Rep. Cleaver Helps Pass CHIPS & Science Act to Lower Costs, Strengthen American Manufacturing, and Secure America's Economic and National Security

Press Release

Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) voted in favor of H.R. 4346, the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) & Science Act, which will help lower costs for hardworking families, strengthen American manufacturing, and create good-paying jobs in Missouri and across the country. The bill will provide a historic $52 billion investment to bolster America's semiconductor industry, strengthen our supply chains, reduce America's dependence on foreign manufacturers, and stimulate American research & development to ensure our economic and national security for generations to come. The legislation was passed by the House of Representatives with a vote of 243-187 and will now go to President Biden to be signed into law.

"Potato chips are good, chocolate chips are great--but microchips are what makes the world go "round in the 21st century," said Congressman Cleaver. "Whether folks realize it or not, microchips are in everything from washing machines and refrigerators to automobiles and cellphones--and one of the key reasons Missourians are currently doling out more of their hard-earned money for these items is due to America's failure to invest in the manufacturing necessary to create American-made semiconductors right here at home. The CHIPS and Science Act takes a critical step to secure the homegrown manufacturing of microchips for decades to come, which is essential to lowering costs on everyday items and maintaining America's dominance in science and technologies of the future, rather than ceding ground to Russia or the People's Republic of China. While I find it baffling that only a handful of House Republicans could support a bill so widely supported by American workers and businesses alike, I was proud to support this important legislation because it will create good-paying jobs for Missourians, lower costs on hardworking families, and guarantee that America remains globally competitive throughout the 21st century."

The CHIPS and Science Act will:

Lower costs for American families by manufacturing more semiconductor components in America, which will help to end the shortage of chips that has driven up the price of everything from cars to consumers goods;
Create approximately 100,000 new, good-paying jobs building, expanding, and maintaining hi-tech manufacturing facilities in Missouri and throughout the country;
End our dependence on foreign manufacturers that has led to supply chain disruptions and higher prices, bringing critical manufacturing back to the U.S. instead of overseas where it can be threatened by our adversaries;
Boost American Research and Development by making investments to power America's dominance in basic research and next-generation technologies, helping to ensure the technologies of the future are made in America; and
Diversify and expand the innovation workforce to ensure America is maximizing the potential of our homegrown talent by diversifying our STEM workforce and advancing regional technology hubs. This will ensure more communities across the country can assist in advancing American research and development.

The CHIPS and Science Act is endorsed by the AFL-CIO, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, United Auto Workers, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Communications Workers of America, Associated General Contractors of America, Semiconductor Industry Association, American Iron and Steel Institute, and more.

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