Sherman-Royce’s Taiwan Naval Support Act Passes Committee

Washington DC – Today the House Foreign Affairs Committee unanimously passed The Taiwan Naval Support Act. The bill was introduced by Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA), the second ranking Democrat on the Foreign Affairs Committee, and Congressman Ed Royce (R-CA), Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee.

The bill would require the President to submit a timeframe for the sale of two surplus U.S. naval vessels to Taiwan. Once enacted the bill would give the President 30 days to provide a timeline for the vessel transfer which has stalled for nearly a year since the initial authorization was enacted by the Naval Vessel Transfer Act.

"Taiwan faces real threats from China, and we should provide them the tools to defend themselves," said Congressman Sherman. "They are not asking for U.S. troop deployment or funding, they are asking to buy two frigates that have been authorized for transfer. The time has come to transfer the friggin frigates."

"The administration has failed to notify Congress of its intent to transfer these vessels, which are critical to bolstering Taiwan's defense and ensuring peace in the Taiwan Strait," added Chairman Royce. "This nearly year-long delay has caused unnecessary setbacks, complicating planning for the U.S. and Taiwan Navy. It is well beyond time for the administration to make good on our commitment to strengthen the U.S.-Taiwan partnership."

The Sherman-Royce legislation was introduced with the support of Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY), the Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, and Congressman Matt Salmon (R-AZ), the Chairman of the Asia Subcommittee.

Watch Congressman Sherman speech in the House Foreign Affairs Committee here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUU0wT5ZYsY

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