Extension of Remarks

Statement in Honor of Taiwanese American Heritage Week

Rep. David Wu, May 10, 2000

Mr. Speaker:

I would like to pay tribute to Taiwanese Americans across the United States. As you may know, May 7^th-14^th is designated as Taiwanese American Heritage Week. Today, there are more than one half-million Taiwanese Americans across the United States. From science and education, to politics, Taiwanese Americans have made profound contributions to the strength and diversity of this great nation.

Like many immigrant communities, Taiwanese Americans have maintained a close relationship with their original homeland. Exchanges between Taiwan and the United States have resulted in an ever-closer relationship in trade, culture, and values. As we witnessed in the March 18^th, 2000 Taiwanese Presidential election, the people of Taiwan and the United States share a bond in their adherence to the principles of freedom, democracy, and human rights. That bond is made stronger each day by the Taiwanese American community here in the United States.

Today, as the first member of the U.S. House of Representatives born in Taiwan, I am proud to pay tribute to Taiwanese Americans. During the occasion of Taiwanese American Heritage Week, I urge all my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives, and indeed all Americans, to celebrate the diversity Taiwanese Americans have contributed to the United States.