U.S. Senators John Curtis and Jeff Merkley have jointly introduced a bill advocating for the official renaming of the "Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office" (TECRO) to the "Taiwan Representative Office". The Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA), a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit dedicated to informing Congress on Taiwan-related issues, is leading a petition campaign in support of the Taiwan Representative Office Act (TROA).
In a press statement issued on March 12, Senator Curtis emphasized that the bill reaffirms U.S. commitment to Taiwan’s democracy and strengthens clarity in U.S.-Taiwan relations. Senator Merkley added that the bipartisan proposal underscores the United States’ enduring support for Taiwan by properly recognizing its status.
FAPA President Su-Mei Kao (林素梅) said that for decades, FAPA has tirelessly advocated for this change, working closely with members of Congress to introduce relevant legislation. She also highlighted the bill’s bipartisan nature, noting that former Senator Marco Rubio, now U.S. Secretary of State, previously supported similar legislation.
On March 17, FAPA announced that it would launch a nationwide petition drive to push for the bill’s passage in the 119th U.S. Congress and its enactment by presidential signature. Last year, FAPA organized a similar petition effort, resulting in approximately 3,600 letters being sent to lawmakers nationwide, urging them to support the initiative.