Two Bipartisan Measures Mark the 40th Anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act

Washington D.C. — Representative Michael McCaul (R-TX), Lead Republican of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and Rep. Eliot L. Engel (D-NY), Chairman of the Committee, today announced that they have introduced two bipartisan measures on Taiwan ahead of the 40th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) of 1979 on April 10th. House Resolution 273, introduced by Chairman Engel, reaffirms America’s commitment to Taiwan and the implementation of the TRA. Representative McCaul’s Taiwan Assurance Act (H.R. 2002) would aim to enhance engagement between the United States and Taiwan and deepen a relationship built on shared values of democracy, respect for human rights, open economic markets, and people-to-people ties. 

“When the Taiwan Relations Act was signed into law 40 years ago, it built an unshakeable foundation for the United States relationship with Taiwan. In the decades since, Taiwan has developed into a critical U.S. partner and a beacon of democracy that respects human rights and the rule of law in a region threatened by authoritarian hegemony. However, our critical relationship with Taiwan is being needlessly constrained by excessive restrictions, driven by communist China’s bullying. The Taiwan Assurance Act will ensure that our partnership with Taiwan is based on the relationship’s own merits—cutting red tape and building on the foundation the TRA gave us. I’m proud to bring forward these bipartisan measures with Chairman Engel as we approach this historic 40th anniversary,” said Lead Republican McCaul.

“Taiwan has a vibrant, pluralistic democracy and is an indispensable partner in the Indo-Pacific region and around the world.  In the four decades since the signing of the landmark Taiwan Relations Act, Taiwan has demonstrated what it means to be a model global citizen, making substantial contributions on issues ranging from global health, to combating terrorism, to investing in sustainable and equitable economic growth at home and abroad. As we mark this important milestone, I’m happy to join with Ranking Member McCaul in offering legislation to make it crystal clear: the United States commitment to Taiwan, undergirded by the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances, remains as ironclad today as it was 40 years ago,” said Chairman Engel. 

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