PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Mar 17, 1999
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the United States should reaffirm its commitment to the Taiwan Relations Act and the specific guarantees for the provision of legitimate defense articles to Taiwan contained therein; and (2) Congress has grave concerns over China's military modernization and weapons procurement program, especially ballistic missile capability and deployment that seem particularly directed toward threatening Taiwan. Calls on the President to: (1) direct all appropriate officials to raise these concerns with officials from the People's Republic of China; (2) seek from Chinese leaders a public renunciation of any use of (or threat to use) force against Taiwan; and (3) provide an annual report detailing the military balance on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. Calls for: (1) the executive branch to inform the appropriate congressional committees when officials from Taiwan seek to purchase defense articles for self-defense; (2) the U.S. Government to encourage a regional high-level dialogue on the best means of ensuring stability, peace, and freedom of the seas in East Asia; and (3) the President to encourage further dialogue between Taiwan and China. Declares that it should be U.S. policy to publicly support Taiwan's admission to the World Trade Organization as soon as possible and to encourage others to adopt similar policies.
People & committees
Rep. Gilman, Benjamin A. [R-NY-20] · R–NY
Legislative record
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Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 429 - 1 (Roll no. 62).
House roll call 62 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 429 - 1 (Roll no. 62).
House roll call 62 · Individual votesConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1548)
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Con. Res. 56.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1531-1535)
Mr. Gilman moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.
Committee Agreed to Seek Consideration Under Suspension of the Rules, by Voice Vote.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific.
Referred to the House Committee on International Relations.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E452)
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Apr 7, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.Con.Res.56 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
Examine H.Con.Res.56 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
Examine H.Con.Res.56 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.
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