[Congressional Bills 110th Congress] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] [H. Con. Res. 278 Introduced in House (IH)] 110th CONGRESS 1st Session H. CON. RES. 278 Supporting Taiwan's fourth direct and democratic presidential elections in March 2008. _______________________________________________________________________ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES December 19, 2007 Ms. Ros-Lehtinen (for herself and Mr. Lantos) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs _______________________________________________________________________ CONCURRENT RESOLUTION Supporting Taiwan's fourth direct and democratic presidential elections in March 2008. Whereas the United States and Taiwan share common ideals and a clear vision for the 21st century, where freedom and democracy are the foundations for peace, prosperity, and progress; Whereas Taiwan has dramatically improved its record on human rights and routinely holds free and fair elections in a multiparty system, as evidenced by Taiwan's first democratic presidential election in 1996, second in 2000, and third in 2004; Whereas the democratic and open presidential elections in 2000 mark the first transfer of power from one party to another in Taiwan's history; Whereas Taiwan has demonstrated its unequivocal support for human rights and a commitment to the democratic ideals of freedom of speech, freedom of the press, rule of law, and free and fair elections routinely held in a multiparty system; Whereas Taiwan is one of the strongest democratic allies of the United States in the Asia-Pacific region; Whereas it is United States policy to support and strengthen democracy around the world; Whereas, with its stable democratic system and impressive economic prowess, Taiwan stands apart from many equally young democracies whose freedom and liberty have been severely challenged; Whereas Taiwan's young democracy faces constant military threat and intimidation from neighboring China; and Whereas the United States Congress has organized congressional delegations to witness the electoral process in thriving democracies, including elections in Taiwan: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That it is the sense of the Congress that-- (1) the United States Government should reaffirm its unwavering commitment to Taiwan's democracy and security; and (2) international delegations should be encouraged to visit Taiwan for the purpose of witnessing the presidential elections in March 2008. <all>