U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R) is leading a bipartisan push to strengthen defense and supply chain ties with Taiwan through new legislation aimed at reducing reliance on Chinese technology.
Sen. Cruz, joined by Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), John Curtis (R-UT), and Andy Kim (D-NJ), introduced the Blue Skies for Taiwan Act of 2026, a bill designed to expand Taiwan's ability to develop drone systems independent of Chinese Communist Party-linked supply chains.
"The Chinese Communist Party expends countless resources to erode the status of our Taiwanese allies," said Cruz. "This legislation will modernize unmanned aerial system supply chains and deepen U.S.-Taiwan defense cooperation."
The bill focuses on strengthening collaboration in unmanned aerial systems (UAS), a rapidly growing component of modern military strategy. Lawmakers say current drone supply chains are heavily dependent on Chinese components, creating vulnerabilities for both the United States and its allies.
Under the proposal, the U.S. would establish a Blue UAS Working Group to assess Taiwan's production capacity and identify ways to integrate Taiwanese-made drone components into secure, CCP-independent supply chains. The legislation also calls for a fast-track certification process to help Taiwanese manufacturers meet U.S. standards.
Supporters argue the measure is critical as China increases pressure on Taiwan and expands its influence over global technology supply chains.
"Our longstanding partnership with Taiwan demands the United States use all the tools at our disposal to strengthen Taiwan's security," said Merkley, emphasizing the bill's role in countering Beijing's influence.
The legislation also has direct implications for Texas. Cruz pointed to ongoing efforts to expand drone manufacturing at the Red River Army Depot in Texarkana, which has been positioned as a key hub for U.S. unmanned systems production.
The bipartisan bill reflects growing urgency in Washington to secure defense supply chains and counter China's technological influence, while reinforcing Taiwan's role as a critical partner in the Indo-Pacific.
