Tom Tiffany: “My amendment would prevent the enforcement of arbitrary, self-imposed State Department rules that limit communication…”

“My amendment would prevent the enforcement of arbitrary, self-imposed State Department rules that limit communication between U.S. officials and their counterparts in Taiwan. In essence, these guidelines are designed to prevent high-level coordination between our two countries. That isn't just bad policy, but it is in direct conflict with existing laws that call for expanding bilateral cooperation, such as the Taiwan Travel Act. These rules inhibit the ability of high-ranking U.S. Defense officials to work with military planners in Taipei. They impose degrading and embarrassing restrictions that serve no reasonable purpose, such as a ban on displaying Taiwan's flag and the playing of Taiwan's national anthem at functions held on U.S. Government property. They even police language, warning American officials not to refer to Taiwan as a country or its elected leaders as a government. {time} 1230 These directives do not help the United States and they do not help Taiwan, but they do help the Chinese Communist Party. That is why former President Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo got rid of them. Unfortunately, the Biden administration quietly reinstated them in 2021, and that is why I am offering this amendment today. Mr. Chair, it makes no sense that a State Department memo supersedes the laws we pass. America should not have to ask China for a permission slip to talk to our friends and allies in Taiwan or anywhere else.…”