PORCUPINE Act

This bill speeds up U.S. approvals for selling or sending defense equipment to Taiwan. It adds Taiwan to a group of close partners that get shorter wait times for required notifications and reports under U.S. arms export rules, similar to countries like New Zealand and Israel . It also tells the State Department to set up, within 90 days, a fast-track system so allies (like NATO countries, Japan, Australia, South Korea, Israel, and New Zealand) can quickly transfer certain U.S.-origin military items to Taiwan. Some licenses tied to government-to-government deals should be decided in 15 days, and most others within 30 days . A report on how well this is working is due one year after the fast-track starts .

What this means in everyday terms: less red tape and faster decisions for approved military sales or transfers to Taiwan. This could speed deliveries, improve planning for companies in the defense supply chain, and strengthen coordination with U.S. allies in the region .

• Who is affected: Taiwan; U.S. agencies handling arms exports; U.S. allies transferring U.S.-origin defense items; defense companies involved in sales and logistics .
• What changes: Shorter certification and reporting periods for Taiwan; a new fast-track licensing process with 15- and 30-day targets for decisions .
• When: The fast-track system must be created within 90 days of the law taking effect; a progress report is due after one year .