Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-39)’s bill to support Taiwan’s reentry into the World Health Organization has now gained 106 bipartisan cosponsors.
H.R. 1145, introduced by Rep. Kim and Rep. Brad Sherman (CA-30), would direct the Secretary of State to implement a strategy to restore observer status for Taiwan in the WHO and the WHO’s decision-making body, the World Health Assembly (WHA). Taiwan had observer status from 2009 until 2017 when its status was revoked due to pressure from the Chinese Communist Party.
“Taiwan is a strong ally of the U.S. and has proven time and time again to be a trusted global health and security partner, as we have seen most recently during the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, the Chinese Communist Party shut out Taiwan from vital collaboration and information sharing with countries in the WHO,” said Kim. “I’m thrilled that more than 100 of my colleagues on both sides of the political aisle are standing with me to right this wrong and let Taiwan contribute to global public health. I look forward to this important initiative passing the House soon.”
“I want to thank the more than 100 of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who have supported this important bill to direct the Secretary of State to implement a strategy to restore observer status for Taiwan in the WHO and the WHO’s decision-making body, the World Health Assembly (WHA),” said Congressman Sherman. “It is outrageous that China continues to shut out Taiwan from the WHO, limiting Taiwan’s access to vital information. Taiwan not only needs the most updated information with regards to the COVID-19 pandemic without delay, but also has vital information to share with the world with regards to its successful handling of the virus.”
H.R. 1145 passed out of the House Foreign Affairs Committee on March 25, 2021 and now awaits further consideration on the House floor.
