Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. MAST. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1512) to amend the Taiwan Assurance Act of 2020 to require periodic reviews and updated reports relating to the Department of State's Taiwan Guidelines, as amended.

The Clerk read the title of the bill.

The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 1512

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act''. SEC. 2. INCREASED REPORTING REGARDING DEPARTMENT OF STATE TAIWAN GUIDELINES.

Section 315 of the Taiwan Assurance Act of 2020 (subtitle B of title III of division FF of Public Law 116-260; 134 Stat. 3100) is amended--

(1) in subsection (c)(1), by inserting ``and any successor document or related document that includes guidance on relations with Taiwan'' after ``memorandum''; and

(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:

``(d) Periodic Reviews and Updated Reports.--

``(1) In general.--For as long as the Department of State maintains guidance that governs relations with Taiwan as described in subsection (a), the Secretary of State shall--

``(A) not less than every five years, conduct a review of the Department of State's guidance that governs relations with Taiwan, including the periodic memorandum entitled, `Guidelines on Relations with Taiwan' and related documents, and reissue such guidance to executive branch departments and agencies; and

``(B) not later than 90 days after completing a review required by paragraph (1)(A), submit an updated report to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives.

``(2) Matters to be included.--The updated reports required under paragraph (1)(B) shall include--

``(A) all the information required under subsection (c); and

``(B) a description of how the updated guidance meets the goals and objectives described in subsection (b).''.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my colleague, Mrs. Wagner, and in support of the Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act. This bill reaffirms and strengthens the United States' commitment to Taiwan, one of our most important democratic partners in the Indo-Pacific.

Taiwan is under growing pressure from an increasingly aggressive Chinese Communist Party. Xi Jinping has made no secret of his intentions. Folding Taiwan into the People's Republic of China is central to his vision of national rejuvenation. He has made it clear he is willing to use force to make that happen.

The warning signs are in plain view. China is ramping up aerial incursions, conducting illegal exercises that simulate a blockade around Taiwan, threatening sanctions against Taiwanese industries, and relentlessly targeting Taipei with economic and political intimidation.

If we are serious about countering the CCP's ambition to displace the United States as a global leader, then we have to act with clarity and conviction. That starts with standing firm alongside Taiwan. We need to deepen our economic security and diplomatic cooperation with Taiwan and do so transparently and without apology.

Unfortunately, under the Biden administration, the State Department too often handcuffed U.S.-Taiwan engagement by clinging to outdated, self-imposed restrictions and bureaucratic red tape, weakening a vital partnership at a time when unity and strength are urgently needed. That is unacceptable.

The Taiwan Assurance Act passed with bipartisan support in 2020, but the stakes are even higher today. That is why this bill updates and strengthens the original law, ensuring that U.S. policy toward Taiwan reflects today's strategic reality, not yesterday's hesitations.

By removing self-imposed limitations on how we engage with Taiwan, we send a clear message to Beijing: The United States stands with free nations, and we will not be bullied into silence.
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Mr. MAST. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, Taiwan is not just a partner. It is a front line for democracy, and how we treat our friends in times of pressure defines our credibility around the globe.

If we are serious about countering the CCP, we have to pass this piece of legislation.

Madam Speaker, I urge all Members to vote for H.R. 1512, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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