Congressman Don Davis Co-Leads Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Taiwan’s Defense and Indo-Pacific Security

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressmen Don Davis (NC-01), Rob Wittman (VA-01), Ami Bera (CA-06), and Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07) introduced the Providing Our Regional Companions Upgraded Protection in Nefarious Environments (PORCUPINE) Actto streamline and accelerate the U.S. arms procurement process for Taiwan, ensuring our democratic partner can access critical defensive capabilities more efficiently as regional security challenges intensify.

"Taiwan stands on the front lines of the global struggle between democracy and authoritarianism," said Congressman Davis. "As pressure from the Chinese Communist Party continues to mount, it is critical that Taiwan has the tools it needs to defend its sovereignty and protect the freedoms of its people. A stronger Taiwan deters aggression, supports regional stability, and makes the United States safer."

"Taiwan is at the tip of the spear in our effort to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific region and serves as a key regional partner to the United States," said Congressman Wittman. "Our strategic partners in the Indo-Pacific are facing increasing aggression by the CCP - now more than ever we must ensure Taiwan has the military capabilities to defend itself. I am proud to introduce the bipartisan PORCUPINE Act, which will cut burdensome regulations and enable a quicker arms procurement process for our Taiwanese partners."

"As a co-chair of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, I'm proud to support the bipartisan PORCUPINE Act," said Congressman Bera. "Taiwan is a vibrant democracy and a vital partner in the Indo-Pacific. At a time when Taiwan faces growing threats from the PRC, we must ensure Taiwan can quickly access the defensive capabilities it needs to protect its people and uphold regional stability. This bill strengthens our commitment to Taiwan's self-defense and reaffirms that the United States stands with our democratic partners."

"At a time when security challenges in the Indo-Pacific are growing, we need to ensure our partners can access defensive capabilities without unnecessary delays," said Congressman Mackenzie. "The PORCUPINE Act is a commonsense, bipartisan way to cut through red tape, strengthen deterrence, and support Taiwan's ability to defend itself. By streamlining certification and licensing for trusted allies, this bill promotes stability in the region and helps prevent conflict."

The PORCUPINE Act would:

• Define Taiwan as a "NATO-plus" country - meaning shorter approval timelines for arms sales to Taiwan and a higher cost threshold requiring approval.

• Give the President the authority to reduce or waive certain fees for arms sales to Taiwan.

• Streamline reporting requirements for certain arms sales.

• Require the State Department to conduct a feasibility assessment for expediting licenses for allies to transfer military equipment to Taiwan.

Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and passed the Senate in December 2025.