This week, Florida Senator Rick Scott (R) joined a number of lawmakers in introducing the Taiwan Preclearance Act. The bill “would affirm Taiwan’s importance in the Indo-Pacific and require a report on establishing a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance facility in Taiwan’s Taoyuan International Airport. Speaking on the legislation, Scott called Taiwan “one of our most valued and strategic partners in the Asia-Pacific.”
Initially introduced by Missouri Senator Josh Hawley (R), the Republican lawmaker gained support from GOP members across the United States, including former Governor of Florida Scott.
Hawley argues that the bill would generate an increase in tourism between the United States and Taiwan, and it would also aid in “stationing CBP officers in Taiwan” according to a press release from Hawley’s office.
In response to the bill, Senator Scott championed Taiwan as an ally to the United States, adding that “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,” Scott added.
Florida Rep. Kat Cammack (R) also shared some remarks regarding the bill, expressing that “Taiwan is one of our most important allies and an essential economic partner with shared values and security priorities.” She noted that “this new pre-clearance facility will ensure easier, safer travel between Taiwan and the United States – something that is long overdue.”
GOP members have vocally criticized the Communist Party of China. Senator Scott’s colleague, Florida Senator Marco Rubio (R) has also been “banned & sanctioned by China” as his Twitter bio reads.
