Bipartisan Senate Foreign Relations Committee Delegation Arrives in Taipei to Urge Defense Budget Passage

A bipartisan four-senator delegation from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee arrived at Taipei Songshan Airport at 12:20 a.m. on March 30, 2026, departing from Andersen AFB, Guam. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH, ranking member SFRC), John Curtis (R-UT), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and Thom Tillis (R-NC) were received by Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi and AIT Deputy Director Karin Lang. The delegation held meetings with President Lai Ching-te and senior Taiwan government officials focused on the stalled NT$1.25 trillion special defense budget. Sen. Shaheen publicly affirmed US support for Taiwan's self-defense efforts while noting congressional concern about Trump administration commitment levels. Sen. Curtis called the legislature's review of the special budget 'so critical' and stated Taiwan's defensive efforts 'are noticed and supported' in Washington. President Lai urged parliament to pass the budget 'without delay.' Beijing's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning urged the US to cease official exchanges with Taiwan and stop signaling support to 'Taiwan independence forces.' The delegation visit comes one day after AIT Director Greene's March 29 TVBS interview backing the full NT$1.25T bill and 5% GDP defense target.