The House of Representatives last week passed a long-awaited bill aimed at increasing semiconductor production in a bid to increase American competitiveness, a bipartisan achievement that will send tens of billions of dollars into American manufacturing and scientific research.
The final vote was 243-187. Twenty-four Republicans crossed over to join Democrats in backing the bill, despite House GOP leadership whipping against the package. All Democrats from the Texas delegation voted Aye. Reps Granger and McCaul were the only Republicans who voted Aye. The full vote matrix can be viewed here: https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2022404
The bill passed the Senate on Wednesday with broad bipartisan support, meaning it now goes to President Joe Biden to be signed into law.
The legislation addresses a semiconductor chip shortage and makes the US less reliant on other countries such as China for manufacturing. Supporters say the measure is important not only for US technological innovation but also for national security.
The semiconductor bill sets up incentives for domestic semiconductor manufacturing as well as research and development and includes more than $50 billion in funding.
The legislation also includes a number of provisions aimed at bolstering scientific research, including authorizing billions of dollars for the National Science Foundation, the Department of Commerce, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
