U.S. House Passes State Department 2027 Appropriations Bill Including $500 Million Aid to Taiwan

(CNA reporter Hou Tzu-Ying, Washington, 15th) The U.S. House of Representatives today passed the fiscal year 2027 appropriations bill for national security, the Department of State, and related programs. The bill includes support for Taiwan’s participation in multilateral organizations and provides $500 million in aid to Taiwan under the Foreign Military Financing Program. Lawmakers stated that the bill strengthens support for allies like Taiwan and directly counters threats from the Chinese Communist Party.

According to a press release from the House Appropriations Committee, the full House voted today on the fiscal year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, ultimately passing it by a vote of 217 to 209.

The House Appropriations Committee stated that the bill provides a total of $47.32 billion in funding, a reduction of $2.69 billion (approximately 6%) compared to fiscal year 2026, reflecting the priorities of the 'America First' agenda. Despite the overall budget cut, the bill maintains robust funding support for U.S. allies such as Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and Taiwan, while countering adversaries such as Communist China, Iran, Cuba, and drug cartels.

Republican Representative Tom Cole, Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, stated during the session that the bill 'stands firmly with America’s friends and draws a clear line against our adversaries.'

He noted that the bill 'strengthens support for key allies like Israel and Taiwan and directly counters threats from Communist China and other regimes challenging our interests and principles,' and raised expectations for U.S. partners, emphasizing that 'enduring alliances are strongest when responsibilities are shared.'

According to the bill text, no less than $500 million (approximately NT$15.78 billion) from funds allocated under the 'Foreign Military Financing Program' shall be provided as aid to Taiwan. The Secretary of State shall coordinate with the Secretary of War to prioritize the delivery of defense articles and services to Taiwan.

The bill also stipulates that, when considering foreign aid to governments, the Secretary of State shall examine the alignment of that government’s voting behavior in the United Nations with U.S. strategic interests, and whether the government supports Taiwan’s participation as an observer in meetings and activities of multilateral institutions, groups, or committees, using these factors in the evaluation.

Other provisions related to Taiwan include allocating no less than $4 million from funds under the 'National Security Investment Programs' to the 'Global Cooperation and Training Framework' (GCTF). This program is administered by the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT).

The bill also states that none of the funds provided under this act shall be used to produce, procure, or display any map that inaccurately depicts the territorial extent of Taiwan and the islands under the jurisdiction of the Taiwan authorities, or their social and economic systems.

Under U.S. law, the bill must be passed in identical versions by both the House and Senate before being sent to the President for signature into law. (Edited by Chen Hui-Ping) 1150716