Senate committee advances resolution reaffirming Vermont‑Taiwan ties ahead of visiting delegation
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Summary
The Senate committee agreed to report a resolution reaffirming Vermont’s sister‑state relationship with Taiwan to the Senate secretary for floor consideration ahead of a visiting Taiwanese delegation; legislative counsel read the resolution and members discussed trade ties and the possibility of a Vermont trade office in Taiwan.
The Senate Economic Development, Housing & General Affairs committee voted to report a resolution reaffirming Vermont’s relationship with Taiwan and asked the clerk to forward it to the Senate secretary so it can be placed on the floor calendar ahead of a visiting Taiwanese delegation.
Michael Turrick, legislative counsel, read a condensed version of the resolution and the supporting language, citing bilateral trade figures (noting that Taiwan ranked among the state’s top trading partners in recent years), past exchanges such as a reciprocal driver's‑license arrangement, and language urging enhanced bilateral relations and Taiwan’s participation in international organizations. "The Senate of the State of Vermont reaffirms the abiding friendship between the state of Vermont and The Republic of China (Taiwan)," Turrick read.
A committee member who recently traveled to Taiwan described the trip as a firsthand illustration of democratic kinship and economic opportunity, including visits to civil‑society sites and the Ministry of Defense that underscored the delegation’s security concerns. "There’s a real kinship between Vermont and Taiwan," the committee member said, and members noted that support for the resolution has bipartisan backing.
Members debated whether the resolution’s aspirational language—for example, suggesting the creation of a Vermont trade office in Taiwan—should remain as written or be framed more narrowly; they concluded the language reads as encouragement rather than an immediate commitment and recommended coordination with floor managers to present the resolution on the day the delegation visits. To expedite timing, the committee called roll and voiced agreement to move the resolution to the secretary's office for floor consideration.
The committee did not record a detailed roll‑call tally in the transcript beyond affirmative vocal responses during the roll call, and members asked staff to confirm formal procedural steps with the Senate floor manager before final floor presentation.
