United States-Taiwan Initiative on 21St-Century Trade First Agreement Implementation Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. DOGGETT. Mr. Speaker, as a cosponsor of this legislation, I recognize the importance of our engagement with Taiwan economically, as well as our military presence to deter conflict and to maintain safe passage through the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea. These are international waters.

This incomplete trade agreement that we take up is a modest first step and can only be enforced after the approval by this Congress. The work that we are already doing with Taiwan benefits businesses across America. Taiwan is already our ninth largest goods trading partner with over $90 billion in two-way trade during 2020.

We have seen the People's Republic of China, unfortunately, violently suppress democracy in Hong Kong, breaching its claim that it would support one country and two systems. We have seen, apparently, over a million Uyghurs who have been placed in concentration camps. There is every reason to be concerned by the threats the PRC has made about the future of democracy in Taiwan.

The opportunity tonight is not only to speak up for Taiwan, but as Chairman Smith indicated, to reaffirm the role that Congress plays not only with Taiwan, but with all of our trading partners.

No administration, neither Democratic nor Republican, can adopt trading agreements that are enforceable without Congress exercising its constitutional responsibility for international trade. We will not yield that authority. It applies not only here, but to every trading partner.

We do, as we move forward in supporting Taiwan economically and militarily, need to recognize as well that it is not a matter of abandoning Taiwan to talk with China, to seek to avoid war with the People's Republic of China, which would be disastrous for the entire world. While effective military deterrence, strong deterrence is essential, this trading engagement is important. Our diplomatic power is also important, and, in that regard, the recent Republican attacks on Secretary of State Blinken for attempting to normalize diplomatic relations in Beijing are outrageous and totally counterproductive.

As a member of the Taiwan Caucus here in the House, I salute Taiwanese Americans, particularly their contribution to my hometown of Austin, and to the valuable insights that they have given me about the importance of our relationship with Taiwan.

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