Text of HCR135

Expressing the sense of the Congress welcoming Taiwan’s President Chen Shui-bian to the United States. (Introduced in the House)

H. CON. RES. 135

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

May 15, 2001

Mr. SCHAFFER (for himself and Mr. DEUTSCH and 35 other original co-sponsors) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on International Relations

Whereas for more than 50 years a close relationship has existed between the United States and Taiwan which has been of enormous economic, cultural, and strategic advantage to both countries;

Whereas the United States and Taiwan share common ideals and a vision for the 21st century, where freedom and democracy are the strongest foundations for peace and prosperity;

Whereas Taiwan has demonstrated an improved record on human rights and a commitment to democratic ideals of freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and free and fair elections routinely held in a multiparty system, as evidenced on March 18, 2000, by the election of Mr. Chen Shui-bian as Taiwan's new president;

Whereas the upcoming May 21 visit to the United States of Taiwan’s President Chen Shui-bian is another significant step in the broadening and strengthening of relations between the United States and Taiwan: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring) that the Congress

(1) warmly welcomes Taiwan’s president Chen Shui-bian upon his visit to the United States;

(2) requests President Chen Shui-bian to communicate to the people of Taiwan the support of the U.S. Congress and of the American people;

(3) recognizes that the visit of Taiwan’s President Chen Shui-bian to the United States is a significant step towards broadening and deepening the friendship and cooperation between the United States and Taiwan.