Trump signs omnibus bill with over US$1.4 billion for Taiwan defense

Washington, Feb. 5 (CNA) U.S. President Donald Trump earlier this week signed a sweeping appropriations bill that includes more than US$1.4 billion to support security cooperation with Taiwan, among other measures.

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, signed by Trump on Tuesday, ended a four-day partial shutdown of the federal government and bundles five bills, including measures covering defense spending as well as national security, the State Department and related programs.

The omnibus act, covering US$1.2 trillion in spending, allocates US$1 billion for the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative (TSCI) under the "Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide" program, with funding available through Sept. 30, 2027.

The TSCI is designed to strengthen Taiwan's self-defense capabilities, enhance deterrence, maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and reduce risks to U.S. forces. It complements Taiwan's own defense investments as well as other U.S. security assistance and cooperation authorizations.

The program also includes US$150 million to replace defense articles and reimburse defense services supplied to Taiwan.

Meanwhile, the act provides at least US$300 million under the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program for assistance to Taiwan.

The FMF, a U.S. State Department program, helps allies and partner countries acquire American military equipment, services, and training through U.S.-funded assistance.

Under the signed law, at least US$4 million in funding under the National Security Investment Programs is to be allocated for the Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF), which is administered by the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT).

The AIT represents U.S. interests in Taiwan in the absence of formal diplomatic ties.

The act also specifies that none of its funds "should be used to create, procure, or display any map that inaccurately depicts the territory and social and economic system of Taiwan and the islands or island groups administered by Taiwan authorities."