The US House of Representatives yesterday passed the reconciled National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes authorization of up to US$1 billion for Taiwan-related security cooperation and a joint drone program.
The latest version of the NDAA for Fiscal Year 2026, released on Sunday, passed the House in a 312-112 vote.
Photo: EPA-EFE
In a news release, House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers said the bill advances US President Donald Trump's "peace through strength" agenda and keeps US forces ready and lethal amid an increasingly complex security environment.
According to the committee, the NDAA focuses on countering China's threats, ensuring mission success in the Indo-Pacific region and supporting regional allies and partners.
Among the highlights, the bill authorizes up to US$1 billion for the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative and directs the Pentagon to collaborate with Taiwan on a joint drone program, including codevelopment and coproduction, in line with the Taiwan Relations Act.
It further authorizes US forces to maintain training programs with Taiwan and other partners to counter China's "malign influence operations."
The bill also calls for a plan to expand joint US-Taiwan coast guard training and to deploy US personnel in Taiwan to bolster maritime security, law enforcement and deterrence.
The NDAA includes the Taiwan Non-Discrimination Act, which supports Taiwan's bid to join the IMF.
The US Senate and House had earlier passed their own versions of the NDAA.
The two chambers would now have to produce a single reconciled version of the bill, which would then require passage by both chambers of the US Congress before it could be signed into law by the president.
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