Bill Text: FL S1438 | 2019 | Regular Session | Introduced

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Bill Title: Taiwan

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2019-04-30 - Adopted, companion bill(s) passed, see HR 8011 (Adopted) [S1438 Detail]

Download: Florida-2019-S1438-Introduced.html

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       Florida Senate - 2019                            (NP)    SR 1438
       
       
        
       By Senator Torres
       
       
       
       
       
       15-01437-19                                           20191438__
    1                          Senate Resolution                        
    2         A resolution enhancing the sister-state relationship
    3         and bilateral economic and cultural ties between
    4         Florida and the Republic of China (Taiwan), and
    5         reaffirming and maintaining the commitment of the
    6         State of Florida and the United States to the strong
    7         and deepening relationship with Taiwan, as the two
    8         nations together embrace the fundamental values of
    9         freedom, democracy, and the protection of human
   10         rights.
   11  
   12         WHEREAS, Dr. Tsai Ing-wen, the first female president of
   13  the Republic of China (Taiwan), was welcomed in Miami on June
   14  24, 2016, enhancing the already strong bilateral relationship
   15  between Taiwan and Florida, as well as strengthening the common
   16  values that Taiwan shares with the United States, and
   17         WHEREAS, April 10, 2019, marks the 40th anniversary of the
   18  enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act, which maintains peace,
   19  security, and stability in the Western Pacific and promotes the
   20  foreign policy of the United States by authorizing the
   21  continuation of commercial, cultural, and other relationships
   22  between the people of the United States and the people of
   23  Taiwan, and
   24         WHEREAS, Taiwan is an East Asian ally of the United States,
   25  which continues to provide defensive weaponry and arms to Taiwan
   26  through the sale of naval vessels, equipment, and munitions,
   27  including 60 Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters that were
   28  officially transferred in Florida, and the provision of post
   29  sale training in this state, which created local employment
   30  opportunities, and
   31         WHEREAS, Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international
   32  organizations, including its bid for observer status in the
   33  International Criminal Police Organization, better known as
   34  INTERPOL, and the World Health Assembly, is encouraged and
   35  supported, as is its meaningful participation in the United
   36  Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the
   37  International Civil Aviation Organization, both of which are in
   38  the best interests of the regional and global economy, and
   39         WHEREAS, Taiwan participates in, observes, or cooperates
   40  with more than 50 international organizations and holds
   41  membership status in both the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
   42  and the World Trade Organization, and
   43         WHEREAS, Taiwan has been a member of the United States’
   44  Visa Waiver Program since November 1, 2012, reflecting the
   45  cooperation between the United States and Taiwan and making
   46  travel for business and tourism more convenient, and
   47         WHEREAS, Taiwan’s contributions in the global marketplace
   48  in both traditional and innovative industries, and its support
   49  for continued bilateral dialogue under the Trade and Investment
   50  Framework Agreement, together with exploration of the
   51  possibility of a future bilateral investment agreement with the
   52  United States, will globalize Taiwan’s economy and eliminate
   53  trade barriers, thus solidifying Taiwan as a robust and
   54  trustworthy partner to the United States for trade and security
   55  in East Asia, and
   56         WHEREAS, Taiwan is the United States’ 11th largest trading
   57  partner and is Florida’s 7th largest export market in Asia, and
   58         WHEREAS, sisterhood relationships exist between Florida and
   59  Taiwan, Miami-Dade County and New Taipei City (formerly Taipei
   60  County), and a number of Florida cities and the Port of Miami
   61  and their Taiwanese counterparts, NOW, THEREFORE,
   62  
   63  Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of Florida:
   64  
   65         That the relationship and shared interests between the
   66  people of Taiwan and the people of the United States are
   67  recognized and the partnership between the two nations and
   68  further strengthening of the ties between Florida and Taiwan,
   69  including future trade opportunities, are supported.
   70         BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution, with
   71  the Seal of the Senate affixed, be presented to President Tsai
   72  Ing-wen of Taiwan, through the Taipei Economic and Cultural
   73  Office in Miami, as a tangible token of the sentiments of the
   74  Florida Senate.