US Senate delegation urges passage of defense budgetStaff writer, with CNAA group of visiting US senators today highlighted the importance of "peace through strength," while calling on Taiwan to swiftly pass a special defense budget bill to fund planned purchases of US weapons systems for self-defense. President William Lai, center right, shakes hands with visiting US Senator Jeanne Shaheen at the Presidential Office in Taipei today. "I'd like to personally endorse the special defense budget and tell you that, back in Washington DC, my colleagues are watching — this is important," he added. The four senators made their remarks following a meeting with President William Lai (賴清德) at the Presidential Office this morning. During the meeting, Lai told the senators that a government-proposed NT$1.25 trillion (US$39.07 billion) special defense budget is the most comprehensive proposal, while also calling on lawmakers to pass it as soon as possible.

Source: Taipei Times March 30, 2026 10:09 UTC