Democrats and Republicans agree: Pelosi should visit Taiwan despite Biden's warning

Republicans and Democrats in Congress are rallying behind House Speaker Nancy Pelosi by urging her to follow through on a potential visit to Taiwan even as President Joe Biden said the Defense Department believes such a trip is “not a good idea right now.” China has gone much further, warning that it would respond with “forceful measures” if Pelosi, D-Calif., steps foot on the democratic island, which Beijing considers a breakaway province. The potential visit has created a rare and high-profile intraparty rift between Pelosi — a staunch defender of Taiwan and an outspoken critic of China’s human rights abuses — and Biden administration officials, who are wary about escalating tensions with the Asian superpower. But it has also created some bipartisan unity on Capitol Hill.

“If I were the speaker, I’d be going,” said Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, who has served with Pelosi in Congress for more than two decades. Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., who previously served with Pelosi in the House, said: "If she wants to go, I certainly think she should go. And I think she should be more motivated to go now that she’s been discouraged, and colleagues should join her.” Sen. Rick Scott of Florida, the chairman of the Senate GOP’s campaign arm, said: “I think it’s important that we go over there and tell Taiwan that they are an important democratic ally. We ought to be clear there is no ambiguity that we will support them if they get invaded by communist China.” Several Democrats offered similar encouragement. "I think it's a great idea," said Rep. Bill Pascrell, D-N.J. Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., a member of the Intelligence Committee, said, "The Chinese are not going to restrict the speaker of the House's travel." Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., a member of Pelosi’s leadership team, said, “Nobody should not go someplace because the Chinese government — which is guilty of genocide — is speaking in threatening terms.”