Bill · S. 3979· Senate(119-S-3979)
Taiwan and American Space Assistance Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 3/4/2026
- Last activity
- 3/4/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- Sponsored by
- Eric Schmitt
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 2
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the ``Taiwan and American Space Assistance Act of 2026'', aims to expand cooperation between the United States and Taiwan regarding civilian space activities. The Administrator of NASA, with Secretary of State concurrence and coordination with NOAA, may seek to engage Taiwan in various space-related areas. These efforts include space exploration, satellite programs, and atmospheric or weather programs. Additionally, the bill allows for personnel exchanges between U.S. agencies and the Taiwan Space Agency. To ensure oversight, the administration must submit annual reports to Congress for five years.
Yes· 3 of 12
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?+5
The bill strengthens scientific and technological ties between the US and Taiwan.
Does this put more into space exploration?+5
The bill explicitly targets expanding cooperation in space exploration and applications.
Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad?+3
The bill facilitates cooperation through high-level agency and state coordination.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Expanded Space and Science Cooperation: The bill allows for the pursuit of space exploration, space applications, and science initiatives in areas of mutual benefit, which could advance scientific knowledge (Section 2(b)).
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Enhanced Satellite and Weather Technology: Cooperation may focus on satellite programs and atmospheric and weather programs, which could benefit technological and weather-related services (Section 2(b)(1)).
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Professional Growth through Personnel Exchanges: The bill provides for personnel exchanges between employees of NASA, NOAA, and the Taiwan Space Agency (Section 2(b)(2)).
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Commercial Space Advancement: Efforts may include activities of mutual benefit related to commercial space and atmospheric and weather technology and services (Section 2(b)(3)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Potential Risks to Economic Interests: The bill notes that the administration must take measures to protect sensitive information, intellectual property, trade secrets, and the economic interests of the United States during these cooperative efforts (Section 2(b)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Alliances+5Improves Diplomatic Engagement+3Improves International Trade+1
- Education And Technology
- Increases Space Exploration+5Increases Scientific Research Funding+3
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+2Increases Job Creation+2
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+2Increases Federal Power+1
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+1Good For Students+1
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Disaster Relief And F E M A+2
- 3/4/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Michael BennetDemocrat · Colorado
Tammy DuckworthDemocrat · Illinois