A US House of Representatives committee on Tuesday approved a key spending bill that includes US$500 million in military assistance for Taiwan and support for the nation’s participation in international organizations.
The House Appropriations Committee passed the fiscal year 2027 national security, department of state and related programs appropriations act in a 35-27 vote.
The bill allocates US$47.32 billion in total funding, down US$2.69 billion, or about 6 percent, from fiscal 2026 levels, reflecting what the committee described as “America first” priorities.
Photo: AFP
Despite the reduction, the committee said the legislation maintains strong support for key US allies, including Taiwan, Israel, Jordan and Egypt, while countering adversaries such as the Chinese Communist Party, Iran, Cuba and drug trafficking organizations.
US Representative Mario Diaz-Balart said that the bill supports US partners, while sending a clear message to rivals.
“If you are a friend or an ally of the United States, this bill supports you,” Diaz-Balart said.
“If you are an adversary or are cozying up to our adversaries, then you will not like this bill,” he added.
The legislation allocates US$1.8 billion for partners in the Indo-Pacific region, including US$500 million in military aid for Taiwan, as well as funding for the Philippines and other Pacific island partners, he said.
The bill’s key provisions include support for Taiwan’s participation in multilateral organizations and US$500 million in assistance for Taiwan under the Foreign Military Financing program, the committee said.
The program is run by the US Department of State to provide grants to eligible partners to acquire US defense equipment, services and training.
The bill now heads to the full House for consideration.
If passed, it must be approved by the US Senate.
Both chambers must approve the bill in identical form before it can be sent to the president to be signed into law.