Bill > S1744

This bill, known as the PORCUPINE Act (Providing Our Regional Companions Upgraded Protection in Nefarious Environments Act), aims to modify the Arms Export Control Act to include Taiwan in expedited arms export certification and licensing processes, similar to existing provisions for countries like Israel and New Zealand. The bill requires the Secretary of State to conduct a feasibility assessment within 90 days to establish an expedited decision-making process for defense article and service transfers to Taiwan from NATO member countries, Japan, Australia, South Korea, New Zealand, and Israel. The assessment must explore the potential for rapid approval of licensing applications, including requiring approval, return, or denial of government-to-government export license applications within 15 days and review of other licensing requests within 30 days. The Secretary of State must also submit a report to congressional committees every two years detailing the implementation and effectiveness of these amendments. Importantly, the bill includes a rule of construction explicitly stating that nothing in the Act alters the existing U.S. policy toward Taiwan as defined in the Taiwan Relations Act, and the bill will automatically sunset seven years after its enactment, ensuring periodic congressional review of its provisions.

Government Affairs

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1744/all-info