Menendez, Cotton, and Colleagues Introduce Taiwan Assurance Act

Washington, D.C. – Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, along with Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and Chris Coons (D-Del.), introduced the Taiwan Assurance Act, legislation that would enhance the U.S.-Taiwan relationship and bolster Taiwan's participation in the international community.

“Bearing witness to Taiwan’s flourishing democracy has been one of my proudest moments as a Member of Congress,” said Menendez. “As we mark the fortieth anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act, it is critical that Congress speak with one voice about the importance of maintaining Taiwan’s diplomatic space, deepening our ties with Taipei, and assuring the people of Taiwan have a voice in determining their own future.”

"Taiwan is a vital democratic partner of the United States. 40 years after the Taiwan Relations Act was signed into law, our bilateral ties should reflect this reality. This legislation would deepen bilateral security, economic, and cultural relations, while also sending a message that China’s aggressive cross-Strait behavior will not be tolerated," said Cotton.

“The United States must continue to enhance our strategic relationship with Taiwan against an increasingly aggressive China,” said Rubio. “Taiwan is an important democratic partner whose security is critical to advancing America’s national security interests in the Indo-Pacific.”

“Taiwan’s vibrant democracy and thriving economy are an example for the entire Indo-Pacific,” said Coons. “As we near the 40th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act, this bill is an important signal of the enduring friendship between the United States and the people of Taiwan.”

Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) plans to introduce companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

The Taiwan Assurance Act will enhance the U.S.-Taiwan relationship in the following ways:

• Mandates that the president conduct a review of the State Department’s guidelines on U.S. relations with Taiwan.
• Directs the Secretary of Defense to make efforts to include Taiwan in bilateral and multilateral military training exercises.
• Requires that a flag or general officer serve as the U.S. defense attaché in Taipei.
• States that the United States will continue to advocate for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations.
• Expresses Congressional support for Taiwan's asymmetric defense strategy, regular U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, and the resumption of bilateral trade talks between the United States and Taiwan.

The bill text can be found here. 

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