A Congressman's Motive

Admiral William Fallon, in charge of the US Pacific Fleet, thinks Taiwan doesn't need expensive new submarines to defend itself. Some Congressmen disagree. This from Voice of America:

Eight members of the U.S. Congress have sent a letter to the commander of U.S. forces in the Pacific, demanding an explanation of his alleged opposition to the proposed sale of submarines to Taiwan. The commander says he does not oppose the sale, but is concerned about raising tensions between Taiwan and China.

One of the members, Rep. Rob Simmons is just looking out for Taiwan, right???

The congressman acknowledges there is a local angle to his interest in Taiwan's purchase of submarines. The state he represents, Connecticut, is home to submarine design and building facilities that could benefit from any Taiwanese submarine purchase. But he also says selling the submarines to Taiwan would be good for the island, and would contribute to stability across the Taiwan Straits.

Hmmmmm.