TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Providing Our Regional Companions Upgraded Protection in Nefarious Environments (PORCUPINE) Act was introduced in the US House of Representatives on Tuesday to streamline the arms procurement process for Taiwan.

Representatives Rob Wittman, Don Davis, Ami Bera, and Ryan Mackenzie co-sponsored the bill, according to a press release. The Senate unanimously passed its own version in December.

The act designates Taiwan with “NATO-plus” status, which would mean faster approval for arms sales to Taiwan and an increase in the price level that needs approval. It also authorizes the president “to reduce or waive certain fees for arms sales to Taiwan,” per the press release.

The bill also mandates that the State Department assess the feasibility of establishing an expedited decision-making process for third-party transfers of defense articles and services to Taiwan from NATO members and NATO-Plus countries within 90 days of its enactment.

“Taiwan is at the tip of the spear in our effort to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific region and serves as a key regional partner to the United States,” Wittman said. “Now more than ever we must ensure Taiwan has the military capabilities to defend itself.”

Davis said, “As pressure from the Chinese Communist Party continues to mount, Taiwan more than ever needs the resources to defend its sovereignty and the independence of its people.” “A stronger Taiwan deters aggression, protects democracy, and makes the United States safer,” he added.

Bera called Taiwan “a vibrant democracy and a vital partner in the Indo-Pacific.” “At a time when Taiwan faces growing threats from (China), we must ensure Taiwan can quickly access the defensive capabilities it needs to protect its people and uphold regional stability,” he said. 

“At a time when security challenges in the Indo-Pacific are growing, we need to ensure our partners can access defensive capabilities without unnecessary delays,” Mackenzie said.