This bill authorizes the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to expand cooperation with Taiwan in civilian space activities. Within 90 days of enactment, the NASA Administrator, with State Department concurrence and Commerce Department coordination, may engage Taiwan to pursue these expanded efforts. The cooperation efforts are designed to identify and pursue initiatives in space exploration, space applications, and science that offer mutual benefits. These initiatives specifically include satellite programs , space exploration programs , atmospheric and weather programs , and personnel exchanges between NASA, NOAA, and the Taiwan Space Agency. Additionally, the bill encourages activities related to commercial space and atmospheric/weather technology and services, while ensuring consistency with the Taiwan Relations Act and protecting U.S. sensitive information and economic interests. To ensure accountability and transparency, the bill requires NASA, NOAA, and the Secretary of State to jointly submit annual reports to appropriate congressional committees for five years. These reports must describe conducted activities, identify challenges to expanding cooperation, and provide an overview of all efforts undertaken under this section.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Taiwan and American Space Assistance Act of 2026
USA119th CongressS-3979| Senate
| Updated: 3/4/2026
This bill authorizes the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to expand cooperation with Taiwan in civilian space activities. Within 90 days of enactment, the NASA Administrator, with State Department concurrence and Commerce Department coordination, may engage Taiwan to pursue these expanded efforts. The cooperation efforts are designed to identify and pursue initiatives in space exploration, space applications, and science that offer mutual benefits. These initiatives specifically include satellite programs , space exploration programs , atmospheric and weather programs , and personnel exchanges between NASA, NOAA, and the Taiwan Space Agency. Additionally, the bill encourages activities related to commercial space and atmospheric/weather technology and services, while ensuring consistency with the Taiwan Relations Act and protecting U.S. sensitive information and economic interests. To ensure accountability and transparency, the bill requires NASA, NOAA, and the Secretary of State to jointly submit annual reports to appropriate congressional committees for five years. These reports must describe conducted activities, identify challenges to expanding cooperation, and provide an overview of all efforts undertaken under this section.