Ruppersberger Supports House-Passed Bill Boosting Domestic Production of Critical Semiconductor Chips

Press Release

Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger yesterday voted for historic, bipartisan legislation to boost domestic production of semiconductor chips and address a shortage that is hurting American manufacturers and driving up everyday costs for Maryland families. H.R. 4346 the CHIPS and Science Act, will create jobs, end our dependence on foreign manufacturers and reassert America's scientific dominance.

Previously passed by the Senate, the bill passed in a 243-187 vote and now heads to President Biden's desk to be signed into law.

"The CHIPS and Science Act is a major victory for Maryland families and Maryland's economy," Congressman Ruppersberger said. "Our foreign competitors continue to invest in semiconductor technology while we fall further behind and, as a result, pay more for the countless products that use it. I am proud to support this bipartisan effort that will create jobs, lower costs and strengthen wages."

Semiconductor chips are used to power everything from smartphones and computers to cars, medical equipment and advanced weapons used by our military. A nationwide shortage of semiconductor chips has severely disrupted American manufacturing, 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.

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