Sinema Highlights Arizona's Leadership in Semiconductor Manufacturing in Senate Hearing

Press Release

Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema highlighted Arizona's leadership in semiconductor manufacturing and called on Congress to pass into law the bipartisan U.S. Innovation and Competition Act -- legislation Sinema helped shape to create jobs, fully fund her CHIPS For America Act, and restore America's global leadership in semiconductor manufacturing.

"Arizona is a national leader in semiconductor manufacturing and research and development. But over the past decades, America's domestic semiconductor manufacturing has fallen dramatically, compared to the rest of the world, leaving us vulnerable and forced to rely on other countries… I was proud to be an original cosponsor of the CHIPS for America Act, to help restore America's leadership in semiconductor manufacturing…Now, Congress needs to finish our work and fund these CHIPS grants," said Sinema, a member of the Senate Commerce Committee and original cosponsor of the bipartisan CHIPS For America Act.

During the hearing Sinema underscored how semiconductors are essential for both the economic and national security of the United States. Semiconductors are necessary technologies Americans rely on every day -- such as phones, cars, and computers -- and are also a key resource for America's military. The pandemic showed how the chip shortage directly impacted everyday families across the country.

Sinema urged Congress to pass the bipartisan U.S. Innovation and Competition Act to help restore America's leadership in semiconductor manufacturing. This bipartisan legislation would provide $52 billion in funding for Sinema's CHIPS For America grants that will support America's domestic semiconductor industry and reduce reliance on foreign countries.

Sinema highlighted Arizona as an example of the positive impact semiconductor legislation has on the economy. Sinema's CHIPS For America Act fueled Intel's $20 billion expansion in Arizona, creating thousands of jobs in the state. Additionally, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has started construction of a $35 billion advanced manufacturing site in Arizona which will create thousands of good-paying manufacturing jobs for Arizonans.

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