Senators Curtis, Merkley, Cruz, and Kim introduced bipartisan legislation to expand cooperation between the United States and Taiwan on the development of unmanned aerial systems in the face of the People’s Republic of China increasing pressure on Taiwan and the PRC’s dominance in the UAS supply chain.
I will support legislation to expand cooperation between the United States and Taiwan on the development of unmanned aerial systems.
Occurrences
Sen. Curtis said, “Strengthening our partnership with Taiwan is critical to advancing both American security and the stability of the Indo-Pacific. Our bipartisan legislation expands cooperation between the U.S. and Taiwan to build secure, resilient drone systems—cutting China out of the supply chain and reinforcing deterrence in the region.”
introduced bipartisan legislation to expand cooperation between the United States and Taiwan on the development of unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
Evidence
On April 1, 2026, Senator John R. Curtis co-introduced the Blue Skies for Taiwan Act of 2026, a bipartisan bill aimed at expanding Taiwan's ability to develop drone system components independent of Chinese Communist Party (CCP) technology and supply chains. The legislation seeks to deepen U.S.–Taiwan cooperation on unmanned aerial systems (UAS) development.
On May 5, 2025, Senator Curtis introduced the Taiwan Relations Reinforcement Act, bipartisan legislation reaffirming U.S. policy to support Taiwan's democracy and its engagement with the world. The bill aims to deepen the U.S.–Taiwan relationship by elevating diplomatic status, promoting high-level cooperation, and combating CCP disinformation campaigns targeting Taiwan.
On May 10, 2025, Senator Curtis reintroduced the Taiwan Allies Fund Act, bipartisan legislation authorizing $40 million annually to assist countries maintaining or strengthening relations with Taiwan. The bill aims to counter the PRC's efforts to diplomatically isolate Taiwan by supporting its international standing.
On July 10, 2025, Senator Curtis introduced the Taiwan Undersea Cable Resilience Initiative Act, bipartisan legislation aimed at protecting Taiwan's critical communications infrastructure and deterring malicious 'gray zone' activities by the PRC. The bill focuses on enhancing the resilience of Taiwan's undersea communication cables.
On May 15, 2025, Senator Curtis chaired a hearing on the PRC's influence and Taiwan's diplomatic allies in the Western Hemisphere. The hearing focused on China's coercive tactics aimed at isolating Taiwan and emphasized the importance of supporting Taiwan's remaining allies.
On April 1, 2026, Senators Ted Cruz, Jeff Merkley, John Curtis, and Andy Kim introduced the Blue Skies for Taiwan Act of 2026. This bipartisan legislation aims to expand Taiwan’s ability to develop drone system components independent of Chinese Communist Party (CCP) technology and supply chains. The bill establishes a Blue UAS Working Group, directs the creation of a cooperative framework with regional allies, and allows for a fast-track certification process for Taiwan drone manufacturers.
On April 6, 2026, Senator John Curtis, along with Senators Jeff Merkley, Ted Cruz, and Andy Kim, introduced bipartisan legislation to expand cooperation between the United States and Taiwan on the development of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The Blue Skies for Taiwan Act promotes the development, production, and deployment of secure, resilient UAS to enhance American national security and support Taiwan's defense. The bill establishes a Blue UAS Working Group, directs the creation of a cooperative framework with regional allies, and instructs the Departments of State and War to develop a fast-track certification process for Taiwan drone manufacturers.
On March 26, 2026, Senator Jeff Merkley, along with Senators Ted Cruz and John Curtis, introduced S. 4259, the Blue Skies for Taiwan Act of 2026. The bill aims to promote the development, production, and deployment of secure and resilient Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to enhance United States national security and support the defense and resilience of Taiwan in the Indo-Pacific Region. The legislation was read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Mr. Merkley (for himself, Mr. Cruz, and Mr. Curtis) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. The bill is titled the Blue Skies for Taiwan Act of 2026 and its full title is to promote the development, production, and deployment of secure and resilient Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to enhance United States national security and support the defense and resilience of Taiwan in the Indo-Pacific Region.
Senator John Curtis, along with Senators Jeff Merkley, Ted Cruz, and Andy Kim, introduced bipartisan legislation to expand cooperation between the United States and Taiwan on the development of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The Blue Skies for Taiwan Act promotes the development, production, and deployment of secure, resilient UAS to enhance American national security and support Taiwan's defense.
Assessments
Sen. John R. Curtis co-introduced and publicly backed the Blue Skies for Taiwan Act (S.4259) in March–April 2026, explicit bipartisan legislation to expand U.S.–Taiwan cooperation on unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The bill was officially filed, read, and referred to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; this sponsorship and public advocacy constitute direct fulfillment of the pledge to support legislation expanding U.S.–Taiwan UAS cooperation. (The bill had not been enacted into law as of the available evidence, but the promise was to support legislation, which he materially did.)
Senator John Curtis made multiple legislative efforts to support and expand U.S.-Taiwan cooperation, including the explicit co-introduction of the Blue Skies for Taiwan Act targeting unmanned aerial systems—directly matching the campaign promise. However, there is no evidence indicating that this legislation was enacted or resulted in substantive policy outcomes; the primary documented action is the introduction and referral to committee. These efforts meet a high threshold of intent and action but do not demonstrate final policy delivery.