On the recordMarch 3, 2020
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support my bill, the TAIPEI Act, which does three important things. First, it endorses a U.S.-Taiwan free trade agreement. Second, it supports Taiwan's membership in international institutions. Third, finally, this bill helps Taiwan maintain partners and allies around the world. Mr. Speaker, when I was a young missionary living in Taiwan in 1979, I could hardly imagine that the day would come when I could stand here and help return the favor of 40 years ago of their friendship and kindness to me as a young man living amongst them. My time in the region gave me a unique understanding of the history and the culture of these great people. The TAIPEI Act strengthens our relationship with our partner, Taiwan, and it does this without spending a single U.S. tax dollar. I thank Senator Gardner, the Senate sponsor, for working with me on this bill, as well as the bipartisan group of 47 Representatives who cosponsored this important legislation. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I again thank my colleagues for their support on the TAIPEI Act. It will make a powerful statement for us to pass this bill, and I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
