West OC Times

Rep. Michelle Steel's legislation aimed at bolstering security cooperation between the United States and Taiwan has been incorporated into the final National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed by the House of Representatives for Fiscal Year 2025.

The Transpacific Allies Investing in Weapons to Advance National (TAIWAN) Security Act seeks to deepen security ties between the U.S. and Taiwan by mandating that the Department of Defense enhance industrial base cooperation between the two nations. This move is expected to strengthen the alliance between the U.S. and Taiwan, while also boosting defense supply chain security.

"While the Chinese Communist Party continues to threaten American interests in the Indo-Pacific, my legislation will provide effective deterrence against the CCP by increasing security partnerships with key American allies," stated Rep. Michelle Steel, a member of the House Select Committee on China. "I’m proud to be a strong and effective voice for promoting stability in the Indo-Pacific in light of Communist China’s campaign of aggression."

The NDAA is responsible for providing annual funding for the U.S. Armed Forces, with this year's act including improvements to servicemember housing and medical care. Additionally, it authorizes a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers and a 4.5% pay raise for all other servicemembers.