Floor SpeechUrgent2026-06-24

Text of Senate Amendment 6399

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Context

On 2026-06-24, Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) delivered a floor speech titled "Text Of Senate Amendment 6399" in the Senate.

Full Text

Text of Senate Amendment 6399

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 106 (Wednesday, June 24, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 106 (Wednesday, June 24, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S3528-S3530] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] SA 6399. Mr. RICKETTS (for himself and Mr. Coons) submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 4784, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2027 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the end of title XII, add the following: Subtitle F--Taiwan Energy Security SEC. 1271. SHORT TITLE. This subtitle may be cited as the ``Taiwan Energy Security and Anti-Embargo Act of 2026''. SEC. 1272. FINDINGS. Congress makes the following findings: (1) Taiwan is a vital democratic partner the energy security of which is critical to the strategic interests of the United States in the Indo-Pacific region. (2) Enhancing Taiwan's energy resilience through diversified and reliable sources reduces vulnerability to coercion, disruption, or attack by authoritarian regimes. (3) The United States possesses abundant supplies of energy resources, technologies, and expertise that support economic growth, job creation, and the national security interests of the United States. (4) Promoting United States energy exports to and partnerships with Taiwan aligns with United States energy diplomacy objectives, strengthens bilateral economic and security ties, and contributes to regional stability. (5) Taiwan's energy infrastructure, including electric grid systems and liquefied natural gas import facilities, is vulnerable to asymmetric and kinetic threats from the People's Republic of China. (6) Supporting Taiwan's efforts to improve the resilience and security of its energy infrastructure advances deterrence and promotes continuity of government operations in the event of a crisis. SEC. 1273. PROMOTION OF UNITED STATES ENERGY EXPORTS AND ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE RESILIENCE FOR TAIWAN. The Taiwan Enhanced Resilience Act (22 U.S.C. 3351 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``PART 8--PROMOTION OF UNITED STATES ENERGY EXPORTS AND ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE RESILIENCE FOR TAIWAN ``SEC. 5540A. DEFINITIONS. ``In this part: [[Page S3529]] ``(1) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term `appropriate congressional committees' means-- ``(A) the Committee on Foreign Relations, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate; and ``(B) the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives. ``(2) Asymmetric threat.--The term `asymmetric threat' means a threat posed by unconventional means, including a cyberattack, sabotage, or economic coercion, designed to undermine or disrupt the operation of critical infrastructure. ``SEC. 5540B. PROMOTION OF UNITED STATES ENERGY EXPORTS TO TAIWAN. ``(a) In General.--The Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of Energy, may prioritize efforts to support and facilitate-- ``(1) United States energy exports to Taiwan; and ``(2) the development of energy projects that diversify Taiwan's energy sources. ``(b) Activities.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretaries may-- ``(1) engage with United States liquefied natural gas producers, exporters, and infrastructure entities to identify and address barriers to liquefied natural gas exports and storage projects intended for the market of Taiwan; ``(2) facilitate coordination between United States private sector entities, relevant governing authorities, and private sector stakeholders in Taiwan, including to promote investment in energy projects in Taiwan and the export of United States technologies to Taiwan; ``(3) provide diplomatic and technical support for liquefied natural gas exports, exports of other United States energy resources and technologies, and storage and related infrastructure for any relevant energy projects linked to Taiwan; ``(4) consult with Taiwan to assess and strengthen liquefied natural gas import and storage capabilities; and ``(5) coordinate interagency efforts to ensure cohesive and sustained United States support for Taiwan's energy security. ``SEC. 5540C. ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE RESILIENCE CAPACITY BUILDING. ``(a) Requirement.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of the Taiwan Energy Security and Anti- Embargo Act of 2026, the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Energy, may seek to engage with appropriate officials of Taiwan for the purpose of cooperating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Defense, and the head of any other applicable ministry of Taiwan for capacity building to enhance energy infrastructure resilience, including defensive military cybersecurity activities. ``(b) Identification of Activities.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary of State may identify cooperative activities-- ``(1) to enhance cybersecurity programs to protect grid operating systems, liquefied natural gas and other energy storage terminals, and supervisory control and data acquisition systems; ``(2) to support physical security improvements, operational redundancy, and continuity-of-operations planning; ``(3) to engage in joint training exercises and scenario- based planning with relevant agencies in Taiwan; and ``(4) to support workforce development, emergency response planning, and institutional modernization of energy sector operators. ``(c) United States-Taiwan Energy Security Center.--The Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Energy, may establish a joint United States-Taiwan Energy Security Center in the United States, leveraging the expertise of institutions of higher education and private sector entities to foster dialogue and collaboration for academic cooperation in energy security and resilience. ``(d) Authorization of Assistance.--The Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Energy, may provide technical assistance to support the activities described in subsection (b) or the center described in subsection (c). ``(e) Implementation.-- ``(1) In general.--Assistance under this section shall be provided through the American Institute in Taiwan and in consultation with relevant authorities in Taiwan, consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act (22 U.S.C. 3301 et seq.). ``(2) Notification.--Any assistance provided by the Department of State pursuant this section shall be subject to the regular notification requirements of section 634A of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2394-1). ``(f) Briefings.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of the Taiwan Energy Security and Anti-Embargo Act of 2026, the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Energy, shall provide to the appropriate congressional committees a briefing on the implementation of this section. ``SEC. 5540D. ANNUAL REPORT. ``(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of the Taiwan Energy Security and Anti- Embargo Act of 2026, and annually thereafter for 3 years, the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Energy, and the Secretary of Defense, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that-- ``(1) describes actions taken under this part; ``(2) identifies barriers to-- ``(A) increased United States energy exports to Taiwan; ``(B) increased investment in Taiwan's energy sector that would strengthen Taiwan's energy resilience; ``(C) energy infrastructure security cooperation; and ``(D) enhancing the resilience of Taiwan's energy supply against economic coercion and supply chain disruptions, with due consideration for national security implications; ``(3) evaluates the effectiveness of capacity building and technical assistance activities carried out under section 5540C; and ``(4) provides recommendations to expand and diversify Taiwan's energy sources and improve future bilateral energy cooperation between the United States and Taiwan. ``(b) Form.--Each report required by subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified annex.''. SEC. 1274. TRAINING TO IMPROVE TAIWAN'S CRITICAL ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION. Section 5504(a)(3) of the Taiwan Enhanced Resilience Act (22 U.S.C. 3353(a)(3)) is amended by inserting after ``capabilities'' the following: ``and critical energy infrastructure protection''. SEC. 1275. FINDINGS AND SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING TAIWAN'S USE OF NUCLEAR ENERGY. (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings: (1) According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, nuclear energy-- (A) is the second safest source of energy; (B) is one of only 2 clean energies that offer non-stop baseload power required for sustainable economic growth and improved human welfare; and (C) when compared with other sources of electricity from cradle to grave, has the lowest carbon footprint, uses fewer materials, and takes up less land. (2) A nuclear fuel assembly lasts up to 6 years, making supply more resistant to maritime disruption. (3) Taiwan has built a robust civilian nuclear capability over previous decades that has shown the potential to provide clean, reliable power to Taiwan. (4) On May 17, 2025, the Maanshan-2, Taiwan's last operating nuclear power plant, was shut down after its 40- year operating license expired. (5) There are compelling economic and security reasons to evaluate placing existing infrastructure back in service to ensure Taiwan has clean,

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Text of Senate Amendment 6399 Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 106 (Wednesday, June 24, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 106 (Wednesday, June 24, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S3528-S3530] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] SA 6399. Mr. RICKETTS (for himself and Mr. Coons) submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 4784, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2027 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the end of title XII, add the following: Subtitle F--Taiwan Energy Security SEC. 1271. SHORT TITLE. This subtitle may be cited as the ``Taiwan Energy Security and Anti-Embargo Act of 2026''. SEC. 1272. FINDINGS. Congress makes the following findings: (1) Taiwan is a vital democratic partner the energy security of which is critical to the strategic interests of the United States in the Indo-Pacific region. (2) Enhancing Taiwan's energy resilience through diversified and reliable sources reduces vulnerability to coercion, disruption, or attack by authoritarian regimes. (3) The United States possesses abundant supplies of energy resources, technologies, and expertise that support economic growth, job creation, and the national security interests of the United States. (4) Promoting United States energy exports to and partnerships with Taiwan aligns with United States energy diplomacy objectives, strengthens bilateral economic and security ties, and contributes to regional stability. (5) Taiwan's energy infrastructure, including electric grid systems and liquefied natural gas import facilities, is vulnerable to asymmetric and kinetic threats from the People's Republic of China. (6) Supporting Taiwan's efforts to improve the resilience and security of its energy infrastructure advances deterrence and promotes continuity of government operations in the event of a crisis. SEC. 1273. PROMOTION OF UNITED STATES ENERGY EXPORTS AND ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE RESILIENCE FOR TAIWAN. The Taiwan Enhanced Resilience Act (22 U.S.C. 3351 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``PART 8--PROMOTION OF UNITED STATES ENERGY EXPORTS AND ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE RESILIENCE FOR TAIWAN ``SEC. 5540A. DEFINITIONS. ``In this part: [[Page S3529]] ``(1) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term `appropriate congressional committees' means-- ``(A) the Committee on Foreign Relations, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate; and ``(B) the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives. ``(2) Asymmetric threat.--The term `asymmetric threat' means a threat posed by unconventional means, including a cyberattack, sabotage, or economic coercion, designed to undermine or disrupt the operation of critical infrastructure. ``SEC. 5540B. PROMOTION OF UNITED STATES ENERGY EXPORTS TO TAIWAN. ``(a) In General.--The Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of Energy, may prioritize efforts to support and facilitate-- ``(1) United States energy exports to Taiwan; and ``(2) the development of energy projects that diversify Taiwan's energy sources. ``(b) Activities.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretaries may-- ``(1) engage with United States liquefied natural gas producers, exporters, and infrastructure entities to identify and address barriers to liquefied natural gas exports and storage projects intended for the market of Taiwan; ``(2) facilitate coordination between United States private sector entities, relevant governing authorities, and private sector stakeholders in Taiwan, including to promote investment in energy projects in Taiwan and the export of United States technologies to Taiwan; ``(3) provide diplomatic and technical support for liquefied natural gas exports, exports of other United States energy resources and technologies, and storage and related infrastructure for any relevant energy projects linked to Taiwan; ``(4) consult with Taiwan to assess and strengthen liquefied natural gas import and storage capabilities; and ``(5) coordinate interagency efforts to ensure cohesive and sustained United States support for Taiwan's energy security. ``SEC. 5540C. ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE RESILIENCE CAPACITY BUILDING. ``(a) Requirement.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of the Taiwan Energy Security and Anti- Embargo Act of 2026, the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Energy, may seek to engage with appropriate officials of Taiwan for the purpose of cooperating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Defense, and the head of any other applicable ministry of Taiwan for capacity building to enhance energy infrastructure resilience, including defensive military cybersecurity activities. ``(b) Identification of Activities.--In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary of State may identify cooperative activities-- ``(1) to enhance cybersecurity programs to protect grid operating systems, liquefied natural gas and other energy storage terminals, and supervisory control and data acquisition systems; ``(2) to support physical security improvements, operational redundancy, and continuity-of-operations planning; ``(3) to engage in joint training exercises and scenario- based planning with relevant agencies in Taiwan; and ``(4) to support workforce development, emergency response planning, and institutional modernization of energy sector operators. ``(c) United States-Taiwan Energy Security Center.--The Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Energy, may establish a joint United States-Taiwan Energy Security Center in the United States, leveraging the expertise of institutions of higher education and private sector entities to foster dialogue and collaboration for academic cooperation in energy security and resilience. ``(d) Authorization of Assistance.--The Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Energy, may provide technical assistance to support the activities described in subsection (b) or the center described in subsection (c). ``(e) Implementation.-- ``(1) In general.--Assistance under this section shall be provided through the American Institute in Taiwan and in consultation with relevant authorities in Taiwan, consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act (22 U.S.C. 3301 et seq.). ``(2) Notification.--Any assistance provided by the Department of State pursuant this section shall be subject to the regular notification requirements of section 634A of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2394-1). ``(f) Briefings.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of the Taiwan Energy Security and Anti-Embargo Act of 2026, the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Energy, shall provide to the appropriate congressional committees a briefing on the implementation of this section. ``SEC. 5540D. ANNUAL REPORT. ``(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of the Taiwan Energy Security and Anti- Embargo Act of 2026, and annually thereafter for 3 years, the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Energy, and the Secretary of Defense, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that-- ``(1) describes actions taken under this part; ``(2) identifies barriers to-- ``(A) increased United States energy exports to Taiwan; ``(B) increased investment in Taiwan's energy sector that would strengthen Taiwan's energy resilience; ``(C) energy infrastructure security cooperation; and ``(D) enhancing the resilience of Taiwan's energy supply against economic coercion and supply chain disruptions, with due consideration for national security implications; ``(3) evaluates the effectiveness of capacity building and technical assistance activities carried out under section 5540C; and ``(4) provides recommendations to expand and diversify Taiwan's energy sources and improve future bilateral energy cooperation between the United States and Taiwan. ``(b) Form.--Each report required by subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified annex.''. SEC. 1274. TRAINING TO IMPROVE TAIWAN'S CRITICAL ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION. Section 5504(a)(3) of the Taiwan Enhanced Resilience Act (22 U.S.C. 3353(a)(3)) is amended by inserting after ``capabilities'' the following: ``and critical energy infrastructure protection''. SEC. 1275. FINDINGS AND SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING TAIWAN'S USE OF NUCLEAR ENERGY. (a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings: (1) According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, nuclear energy-- (A) is the second safest source of energy; (B) is one of only 2 clean energies that offer non-stop baseload power required for sustainable economic growth and improved human welfare; and (C) when compared with other sources of electricity from cradle to grave, has the lowest carbon footprint, uses fewer materials, and takes up less land. (2) A nuclear fuel assembly lasts up to 6 years, making supply more resistant to maritime disruption. (3) Taiwan has built a robust civilian nuclear capability over previous decades that has shown the potential to provide clean, reliable power to Taiwan. (4) On May 17, 2025, the Maanshan-2, Taiwan's last operating nuclear power plant, was shut down after its 40- year operating license expired. (5) There are compelling economic and security reasons to evaluate placing existing infrastructure back in service to ensure Taiwan has clean,