As if the United States did not have enough to deal with at home, foreign policy is beset by problems of its own. Most notably, the threat of China. This past week, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) threatened Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) should she visit Taiwan.
In response, Senators Michelle Steel (R-CA), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Rick Scott (R-FL) introduced a bill to the Senate floor this week to create a lend-lease program with Taiwan.
According to Fox News, the bill resembles the lend-lease programs the United States made use of in World War II. Essentially, the United States will give Taiwan weapons and equipment. Subsequently, Taiwan must pay back for restoration or replacement of the equipment within twelve years. Additionally, renegotiation of how much Taiwan pays back is viable should the amount take away too much security funding for the U.S. or Taiwan.
The bill's timing is appropriate. China has become increasingly bold in its moves toward Taiwan. Military drills have been conducted dangerously close to the country. In fact, Chinese planes have penetrated its air defense space. Thankfully, this new lend-lease bill is receiving bipartisan support in Congress. Fox quotes Steel as being "proud to lead this bipartisan bill in Congress to show the CCP that we will not back down from supporting our allies." Further comments come from Blackburn, who states that "Taiwan is our greatest partner in the Indo-Pacific region, and their continued sovereignty is essential to challenging the New Axis of Evil."
While Scott does not receive mention in Fox's article, he does speak of the bill in a tweet written early Monday afternoon.
I joined @MarshaBlackburn to introduce a bill to strengthen the U.S.-Taiwan partnership by authorizing a defense lend or lease program to ensure Taiwan has the capacity to defend itself from Communist China. Let’s get this important bill passed. https://t.co/3skcZYbMho
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) August 1, 2022
"I joined @MarshaBlackburn to introduce a bill to strengthen the U.S.-Taiwan partnership by authorizing a defense lend or lease program to ensure Taiwan has the capacity to defend itself from Communist China. Let’s get this important bill passed," reads Scott's tweet.
