South OC Times

U.S. Representative Young Kim has led a group of lawmakers in seeking explanations from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency and the State Department's Bureau of Political-Military Affairs regarding damaged defense equipment sent to Taiwan. This inquiry follows a report by the Department of Defense Office of the Inspector General, which highlighted issues with equipment provided under the U.S. Presidential Drawdown Authority.

The report, released on September 11, 2024, found that Taiwan received moldy body armor and expired munitions due to poor packaging and exposure to adverse weather conditions. More than two-thirds of this equipment was deemed "unserviceable," resulting in over $730,000 in labor and replacement costs.

Rep. Kim, along with Reps. Joe Wilson, Chris Smith, Brian Mast, James Moylan, Cory Mills, Mike Lawler, Keith Self, Rich McCormick, and Darrell Issa signed a letter expressing their concerns about these findings. They stated: “This is unfair to Taiwan who already purchased the equipment and American taxpayers who must ultimately pay for the Department’s negligence.”

Taiwan has not yet received $24.24 billion worth of equipment and munitions as of September 2024. In response to delivery delays affecting Taiwan's defense posture amid tensions with China, Rep. Kim introduced bipartisan legislation during the 117th Congress aimed at ensuring timely delivery of U.S. defense equipment.

The lawmakers have posed several questions to both agencies involved in executing presidential drawdown activities related to arms deliveries to Taiwan. They seek details on DSCA's role from November 2023 to March 2024 and any challenges faced during this period.

Additionally, they are asking whether DSCA was aware of the issues before the OIG report and what steps were taken if so. The letter also requests information on measures being implemented to prevent future occurrences.

Inquiries directed at the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs focus on its oversight role in accordance with Section 506(a)(3) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and plans for implementing OIG recommendations.