TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – A bipartisan delegation of US senators is heading to Taiwan to speed the passage of the government’s proposed NT$1.25 trillion (US$40 billion) special defense budget, the Financial Times reported Saturday.

The budget has started making its way through the legislative process after months of being stalled by the opposition. However, the Legislative Yuan is also discussing two alternative versions proposed by the KMT and the TPP.

In order to underline the importance of the defense package, US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen and Committee Member John Curtis will be leading the delegation. The group visiting Taiwan also includes Democratic Committee on Foreign Relations Member Jacky Rosen and Republican Senator Thom Tillis, per CNA.

Before setting off from the US, Shaheen told the media Friday their trip was important because it showed support for Taiwan’s efforts to defend itself. The timing of the visit also comes just weeks before President Donald Trump’s May 14-15 meetings with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

Shaheen voiced concern that if Taiwan failed to emphasize the importance of its own defense, the US president might also feel less obliged to assist Taipei.

In addition to meeting with President Lai Ching-te (賴清德), the senators also plan to exchange views with representatives of the KMT. Curtis emphasized the importance of the special budget for Taiwan’s defense, the Financial Times reported.