U.S. House panel approves spending bill with US$500 million for Taiwan
Washington, April 28 (CNA) A U.S. House committee on Tuesday approved a key spending bill that includes US$500 million in military assistance for Taiwan and support for its 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.
Despite the overall reduction, the committee said the legislation maintains strong support for key U.S. allies, including Israel, Jordan, Egypt and Taiwan, while countering adversaries such as the Chinese Communist Party, Iran, Cuba and drug trafficking organizations.
Committee Approves FY27 National Security, Department of State Appropriations Act
- Providing unwavering support for Israel by including not less than $3.3 billion in Foreign Military Financing Program funds.
- Providing robust assistance for key United States partners Egypt and Jordan.
- Including $500 million in Foreign Military Financing Program for Taiwan and $200 million in military assistance for the Philippines, as well as availability of Foreign Military Financing loans and loan guarantees.
- Fully funding the Countering PRC Influence Fund at $400 million.
- Providing $1.8 billion for United States national security interests in the Indo-Pacific and to counter the PRC’s malign influence.
- Denying the Chinese Communist Party access to U.S.-backed resources by:
- Requiring opposition to multilateral development bank lending for the PRC.
- Requiring opposition to increased shareholding for China within the multilateral development banks.
- Prohibiting funds for the PRC, Chinese Communist Party, or for countries to repay debt owed to Communist China.
- Prohibiting assistance to individuals or entities that support, finance, or facilitate the operations or commercial activities of the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces, Ministry of Interior, or their affiliates.
- Prohibiting funds to the Taliban.
- Promoting freedom and national security in the Western Hemisphere.