On the recordDecember 7, 2016
I rise for two reasons today. First, I honor the life of my father, Larry L. Barton. He died on this date, December 7, 1996. He was a World War II veteran and a B-24 Liberator navigator. He was based in Italy and flew 40 combat missions over Central Europe. I also rise to commend President-elect Trump for his phone call to the President of Taiwan, President Tsai. Taiwan is a friend of the United States. We recognized Taiwan from the late 1940s to 1972. We then recognized Mainland China but maintained diplomatic relationships with Taiwan until 1978. President-elect Trump was right to make a phone call to President Tsai. They are a friend of the United States. In my opinion, there is no reason we can't have diplomatic relations with both nations. I am told that President Tsai is going to come through Texas in the fall on her way to Guatemala. I will welcome her if that trip occurs and will try to give her the hospitality that she gave me when I visited her great nation last month. A phone call is a phone call, Mr. Speaker. I commend the President- elect for calling President Tsai. I hope this means a warming of a relationship with Taiwan. ____________________
