HR 4632
In CommitteeHouse
People of Taiwan
Recognizing the importance of a strong and enduring relationship between the people of Washington State and the people of Taiwan.
This status may be delayed. See Action History below for the latest updates.
How does a bill become law?
- Introduced: The bill is filed and assigned a number.
- Committee: A subject-matter committee holds hearings, takes public testimony, and decides whether to advance the bill.
- Floor Vote: The full chamber (House or Senate) debates and votes on the bill.
- Opposite Chamber: The bill repeats the committee and floor vote process in the other chamber.
- Governor: The Governor reviews the bill and decides whether to sign or veto it.
- Signed: The bill has been signed into law.
AI Analysis
This resolution affirms Washington State’s strong cultural, economic, and trade ties with Taiwan and its people—including over 100,000 Taiwanese Americans in the state—and formally supports continued deepening of those relationships. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a statement of support and recognition.
- Expresses formal support from the Washington State House of Representatives for deepening economic and trade relationships with Taiwan.
- Recognizes the contributions of over 100,000 Taiwanese Americans living in Washington, including their roles in strengthening democratic values and enriching communities.
- Highlights the importance of bilateral ties, citing $3.8 billion in trade between Washington and Taiwan in 2022, with Taiwan as the state’s 7th-largest trading partner.
- Acknowledges over 15,000 jobs created in Washington by Taiwanese companies across industries like semiconductors, aviation, and high-tech manufacturing.
- Notes the state’s 2023 reopening of its office in Taiwan and appointment of a representative to further economic and trade collaboration.
Who is affected
- Taiwanese American residents of Washington State — Taiwanese American residents in Washington, especially those in the over 100,000-person community, are recognized for their contributions to the state's culture, economy, and democratic values.
- Washington businesses and workers in targeted industries — Washington-based businesses and workers benefit from strong trade ties with Taiwan, including over 15,000 jobs created by Taiwanese companies in sectors like semiconductors, aviation, and manufacturing.
- Washington agricultural producers and exporters — Washington’s agricultural sector benefits from Taiwan being a top importer of key products like sweet cherries, potatoes, and beef.
- Washington State government agencies (e.g., Office of the Governor, Department of Commerce) — State government agencies involved in trade promotion and international relations gain formal recognition of their work to strengthen bilateral ties, including the newly reopened state office in Taiwan.
Pro/Con Analysis
Stronger case for benefits
Potential Benefits (5)
Formal recognition of the cultural, civic, and democratic contributions of over 100,000 Taiwanese Americans affirms their inclusion and visibility in Washington’s civic identity, reinforcing equal standing and reducing marginalization.
Rights & LibertiesLean peopleRef: Preamble & whereas clauses recognizing 100,000+ Taiwanese Americans and their contributionsAffirmation of strong trade and investment ties may bolster confidence among Taiwanese firms operating in Washington, supporting job retention and expansion in high-wage sectors like semiconductors and advanced manufacturing—sectors that employ a mix of skilled and technical workers across income levels.
Business & EmploymentLean peopleRef: Whereas clause citing $3.8B in trade and 15,000 jobs created by Taiwanese companiesRecognition of agricultural trade may reinforce political support for maintaining export infrastructure and market access, benefiting small-to-mid-sized farms and related logistics/processing businesses—many of which are family-owned or cooperative.
Business & EmploymentLean peopleRef: Whereas clause highlighting agriculture exports to Taiwan (sweet cherries, potatoes, beef) and Taiwan’s status as top-3 importer of those itemsFormal endorsement supports continued state-level international engagement, enabling coordination on trade promotion and cultural exchange—activities that require minimal state resources and are already underway.
Local GovernmentRef: Whereas clause noting 2023 reopening of state office in TaiwanSymbolic affirmation may strengthen social cohesion and civic belonging for Asian American communities, particularly those with ties to Taiwan, by publicly acknowledging their role in shaping Washington’s democratic ethos.
Rights & LibertiesRef: Preamble and resolution text affirming shared democratic values and heritage
Who Is Most Affected
Taiwanese American residents gain symbolic recognition and may experience increased social legitimacy and community pride; some may benefit indirectly from stronger economic ties, but the resolution itself does not provide direct economic or legal benefits.
Businesses—especially those in high-tech, agriculture, and logistics—may benefit from reinforced trade relationships and political goodwill, but the resolution itself does not create new legal protections or funding. Large multinationals (e.g., TSMC suppliers) benefit more than small farms or micro-businesses.
Agricultural producers may benefit from continued market access, but the resolution does not alter trade policy or address potential barriers (e.g., phytosanitary rules). Benefits are modest and indirect.
State agencies gain political cover and legitimacy for existing international engagement efforts, but no new funding or authority is granted. Minimal fiscal impact.