SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SSJM 8008

                As Passed Senate, March 9, 1995

Brief Description:  Requesting the United States to advocate for the admission of Taiwan to the United Nations.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce & Trade (originally sponsored by Senators Wojahn, Sellar, Snyder, Newhouse, Gaspard, Fairley, Swecker, Deccio, Palmer, Drew, McDonald, Oke, Sutherland and Schow).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Labor, Commerce & Trade:  1/30/95, 2/22/95 [DPS].

Passed Senate, 3/9/95, 39-3.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE & TRADE

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Joint Memorial No. 8008 be substituted therefor, and the substitute joint memorial do pass.

  Signed by Senators Pelz, Chair; Heavey, Vice Chair; Deccio, Franklin, Hale, Newhouse, Palmer and Wojahn.

Staff:  Jack Brummel (786-7428)

Background:  Taiwan is one of Washington State's major trading partners.  Taiwan is not currently a member of the United Nations but desires to become one.

Summary of Bill:  The Legislature petitions the President and Congress to consider the beneficial commercial relationship between the U.S. and Taiwan; treat public officials of Taiwan with respect; and recognize the readiness of Taiwan to participate in the international community.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Testimony For:  This attempts to correct the unfair award of the China seat at the U.N.  The 21 million people of Taiwan have no voice at the U.N.

Testimony Against:  The U.S. has acknowledged the U.N. resolution recognizing the People's Republic of China as the single entity representing China.

Testified:  Senator Wojahn (pro); Robert Chen, Taipei Economic Office (pro); Ruby Chow (pro); Ralph Munro, Secretary of State (con); Bert Heinemann, State Office of International Relations and Protocol (con).

House Amendment(s):  References to Taiwan as the Republic of China are removed.