WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Burgess Owens (UT-04) co-sponsored the Taiwan Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act, legislation authorizing the president to lend or lease defense supplies to the Government of Taiwan to protect the civilian population against aggression by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

“Taiwan is a strong, vibrant democracy and a critical partner in countering Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific region,” said Rep. Owens. “The Taiwan Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act will help Taiwan defend its sovereignty and strengthen the US-Taiwan partnership for regional security.”

The bipartisan, bicameral legislation:

    Expresses a sense of Congress that the U.S. and Taiwan should bolster security relations.
    Authorizes the administration to lend or lease defense articles to Taipei in the case of aggression by the CCP.
    After the date of the enactment of this bill, the President has up to 60 days to establish expedited procedures for the delivery of any defense article loaned or leased to the Government of Taiwan.
    After the date of the enactment of this bill, the Secretary of Defense, in collaboration with the Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, have up to 90 days to report to Congress a report on the potential loan and lease defense articles to the Government of Taiwan.
    Defines Means of Aggression by the People’s Liberation Army as: a full or partial naval blockade of Taiwan, amphibious assault and ground invasion of Taiwan, a missile strike, kinetic or non-kinetic operations against military targets or critical infrastructure in Taiwan, a seizure or attempted seizure of islands controlled by Taiwan.
    Requires payments by the Government of Taiwan for the cost of restoring or replacing the defense article and in the case that the defense article is damaged, lost, or destroyed.
    After 12 years of the agreement, the Government of Taiwan is required to pay the U.S. the value of such services or any interest on the unpaid balance. The President can also submit to Congress a certification containing a determination that national security requires a lesser rate of interest.