McEachin Helps Pass American Competitiveness Bill, Denounces Republicans' Opposition

Press Release

Today, Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) voted in support of H.R. 4346, the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, to strengthen America's global competitiveness, invest in domestic semiconductor manufacturing, and ensure the nation continues to lead in science and innovation. Previously passed by the Senate, this legislation now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law.

"The CHIPS and Science Act is a major victory for Virginian families and our Commonwealth's economy," said Rep. McEachin (VA-04). "This crucial legislation will help lower costs for American families, reduce supply chain disruptions, strengthen our national security, and promote manufacturing here in the United States. It will create thousands of good-paying union jobs, promote research investments in local communities, and broaden Virginia's STEM workforce. I am proud to help advance this legislation to turbocharge our economy and cut costs for working families."

The legislation passed by the Senate on a bipartisan basis with 14 Republicans voting in favor of it. Following the news that Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Manchin brokered an agreement on a reconciliation package, House Republican leadership immediately began whipping votes against the bipartisan CHIPS legislation.

"Republicans' sudden opposition to this bipartisan legislation amounts to nothing more than a temper tantrum. Their actions today make it clear that they are incapable of putting our nation or the American people above partisan politics," continued Rep. McEachin (VA-04). "This is non-controversial legislation that aims to keep America at the forefront of technological advancement and scientific innovation. It will help stimulate our local economies and bring manufacturing back to America; despite that, the majority of Republicans banded together in an embarrassing display of partisanship."

Background

A nationwide shortage of semiconductor chips has severely disrupted American manufacturing -- slowing down production, spiking prices and increasing dependence on unfriendly foreign nations. Only 12 percent of semiconductor chips are currently manufactured domestically -- a dramatic drop from 37 percent in the 1990s -- while foreign competitors are investing heavily to dominate this critical national security industry. Other nations have also begun to outpace the United States' research advantage -- threatening American preeminence in technology and scientific innovation.

The bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act will reverse these dangerous trends, reasserting America's economic independence and scientific dominance. Thanks to the strong leadership of House Democrats, this legislation:

Lowers costs for American consumers -- by making more critical semiconductor components in America, helping end the shortage of chips that have driven up the price of everything from cars to consumer goods.
Creates 100,000 new good-paying jobs -- creates strong Davis-Bacon jobs building hi-tech manufacturing facilities here in America.
Ends our dangerous dependence on foreign manufacturers -- bringing critical semiconductor manufacturing back to America instead of overseas where it can be threatened by our adversaries.
Turbocharges American R&D -- powering America's preeminence in both basic research and next-generation technologies and ensuring that the technologies of the future are made here in America.
Diversifies and expands the innovation workforce -- broadening the pool of brainpower and talent so that we are embracing the full potential from all our communities, helping to diversify our STEM workforce and advancing regional technology hubs to ensure communities across the country can help in American research and development.

Source