The US Senate unanimously passed a bill on Tuesday supporting Taiwan’s participation in Interpol, the world’s largest police organization. The House of Representatives also passed a similar bill in November.
The Senate bill directs the US Department of State to develop a strategy to secure Taiwan observer status in Interpol. The bill was introduced by Republican Senator Cory Gardner and Democratic Senator Ben Cardin. The bill also instructs Interpol to give Taiwan observer status and asks for the support of other nations in this regard.
The House of Representatives bill mentions the US president rather than the US Department of State. It says that Taiwan should be able to participate in organizations such as the Interpol.
Since there are slight differences between the two versions of the bill, the Senate and House of Representatives will have to agree on a common text. Then it can be given to US President Barack Obama to sign into law.
Interpol has 190 member nations. The organization helps police around the world to work together to fight crime.