Washington, DC -- U.S. Congressman Sherrod Brown (D-OH), a senior member of the International Relations Committee, yesterday led the passage of a House measure reinforcing Congress' commitment to support Taiwan's participation in the United Nations.

          "Taiwan's growing regional and global significance demands a more active and thoughtful U.S. policy. Taiwan's 40 year journey toward democracy is a 20th century success story. Taiwan has evolved into a healthy, prosperous nation governed by the rule of law. This resolution represents the first step in fulfilling our commitment to the 1994 Taiwan Policy Review. Taiwan has earned a seat in the United Nations," Brown said.

          The resolution, cosponsored by Brown, recognizes that Taiwan's 23 million people deserve appropriate participation in the United Nations and other international organizations. The resolution recognizes Taiwan's evolution to democracy and the right to international participation.

          "Taiwan's commitment to democracy is clear. It is imperative the United States make an affirmative statement on behalf of our support for democracy in Taiwan and its right to join the international community. Today, we are doing just that -- by giving China clear notice that Congress and the American people still honor the Taiwan Relations Act," Brown said.

          Brown last year led House passage of a resolution supporting Taiwan's effort to participate in the World Health Organization (WHO) and calling on the Clinton administration to back Taiwan's participation in the international health organization. Brown, who is one of Congress's staunchest supporters of global democracy, is a member of the House International Relations Committee and is the ranking member of the Commerce Subcommittee on Health and Environment.

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