Last week, U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack, R-Fla., introduced the “Taiwan Preclearance Act.”
“The bill expresses the importance of the United States’ relationship with Taiwan and Taiwan’s importance in the Indo-Pacific region. The bill also requires a report on establishing a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) preclearance facility at the Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE),” Cammack’s office noted. “The Taipei Taoyuan International Airport offers dozens of flights a week to and from the United States, with connections throughout Asia. The establishment of a preclearance facility will create a seamless experience for U.S.-bound passengers and further encourage growth in travel between Taiwan and the U.S.”
Cammack rounded up more than a dozen co-sponsors with U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Tex., as the main one. Other backers include U.S. Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., Scott Franklin, R-Fla., and Carlos Gimenez, R-Fla.
“I am excited to introduce this important measure in the House to ensure the United States’ support of an airport preclearance facility at the Taipei International Airport in Taiwan,” said Cammack. “Taiwan is one of our most important allies and an essential economic partner with shared values and security priorities. This new facility will ensure easier, safer travel—something that is long overdue. I’m grateful to Rep. Johnson for her partnership in this effort.”
“Throughout my career, I have been a strong supporter of the Taiwanese people and the right to travel freely and safely between the United States and Taiwan,” said Johnson. “At a time when our two countries are more connected than ever before, it is critical that we signal Taiwan’s importance as a geostrategic security partner. That is why I am proud to work with Rep. Cammack to increase security and convenience in the travel process through the establishment of a preclearance facility in Taoyuan International Airport (TPE).”
The bill was sent to the U.S. House Homeland Security and the Ways and Means Committees. U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., introduced the companion measure in the U.S. Senate.
Cammack was a longtime staffer for former U.S. Rep. Ted Yoho, R-Fla., who was one of Taiwan’s top allies on Capitol Hill in recent years.