TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The U.S. House Appropriations Committee announced it will discuss a budget bill on Tuesday (June 4), which includes provisions for NT$16 billion (US$500 million) in Foreign Military Financing (FMF).

According to a U.S. House press release on Monday (June 3), State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee Chair Mario Diaz-Balart said the proposal ensures the budget supports U.S. policies, such as aiding strategic allies like Israel and Taiwan and countering adversaries like China and Iran.

“This proposed legislation continues advancing global freedom, manifests strong solidarity with our allies, and stands firm against the malign forces undermining U.S. national security,” Diaz-Balart said. “The Fiscal Year 2025 bill continues reestablishing American leadership where it has been severely lacking the last four years.”

Committee Chair Tom Cole commented the proposal demonstrates the U.S.’s commitment to not back down in the face of growing authoritarian threats and to continue defending freedom, per CNA. “America is a world leader, and that posture must never change,” the chair added.

“From Putin’s efforts to illegally alter international borders and Iran’s dangerous attacks against Israel to China’s eyes on Taiwan and cartels infiltrating our border with fentanyl, this bill sends a clear message that the U.S. will do what’s necessary to protect our interests,” Cole added.

The bill also stipulates that U.S. funds cannot be provided to China and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), per UDN. It also prohibits other countries from using U.S. foreign aid funds to repay debts to Beijing.