President Tsai confers decoration on US House Representative Gregg Harper
On the afternoon of June 12 President Tsai Ing-wen awarded the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon to US House Representative Gregg Harper, Co-Chair of the US Congressional Taiwan Caucus, commending him for his long-term support of Taiwan, backing of legislation friendly to Taiwan, active promotion of Taiwan's international participation, and contributions in promoting Taiwan-US relations. The president expressed hope that Representative Harper will encourage new representatives to support Taiwan and the common values of democracy and freedom shared by the United States and Taiwan.
In her remarks, the president welcomed Representative Harper to Taiwan, and said that on behalf of the government and people of Taiwan, she awarded him the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon as a token of thanks for his contributions to Taiwan-US relations during his tenure as Co-Chair of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus. Taiwan is lucky to have the support of many friends in the US Congress, and Representative Harper is one of the best.
President Tsai pointed out that, during his term in Congress, Representative Harper supported many bills friendly to Taiwan and actively promoted Taiwan's international participation. The recently passed Taiwan Travel Act, co-sponsored by Representative Harper, was the best testament to Taiwan-US friendship. The president also thanked him for reaffirming the importance of the Taiwan Relations Act to regional security during last week's Congressional sessions. Given the recent changes within the region, that showed great support for Taiwan.
The president stated that although Representative Harper is going to retire at the end of this year, she believes his passion in promoting Taiwan-US relations will not only continue, but also encourage newly elected representatives to support Taiwan and the values of freedom and democracy shared by the United States and Taiwan. She also invited Representative Harper and his wife to visit Taiwan and to see his old friends here often after he retires. In closing, the president thanked him again for his contributions in furthering Taiwan-US relations, and wished him a retirement life with health, happiness, and peace.
After the decoration ceremony, Representative Harper thanked President Tsai for awarding him the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon, noting that it was extremely meaningful for him and his wife. He has promoted Taiwan-US relations since January 2009, and the honor he received reaffirmed the US commitment to Taiwan. He further noted that the dedication ceremony for the new American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) that day also showed America's staunch support for Taiwan.
Mr. Harper also pointed out that the Taiwan Travel Act, recently passed by the US Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump, was another indication of congressional support for Taiwan. He then thanked President Tsai once again for awarding him the decoration, which he will always treasure.