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 / H.R. 7146, the Providing Our Regional Companions Upgraded Protection in Nefarious Environments (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. It would also 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 Information
Read the full legislative text and view the list of cosponsors for the Senate and House versions.
FDD Action Expert Analysis
“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.”
Senior Director of Government Relations, FDD Action
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.
Congressional Press Releases
Read statements from members of Congress who are supporting this legislation:
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View the tracker →About FDD Action
FDD Action is a 501(c)(4) advocacy organization that works directly with policymakers to advocate for a robust U.S. foreign policy — one that strengthens U.S. national security, does damage to America’s adversaries, and supports allies and partners. FDD Action serves as a trusted resource for congressional offices and executive branch policymakers navigating complex national security challenges, leveraging a team with decades of experience on Capitol Hill and in the policy arena.