TAIWAN (Taiwan News) — A bill calling for Taiwan’s membership in the International Criminal Police Organization was introduced in the US House of Representatives on Friday.

The bill (H.R.6262) was introduced by Texas Representative Lance Gooden and is co-sponsored by representatives Brad Sherman, Pete Sessions, Tom Tiffany, and Ted Lieu. The legislation calls on the secretary of state to advocate for Taiwan's inclusion in Interpol and was referred to the House Committee on Foreign Relations on Friday.

The bill references Taiwan’s previous participation in the World Health Assembly as a precedent for Taiwan’s inclusion in international organizations. In a press release, Gooden said, “Taiwan’s proven record on global crime-fighting is deserving of full membership in Interpol.” 

Taiwan’s current exclusion presents a gap in the global security network, and its participation would enhance the effectiveness of the global crime-fighting network, according to Gooden.

The bill notes that Taiwan is a reliable partner whose inclusion is a strategic necessity to bolster global crime-fighting efforts. It added that “direct and unobstructed” participation is beneficial for all nations and vital to peacekeeping efforts.