Taiwan Interpol Endorsement and Inclusion Act

Bill Number

H.R. 6262

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

International Affairs

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-11-21: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Last Updated

2025-12-18T15:52:37Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The "Taiwan Interpol Endorsement and Inclusion Act" (H.R. 6262) aims to promote Taiwan's full membership in the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), a global body that facilitates cooperation among police forces to combat international crime. It directs the U.S. Secretary of State to create a strategy for this goal, emphasizing Taiwan's contributions to global security and the benefits of its inclusion in Interpol for worldwide crime-fighting efforts.

Key Provisions

• Findings: The bill outlines Congress's recognition of Taiwan's role in global peace, references U.S. laws like the Taiwan Relations Act (which supports strong U.S.-Taiwan ties), and notes Taiwan's past Interpol membership (from 1964 until ejection in 1984 due to China's application). It highlights how Taiwan's exclusion limits access to Interpol's real-time global police communication system (I-24/7), hindering swift information sharing on crimes, terrorism, and threats.
• Statement of Policy: The U.S. should advocate for Taiwan's membership or observer status in international organizations where the U.S. participates, including Interpol. This includes using U.S. influence in votes, bilateral talks with China (e.g., summits and economic dialogues), and directing U.S. representatives to support Taiwan.
• Directives to the Secretary of State:
• Develop a strategy to secure Taiwan's Interpol membership, encourage U.S.-Taiwan information sharing on crime, involve Taiwan in Interpol activities, and (where aligned with U.S. interests) help Taiwan build ties in the Indo-Pacific and globally.
• Instruct the U.S. National Central Bureau (Interpol Washington) to formally request Taiwan's membership and urge other Interpol members to support it.
• Reporting Requirements:
• Within 90 days of enactment, the Secretary of State must submit an unclassified report to Congress detailing efforts to promote Taiwan's status in Interpol and other organizations, including planned actions.
• Interpol Washington must submit an unclassified report (with possible classified annex) to congressional judiciary committees on threats to Taiwan's criminal intelligence due to its non-member status and lack of Interpol data access.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces new mandates not present in prior U.S. law. It builds on existing frameworks like the Taiwan Relations Act (1979) and the 1994 Taiwan Policy Review, which encourage Taiwan's international participation, but adds specific directives for Interpol advocacy. It also references past laws (e.g., Public Law 108-235 for World Health Assembly observer status) without altering them directly. No amendments to Interpol's constitution or U.S. treaties are proposed; instead, it focuses on U.S. diplomatic strategy.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: The Department of State and Interpol Washington will face increased responsibilities for strategy development, advocacy, and reporting, potentially requiring additional resources for diplomacy and coordination with Taiwan.
• Citizens: Enhanced global crime-fighting could indirectly benefit U.S. and Taiwanese citizens by improving information sharing on threats like terrorism and transnational crime, reducing risks from delayed intelligence.
• International Relations: Strengthens U.S.-Taiwan security ties but may strain relations with China, which opposes Taiwan's international participation. It could encourage other nations to support Taiwan in Interpol, fostering broader Indo-Pacific cooperation, while highlighting U.S. commitment to inclusive global security amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Taiwan: Gains potential access to Interpol's tools for better crime prevention and international police collaboration.
• U.S. Government: State Department and Interpol Washington are directly tasked with implementation; Congress receives oversight reports.
• Interpol and Member States: Could see expanded membership, enhancing global networks, but faces pressure from China to block Taiwan.
• People's Republic of China (PRC): Indirectly affected, as the bill challenges its stance on Taiwan's exclusion from international bodies.
• Global Public: Benefits from potentially stronger worldwide efforts against crime and terrorism through more inclusive participation.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: The bill aligns with U.S. constitutional authority over foreign affairs (Article II) and does not require Senate ratification of treaties, as it focuses on executive diplomacy. Reports ensure congressional oversight without creating enforceable rights for Taiwan.
• Constitutional: No direct challenges; it supports executive branch flexibility in international advocacy while mandating reports to balance powers.
• Political: Reinforces bipartisan U.S. support for Taiwan's "meaningful participation" in global forums, signaling resistance to China's influence in multilateral organizations. It could escalate U.S.-China tensions but promotes human rights and security cooperation under Interpol's constitution, which allows observers for non-members. If enacted, it may set a precedent for similar pushes in other bodies like the World Health Assembly.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Gooden, Lance [R-TX-5]

Cosponsors (8)

Rep. Sherman, Brad [D-CA-32], Rep. Tiffany, Thomas P. [R-WI-7], Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-36], Rep. Sessions, Pete [R-TX-17], Rep. Harrigan, Pat [R-NC-10], Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3], Rep. Fong, Vince [R-CA-20], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7]

Recent Actions

• 2025-11-21: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
• 2025-11-21: Introduced in House
• 2025-11-21: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Taiwan Interpol Endorsement and Inclusion Act — issued 2025-11-21 — PDF (8 pages)