Blue Skies for Taiwan Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Senator Jeff Merkley
Introduced
Summary
secure, PRC-independent UAS supply chains are the bill's focus. It would push U.S. efforts to strengthen Taiwan’s drone industry and make allied unmanned aerial systems more resilient.
Show full summary
- Taiwan manufacturers would get expedited export-control reviews and a fast-track certification path for components that have no PRC-linked subcomponents.
- A Blue UAS Working Group would assess Taiwan’s production and R&D capacity, identify specific components that could be integrated within 12-24 months, and report to the appropriate congressional committees one year after enactment and annually for three years.
- A cooperative framework, drawing on the Partnership for Indo-Pacific Industrial Resilience, would help regional allies acquire Taiwan-made Blue UAS parts and fast-track joint certifications.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this bill affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this bill and every other piece of legislation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Create Blue drone working group
If enacted, this bill would require the Secretary of State, with the Secretary of Defense, to set up a Blue UAS working group within 180 days. The group would include government, industry, and academic experts. It would assess Taiwan's drone production, co‑development and co‑production options, barriers, and specific components that could join Blue UAS programs in 12 to 24 months. The group would report to Congress within one year and annually for three years, with a classified appendix if needed.
Faster certification for Taiwan drones
If enacted, this bill would require a fast‑track certification process for Taiwanese Blue UAS. It would speed export‑control reviews and licensing for Taiwan drone makers and streamline technical reviews for parts with no PRC‑connected subcomponents. It could also allow reciprocal testing or recognition of equivalent Taiwan cybersecurity standards.
US and allies drone supply plan
If enacted, this bill would direct the State and Defense Departments to build a cooperative framework with Taiwan, regional allies, and partners. The plan would draw on the Partnership for Indo‑Pacific Industrial Resilience. It would help allies buy Blue UAS parts from Taiwan instead of PRC‑sourced parts and speed certification for parts co‑developed with Taiwan and allies.
Allow funding for Blue drone programs
If enacted, this bill would authorize "such sums as may be necessary" to carry out the Act. The money would fund the Working Group, cooperation with allies, faster certification, and related work. Congress would still have to approve any actual appropriations.
Define trusted Blue drone parts
If enacted, this bill would define "Blue UAS" as drone components and systems that meet the Defense Contract Management Agency's Blue UAS program and list. That definition would set the eligibility and certification standard for who can sell parts for Blue UAS programs.
Free Policy Watch
You just read the policy. Now see what it costs you.
Pick a topic. PRIA runs your household against live legislation and sends you a free personalized readout.
Pick a topic to get started
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Jeff Merkley
OR • D
Cosponsors
Ted Cruz
TX • R
Sponsored 3/26/2026
John Curtis
UT • R
Sponsored 3/26/2026
Andy Kim
NJ • D
Sponsored 4/13/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.govTake It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in