May 4, 2026 | Endorsements

S. 1744/H.R. 7146 – Providing Our Regional Companions Upgraded Protection in Nefarious Environments (PORCUPINE) Act

May 4, 2026 Endorsements

S. 1744/H.R. 7146 – Providing Our Regional Companions Upgraded Protection in Nefarious Environments (PORCUPINE) Act

Bottom Line Up Front

S. 1744, the Providing Our Regional Companions Upgraded Protection in Nefarious Environments Act (PORCUPINE Act), would expedite the delivery of U.S. arms to Taiwan by designating Taiwan as a “NATO Plus” partner under the Arms Export Control Act — granting it the same status as Japan, South Korea, Israel, Australia, and New Zealand — and would establish a process to facilitate third-party transfers of U.S.-origin defense articles from NATO and NATO Plus countries to Taiwan, broadening the coalition of partners that can quickly resupply Taipei in a crisis.

Bill Number S. 1744
Bill Name Providing Our Regional Companions Upgraded Protection in Nefarious Environments Act (PORCUPINE Act)
Summary Designates Taiwan as a “NATO Plus” partner under the Arms Export Control Act to shorten congressional notification timelines and raise value thresholds for arms sales, and creates an expedited process for third-party transfers of U.S.-origin weapons from allies to Taiwan.
Chamber Bicameral
Lead Sponsor Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-NE)
Co-Lead Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE)
Date Introduced 05/13/2025
Companion Bill H.R. 7146
Companion Lead Sponsor Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA)
Companion Co-Lead Rep. Don Davis (D-NC)
Companion Original Cosponsors Rep. Ami Bera (D-CA), Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA)

Read the full legislative text and view the list of cosponsors for the Senate and House versions.

Why It Matters

  • The arms sales backlog is a strategic vulnerability. Critical systems for Taiwan’s defense — including HIMARS, Harpoon missiles, howitzers, and F-16s — have faced years-long delivery delays. As the PLA accelerates its readiness for a potential 2027 invasion timeline, every month of bureaucratic delay narrows the window for Taiwan to deter aggression.
  • NATO Plus status is a deterrence multiplier. Designating Taiwan as a NATO Plus partner halves the congressional notification period (from 30 days to 15) and raises the value thresholds that trigger formal notification — bringing Taiwan in line with Japan, South Korea, Israel, Australia, and New Zealand. This sends Beijing an unmistakable signal that the United States treats Taiwan as a frontline security partner.
  • Allied third-party transfers expand the resupply pipeline. The bill directs the Secretary of State to establish an expedited decision-making process for transfers of U.S.-origin defense articles from NATO members, Japan, Australia, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, or Israel to Taiwan. This unlocks the broader free-world arsenal as a source of capability for Taiwan rather than relying solely on direct U.S. shipments.

“As regional security challenges intensify, ensuring U.S. allies have timely access to meaningful defense cooperation is essential to strengthening deterrence and preserving stability. The PORCUPINE Act is a critical step toward reducing the risk of conflict and sharpening U.S. security tools abroad. FDD Action supports the PORCUPINE Act and encourages Congress to pass it without delay.”

Alexandria Paolozzi Moore

Senior Director of Government Relations, FDD Action

Congressional Press Releases

Read statements from members of Congress who are supporting this legislation:

Issues:

China Defense