TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The US House of Representatives on Friday passed the Department of Defense Appropriations Act 2026, which included funds for Taiwan’s defense.

The bill allotted US$500 million (NT$14.69 billion) for the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative to “provide assistance” to Taiwan, including weapons, services, and military training, with the stipulation that the secretary of defense submit quarterly reports on the use of funds. The money will remain available until September 30, 2027.

The bill includes investments for fifth and sixth-generation aircraft such as the F-47 and F/A-XX. It also allocates more than US$1.3 billion for the Defense Innovation Unit, Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies, and the Office of Strategic Capital.

Defense Subcommittee Chair Ken Calvert said the bill’s passage “advances our national security goals by investing in the platforms and programs that enhance America’s military dominance.” 

Co-Chair Tom Cole said the bill contains “strategic investments that restore military strength, accelerate innovation, and reinforce peace through strength.”

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) pledged to increase Taiwan’s defense budget to 3% of GDP. Taiwan concluded the live-fire segment of the Han Kuang 41 military exercise, which lasted 10 days, on Friday.