U.S. senators introduce bill to prevent changes to 'Six Assurances'

U.S. bill on Six Assurances to Taiwan

Two U.S. senators have introduced a bipartisan bill designed to formally enshrine the "Six Assurances" as a central element of U.S. policy toward Taiwan and to prevent unilateral changes to this long-standing position without congressional oversight.

Key provisions of the bill

The proposal, titled the "Six Assurances to Taiwan Act" and sponsored by Republican John Curtis and Democrat Jeff Merkley, would give the assurances the full force of law and require Congress to review any attempt by an administration to alter them.

The bill, submitted to a Senate committee, mirrors a companion measure introduced by Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi and other lawmakers, which has already been approved by the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Stated goals and justification

The legislation reaffirms that upholding the Six Assurances serves the national, economic, and security interests of the United States and supports stability and peace in the Indo-Pacific region.

Under the measure, any administration must notify Congress and provide a detailed justification if it seeks to alter arms sales to Taiwan, revise existing policy, or pressure Taiwan into negotiations.

Congressional review mechanism

The bill specifies that no such action may move forward until Congress has had up to 60 days to review the proposal.

During this period, lawmakers would have the opportunity to block the change through a joint resolution of disapproval.

Public statements from sponsors

Our bipartisan bill codifies a cornerstone of U.S. policy toward Taiwan -- ensuring no administration can back away from this commitment behind closed doors.

The statement was issued by Senator Jeff Merkley, who framed the bill as a way to prevent secret shifts in U.S. commitments to Taiwan.

Author’s brief summary

The bipartisan Six Assurances to Taiwan Act seeks to lock long-standing U.S. commitments into law, requiring transparent congressional review before any administration can change arms sales or policy toward Taiwan.

Focus Taiwan — 2025-11-21