President Chen Shui-bian called Congressman Charles Rangel, Senators Trent Lott and Tim Johnson on Nov. 17 to congratulate on their re-election, after he sent his congratulations to a senator-elect and 4 congressman-elects on Nov. 9 by phone. The President expressed his appreciation for their efforts in deepening the friendship between Taiwan and the United States as well as for their longstanding support for Taiwan.
President Chen first talked to Congressman Rangel, who is to serve as the chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means, congratulating him on winning his 19th re-election. President Chen also invited him to visit Taiwan, hoping to explain to him in person Taiwan's endeavor and resolution in signing the Free Trade Agreement with the United States.
During the conversation with Senator Trent Lott, President Chen congratulated him on winning his re-election as well as his new position as the Senate Republican Whip. According to President Chen, Senator Lott, member of the Senate Taiwan Caucus, had voted for several bills in support of Taiwan, including calling on the EU to maintain its arms embargo against China. President Chen thanked him for his firm support for Taiwan and expressed his hope that Taiwan could count on his leadership in the U.S. Senate to facilitate the economic and trade cooperations between the two nations.
When speaking with Senator Tim Johnson, President Chen congratulated him on taking the new role as the chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Ethics. The President also thanked him for jointly launching the Senate Taiwan Caucus with Senator George Allen in 2003 and for repeatedly proposing resolutions and signing letters in support of Taiwan, including urging the US government to remove restrictions on Taiwan's high-level visits to the US.
In response, the congressman and senators expressed their gratitude for President Chen's personal congratulations, and reiterated their unwavering support for Taiwan. They assured the President that they will continue their efforts to strengthen the cooperation and relations between Taiwan and the United States.