Senate tees up billions in military aid to Taiwan to counter Chinese aggression
The Senate this week took a step toward approving billions of dollars in new military aid to Taiwan, a move that is sure to inflame tensions with Chinese Communist Party officials who have already called the proposal "abusive" and "dangerous." The Senate on Tuesday started work on an amended version of the annual defense policy bill known as the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The version called up on the Senate floor includes legislation from Sens. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., that authorizes $6.5 billion in assistance that Taiwan could use to boost its military capabilities. The Senate is hoping to pass the bill after the midterm elections.