US House passes $500M in military financing for Taiwan as Trump delays $14B arms package

Published Jul 27, 11:00 AM UTC

The US House of Representatives passed a bill on July 15, 2026, allocating $500 million in Foreign Military Financing for Taiwan, signaling continued congressional support for the island's defense despite President Donald Trump's delay of a $14 billion weapons package. Trump paused the major arms deal in May after meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping, who opposes US military aid to Taiwan. Analysts say the congressional funding, part of the 2027 fiscal year appropriations bill, demonstrates that the Republican-led Congress values Taiwan's defense and intends to fulfill older arms purchase deals. The funding could go toward any of the 30 unfulfilled weapon types from previous sales, including M109A7 howitzers, HIMARS, and Javelin missiles. The bill still requires Senate approval and Trump's signature. China claims sovereignty over Taiwan and has increased military exercises near the island.