Rep. O’Mara and Taiwan Caucus chairs welcome Ambassador Lee from Taiwan to Harrisburg
Lawmakers and ambassador celebrate legislation affirming friendship between Pennsylvania and Republic of China (Taiwan)
Rep. Jennifer M. O'Mara June 4, 2024 | 4:13 PM
HARRISBURG, June 4 — State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara and fellow members of the bicameral Taiwan Caucuses celebrated the 45th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act and the adoption of H.R. 439 with Ambassador James K.J. Lee of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in the state Capitol today.
House Resolution 439 recognizes the long-standing friendship between the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Taiwan. The resolution highlights Taiwan’s vibrant democracy and its crucial role in the U.S. security network. The resolution further notes that Taiwan’s well-developed economy with important industries, particularly in advanced electronics, and strong consumer market makes it a crucial economic partner for Pennsylvania.
The United States has long supported its friendship with Taiwan, including decades of cooperation between the U.S. military and the ROC Armed Forces. In 1979, Congress passed the Taiwan Relations Act, making this year the 45th anniversary since its passage. This landmark legislation has been essential in fostering a robust partnership between the U.S. and Taiwan, ensuring peace, security and mutual prosperity.
“Pennsylvania’s partnership with Taiwan has brought immense economic, cultural and social benefits to both sides. As we commemorate the 45-year anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act and the adoption of House Resolution 439, we reaffirm our commitment to the values of democracy, mutual respect and shared success,” O’Mara said. “I look forward to many more years of meaningful collaboration and unwavering support for Taiwan. I sincerely thank Ambassador Lee for traveling to Harrisburg today to recognize this milestone with the state legislature.”
“The House Taiwan Caucus was formed last year to foster increased friendship and mutual benefits between the Commonwealth and Taiwan. Along with my caucus co-chairs, Reps. O’Mara and Rowe, I’m pleased we could welcome the Taiwan delegation to the Capitol and that my House colleagues overwhelmingly gave bipartisan support to the passage of H.R. 439 today,” said Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery.
“Our sister republic stands as a beacon of freedom in Southeast Asia, and we are so grateful for the opportunity to welcome Ambassador Lee to the Capitol of the Commonwealth to celebrate the continued friendship between our governments,” said Rep. David Rowe, R-Union/Juniata/Mifflin/Snyder.
Sens. Gene Yaw, R-Bradford/Lycoming/Sullivan/Tioga/Union, and Carolyn Comitta, D-Chester, are co-chairs of the Senate Taiwan Caucus and said the following:
“For more than 60 years, Taiwan has worked to establish itself as a strong and successful model of democracy and remains a bright beacon in Asia and across the world,” Yaw said. “We have maintained a friendly sister-state relationship with Taiwan for many, many years, and this relationship is only getting stronger.”
“Taiwan remains an important trade partner for our Commonwealth and our nation, and one that shares our values of advancing democracy and protecting human rights. As we mark the 45th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act, we look to a future where our partnership and friendship can grow in prosperity and peace,” Comitta said. “I want to thank Ambassador Lee for visiting our state Capitol and my fellow members of the Pennsylvania Taiwan Caucus for standing together to recommit ourselves to success and growth through our mutually beneficial relationship with Taiwan.”
During his visit, Lee visited both chambers and spent time with several elected officials, discussing Pennsylvania’s importance as a trading partner to Taiwan and the significance of cultural and educational exchanges and technological collaboration between the ROC (Taiwan) and the U.S.
“Taiwan and Pennsylvania have long enjoyed dynamic interaction in fields of economy, education, science and technology. Our partnership’s success would not be possible without the support of our friends in the state legislature,” Lee said. “I assure you that Taiwan remains committed to further enhancing this partnership. And I look forward to working with each of you to further strengthen our constructive partnership in the years ahead.”
A photo from Lee’s visit is available on O’Mara’s website: https://pahouse.com/OMara/PhotoGallery?g=6020&PH=56466