《TAIPEI TIMES》US body proposes US$2bn for Taiwan’s defense

Taiwanese and US flags fly outside the National Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology in Taoyuan on March 30. Photo: Cheng I-hwa, AFP

APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: Half of the proposed funding would be for areas such as medical support, training and the joint development of uncrewed systems

By Hollie Younger / Staff writer The US House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations on Wednesday released its Defense Appropriations Bill for fiscal 2027, with the proposed legislation outlaying US$2 billion for Taiwan’s defense.

Up to US$1 billion would be earmarked for the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative through Sept. 30, 2028, the bill says.

The initiative is intended to enhance Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities by providing funding for areas such as medical support, training and the joint development of uncrewed systems with the US, in line with the Taiwan Relations Act.

The bill would also provide an additional US$1 billion for the replacement of defense articles and reimbursement of defense services supplied to Taiwan.

The appropriations bill provides a total discretionary allocation of US$1.072 trillion.

The legislation “enhances America’s strategic military advantage, strengthens support for service members and military families, optimizes the [US] Department of Defense, disrupts transnational drug trafficking and delivers on [US President Donald] Trump administration priorities,” the committee said.

“At its core, this bill recognizes a simple reality — a safer world depends on a strong America,” said US Representative Tom Cole, the committee’s chairman.

The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense was scheduled to consider the measure yesterday during a closed markup session.

The funding proposal follows the House Committee on Armed Services’ approval on Thursday last week of its version of the National Defense Authorization Act （NDAA） for Fiscal Year 2027, which includes up to US$1 billion for the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative.

The appropriations bill and the NDAA must pass the House and Senate before being sent to the president for a signature.

新聞來源：TAIPEI TIMES