U.S. Rep. Kay Granger (R-TX) recently cosponsored a bipartisan bill that aims to restore American leadership in semiconductor manufacturing to build computer chips used in almost all defense systems, weapons, telecommunications devices, and critical infrastructure.
“Ambitious action now will help secure our technological future and our common defense,” said Rep. Granger, ranking member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, “and ensure that the world’s most advanced chips are made by American workers for generations to come.”
The Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) for America Act, H.R. 7178, would increase federal incentives to enable advanced research and development, secure the supply chain, and ensure long-term national security and economic competitiveness, according to the text of the bill, which was introduced on June 11 by U.S. Reps. Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Doris Matsui (D-CA).
Rep. Granger pointed out that America’s national security depends on access to cutting-edge semiconductors. “These small electronic devices have outsized impact, and the country that leads in advanced chip innovation and production will also lead its competitors in deploying the technologies of the future, including artificial intelligence and 5G,” she said.
Currently, the United States remains a leader in chip design, Rep. Granger said, although several Asian-based companies are now dominating the American microchip market due to their manufacturing and development advantages. The greatest growth has been in China, where the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) “aims to dominate the entire global semiconductor supply chain,” said the lawmaker.
In fact, the CCP is actively working against U.S. interests around the globe, from space technology, to deceptive trading practices, to their influence in pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, Rep. Granger said.
“The threat from China is significant, and now is not the time to retreat in our efforts to stop their destructive actions,” said Rep. Granger. “We must directly address China’s actions in order to protect our national security and maintain U.S. leadership throughout the world. This fund is one way to do that.”
Among the other cosponsors of H.R. 7178 are U.S. Reps. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), John Katko (R-NY), Susan Brooks (R-IN), and Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA).