118th CONGRESS 2d Session |
Commending Taiwan for its history of democratic elections, and expressing support of Taiwan in the preservation of its democratic institutions.
January 10, 2024
Mr. Connolly (for himself, Mr. Diaz-Balart, Mr. Bera, Mr. Barr, Mr. McCaul, Mr. Krishnamoorthi, Mr. Gallagher, Ms. Titus, Mr. Balderson, Mr. Moskowitz, Mr. Mooney, Mr. McGovern, Mr. Fleischmann, Mr. Costa, Mr. Tiffany, Mr. Doggett, Mr. Issa, Mr. Norcross, Ms. Malliotakis, Ms. Tokuda, Mr. Kelly of Mississippi, Mr. Castro of Texas, Mrs. Hinson, Mr. Green of Texas, Mrs. Radewagen, Mr. Lieu, Mr. Loudermilk, Ms. Wilson of Florida, Mr. Waltz, Mr. Pallone, Mr. Kean of New Jersey, Mr. Gallego, Mr. Moran, Ms. Kaptur, Mr. Ciscomani, Mr. Peters, Mr. Ogles, Ms. Adams, Mr. Carter of Georgia, Mrs. Napolitano, Mrs. Kim of California, Mrs. Kiggans of Virginia, Mr. Trone, Mr. Huizenga, and Mr. Luetkemeyer) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs
Commending Taiwan for its history of democratic elections, and expressing support of Taiwan in the preservation of its democratic institutions.
Whereas Taiwan began transitioning to a liberal democracy in the late 1980s, lifting martial law in 1987 and holding the first direct legislative election in 1992 and the first direct presidential election in 1996;
Whereas Taiwan has now held 7 presidential, 9 legislative, and many local elections since the democratic transition, all of which were free, fair, and representative of the will of the people of Taiwan;
Whereas Taiwan has peacefully transferred presidential power between political parties 3 times and peacefully transferred parliamentary power between political parties 3 times;
Whereas the peaceful transfer of power is a bedrock of a free, stable, and representative political system;
Whereas the democratic institutions of Taiwan respect the freedoms of speech, press, assembly, and religion, and the citizens of Taiwan have exercised these freedoms in practice, building a vibrant civil society, strong journalistic and media sector, and an advanced business community;
Whereas the rule of law and vibrant civil society, diverse economy, and stable political system form the basis for the prosperity and freedoms of Taiwan, which rank far above the global average;
Whereas the liberty enjoyed by the residents of Taiwan stands in stark contrast to the “dictatorship of the proletariat” experienced by the residents of the People’s Republic of China;
Whereas, from 1949 until today, the people of the United States and the people of Taiwan have stood as partners against coercion, threats of war, and armed attacks from the People’s Republic of China; and
Whereas, on January 13, 2024, Taiwan will hold its eighth presidential election and tenth legislative election since beginning the transition to democracy, after which a new president, vice president, and legislature will take office: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved,
(1) commends Taiwan for the example it has set for self-governance, not just for the Pacific region, but for the world;
(2) regards the democracy of Taiwan as a great strategic strength for the free world and an indispensable component of contemporary United States-Taiwan relations;
(3) remains concerned about interference in Taiwan's 2024 elections by the Chinese Communist Party;
(4) is committed to continuing a strong partnership across diplomatic, information, military, economic, and cultural domains, regardless of the outcome of Taiwan’s 2024 elections; and
(5) is committed to supporting Taiwan's self-defense and the liberty of its people through effective deterrence using all elements of United States power.