H.R. 3707, the Taiwan Facilities Enhancement Act. This bill authorizes construction of modern, secure facilities for the American Institute on Taiwan. In the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, the Congress established the American Institute on Taiwan to perform on behalf of the United States Government any and all programs and other relations with Taiwan. These facilities are grossly inadequate today from a security perspective, and major enhancements would be necessary to bring them into compliance with security requirements. Mr. Speaker, Congress must specifically act to authorize because it is not a normal embassy or a consulate. Mr. Speaker, over 20 years after the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act, our unofficial relations with the people of Taiwan are stronger, more robust, and more important than ever. For very practical and security reasons, the Congress needs to act to upgrade our diplomatic facilities on Taiwan as well. It will also demonstrate that we have and will have a presence in Taipei for the long-term, if necessary, to assure that any reunification is peaceful and uncoerced. This Member hopes that all Members of Congress will cosponsor and support this legislation.”