Ait New Compound Opening Ceremony on June 12

Floor Speech

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Mrs. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the grand opening ceremony for the new compound of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) this week. The United States and Taiwan have enjoyed a fruitful partnership for decades, and I am confident that our partnership will only grow stronger with this new facility.

Our two countries' partnership has flourished because of our shared commitment to democratic values and constitutional governments. Taiwan serves as a strong example of democracy not only for the region, but also the world. We must never take democracy for granted; we must remain vigilant in protecting and strengthening it.

Our nations are also bound together by immigration, travel, and trade. More than 350,000 Taiwanese live in the United States, and an estimated 4,000 Americans live in Taiwan. Nearly 3,000 of my constituents were born in Taiwan. Additionally, Taiwan is the United States' 11th largest trading partner, and in 2017, Taiwanese businesses invested $34 billion in the United States. Travel, especially air travel, helps to further strengthen the bonds between the United States and Taiwan. In that sense, I am very pleased that the Ontario International Airport, located in California's 35th district, now offers direct flights to Taiwan.

This is a relationship I am proud to support, and I am committed to working with my colleagues to find additional areas where our two countries can partner to our mutual benefit. This week's opening ceremony is an important step, and I am confident that it will contribute to the strengthening of the U.S.-Taiwan partnership

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