Dear friends:

I would like to pay tribute to Taiwanese Americans across the United States. As you may know, May 13th-19th 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 immigration 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 last 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.

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 Americans to celebrate the diversity Taiwanese Americans have contributed to the United States.

With warm regards,

David Wu

Member of Congress

May 3, 2001