HR-8238 : Still Just a Bill

The H.R. 8238 bill, introduced by Mrs. Steel, addresses defense industrial base cooperation with Taiwan. Its main provisions include:

• Enhanced Defense Industrial Base Cooperation: Requires the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of State, to ensure Taiwan is considered for enhanced defense industrial base cooperation activities. This is intended to align with the United States National Defense Industrial Strategy, expand global defense production, increase supply chain security, and meet Taiwan's defense needs, consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act.
• Elements of Consideration: Specifies that this consideration includes:
  • Taiwan's eligibility for funding to initiate or facilitate cooperative research, development, testing, or evaluation projects with the Department of Defense.
  • Taiwan's eligibility to enter into agreements with the Department of Defense for cooperative research and development projects on defense equipment and munitions, focusing on enhancing Taiwan's defense industry and supply chain resilience.
• Feasibility Study: Mandates the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of State, the Government of Taiwan, and representatives of the United States defense industry, to conduct a study on the feasibility and advisability of entering into defense industrial agreements with Taiwan.
• Elements of the Study: Details that the study must:
  • Evaluate the strategic benefits and implications of such agreements, including long-term supply chain security, mutual supply of defense goods and services, regional maintenance capabilities, and promotion of interoperability.
  • Account for the legal, economic, and defense policy aspects of a closer defense procurement partnership.
  • Include a list of at least 5 defense capabilities developed by Taiwan that require expedited licenses for US-produced components, or developed by the US but for which US industry cannot meet Taiwan's demand in a timely manner, necessitating production in Taiwan.
• Report: Requires the Secretary of Defense to submit a report on the study's results to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives within 180 days of the bill's enactment.