Taiwan and the United States share many values including: a commitment to democracy. human rights. and the rule of law. Indeed. I am particularly proud that as a Member of the U.S. Congress. my colleagues and I can serve an important role in strengthening bilateral relations by engaging our counterparts in Taiwan. Mr. Speaker. Taiwan has grown to become Americas ninthlargest overall trading partner and our seventhlargest destination for agricultural exports. After Taiwan became part of the U.S. Visa Wavier Program in November 2012. travel from Taiwan to the United States increased by more than 50 percent. Taiwan is set to join the U.S. Global Entry Programa manifestation of its commitment to continuous cooperation between our two countries.