Commending Taiwan for its history of democratic elections, and expressing support of Taiwan in the preservation of its democratic institutions.

This resolution commends Taiwan for its example of self-governance and regards Taiwan's democracy as a great strategic strength for the free world. The resolution also expresses concern about Chinese interference in Taiwan's 2024 elections and expresses commitment to continuing a strong partnership with Taiwan, regardless of the outcome of the elections.

[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 955 Introduced in House (IH)]

<DOC>






118th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. RES. 955

    Commending Taiwan for its history of democratic elections, and 
  expressing support of Taiwan in the preservation of its democratic 
                             institutions.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                            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

_______________________________________________________________________

                               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 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, 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 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.
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