Federal Investments in U.S. Semiconductor Manufacturing, Research Gain Steam in Congress

by Semiconductor Industry Association

WASHINGTON—July 21, 2020—The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) released the following statement today from president and CEO John Neuffer in response to congressional action in support of U.S. semiconductor manufacturing and research. The House today passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), legislation that includes an amendment calling for the establishment of a federal grant program to promote semiconductor manufacturing, as well as federal investments in semiconductor research. The amendment was offered by a bipartisan group of House members led by Reps. Doris Matsui (D-Calif.) and Michael McCaul (R-Texas). Separately, the Senate today approved a similar amendment to its version of the NDAA by a vote of 96-4. The amendment was offered by a bipartisan group of senators led by Sens. John Cornyn (R-Texas), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), and Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).  

“Congress has a strategic opportunity to strengthen U.S. semiconductor manufacturing and research, two crucial drivers of America’s economic strength, national security, and supply chain resilience. Today’s votes are important steps in the right direction and show there is broad, bipartisan support in Congress for bold semiconductor manufacturing incentives and research investments. We applaud House passage of the NDAA with the Matsui-McCaul amendment, as well as Senate approval of the Cornyn-Warner-Cotton-Schumer amendment, and commend the leadership of the amendments’ sponsors. We urge Congress to use today’s votes as a springboard to enacting final legislation that helps keep America on top in chip technology.”   

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