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This section captures a floor statement or debate entry. It mentions legislation such as Commending Taiwan on the 30th anniversary of its first direct presidential election in 1996, and expressing support for Taiwan in the preservation of its democratic institutions., committees such as Committee on Foreign Relations.
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March 23, 2026
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Download official Senate Record PDFReturn to issue contextSUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS
FIRST DIRECT PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IN 1996, AND EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR
TAIWAN IN THE PRESERVATION OF ITS DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS
Ms. DUCKWORTH (for herself, Mr. Curtis, Mr. Kaine, Mr. Ricketts, Mr. Merkley, Mr. Scott of Florida, Mr. Van Hollen, Mr. Cruz, Ms. Rosen, Mr. Bennet, and Mr. Fetterman) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations:
S Res. 657
Whereas Taiwan, the government of which officially calls
itself the Republic of China, began transitioning to a
liberal democracy in the late 1980s, lifted martial law in
1987, and held its first direct legislative election in 1992;
Whereas, on March 23, 1996, the people of Taiwan held their
first direct presidential election, marking a historic
milestone in Taiwan's democratic development;
Whereas Taiwan has now held 8 presidential and multiple
legislative and local elections since its democratic
transition, all of which were free, fair, and representative
of the will of the people of Taiwan;
Whereas Taiwan has demonstrated the strength of its
democratic system through multiple peaceful transfers of
political power, which is a bedrock of a free, stable, and
representative political system;
Whereas the democratic institutions of Taiwan codify the
freedoms of speech, press, assembly, and religion into law,
and the citizens of Taiwan have exercised these freedoms in
practice to build a vibrant civil society, a strong
journalistic and media sector, and an advanced business
community;
Whereas Taiwan has continued to strengthen and safeguard
its democratic system in the face of growing military,
economic, and political pressure from the People's Republic
of China;
Whereas the people of Taiwan have shown resilience and
steadfast commitment to democratic values despite ongoing
coercion and intimidation;
Whereas Taiwan's democracy and respect for the rule of law
contribute to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-
Pacific region;
Whereas the Taiwan Relations Act (22 U.S.C. 3301 et seq.)
and the Six Assurances, which were originally conveyed by
President Ronald Reagan to Taiwan in 1982, remain fundamental
elements of United States policy toward Taiwan; and
Whereas the people of the United States and the people of
Taiwan continue to stand as partners against coercion, and
threats to regional peace and stability: Now, therefore, be
it
Resolved,
SECTION 1. COMMEMORATION STATEMENT.
The Senate of the United States—
(1) commemorates the historic significance of Taiwan's
first direct presidential election, which was held on March
23, 1996;
(2) commends Taiwan for building and sustaining a robust
democratic system, and the example it has set for self-
governance, not just for the Pacific region, but for the
world;
(3) regards the democracy of Taiwan as a great strategic
strength for the free world and a key component of strong and
enduring United States-Taiwan relations;
(4) is committed to supporting Taiwan's self-defense and
the liberty of its people; and
(5) remains committed to the United States policy toward
Taiwan that has been established by the Taiwan Relations Act
(Public Law 96-8; 22 U.S.C. 3301 et seq.), the Three
Communiques, and the Six Assurances towards Taiwan.
SEC. 2. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.
Nothing in this resolution may be construed as authorizing
the use of military force.