A leading Democratic supporter of Taiwan in Congress Thursday blamed intense opposition by the Bush administration for scuttling any chance of a congressional resolution endorsing President Chen Shui-bian's (???) planned election day referendum. But the congressman endorsed a suggestion that Congress pursue an alternative method to publicize congressional support through unofficial means.
An alternative such as a public letter, petition or advertisement in major US newspapers would garner support from a majority of members of Congress, despite the administration's objections, said Florida Representative Peter Deutsch.
Such a public display of support for the referendum would be signed by a number in the "high 300s" of members of Congress, he said during an appearance at a seminar sponsored by the Heritage Foundation in Washington.
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2004/02/28/2003100434