At issue is partial survey data released by Army officials earlier this month that pointed to other factors as obstacles to recruiting efforts. GOP lawmakers want to see $2 billion in military aid for Taiwan in the forthcoming budget request. The new House Foreign Affairs chairman worries that the Commerce Department grants too many licenses for technology that the Chinese military could use. The $1.7 trillion package funds all government operations through September 2023. Taiwan loses out on a behind-the-scenes Capitol Hill clash that ended with the omnibus using loans instead of grants to fund U.S. military aid. A behind-the-scenes debate over Taiwan security aid in the omnibus spending bill pits Taipei against congressional appropriators. Congress is poised to take up a massive policy that will include Taiwan security aid provisions, but the appropriations is an open question. During the 2022 election cycle, the five largest defense firms contributed nearly $2 million to Republicans who voted against certifying results. A poll released Oct. 24 found that only 29% of Republicans believe the U.S. has a responsibility to defend Ukraine against Russia. Proposal aims at ramp up the U.S. defense industrial base and helping European allies arm up. Load More