H.Con.Res. 55 is being considered on the floor under suspension of the rules, requiring a two-thirds majority vote for passage. This legislation was introduced by Representative Shelley Berkley (D-NV) on February 23, 2009.
H.Con.Res. 55 resolves that Congress:
• "Reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the Taiwan Relations Act as the cornerstone of relations between the United States and Taiwan;
• "Reaffirms its support for Taiwan's democratic institutions; and
• "Supports the strong and deepening relationship between the United States and Taiwan."
April 10, 2009, will mark the 30th anniversary of the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act (P.L. 96-8). According to the resolution's findings, the Taiwan Relations Act has been instrumental in maintaining peace, security, and stability in the Taiwan Strait since 1979. The enactment of the Act affirmed the United States' desire to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China was based on an expectation that Taiwan's future would be determined peacefully. The Taiwan Relations Act states that it is U.S. policy to provide Taiwan with defensive armaments to maintain a capacity to resist force that would jeopardize the social or economic system of Taiwan.
