Washington, D.C. – Today, the House Foreign Affairs Committee, chaired by U.S. Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), passed the Taiwan Naval Support Act (H.R. 4154).  This bipartisan bill presses the Obama administration to submit a timeframe for the transfer of decommissioned naval vessels to Taiwan – vessels that were provided by legislation sponsored by Chairman Royce last year.

Chairman Royce on the legislation’s passage: “The administration has failed to notify Congress of its intent to transfer these vessels, which are critical to bolstering Taiwan’s defense and ensuring peace in the Taiwan Strait.   This nearly year-long delay has caused unnecessary setbacks, complicating planning for the U.S. and Taiwan Navy.  It is well beyond time for the administration to make good on our commitment to strengthen the U.S.-Taiwan partnership.”

NOTE: In June, the Chairman visited the USS Gary, a frigate that is part of the naval transfer initiative.  Earlier this year, Chairman Royce visited Taiwan, where he worked to bolster the already strong U.S.-Taiwan relationship.  It marked Chairman Royce’s third visit to Taiwan in as many years. 

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