Fitzpatrick introduces Taiwan Preclearance Act

U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) is supporting bipartisan legislation that would require a report on establishing U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) preclearance facilities in Taiwan and other Indo-Pacific countries.

The Taiwan Preclearance Act, H.R. 6212, which Rep. Fitzpatrick cosponsored on Dec. 9 alongside 17 other original cosponsors, would require a report on establishing such a facility at the Taipei Taoyuan International Airport, which would signal Taiwan’s importance as a strategic security partner to the United States and compliance with international aviation rules, according to the text of the bill.

“The United States and Taiwan share a commitment to democratic values and sound economic principles,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “Given our economic ties and security priorities, establishing a CBP preclearance facility in Taiwan is a logical way to increase collaboration with our strategic partner.

“Our bipartisan Taiwan Preclearance Act will also benefit American travelers by ensuring safe and efficient travel throughout the Indo-Pacific region,” the congressman added.

Among the members who joined Rep. Fitzpatrick as a cosponsor of H.R. 6212 are U.S. Reps. Troy Balderson (R-OH), Michael Burgess (R-TX), Rodney Davis (R-IL), Bill Johnson (R-OH), Nancy Mace (R-SC), Frank Lucas (R-OK),  and Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX). U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL) sponsored the measure.

“Taiwan is a longstanding ally and trusted Indo-Pacific partner,” Rep. Balderson said. “This first step in establishing a preclearance facility at the Taipei Taoyuan International Airport further strengthens the enduring relationship between our two countries in the face of Chinese Community Party aggression and opens the door for increased commercial and tourism opportunities in the region.”

H.R. 6212 is the companion bill to the same-named S. 3312, introduced on Dec. 2 by U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) and six Republican cosponsors, including U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC).