Duckworth, Schmitt, Bennet-Led Bipartisan Bill to Promote Space Exploration, Strengthen U.S.-Taiwan Relations Passes Committee

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Eric Schmitt (R-MO) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) marked the committee passage of their bipartisan legislation that would help the United States counter threats from China and address current gaps in NASA’s ability to cooperate with Taiwan’s space efforts, including satellite programs, space exploration initiatives and atmospheric and weather research. After passing the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST), the Senators’ Taiwan and American Space Assistance Act (TASA) now heads to the Senate floor for a full vote.

“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.”

“As space exploration and satellite operations continue to evolve, they are becoming central to our national security. 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,” said Senator Schmitt.

“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.”

TASA would allow for extended cooperation between the Taiwan Space Agency and both the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), provide an avenue for the voluntary exchange of personnel from NASA and NOAA to the Taiwan Space Agency to further advance Taiwan’s space capabilities and extend cooperation in areas of satellite program development, space exploration, as well as atmospheric and weather programs.

Duckworth is a proven leader when it comes to strengthening our relations with Taiwan and improving security in the Indo-Pacific—which she has done while successfully securing significant international investments in Illinois. Last year, she traveled to Taiwan and met with the Island’s representatives, economic leaders and corporate and business leaders to highlight how Illinois is an ideal location for Taiwanese business expansion. In a previous trip to the Island, she helped secure a commitment from Taiwan to purchase an estimated $2.6 billion of Illinois’s corn and soybeans.

Duckworth last year met with a delegation from the Taiwan legislature to reinforce support for U.S.-Taiwan relations. The Senator also has co-led the STAND with Taiwan Act, which she announced during a successful bipartisan congressional delegation visit that she led to Taiwan.

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