The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Jan. 29 passed three bipartisan bills introduced by U.S. Sen. John Curtis (R-UT) to bolster U.S. relations with Taiwan, combat illicit transnational maritime activities, and protect Taiwan from Chinese threats to its infrastructure.
“Passage of these bipartisan bills demonstrates Congress’ commitment to standing with our allies and safeguarding American interests from exploitation and coercion,” Sen. Curtis said. “From strengthening Taiwan’s resilience to defending the world’s oceans, the committee actions today show the Senate is stepping up to address the challenges posed by China.”
The committee advanced the Taiwan Undersea Cable Resilience Initiative Act, S. 2222, which Sen. Curtis sponsored in July 2025 with bill cosponsor U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) to protect Taiwan’s critical communications infrastructure and deter malicious “gray zone” activities by the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
The cables — critical for global communication and commerce — have been a primary target of the PRC for undercover sabotage to undermine Taiwan’s security and sovereignty, according to a summary provided by the congressman’s staff.
The committee also approved the Taiwan Allies Fund Act, S. 1216, which Sen. Curtis signed on as the lead original cosponsor in March 2025 alongside bill sponsor U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) to assign a portion of already-authorized funding to support Taiwan’s partners that face economic coercion and diplomatic intimidation from China because of their relations with Taiwan.
Additionally, the committee approved the Protecting Global Fisheries Act, S. 1369, which Sen. Curtis cosponsored in April 2025 with bill sponsor U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) to counter illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
S. 1369 would protect marine ecosystems and the food security of countries around the globe. The bill includes provisions to authorize targeted sanctions and improved interagency reporting and international cooperation to elevate U.S. efforts to protect sustainable fishing practices and maritime security.
All three bills now move to the full Senate for action.