Thursday, June 29, 2006

House Lifts Restrictions on US Official Travel to Taiwan

US conservatives continue to support Taiwan. The House lifted the travel restrictions on trips to Taiwan, although I expect the Senate to restore them...

THE US House of Representatives has voted overnight to lift decades-old restrictions limiting contacts American government officials can have with Taiwan.

With little debate, the House approved the measure in an amendment to a funding bill for the State Department.

The bill has not yet been considered by the Senate, which must also approve the changes.

......

Rep. Thomas Tancredo, the conservative Colorado Republican who pushed the amendment through the House, said: "These guidelines needlessly complicate our ability to effectively communicate with our friends in Taiwan." The amendment did not address other restrictions in place since 1979 limiting visits by Taiwanese officials to the United States.

You go guys.

5 comments:

Chaon said...

Sigh. But Tom Tancredo is, by any reasonable standard, a total nutcase.

Michael Turton said...

True. But you take good things where you can find them.

Michael

Eli said...

Actually, the amendment was sponsored by two Democrats and two Republicans. One of the Democrats is running for Senator in Ohio.

Anonymous said...

How come Bush came out against the measure passed by the House according to Taipei Times? Is Bush a staunch Taiwan supporter or not? Or is it that Bush just doesn't want the Congress interfering with his dealings in foreign policy overall? US always wanted Taiwan to stay put with its status quo. But how can Taiwan stay put if it's being increasing marginalized and democratic nations hardly voice any support for a democratic Taiwan?

Eli said...

I have a pretty long post on this on my blog.