Steel, Panetta Introduce Legislation to Support Taiwan Defense Against CCP Invasion

WASHINGTON, D.C. ( March 01, 2023)-  Today, Rep. Michelle Steel (R-CA) and Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) introduced the “Taiwan Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act,” which authorizes the President to lend or lease defense supplies to the Government of Taiwan, in the case of preemptive aggression by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) will introduce the Senate companion legislation.

 “There is no doubt that the CCP is the greatest threat to global stability and America’s national security,” said Rep. Steel. “As they continue to threaten Taiwan and openly challenge the United States, it is more important than ever that we take immediate and decisive action to deter further aggression against our allies. The Taiwan Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act will send an unmistakable message to the CCP that the United States stands with our allies and is prepared to arm Taiwan with the tools it needs to defend itself from a CCP attack. The time to put an end to a CCP invasion is before it begins. That is why I am calling on every single one of my colleagues – on both sides of the aisle – to support this urgent and crucial bipartisan legislation.”

“Democracies around the globe are facing a wide range of emerging geopolitical challenges, including Taiwan,” said Rep. Panetta.  “Nevertheless, we are seeing how vital U.S. support can be to those democratic nations that are forced to defend their sovereignty. Our bipartisan, bicameral legislation would bolster such support by authorizing the Administration to lend or lease defensive weapons to the Taiwanese, if necessary. Similar to our support in Ukraine, this bill would provide the Taiwanese with the necessary tools to protect its territory and defend its democracy.”

“Taiwan is our greatest partner in the Indo-Pacific region, and their continued sovereignty is essential to challenging the New Axis of Evil,” said Senator Blackburn. “Communist China has made it clear they will stop at nothing to become globally dominant. The Taiwan Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act will help ensure Taiwan has the capacity to defend itself and strengthen the United States’ commitment to preserving freedom around the globe.”