May 02, 2024

Duckworth Helps Introduce Bipartisan Rosen-Sullivan Bill to Strengthen U.S.-Taiwan Defense Cooperation, Counter Chinese Communist Party’s Aggression

 

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), a member of both the U.S. Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees, today joined U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) in introducing bipartisan, bicameral legislation to strengthen U.S.-Taiwan defense cooperation and help counter China’s growing military expansion in the region. The bipartisan Transpacific Allies Investing in Weapons to Advance National (TAIWAN) Security Act would require the Secretary of Defense to enhance defense industrial base cooperation between the U.S. and Taiwan in order to deepen U.S.-Taiwan defense ties, promote supply chain security and help alleviate Taiwan’s readiness challenges. The TAIWAN Security Act is also cosponsored by Tim Kaine (D-VA), Rick Scott (R-FL) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) in the Senate, and House companion legislation was introduced by Tony Gonzales (R-TX-23).

“Taiwan is an important strategic partner for the U.S. in the Indo-Pacific region and, as China continues its destabilizing policies and escalatory actions, I remain as committed as ever to maintaining their ability to defend themselves against the PRC,” said Senator Duckworth. “That’s one of the reasons I’m proud to help Senator Rosen introduce this important bipartisan legislation that would strengthen our support for Taiwan and help them improve military readiness.”

Duckworth is a proven leader in enhancing security and strengthening relationships in the Indo-Pacific region, including through her efforts to strengthen our partnership with Taiwan. Earlier this year, the Senator congratulated the Taiwanese people for their successful democratic elections after helping introduce a bipartisan resolution commending Taiwan for its commitment to democracy. Duckworth's efforts to strengthen Taiwan's security are also reflected in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes a modified version of her Strengthen Taiwan's Security Act. In 2021, she and Senators Sullivan and Chris Coons (D-DE) traveled to Taiwan to announce the delivery of desperately-needed COVID-19 vaccines.

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