Washington: The United States House Appropriations Committee has unveiled its fiscal year 2027 defense appropriations bill, which includes a significant allocation of US$2 billion aimed at enhancing Taiwan's defense capabilities.

According to Focus Taiwan, the bill outlines that US$1 billion will be directed towards the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative (TSCI), with the funds remaining available until September 30, 2028. Additionally, a separate US$1 billion is designated for the replacement and reimbursement of defense articles and services provided to Taiwan.

Under the provisions of the bill, the secretary of defense, with the agreement of the secretary of state, is authorized to utilize TSCI funds to support Taiwan. This support includes the procurement of defense articles and services, as well as military education and training initiatives.

The House Appropriations Committee mentioned that the fiscal 2027 defense appropriations bill provides a total of US$1.072 trillion in discretionary funding. The legislation aims to enhance U.S. strategic military advantages, support active-duty service members and their families, improve Defense Department operations, combat transnational drug trafficking, and advance the defense priorities of the Trump administration.

Furthermore, the committee announced that its defense subcommittee is set to conduct a closed-door markup of the bill on Thursday. The proposed funding comes after the House Armed Services Committee approved its version of the fiscal 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) earlier this month, which authorizes up to US$1 billion for the TSCI to aid Taiwan in strengthening its self-defense capabilities.

Both the appropriations bill and the NDAA are required to pass through the House and Senate before being presented to the president for signature.