Washington, DC [US], July 21 (ANI): The United States House of Representatives on Friday approved the Department of Defence Appropriations Act for 2026, which includes a $500 million allocation for Taiwan under the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative, Focus Taiwan reported on Sunday.
The $831.5 billion defence spending package was passed in a 221–209 vote. The Taiwan funds will be administered by the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency and will remain available through September 30, 2027. The funds can be used by the US Secretary of Defence — with the Secretary of State’s concurrence — to help Taiwan procure defence articles and services as well as military training.
The provision sparked debate on the House floor after Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene proposed an amendment to strip the $500 million from the bill, arguing it marked a $100 million increase over the previous year. Greene warned that increasing aid to Taiwan risked “instigating World War Three with China,” and that US taxpayers could ill afford more foreign assistance given America’s $37 trillion national debt.
Her amendment was overwhelmingly defeated in a bipartisan 421–6 vote.
Republican Representative Ken Calvert spoke against the amendment, noting the Trump administration had just issued a policy calling for even greater support to Taiwan — recommending $1 billion. “The funding will go a long way to make sure that Taiwan has the resources necessary to help prevent a Chinese invasion,” Calvert said.
Democratic Representative Betty McCollum added: “Taiwan is threatened by the People’s Republic of China. If Taiwan falls, other nations — including the Philippines — would also be at risk.” She stressed the funds would enhance Taiwan’s readiness and deterrence.
The House bill directs the Secretary of Defence to submit a detailed funding plan to both chambers’ appropriations committees within 60 days of enactment.
Under US law, the legislation still requires Senate approval in the same form before being sent to the president for signature.
(ANI)
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