H.R. 9042 — Blue Skies for Taiwan Act of 2026

This section defines "appropriate congressional committees" as the Committees on Foreign Relations, Armed Services, Budget, and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives. It also defines "Blue UAS" as unmanned aircraft system components and systems that comply with the Defense Contract Management Agency’s Blue UAS program and associated list.

This section states congressional findings that Taiwan is a vital democratic partner whose security is central to United States interests in the Indo-Pacific; that the PRC uses gray-zone tactics including unmanned aerial systems to pressure Taiwan; that United States policy supports Taiwan’s acquisition of asymmetric defensive capabilities; and that the United States should help develop a secure, PRC-independent UAS supply chain in Taiwan.

This section establishes a Blue UAS working group within 180 days of enactment, led by the Secretary of State in coordination with the Secretary of Defense and including government, industry, and academic experts. The group assesses Taiwan’s domestic drone production capacity and regulatory frameworks; evaluates U.S.-Taiwan public-private partnerships for UAS co-development and co-production; identifies barriers to Taiwan’s participation in Blue UAS programs and Replicator initiatives; recommends ways to incorporate Taiwanese suppliers and specific components for integration within 12 to 24 months; and assesses collaboration with the Army Organic Industrial Base for testing, production, and sustainment. It requires annual unclassified reports to appropriate congressional committees for three years beginning one year after enactment.

This section directs the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, to establish a cooperative framework with Taiwan and regional allies to promote secure, PRC-independent unmanned aerial system supply chains and enhance interoperability. The framework supports allies' acquisition of Blue UAS components or systems from Taiwan and fast-tracks Blue UAS certification for components co-developed or co-produced with Taiwan.

This section directs the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, to establish a fast-track process for Blue UAS companies in Taiwan to obtain Blue UAS certification. The process must include expedited export control reviews and licensing for Taiwan drone and drone component manufacturers, with streamlined technical reviews for components lacking PRC-connected subcomponents, plus reciprocal testing arrangements or recognition of equivalent Taiwan cybersecurity standards.

This section provides that nothing in the Act alters United States policy towards Taiwan as set forth in the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979 or the United States Government’s position on Taiwan’s international status.