Washington — Today, Congressman Lance Gooden (TX-05) introduced bipartisan legislation mandating that the Secretary of State develop a strategic approach for securing Taiwanese membership in the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol).

The Taiwan Interpol Endorsement and Inclusion Act reflects the United States' longstanding policy of supporting Taiwan's participation in international organizations, as Taiwan has historically played a critical role in global peace and security initiatives.

“Taiwan’s proven record on global crime-fighting capabilities is deserving of full membership in Interpol,” said Rep. Gooden. “Their inclusion will fill a gap in the global security network and reinforce the effectiveness of international law enforcement cooperation.”

The legislation highlights:

• Taiwan's historical contribution to international cooperation, including its participation as an observer at the World Health Assembly.
• The strategic necessity of including Taiwan in international crime-fighting efforts amid ongoing global threats, including terrorism.
• The practical drawbacks Taiwan faces due to its exclusion from full membership in Interpol, such as limited access to global criminal data, which impact global security.

Co-sponsors of the bill include Reps. Brad Sherman (CA-32), Pete Sessions (TX-32), Tom Tiffany (WI-07), and Ted Lieu (CA-36).

Read the full text here.