TAIPEI (TVBS News) — U.S. Representative Gerry Connolly (D-Va.), the ranking member of the House Oversight Committee and a steadfast champion of Taiwan's interests in Washington, died from cancer on May 21 at the age of 74. His funeral service took place in the United States on Tuesday (May 27), drawing colleagues who praised his decades of diplomatic engagement. As co-chair of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus — a bipartisan group promoting U.S.-Taiwan relations — Connolly had established himself as an influential voice on cross-strait policy matters.
Fellow Congressional Taiwan Caucus co-chairs Representatives Ami Bera (D-CA), Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), and Andy Barr (R-KY) lauded Connolly's instrumental contributions to Taiwan-related legislation during his tenure. The Virginia Democrat had led efforts to pass the "Taiwan International Solidarity Act," which sought to counter Beijing's interpretations of United Nations Resolution 2758 that have been used to exclude Taiwan from international organizations. Connolly additionally advocated for the Taiwan Tax Agreement Act, legislation designed to prevent double taxation while stimulating bilateral economic cooperation and technological innovation.
Taiwan's de facto embassy in Washington, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office, issued formal condolences, as did the Formosan Association for Public Affairs (FAPA, 台灣人公共事務會), a prominent Taiwanese-American advocacy organization. Taiwan's recently inaugurated Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴), who previously served as Taiwan's representative to the United States, and National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu (吳釗燮), a former foreign minister, also conveyed their deep sympathies for the loss of a crucial ally.
Throughout his congressional career, Connolly demonstrated unwavering commitment to democratic principles, human rights advancement, and the common values binding the American and Taiwanese people, making nearly 20 trips to the island to strengthen bilateral ties. Colleagues across party lines have characterized his death as a profound setback for both the Congressional Taiwan Caucus and broader U.S. foreign policy deliberations, while vowing to uphold and expand upon his legislative legacy in supporting Taiwan's international participation. ◼