House reaffirms ties with Taiwan, postpones bills and appoints budget conference committee

The Vermont House of Representatives on the floor adopted House Resolution 20, reaffirming the friendship and bilateral relations between the United States and the Republic of China (Taiwan) and expressing support for Taiwan’s participation in multinational organizations. The resolution, read in full by the clerk, was adopted by voice vote and directed the clerk to send copies to named officials and diplomatic representatives.

Member from Brandon welcomed diplomatic representatives from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Boston — Director General Charles Liao and Deputy General Wellington Xi — and highlighted Taiwan as a major trading partner for Vermont and the United States. "Vermont and Taiwan share a long standing vibrant relationship based on our common values of freedom, democracy, the rule of law, and the free market economy," the member said.

On other procedural business, the House agreed to several motions to postpone consideration of bills. The member from Hinesburg moved and the chamber agreed to postpone action on Senate Bill 184 (an act relating to temporary use of automated traffic law enforcement systems) until Tuesday, April 30. The member from St. Alban's City moved and the chamber agreed to postpone House Bill 649 (relating to the Vermont Truth and Reconciliation Commission) until Wednesday, May 1.

The House also suspended the rules to take up House Bill 883 (the appropriations bill) for immediate consideration and voted not to concur in the Senate proposal of amendment. The chamber appointed a committee of conference to reconcile the House and Senate versions; the chair named Representatives Lanfer (Vergennes), Shy (Middlebury), and Wood (Waterbury) to serve on the part of the House. Members then voted to message that action to the Senate forthwith.

The floor session concluded with routine announcements and a motion to adjourn.