Schaffer Proposes Taiwan Membership in United Nations

Schaffer's Bill Garners Bipartisan Endorsement

July 27, 2000

WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Congressman Bob Schaffer (R-CO) introduced legislation today expressing support for Taiwan's participation in the United Nations (UN).

"I am pleased to offer this bill to recognize the legitimacy of Taiwan's presence in the international community. Taiwan has dramatically improved its human rights record and as a democratic nation should be afforded the privilege of membership in the United Nations," Schaffer said.

Schaffer's bill provided Taiwan the opportunity to join the United Nations and the World Heath Organization (WHO). The legislation is backed by more than forty bipartisan cosponsors.

"Congressional support for Taiwan is solid. Taiwan has made enormous strides toward becoming a fully democracy, and it is unreasonable for the people of Taiwan to be excluded from full participation in international institutions due to threats from mainland China," Schaffer said.

Rep. Schaffer noted the U.S. has supported Taiwan's membership in the Asian Development Bank and its admission to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation group. Extending United Nations and World Health Organization membership is the next step in demonstrating continued U.S. support for Taiwan, according to Schaffer.

Contact: Keirsten Kelly 202-226-8416

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Congressman Schaffer was first elected to Congress in November of 1996. He is a member of the Agriculture Committee, the Resources Committee and the Education and the Workforce Committee. He is Vice Chairman of the Education Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Youth and Families, Chairman of the Western Caucus Water Working Group, Co-Chair of the Western Water Caucus and President of the Republican Sophomore Class. His official Internet website address is www.house.gov/schaffer.