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Legislation Granting Taiwan Observer Status at International Civil Aviation Organization Passes Congress, Heads to President for Signature

WASHINGTON, DC –Legislation advancing efforts for Taiwan to obtain observer status at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Assembly passed the Congress today and heads to the President for signature.  Identical legislation was introduced by U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and U.S. Senator James Inhofe (R-OK)  in the Senate, and by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA) and Ranking Member Eliot Engel (D-NY) in the House of Representatives. 

The bill directs the Secretary of State to develop and implement a plan to obtain ICAO observer status for Taiwan.

“Taiwan is one step closer to joining the International Civil Aviation Organization and that is a positive development for our friends,” said Menendez. “This recognition of the vital contributions Taiwan can make to ICAO is long overdue as Taiwan should not be denied an opportunity to join this international body due to its unique political status. The ability to participate in ICAO assemblies will help guarantee the safety of travelers and airlines from America and Taiwan alike, as well as others in Asia and around the globe.”

Senator Inhofe stated: “With the passage of this bill, Congress sends a clear message that the U.S. is a strong advocate for Taiwan’s admission into this global civil aviation body.  By obtaining observer status in ICAO, Taiwan can substantially contribute to safe and secure international air navigation and transport.  I strongly encourage the U.S. State Department to develop and implement a plan to obtain ICAO observer status for Taiwan immediately.”

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