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Today, Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Rep. Mario Daz-Balart (R-FL), Rep. Ami Bera (D-CA), and Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, introduced a resolution commending Taiwan for its history of democratic elections and expressing support for Taiwans democratic institutions. The resolution is cosponsored in the House by Reps. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, as well as Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX), the Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) introduced a companion resolution in the US Senate.

Introduction of the resolution comes ahead of Taiwans elections on January 13, 2024, the eighth presidential election and tenth legislative elections since Taiwan began its transition to democracy.

Now more than ever, it is imperative that the United States stands in total solidarity with Taiwan and its commitment to democracy, said Congressman Connolly. In the face of relentless threats and intimidation from the Peoples Republic of China, Taiwans leadership as a global leader in public health, advanced manufacturing, and democratic governance underscore the importance of protecting democratic institutions and rejecting authoritarianism at home and abroad.

The United States and Taiwan share core values, including a commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. The robust relationship between the U.S. and Taiwan is key to our national security, benefits the global community and is critical to prosperity in the region. As Taiwan faces growing threats to its democracy and security from Communist China, this resolution reaffirms our unwavering commitment to Taiwan, said Congressman Daz-Balart.

Taiwan stands as a vibrant democracy and a shining beacon of freedom and the rule of law in the Indo-Pacific. I commend the people of Taiwan on the upcoming eighth presidential election, a testament to their strong commitment to democratic governance despite disinformation and coercion from Beijing. The United States remains steadfast in support of the people of Taiwan and our shared commitment to democratic values and the rule of law, said Congressman Bera.

Taiwan is a trusted partner for the United States and maintains the right to conduct free and fair elections, said Congressman Barr. With the Chinese Communist Party increasing aggression toward Taiwan, it is more important now than ever that we renew our commitment to support a democratic Taiwan.

As the Chinese Communist Party ramps up disinformation about Taiwan, democracies around the world must support Taiwans democratic process, said Chairman McCaul. This resolution affirms Congress support of Taiwan as a beacon of democracy in the Indo-Pacific and the Taiwanese peoples wishes.

The resolution is cosponsored by the following Representatives: Titus, Balderson, Moskowitz, Mooney, McGovern, Fleischmann, Costa, Tiffany, Doggett, Issa, Norcross, Malliotakis, Tokuda, Kelly (MS), Castro, Hinson, Green (TX), Radewagen, Lieu, Loudermilk, Wilson (FL), Waltz, Pallone, Kean, Gallego, Moran, Kaptur, Ciscomani, Peters, Ogles, Adams, Carter, Napolitano, Kim, and Kiggans.

Full text of the resolution is available here and below.

RESOLUTION

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 Peoples 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 Peoples 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, That the House of Representatives

(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 Taiwans 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 Taiwans 2024 elections; and

(5) is committed to supporting Taiwans self defense and the liberty of its people through effective deterrence using all elements of United States power.

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Taiwan Caucus Co-Chairs Introduce Resolution in Support of Democracy in Taiwan - Gerry Connolly