Blackburn, Steel offer bipartisan, bicameral Taiwan Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act

U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and U.S. Rep. Michelle Steel (R-CA) recently introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would authorize a defense lend or lease program with Taiwan’s government.

“Taiwan is our greatest partner in the Indo-Pacific region, and their continued sovereignty is essential to challenging the New Axis of Evil,” Sen. Blackburn said. “I am leading the effort alongside Representative Steel to empower our partner in their defense of democracy.” 

“I’m proud to lead this bipartisan bill in Congress to show the CCP [Chinese Communist Party] that we will not back down from supporting our allies,” said Rep. Steel.

Sen. Blackburn on July 28 sponsored the Taiwan Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act, S. 4652, with original cosponsor U.S. Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL), while Rep. Steel on July 29 sponsored the same-named H.R. 8631 in the U.S. House with 13 original cosponsors, including U.S. Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA).

In 1941, the Lend-Lease Act authorized President Franklin D. Roosevelt to lend or lease, rather than sell, war supplies to any nation deemed vital to the defense of the United States, including warships and warplanes, weapons, provisions, and raw materials, according to information provided by the lawmakers.

“Taiwan should know that the United States will support them with defense supplies — including weapons and machinery — regardless of what the Chinese Communist Party says,” Sen. Blackburn said. “Our legislation will proactively strategize U.S. defense policy in support of the Taiwanese people amid growing threats from Beijing.”

Specifically, the bill would authorize the administration to lend or lease defense articles to Taipei; require a report on determinations of the defense needs of Taiwan; and establish expedited procedures to ensure the timely delivery of defense articles loaned or leased to Taiwan, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers’ offices. 

“The introduction of this bill comes just days after the people of Taiwan had to participate in more air raid drills in the event of an attack from the Chinese Communist Party,” said Rep. Steel. “The CCP continues to intimidate and pressure our ally and the United States should always be on the side of freedom and democracy.”