Duckworth, Curtis, Kaine Lead Bipartisan Senate Resolution Commemorating 30th Anniversary of Taiwan’s First Presidential Elections

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), John Curtis (R-UT) and Tim Kaine (D-VA)—all members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC)—today led a bipartisan group of Senators in commemorating the 30th anniversary of Taiwan’s first presidential elections, while recommitting support for U.S. policy toward Taiwan as established by the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances.

“For thirty years, democracy has helped our close friend Taiwan flourish—and it’s critical we send a strong, bipartisan message that we’re here with them for the long haul,” said Duckworth. “As Taiwan works to strengthen their own democracy in the face of escalating threats from the People’s Republic of China, I’m proud to lead our bipartisan recognition of this historic anniversary for the island. The United States will continue to support Taiwan’s prosperity, and we will oppose any kind of unilateral aggression from the PRC that would endanger a democratic friend or the health and stability of the global economy.”

“Having lived in Taiwan during the era of martial law, I witnessed firsthand a society striving for greater freedom,” said Senator Curtis. “Over the past 30 years, Taiwan’s embrace of democratic elections has transformed it into one of the world’s most vibrant, prosperous, and innovative societies. Its success stands as a powerful testament to the strength of liberty, the rule of law, and the enduring promise of self-government. Taiwan’s journey reminds us that democracy, when nurtured and defended, can deliver both freedom and opportunity for generations.”

“I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution with my colleagues to commemorate the 30th anniversary of democratic presidential elections in Taiwan,” said Kaine. “As China continues to take aggressive action toward Taipei, we must recommit to protecting Taiwan’s democratic institutions.”

In addition to Duckworth, Curtis and Kaine, the bipartisan resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Rick Scott (R-FL), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Michael Bennet (D-CO) and John Fetterman (D-PA).

Full text of the resolution is available on the Senator’s website.

Duckworth is a proven leader when it comes to strengthening our relations with Taiwan and improving security in the Indo-Pacific—which she has done while successfully securing significant international investments in Illinois. Three weeks ago, Duckworth’s bipartisan Taiwan and American Space Assistance Act (TASA), which would help counter threats from China and address current gaps in our ability to cooperate with Taiwan’s space efforts, passed through committee and now heads to the Senate floor.

Last year, Duckworth traveled to Taiwan and met with the Island’s representatives, economic leaders and corporate and business leaders to highlight how Illinois is an ideal location for Taiwanese business expansion. In a previous trip to the Island, she helped secure a commitment from Taiwan to purchase an estimated $2.6 billion of Illinois’s corn and soybeans. Duckworth last year met with a delegation from the Taiwan legislature to reinforce support for U.S.-Taiwan relations.

Duckworth has co-led the STAND with Taiwan Act, which she announced during a successful bipartisan congressional delegation visit that she led to Taiwan. The Senator also successfully included a modified version of her Strengthen Taiwan’s Security Actin the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to help Taiwan strengthen its military defenses.

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