Summary ends
More than 30 U.S. House members from both parties streamed into a reception at the Longworth House Office Building on Wednesday to welcome Han Kuo-yu, president of Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan, and to affirm congressional support for the self-governed island.
The bipartisan display came as the Trump administration reviews a $14 billion arms sales package to Taiwan, months after the package received preliminary congressional approval, the Associated Press reported.
Among the lawmakers who attended were Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat; Rep. Michael McCaul, a Texas Republican and former chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; and Rep. Ted Lieu, a California Democrat who serves as vice chair of the House Democratic Caucus.
“I love Taiwan,” McCaul declared as he welcomed Han. “It’s very important to me to say that the United States supports you, Mr. Speaker.”
The reception carried added significance because of the uncertainty surrounding the arms package. The Trump administration has been reviewing the $14 billion deal since it cleared a preliminary congressional hurdle, leaving Taiwanese officials and their supporters in Congress watching for a decision.
The visit also comes at a moment of broader tension in U.S.-Taiwan relations. President Donald Trump has publicly described Taiwan as a negotiating lever in his dealings with China, a characterization that has drawn concern from both Taiwanese officials and members of Congress who view the island’s defense as a matter of U.S. strategic interest.
Han’s visit to Washington placed Taiwan’s legislative leadership directly before U.S. lawmakers at a time when the island’s security remains intertwined with the U.S.-China relationship. The show of support from more than 30 House members — spanning both parties — signaled that congressional backing for Taiwan extends well beyond any single committee or caucus.