Political Quotes

“I rise today to speak on the amendment offered by Senator Cornyn regarding the sale of F-16C/D fighter aircraft to Taiwan. Let me begin by reiterating that I am a strong supporter of Taiwan's right to self-defense. That is why I am proud to support the proposed arms sale package to Taiwan that the Obama administration transmitted to Congress just yesterday. This package would provide an estimated $5.85 billion in arms sales to Taiwan, including a significant advanced technology upgrade to 145 F-16A/B aircraft that are currently part of Taiwan's air defense fleet. But what I cannot support is the process by which Senator Cornyn is seeking to require the sale of additional F-16C/D aircraft to Taiwan. Instead of mandating this sale on a trade adjustment bill, I would like Congress to continue to work with the Obama administration to determine how to best meet our obligations under the Taiwan Relations Act to ``make available to Taiwan such defense articles and defense services in such quantity as may be necessary to enable Taiwan to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability.'' A defeat of the Cornyn amendment does not take the potential sale of F-16C/D aircraft to Taiwan off the table. In fact, the administration has stated that it is still considering the possibility of F-16C/D sales to Taiwan. I am confident that the United States will continue to help ensure Taiwan's security and stability long into the 21st century.”