Washington: The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bill that aims to bolster Taiwan’s defense capabilities by providing US$300 million in Foreign Military Financing (FMF) and up to US$2 billion in loans and loan guarantees. This move is intended to enhance deterrence efforts in the Taiwan Strait.

According to Focus Taiwan, the bill is part of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2026, which received approval through a 341-79 vote. The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party released details outlining the bill’s provisions for the Indo-Pacific region. The FMF program, managed by the U.S. State Department, facilitates the acquisition of American military equipment, services, and training for allies and partners through U.S.-funded aid.

The legislation mandates that the U.S. secretary of state consider a country’s U.N. voting record and support for Taiwan’s observer status when allocating foreign aid. Additionally, it provides US$35.9 million for the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), which serves U.S. interests in Taiwan in the absence of formal diplomatic relations, and US$100 million in FMF for the Philippines.

John Moolenaar, Chairman of the Select Committee on China, emphasized the importance of the bill, stating that Taiwan has faced cyberattacks and military pressure from the PLA. He highlighted the need for the U.S. to deliver weapons to Taiwan to deter potential conflicts in the future.

Following the bill’s approval, Taiwanese scholars commented on its significance for Taiwan and the wider Indo-Pacific region. Su Tzu-yun from the Institute for National Defense and Security Research noted the strong consensus on strengthening Taiwan’s security. Chen Shih-min from National Taiwan University highlighted the bipartisan support for the bill, indicating a commitment to supporting Taiwan.

For the bill to become law, it must be approved by both the House and Senate in identical form and signed by the U.S. president.