CONGRESS WELCOMES TAIWAN PRESIDENT CHEN SHUI-BIAN TO UNITED STATES   

Congress passes joint resolution of welcome, Congressman David Wu urges support  

WASHINGTON, DC -- Congressman David Wu (D-OR), this first Taiwanese born Member of the U.S. Congress, urged his colleagues to support an official resolution welcoming Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian to the United States.  The House of Representatives passed the resolution (H. Con. Res. 302) October 30, 2003 by a vote of 416 to 0.

The resolution states that President Chen's visit to the United States on October 31, 2003 is "another significant step in broadening and deepening the friendship and cooperation between the United States and Taiwan."

The resolution goes on to say, "Congress offers its warmest welcome to President Chen Shui-bian," and asks him "to communicate to the people of Taiwan the support of Congress and the American people."

Congressman Wu's statement is below: 

"Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.Con.Res. 302, and urge my colleagues to support this important resolution. 

"For the past half-century, Taiwan and its people have been one of the United States' most reliable friends and allies in Asia, and around the world.  Our two nations have cultivated many mutual interests, including trade, cultural exchange, security in the Western Pacific Ocean, and democratic values.  

"On October 31st, President Chen Shui-bian will be visiting the United States.  On behalf of the American people, I would like to extend my warmest welcome to the President, and hope that our two nations will continue to deepen various aspects of our relationship.  

"As we host President Chen, I urge my colleagues to support this important resolution, and urge Congress and the Administration to support Taiwan's efforts to secure meaningful participation in international organizations and forums."