為紀念「台灣關係法」通過33周年，多位美國國會議員發言強調台灣關係法在美台長期戰略夥伴關係中的重要性，並肯定眾議院「台灣連線」提供加強台美關係與合作的平台。
內華達州民主黨籍眾議員柏克利（Shelley Berkley）及新澤西州民主黨籍眾議員安德魯斯（Robert Andrews）在列入國會紀錄的發言中，重申1979年的台灣關係法及1982年的六項保證為美國與台灣人民關係的基石。
安德魯斯表示，中華人民共和國堅持稱台灣為其「叛離的一省」，並拒絕放棄以武力犯台，以避免真正台獨的到來。 他說，台灣關係法期待台灣的前途以和平方式決定。
此外，眾議員柏克利也請大家注意並紀念「眾議院台灣連線」（CTC）成立10周年。台灣連線於2001年4月9日成立，為符合台灣關係法提供一個正面影響並加強美、台政府及人民之間關係與合作的平台。柏克利是眾議院台灣連線的共同主席。
對此，「台灣人公共事務會」會長高龍榮表示，台灣關係法及六項保證促使台灣發展成為充滿活力的民主國家，並使台灣成為美國在東亞備受信賴的夥伴。
他說，儘管如此，相較於台灣關係法原本起草者的遠見，最近幾任美國政府在執行台灣關係的效能上仍有很大的改進空間，尤其是在針對台灣面對來自中國急遽增加的武力威脅上。
他指出，旨在強化台灣關係法的「台灣政策法案」在去年11月由眾議院外交委員會通過，未來幾週內可能進行全院表決。
2012-04-18
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MARKING THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CONGRESSIONAL TAIWAN CAUCUS
-- HON. SHELLEY BERKLEY (Extensions of Remarks - April 16, 2012)
HON. SHELLEY BERKLEY
OF NEVADA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
MONDAY, APRIL 16, 2012
- Founded on April 9, 2001, the caucus was intended to serve as a forum to educate Members of Congress on issues affecting U.S.-Taiwan Relations, and to provide a platform for exploring ways to positively enhance and strengthen U.S. relations and cooperation with the government and people of Taiwan in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act. It has grown from 85 Members at the time of its establishment to the current roster of 155, making it the second largest country caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives.
- In the past 10 years, the membership of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus has remained solidly bipartisan, reflecting the broad and stable consensus in the U.S. Congress regarding the importance of Taiwan. Through the issuance of various joint letters, its agenda has focused first and foremost on maintaining faithful adherence to legal obligations and policy principles of the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act, as well as the 1982 ``Six Assurances'' to Taiwan. Together, these two documents form the cornerstone of our relationship with the people of Taiwan and have contributed immeasurably to the maintenance of peace and stability in the Asia Pacific region, while allowing Taiwan to blossom into a vibrant, open society, eager to engage with the rest of the world.
- Today, Taiwan is well on the path to becoming a mature and fully consolidated democracy, and our shared values now form an ever stronger foundation of trust for cooperation across our many areas of mutual interest. At the same time, the military threat posed by the People's Republic of China to Taiwan's democratic way of life only continues to grow with each passing day.
- In the coming 10 years, we hope to forge a stronger consultative role for Congress in the formulation of Taiwan policy. We look forward to working closely with our allies--both abroad and at home--to find solutions for ensuring Taiwan's long-term security, and to deepen our dialogue with the people of Taiwan.
Terri J. Giles
Executive Director, Formosa Foundation
350 S. Figureoa Street, Suite 405
Los Angeles, California 90071
