U.S. Rep. Lawrence Votes to Strengthen Supply Chain, Invest in Semiconductor Production, and Bolster American Competitiveness
Press Release
Today, U.S. Representative Brenda L. Lawrence (MI-14) voted in favor of H.R. 4521, the America Creating Opportunities for Manufacturing Preeminence in Technology and Economic Strength (COMPETES) Act of 2022. The America COMPETES Act makes transformational investments in research, semiconductor production, and manufacturing while bolstering American competitiveness. Rep. Lawrence offered two amendments that were included in final passage of the bill, ensuring equity and economic inclusion are priorities for the direct investments in research of water systems and artificial intelligence (AI) practices.
"Coming from a state with the Big Three auto manufacturers, Michiganders are uniquely aware of our supply chain challenges and vulnerabilities. If America is going to stay competitive globally, we have to fix this problem and start making our critical goods in America with American workers. That's exactly what the America COMPETES Act is going to do," said Rep. Lawrence. "This bill will strengthen our supply chain, accelerate chip production, and bolster American competitiveness and manufacturing. I'm especially proud that two of my amendments are included in this bill, which will ensure that every American can benefit from these much-needed investments."
The America COMPETES Act is a comprehensive package that will:
Create the CHIPS for America Fund: Includes $52 billion for the CHIPS for America Act to incentivize private-sector investments in semiconductor fabrication;
Strengthen the Supply Chain and American Manufacturing: Authorizes $45 billion to improve our nation's supply chains and prevent shortages of critical goods;
Advance American Scientific Research, Technology and Innovation Excellence: Makes solutions-driven investments in innovation and scientific research; and
Secure America's Global Competitiveness and Leadership Through Economic Development; Diplomacy, Human Rights & Alliances: Includes numerous provisions to strengthen and promote America's leadership around the globe, including investing in partnerships, investing in standing up for America's values, expanding our investments in diplomacy, and promoting human rights
Rep. Lawrence offered two amendments that were included in the final passage of the America COMPETES Act:
Water Amendment: This amendment makes clear that research on our water systems includes low-income, disadvantaged, and underserved communities.
AI Amendment: This amendment ensures that the necessary research is conducted to inform ethical AI practices and policies.
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