Bennet, Schmitt, Duckworth’s Bipartisan Bill to Boost U.S.-Taiwan Space Ties Passes Commerce Committee

Mar 6, 2026| Press Releases

Washington, D.C. - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, joined U.S. Senators Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) to announce that their bipartisan Taiwan and American Space Assistance Act (TASA) passed out of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation as part of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Authorization Act of 2026 and will now head to the Senate floor. TASA addresses gaps in NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)'s ability to partner with Taiwan on space efforts including satellite programs, space exploration and atmospheric and weather research.

"Taiwan is a vibrant democracy, a key economic partner, and an increasingly capable space player. This legislation will enable NASA and NOAA cooperation with Taiwan's Space Agency, strengthening our joint ability to tackle shared challenges in space," said Senator Bennet. "I look forward to working with my bipartisan colleagues to pass this bill into law and further deepen the U.S.-Taiwan partnership."

"As space exploration and satellite operations continue to evolve, they are becoming central to our national security," said Senator Schmitt. "Cooperating with our allies in the region to share the best and most advanced technology will help the United States gain key insights into space activities in the Indo-Pacific and counter malign influences such as China, our chief adversary. I'm glad to see this bill move one step closer to becoming law, and I will continue working to strengthen our relationship with Taiwan."

"As the United States continues to be the global leader in space exploration and in expanding new, innovative technology for space and satellite operations, it's crucial that we work with our partners in the Indo-Pacific to advance and prosper," said Senator Duckworth. "I'm proud to reintroduce our bipartisan bill that would help our nation work with Taiwan to utilize new technologies and improve our work in the space domain."

Specifically, the TASA Act would:

• Allow for extended cooperation between the Taiwan Space Agency and NASA;
• Allow for extended cooperation between the Taiwan Space Agency and NOAA;
• Enable the voluntary exchange of NASA and NOAA personnel to the Taiwan Space Agency;
• Extend cooperation to satellite program development, space exploration, as well as atmospheric and weather programs; and
• Require NASA, NOAA, and the State Department to report to Congress on implementation of such expanded cooperation.

Bennet has long advocated for stronger U.S.-Taiwan ties, and repeatedly warned that allowing Russian President Vladimir Putin to claim victory in Ukraine would embolden autocrats everywhere - emboldening China's President Xi Jinping to consider military action against Taiwan.

In December 2025, the President signed into law, as part of the National Defense Authorization Act, Bennet's legislation requiring the Secretary of Defense to develop and implement a strategy to strengthen U.S.-led multilateral efforts to deter China's aggression in the Indo-Pacific, including in the Taiwan Strait. In the same month, the President also signed into law Bennet, Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.)'s Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act requiring regular State Department reviews of and updated guidelines on U.S. engagement with Taiwan. Additionally, the Senate passed Bennet, Coons, and Senator Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.)'s legislation to streamline U.S. arms sales to Taiwan.

Bennet and colleagues have also introduced legislation to strengthen Taiwan's international standing; support Taiwan's diplomatic partnerships in Latin America and the Caribbean; and deter China's aggression against Taiwan by identifying targets for sanctions the United States could rapidly impose if China moves against Taiwan - all of which have passed out of committee. Bennet also cosponsors legislation to provide expedited double-tax relief on U.S.-Taiwan cross-border investment.

Bennet played a leading role in securing the April 2024 passage of the national security supplemental package, which included $8.13 billion for Indo-Pacific partners including Taiwan.

The text of the bill is available HERE.

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