U.S. Senators John Curtis, Jeanne Shaheen, Thom Tillis, and Jacky Rosen called on Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan to approve a supplementary defense budget in a letter sent April 16. The senators said the funding would allow Taiwan to buy American defense equipment and increase domestic production of drones and missile defense systems.
The request follows the senators’ recent visit to Taiwan, where they met with legislative leaders and reaffirmed bipartisan support for the U.S.-Taiwan partnership. The issue is seen as important due to ongoing concerns about security in the Indo-Pacific region and efforts by Beijing that have raised alarm among U.S. lawmakers.
“While we advocate to build on the historic $11 billion in U.S. arms sales to Taiwan announced last December, we ask that the LY approve a supplementary defense budget that enables not only procurement of American equipment but also speedier domestic production of asymmetric capabilities,” wrote the senators.
They continued: “The United States’ partnership with the people of Taiwan remains rock solid, built upon shared democratic values, deep economic ties and commitment to peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific region. The U.S. Congress will continue to serve as an active guardian and steward of our partnership and of Taiwan’s defense against Beijing’s unrelenting coercion.”
Curtis serves on multiple committees in Congress, advocates for conservative environmental solutions, supports small businesses, has passed legislation addressing public land management and human trafficking issues, founded the Conservative Climate Caucus, served two terms as mayor of Provo, Utah, represents Utah in the Senate—and raises six children with his wife Sue—according to his official website.
According to his official website, Curtis ranks among the most effective Republican members of Congress.