Bill Summary
This legislation mandates the Secretary of Defense, in collaboration with the Secretary of State, to engage with officials from Taiwan to establish a joint program focused on developing and deploying uncrewed systems (such as drones) and counter-uncrewed systems capabilities. The initiative aims to enhance the military capabilities of both the United States Armed Forces and Taiwan's military, aligning with the Taiwan Relations Act.
Key provisions include:
- The Secretary of Defense must initiate this collaboration by March 1, 2026.
- The program may leverage existing statutory authorities to facilitate co-development and co-production efforts.
- The Secretary of Defense is required to provide Congress with a report within 180 days of the law's enactment and annually thereafter until 2029. This report must detail engagement efforts, activities undertaken, progress on defense agreements, resource needs, and any additional relevant matters.
- The definition of "appropriate committees of Congress" includes specific committees in both the Senate and House focused on Armed Services, Appropriations, and Foreign Relations/Affairs.
This legislation underscores the strategic partnership between the U.S. and Taiwan, particularly in enhancing defense capabilities amid regional security concerns.
Possible Impacts
Here are three examples of how the proposed legislation could affect people:
1. **Enhanced Security for Taiwan**: By establishing a joint program for uncrewed systems and counter-uncrewed systems capabilities, this legislation could bolster Taiwan's defense capabilities. This may provide a sense of security for the Taiwanese population, knowing that they have support in enhancing their military technology. Additionally, it could deter potential aggressive actions from neighboring countries, contributing to regional stability.
2. **Economic Opportunities**: The co-development and co-production aspects of the legislation may lead to economic benefits for both the United States and Taiwan. This partnership could create jobs in defense contracting, technology development, and manufacturing. Local economies in both countries may see growth as a result of increased investment in defense-related industries.
3. **Political Ramifications and Public Sentiment**: The joint military program may influence public opinion in both the U.S. and Taiwan regarding defense and international relations. In the U.S., it could lead to discussions about foreign policy priorities and military spending. In Taiwan, it may strengthen national pride and support for the government, while also potentially escalating tensions with adversarial nations. Public sentiment may shift based on perceptions of the effectiveness and implications of the joint program.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 3163 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 3163
To require the Secretary of Defense to seek to engage appropriate
officials of Taiwan in a joint program with Taiwan to enable the
fielding of uncrewed systems and counter-uncrewed systems capabilities.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
November 7, 2025
Ms. Slotkin (for herself and Mr. Sheehy) introduced the following bill;
which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To require the Secretary of Defense to seek to engage appropriate
officials of Taiwan in a joint program with Taiwan to enable the
fielding of uncrewed systems and counter-uncrewed systems capabilities.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. JOINT PROGRAM WITH TAIWAN TO ENABLE FIELDING OF UNCREWED
SYSTEMS AND COUNTER-UNCREWED SYSTEMS CAPABILITIES.
(a) In General.--Not later than March 1, 2026, the Secretary of
Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of State, shall seek to
engage with appropriate officials of Taiwan in a joint program for the
purpose of enabling the fielding of uncrewed systems and counter-
uncrewed systems capabilities, including co-development and co-
production of such capabilities, for the Armed Forces of the United
States and the military forces of Taiwan, consistent with the Taiwan
Relations Act (22 U.S.C. 3301 et seq.).
(b) Use of Authorities.--In carrying out a joint program under
subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense may use the authorities under
title 10, United States Code, and other applicable statutory
authorities available to the Secretary.
(c) Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter through
2029, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the
Secretary of State, shall submit to the appropriate committees
of Congress a report on the joint program under subsection (a).
(2) Elements.--Each report required by paragraph (1) shall
include, for the period covered by the report, the following:
(A) A summary of engagements under subsection (a).
(B) A description of activities undertaken by the
Secretary of Defense and appropriate officials of
Taiwan to enable the fielding of uncrewed systems and
counter-uncrewed systems capabilities described in
subsection (a).
(C) A description of progress made in finalizing
defense trade foundational agreements between the
United States and Taiwan, including--
(i) a memorandum of understanding on
reciprocal defense procurement;
(ii) a security of supply agreement;
(iii) an acquisition and cross-servicing
agreement;
(iv) a general security of military
information agreement; and
(v) a cyber maturity model certification.
(D) An identification of the additional resources
or authorities necessary to enable the fielding of
uncrewed systems and counter-uncrewed systems
capabilities described in subsection (a).
(E) Any other matter the Secretary of Defense
considers appropriate.
(d) Appropriate Committees of Congress Defined.--In this section,
the term ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means--
(1) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on
Appropriations, and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the
Senate; and
(2) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on
Appropriations, and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the
House of Representatives.
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