TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — U.S. Congress members on Wednesday (April 10) introduced two non-binding resolutions reaffirming Washington's commitment to Taiwan. 

Wednesday marked the 45th anniversary since the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) became law. To recognize the milestone, the co-chairs of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus (CTC) put forth a bipartisan resolution reaffirming the U.S. commitment to Taiwan, while senators proposed a similar resolution. 

Gerald Connolly, Mario Diaz-Balart, Ami Bera, and Andy Barr, co-chairs of the CTC, issued a joint statement saying that the TRA reflects the U.S. commitment to provide defense materiel for Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities and maintain U.S. capability to defend against any threat endangering the security of the Taiwanese.

The resolution not only covers the positions and implications of the TRA and U.S.-Taiwan exchange achievements, but also mentions the House's commitment to the act. It urges the secretary of state to assist Taiwan in participating in international organizations and recognizes the important role of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) in promoting U.S.-Taiwan interests.

When proposing the resolution, Bera, who also serves as the Democratic ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee's Indo-Pacific Subcommittee, said, “The Taiwan Relations Act serves as the cornerstone of the U.S.-Taiwan relationship, fostering decades of fruitful economic, security, and trade ties."

"Taiwan's engagement in international organizations to address shared challenges in public health, climate change, and democratic resilience exemplify its capabilities to be a force for good in the Indo-Pacific and across the globe. The United States remains steadfast in support of the people of Taiwan and our shared commitment to democratic values and the rule of law,” added Bera.

Diaz-Balart said that Taiwan is a “key ally” and crucial to the prosperity and stability of the Indo-Pacific region. He said that the U.S. remains steadfast in its support of the people of Taiwan and will continue to strengthen this “valued partnership” in the years to come.

Connolly said, “Now more than ever, it is imperative that the United States stands shoulder to shoulder with Taiwan to celebrate our shared democratic values.”

"For the past 45 years, the Taiwan Relations Act has been a cornerstone of peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, embodying the strong and unwavering commitment of the United States to Taiwan,” said Barr. He added that the U.S.-Taiwan partnership is based on mutual respect, shared democratic values, and a shared commitment to freedom.

The House of Representatives resolution was signed by 63 members, and Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley and Republican Senator Marco Rubio also introduced a companion resolution in the Senate. 

In a joint statement released with Merkley, Rubio said that on the 45th anniversary of the act, the U.S. “reaffirms its support to our democratic ally in the Indo-Pacific region.” Rubio added, “May this cornerstone of our bilateral relations remain strong as Taiwan confronts constant threats from Communist China.”

Merkley said the U.S. and Taiwan share many “bedrock values” such as a commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. He stressed the strong partnership between the two countries is vital to advancing U.S. interests and said the resolution “honors our unwavering commitment to a key democratic ally.” 

Resolutions passed by the U.S. Congress are not legally binding and do not require the signature of the president to take effect, but they represent the stance and position of Congress.