A resolution 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.

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 657 Introduced in Senate (IS)]

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119th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 657

     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.

_______________________________________________________________________

                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             March 23, 2026

 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

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION

 
     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.

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.
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