HJR242 Summary

• Commends Taiwan for its democratic values, long-standing alliance with the United States, and shared commitment to freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law

• Recognizes Taiwan's sixth direct presidential election in 2016 and its role as a beacon of democracy in Asia, along with its peace initiatives for the East China Sea (2012) and South China Sea (May 2015)

• Notes Alabama and Taiwan have maintained sister-state relations since 1983, with Taiwan as the United States' tenth-largest trading partner and the U.S. as Taiwan's second-largest trading partner

• Supports Taiwan's inclusion in the United States Visa Waiver Program and encourages closer economic partnerships through bilateral investment agreements, free trade agreements, and inclusion in the Trans-Pacific Partnership

• Directs the House Clerk to transmit a copy of the resolution to Mr. Huei-Yuan (Steven) Tai, Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Atlanta