WASHINGTON, USA – US Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) introduced the Taiwan Preclearance Act, which would affirm Taiwan’s importance in the Indo-Pacific and require a report on establishing a Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) Preclearance facility in Taiwan’s Taoyuan International Airport. Senator Hawley’s bill would increase tourism between Taiwan and the United States while also stationing CBP officers in Taiwan.
The Taiwan Preclearance Act is co-sponsored by Senators John Cornyn (R-Texas), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.). Representative Kat Cammack (R-Fla.) is introducing companion legislation in the House Representatives.
- The Taiwan Preclearance Act – TaiwanPreclearanceAct_Final
“Taiwan is a leading democracy, a vital partner of the United States, and the perfect place for America’s first preclearance facility in the Indo-Pacific,” said Senator Hawley. “The Taiwan Preclearance Act sets us on a path to establish just such a facility, which will not only benefit the American people, but also strengthen U.S.-Taiwan relations as we work together to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
Senator Braun said: “Taiwan is an excellent choice for the next Customs and Border Protection preclearance facility. The Taiwan Preclearance Act would establish a preclearance facility in the critical Indo-Pacific region and further strengthen the U.S.-Taiwan alliance through trade, tourism, and business.”
Senator Tuberville said: “Taiwan is a beacon of democracy in the Indo-Pacific and a friend to our country. One way we can strengthen that democratic friendship is by establishing an efficient channel of safe trade and travel, especially given the region’s importance to America’s economic future. A preclearance facility in Taiwan would facilitate travel in a major transit point in Asia and help the US prevent inadmissible travelers before they even board the plane.”
Senator Rick Scott said: “Taiwan is one of our most valued and strategic partners in the Asia-Pacific. The Taiwan Preclearance Act will strengthen our economic and security partnership with Taipei, bolster the safety and security of all travelers and increase collaboration with the Taiwanese government. In the face of the growing threat of Communist China, we must be doing everything we can to enhance our relationship with our partners in region, and this bill is a great step in the right direction.”
“I’m excited to introduce this important measure in the House to ensure the United States’ support of an airport pre-clearance facility at the Taipei International Airport in Taiwan,” said Representative Cammack. “Taiwan is one of our most important allies and an essential economic partner with shared values and security priorities. This new pre-clearance facility will ensure easier, safer travel between Taiwan and the United States -something that is long overdue. I’m grateful to Senator Hawley for his leadership of this effort in the US Senate.”
Text for the Taiwan Preclearance Act can be found here.
