US House committee proposes $2 billion for Taiwan's defense

Amid escalating military tensions with China, the U.S. House Appropriations Committee has proposed a significant defense spending bill for fiscal year 2027. The legislation includes substantial funding aimed at bolstering Taiwan's self-defense capabilities.

The proposed bill earmarks $1 billion for the "Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative." This funding, available until September 30, 2028, allows the U.S. Secretary of Defense, with the concurrence of the Secretary of State, to provide Taiwan with assistance. This assistance can include the procurement of defense articles and services, as well as military education and training.

Furthermore, the bill allocates an additional $1 billion to replenish and reimburse defense articles and services that the United States has already provided to Taiwan. This provision acknowledges the ongoing support the U.S. offers to Taiwan's security and ensures the continuity of military aid without depleting U.S. stockpiles.

The committee released the text of the bill on Wednesday, with its defense subcommittee scheduled to review it in a closed-door session. The overall discretionary budget proposed for the fiscal year 2027 defense bill amounts to $1.072 trillion. The committee stated the bill aims to enhance America's strategic military advantage, support service members and their families, improve the Department of Defense's operations, combat transnational drug trafficking, and fulfill the Trump administration's policy priorities.