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Bill

HRES 1278

Reaffirming congressional support for the Taiwan Relations Act and longstanding bipartisan Taiwan policy.

119th Congress Introduced by Gus Bilirakis and 24 co-sponsors

Reaffirms the Taiwan Relations Act and bipartisan U.S. policy to support Taiwan’s self-defense, oppose non-peaceful determination, and seek peaceful resolution and deterrence.

Submitted in House
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HRES 1278

Overview

H.Res. 1278 (119th Congress, 2nd Session) is a House resolution that reaffirms congressional support for the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) and longstanding bipartisan U.S. Taiwan policy. It emphasizes continuity of policy, supports Taiwan’s self-defense, and opposes non-peaceful methods to determine Taiwan’s future. The measure is non-binding (a resolution) and serves to declaratively reiterate existing U.S. policy.

Main purpose and intent

  • Reaffirm support for the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979 as the cornerstone of the United States–Taiwan relationship.
  • Endorse longstanding bipartisan U.S. policy toward Taiwan, including commitments to Taiwan’s self-defense and opposition to any effort to determine Taiwan’s future by non-peaceful means.
  • Highlight the U.S. objective of peaceful resolution of Taiwan’s future and maintain the capacity to resist coercion or force that would threaten Taiwan’s political, security, or economic system.

Key provisions and changes (substantive points)

  • Statement of policy: Reaffirms that the TRA remains central to U.S.-Taiwan relations and that peace and stability in the Western Pacific are U.S. interests.
  • Enduring elements of TRA highlighted, including:
    • Preservation of extensive U.S. ties with Taiwan and the Taiwanese people.
    • Recognition that regional peace and stability are of international concern.
    • The expectation that U.S.–China relations and diplomacy consider peaceful means for Taiwan’s future.
    • Opposition to efforts (including boycotts or embargoes) that would determine Taiwan’s future by non-peaceful means.
    • Provision of defensive weapons to Taiwan.
    • U.S. ability to deter coercion that would threaten Taiwan’s social, economic, or political systems.
  • Reiteration of the U.S. One China policy, anchored by TRA, the three Joint Communiques, and the Six Assurances, including:
    • No date set to end arms sales to Taiwan.
    • No requirement for prior consultation with China on arms sales to Taiwan.
    • No mediation role for the United States between Taiwan and the PRC.
    • No revision of the TRA as a condition of arms sales.
    • No position on sovereignty over Taiwan.
    • No pressure on Taiwan to negotiate with the PRC.
  • Emphasis on Taiwan’s growing role in the global economy, its status as a key trading and investment partner, and its emergence as a robust democracy.

Who/what would be affected

  • U.S. foreign policy framework toward Taiwan would be reaffirmed (not updated or altered substantively by the resolution itself).
  • Reaffirms the relationship and ongoing defense support between the United States and Taiwan.
  • Signals to federal agencies, allied partners, and the public that Congress intends to maintain and defend the established policy framework (TRA, Joint Communiqués, Six Assurances).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced in the House and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
  • Sponsors include a bipartisan group of Representatives; multiple co-sponsors listed.
  • No specific implementing actions, funding allocations, or timelines are included in the text of the resolution; it functions as a formal reaffirmation and statement of policy.
  • As a resolution, it serves an advisory and declaratory role rather than creating new law or appropriations.

Potential impact

  • Politically, reinforces bipartisan congressional support for Taiwan and the existing policy framework.
  • Could bolster U.S. deterrence messaging regarding Taiwan and signal to adversaries and allies alike that Congress stands by the TRA and related principles.
  • Maintains status quo in terms of arms sales policy and U.S. engagement, without altering statutory obligations or funding.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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