The DPP legislative caucus is calling for fewer thresholds for the special
budget plan to procure domestically produced drones.

DPP lawmakers warn that too many restrictions could hinder the development of
Taiwan's defense capabilities and the unmanned vehicle industry.

There are currently 14 different versions of the proposed Unmanned Vehicle
Act, brought forward by the Cabinet, and the opposition KMT and the TPP.

The Cabinet in June proposed a special budget bill for defense drones
totaling $210 billion NT over six years.

Recent cross-party negotiations to integrate those proposals have failed to
reach a consensus, and they are now pending a plenary session's vote on the
28th.

DPP caucus secretary-general Zhuang Rui-xiong (莊瑞雄) said today that drone
technology is advancing rapidly worldwide, and Taiwan needs to catch up with
bigger investment as quickly as possible.

He added that he's optimistic the long-stalled draft bill will pass on Friday.

(JL)