Doug Bereuter: “House Concurrent Resolution 148 addresses the highly volatile situation in the Taiwan Strait as the P.R.C. has crudely…”

“House Concurrent Resolution 148 addresses the highly volatile situation in the Taiwan Strait as the P.R.C. has crudely sought to intimidate the people of Taiwan on the eve of national elections. China's missile tests, live-fire exercises, and huge amphibious force opposite Taiwan have been quite rightly labeled as ``acts of terrorism'' by Speaker Gingrich. This Member commends the distinguished member from California, Mr. Cox for his initiative in drafting House Concurrent Resolution 148 in consultation with this Member and others, and the distinguished chairman of the House International Relations Committee, Mr. Gilman for his successful effort to obtain quick committee action on the resolution unanimously reported from the subcommittee I chair. The resolution passed the committee by voice vote with overwhelming bipartisan support. At this precarious point, Mr. Speaker, miscalculation and recklessness by either party could lead to catastrophe. Many Members of this House--Republican and Democrat alike--were concerned that the administration's initial reaction of deliberate and calculated ambiguity did not convey an adequate expression of U.S. resolve. This Member and others believe it is necessary to send an unambiguous signal that the United States would not sit idly by were Taiwan to be attacked. The decision to send a second Navy aircraft carrier group to join the one already in the waters near Taiwan is an important demonstration of United States intent.”