Senator Tammy Duckworth will lead a U.S. congressional delegation to Taiwan from May 28 to May 29, 2025. The visit is part of a broader trip to the Indo-Pacific region and aims to strengthen U.S.-Taiwan relations. During their stay, the delegation will engage in high-level meetings with senior leaders in Taiwan to discuss various issues, including regional security, trade, and investment.
The visit highlights the United States' commitment to its partnership with Taiwan and supports the shared goal of maintaining a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.
Senator Duckworth has an extensive background as an Iraq War veteran and former Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs. She served in the Reserve Forces for 23 years before retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2014. Elected to the U.S. Senate in 2016, she previously represented Illinois’s Eighth Congressional District in the House of Representatives.
In her military career, Duckworth was deployed to Iraq as a Blackhawk helicopter pilot for the Illinois Army National Guard. In November 2004, her helicopter was hit by an RPG, resulting in severe injuries that led to her losing both legs and partial use of her right arm. After recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, she became an advocate for fellow soldiers and took on roles such as Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
Duckworth's political career includes significant contributions such as introducing legislation like the Friendly Airports for Mothers (FAM) Act and leading efforts to reduce veteran suicides through enhanced tracking legislation. As Senator, she has been active in protecting reproductive freedoms and advocating for veterans' rights.
She has also focused on infrastructure improvements through initiatives like the Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021.
Senator Duckworth serves on several committees where she addresses issues affecting working families in Illinois. Her leadership extends across national security and foreign policy matters, strengthening ties with Indo-Pacific nations while enhancing security globally.
Her legislative effectiveness has been recognized by various organizations due to her achievements across different sectors including defense and transportation.
Fluent in Thai and Indonesian, Duckworth attended college at the University of Hawaii and holds a Master’s degree from George Washington University. She resides in Illinois with her husband Bryan and their two daughters.