What does Preamble of Blue Skies for Taiwan Act of 2026 do?

This bill aims to promote the development, production, and deployment of secure and resilient Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). The bill intends to enhance United States national security. It also seeks to support the defense and resilience of Taiwan in the Indo-Pacific Region.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Blue Skies for Taiwan Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Blue Skies for Taiwan Act of 2026.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Blue Skies for Taiwan Act of 2026 do?

This section defines terms used within the Act. “Appropriate congressional committees” are specified as including the Committee on Foreign Relations, the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on the Budget, and the Committee on Appropriations in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. “Blue UAS” refers to UAS components and systems that comply with the Defense Contract Management Agency's Blue UAS program and its associated list.

What does FINDINGS. of Blue Skies for Taiwan Act of 2026 do?

This section outlines findings related to Taiwan's security and its relationship with the People's Republic of China (PRC). It notes that the PRC is using gray-zone tactics, including unmanned aerial systems (UAS), to pressure Taiwan. The section references the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979 and the Taiwan Enhanced Resilience Act, highlighting U.S. policy to resist coercion and support Taiwan's defensive capabilities. It identifies cybersecurity and supply chain risks associated with PRC-sourced UAS components. The text states that Taiwan has potential to develop UAS components but faces challenges in competition and certification. The section advocates for U.S. support of UAS supply chain development in Taiwan to strengthen its defense posture and secure U.S. access to UAS components. It suggests the Army Organic Industrial Base could support UAS testing and sustainment.

What does BLUE UAS WORKING GROUP. of Blue Skies for Taiwan Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes a Blue UAS working group to be led by the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense. The working group's purpose is to assess Taiwan's drone production capabilities, including research, legal frameworks, and production. It will evaluate opportunities for public-private partnerships between the United States and Taiwan for UAS development and production. The group will identify barriers to incorporating Taiwan-manufactured components into Blue UAS programs and suggest improvements. The working group will analyze opportunities for Taiwan's inclusion in Replicator programs and similar initiatives. It will assess collaboration with the Army Organic Industrial Base to support testing, evaluation, and production of Blue UAS components. The working group must submit annual unclassified reports to congressional committees, including findings, recommendations, and resource needs, with a classified appendix if necessary.

What does COOPERATIVE FRAMEWORK WITH ALLIES. of Blue Skies for Taiwan Act of 2026 do?

This section directs the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, to establish a cooperative framework. The framework aims to promote secure, PRC-independent unmanned aerial system (UAS) supply chains and enhance interoperability among the United States, Taiwan, and regional allies and global partners. The framework will support regional allies in acquiring Blue UAS components or systems from Taiwan instead of those sourced from the People's Republic of China (PRC). It will also expedite Blue UAS certification for components jointly developed or produced by Taiwan and regional allies.

What does FAST-TRACK CERTIFICATION. of Blue Skies for Taiwan Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes a fast-track certification process for Blue UAS companies in Taiwan. The Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, is responsible for developing this process. The process includes expedited export control reviews and licensing for Taiwanese drone manufacturers. Streamlined technical reviews are provided for components without connections to the People's Republic of China (PRC). A fast-track certification procedure is included for Taiwanese manufacturers, potentially utilizing reciprocal testing or recognition of equivalent cybersecurity standards.

What does AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. of Blue Skies for Taiwan Act of 2026 do?

This section authorizes appropriations for carrying out the provisions of the Act.

What does RULES OF CONSTRUCTION. of Blue Skies for Taiwan Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes rules of construction for the Act. The Act is not to be construed as altering United States policy towards Taiwan as codified in the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979. The Act is not to be construed as altering the United States Government's position with respect to the international status of Taiwan.

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Blue Skies for Taiwan Act of 2026

Last updated: 3/26/2026 · Introduced: 3/26/2026

Author: Jeff Merkley (D-OR)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes a Blue UAS working group to assess Taiwan's drone production capabilities and identify opportunities for U.S.-Taiwan partnerships in UAS development and production.
The bill directs the U.S. Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense to create a cooperative framework with allies to promote secure, PRC-independent UAS supply chains and expedite certification for Taiwan-manufactured components.
It establishes a fast-track certification process for Blue UAS companies in Taiwan, including expedited export control reviews and streamlined technical assessments for components not connected to the People's Republic of China.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 7 more.

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