TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Trump administration “strongly urged” Congress to raise its appropriations for strengthening Taiwan's defenses to NT$29.41 billion (US$1 billion).
The White House's Office of Management and Budget made the statement on July 15, in response to the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2026, per CNA. The document emphasized funding for the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative (TSCI), a key component of the bill.
After reportedly releasing NT$25.5 billion (US$870 million) in previously frozen aid to Taiwan in February, the administration reiterated its support for assisting Taiwan. It thanked the House Appropriations Committee for including NT$14.7 billion (US$500 million) for Taiwan under the initiative, calling the funding essential for enhancing Taiwan’s self-defense.
However, the office added, “The Administration strongly urges full consideration of the fiscal 2026 budget request of US$1 billion for TSCI.” It added that Taiwan’s credible self-defense capability is critical to Indo-Pacific deterrence and vital for protecting US personnel during a potential crisis.
Despite the White House’s request, the version passed by the House on Friday maintains the NT$14.7 billion allocation. The funds will support new defense articles, services, and military education and training for Taiwan, and require the secretary of defense to submit quarterly spending reports to Congress.
The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party told CNA that discussions on the initiative drew on May testimony by retired US Navy Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery, former director of operations at US Pacific Command. He called for maximizing US military aid to Taiwan.
He had earlier proposed an NT$8.82 billion (US$300 million) appropriation for the initiative in the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act. For fiscal 2026 and beyond, he urged Congress to fund TSCI at NT$29.41 billion annually.
The funding would cover training for Taiwanese military personnel. This would include expanded attendance at US captain-level courses and battalion-level exercises at facilities in Hawaii and on the US West Coast.
The House-passed appropriations bill is not yet final, as it must be reconciled with the Senate’s version. The Senate Appropriations Committee has not yet released its draft of the fiscal 2026 defense spending bill.
