Political Quotes

“I thank my colleague, Mr. Royce, the distinguished chairman of our committee, once again for his bipartisan collegiality in the workings of our committee, especially on this important piece of legislation. I want to also rise in strong support of the Taiwan Relations Act Affirmation and Naval Vessel Transfer Act. I am proud to serve, Mr. Speaker, as the cochair of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, which has worked to ensure the Taiwan Relations Act remains the linchpin in U.S.-Taiwan relations. I am also proud of the fact, I would say to my friend, the chairman of our committee, that, since 1988, I have actually been to Taiwan 23 times and have seen extraordinary change over those three decades. Since the signing of the Taiwan Relations Act in 1979, the U.S. and Taiwan have forged a closer partnership to improve cultural and economic relations between our nations. Our partnership has been instrumental in maintaining peace and security across the Taiwan Strait and throughout East Asia. While it is important to mark this historic anniversary, we also should take this opportunity to affirm our--that is to say the American--commitment. As a reflection of that, today's bill authorizes the President to transfer up to four surplus U.S. naval vessels to Taiwan. Taiwan has been a valued partner in combating global terrorism and delivering humanitarian relief when needed.…”