What They Are Saying: Bipartisan Calls for Crucial Semiconductor Manufacturing Legislation Grow Louder as Bill Gets Closer to President’s Desk
Jul 25, 2022
What They Are Saying: Bipartisan Calls for Crucial Semiconductor Manufacturing Legislation Grow Louder as Bill Gets Closer to President’s Desk
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Mon, 07/25/2022 – 13:11
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Monday, July 25, 2022
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Over the weekend, members of Congress, governors, former administration officials from both parties joined President Joe Biden and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo in urging congressional leadership to pass the Bipartisan Innovation Act, and get the bill to the President’s Desk before August recess.
The Bipartisan Innovation Act cleared a key procedural vote last week Tuesday, with members of both parties in the Senate voting to advance the bill for consideration. The bill would invest $52 billion in the domestic semiconductor industry at a time when American reliance on foreign chips grows daily, creating serious economic and national security concerns.
Here’s what leaders across the country are saying about the urgent need to pass the Bipartisan Innovation Act:
Speaker Nancy Pelosi, (D-CA-12)
“Democrats are fighting to turbocharge semiconductor production with our Chips Act for America – reinvigorating auto plants, creating nearly 100,000 Davis-Bacon jobs, slashing costs for working families and bolstering America’s independence from foreign manufacturers.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, (D- NY)
“We are moving forward on the Senate CHIPS bill. It’s going to take aim at the national semiconductor chip shortage, lower costs for American consumers, and boost scientific innovation and jobs.”
Mike Pompeo, Former Secretary of State
“I urge Members of Congress to pass the CHIPS Act. The cost of compromise on this bill pales in comparison to the costs we will suffer if we allow the Chinese Communist Party to one day own and control access to our most critical technologies.”
Governor Greg Abbott, (R-TX)
“I’m calling on Congress to unlock even greater economic potential for Texas & the U.S. by passing the CHIPS Act of 2022. Texas is a national leader in the semiconductor industry, w/ over 30K Texans working in this field & major projects investing up to $47B in Texas last year.”
“With this legislation, Texas & the U.S. can continue to lead in this arena while decreasing our dependence on foreign production & ensuring our national security.”
Senator Mitt Romney, (R-UT) Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Foreign Relations Committee, Budget Committee, and HELP Committee
“If you don’t play like they play, then you are not going to be manufacturing high technology chips, and they are essential for our national defense as well as our economy.”
Senator Amy Klobuchar, (D-MN) Chair of the Rules Committee, Member of Senate Judiciary Committee, Joint Economic Committee, and Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
“When it comes to something as important as semiconductors, we should be investing in America. Soon we could pass a bill that will allow us to compete with China and boost our manufacturing of the chips that power our technology.”
Senator Mark Kelly, (D-AZ) Member of the Joint Economic Committee, Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and Environment and Public Works Committee
“We’ll get it to the president,” he said, “we’ll get it signed into law.” “This is going to bring down costs and secure national security,” Kelly said. “We’re not going to have to worry so much about the actions of an adversary, meaning China when it comes to our supply of semiconductor chips.”
Senator Sherrod Brown, (D-OH) Member of the Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry Committee, Banking, Housing & Urban Affairs Committee, and Finance Committee
“Last night we took a big step toward passing the CHIPS Act. It’s a big win for Ohio. We are one step closer to bringing crucial supply chains—and all the innovation and thousands of jobs that come with them—home where they belong: in Ohio.”
Senator Rob Portman, (R-OH) Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Member of the Foreign Relations Committee and Finance Committee
“We cannot continue to stand by as #China steals our US taxpayer-funded research & IP to fuel its military & economic rise. That’s why my bipartisan Safeguarding American Innovation Act must be included in the final CHIPS Package to protect the $250B investment in research & IP.”
Representative Mike Turner, (R-OH-10) Ranking Member of the Intelligence Committee
“The CHIPS Act is both of national security and economic importance. The Senate should not delay on passing this critical piece of legislation and getting it to the House.”
Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, (R-PA-01) Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee
“We must pass the CHIPS Act now. The nation that dominates the semiconductor industry will dominate the future. Let’s make sure America, NOT the CCP, dominates the future. I urge colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me and support this legislation.”
Representative Michael McCaul, (R-TX-10) Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Chairman Emeritus of the Homeland Security Committee
“Passing the CHIPS Act is critical to our national security. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in voting for this critical bill. My statement [:]
I am proud to have joined Representative Matsui as the original sponsors of The Chips Act. It’s been a long process, but this national security legislation will ensure we manufacture semiconductors-the brains behind everything from cell phones to fighter jets-right here in America. NOT China. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in voting for this critical bill.”
Representative John Katko, (R-NY-24) Ranking Member on the Homeland Security Committee and member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
“The CHIPS Act offers a generational opportunity for investment in CNY’s economy and our nation’s domestic supply chain for critical semiconductor technology. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in supporting this legislation.”
Representative Mike Carey, (R-OH-15) Member on House Committee on Budget and House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology
“Passing the CHIPS Act will not only help #IntelOhio reach it’s full potential, it will strengthen American manufacturing, national security & global competitiveness as well. I urge the Senate to pass this bill & send it to the House ASAP!”
Representative Fred Upton, (R-MI-6) Member of the Energy and Commerce Committee and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Energy
“We need to pass the CHIPS bill to keep US manufacturing competitive. Otherwise, we risk losing billions in investments and countless jobs. The Senate must pass this bill and send it to the House ASAP!”
Representative Tim Ryan, (D-OH-13) Member of the Appropriations Committee
“It’s time for Congress to pass the CHIPS Act to bring our supply chain back home and give American workers a fighting chance at dominating the industries of the future. The clock is ticking.”
Read the full report from the U.S. Department of Commerce: Read More
