Shaheen Applauds Senate Passage of U.S. China-Competitiveness Bill

Press Release

U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) -- Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies -- released the following statement today after the Senate passed the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) and Science Act of 2022. The historic legislation develops U.S. policy to address strategic, economic and diplomatic tools for a global strategy that will allow the United States to confront the challenges that China poses to the United States. The comprehensive package invests in scientific research and microchips that are key to the economy and military, as well as strengthens domestic manufacturing and the supply chain.

"Semiconductors are core to our daily lives and run everything from cars to refrigerators. Our failure to produce semiconductors at home is a threat to both our economy and national security, which is why this bipartisan bill is needed more than ever. The Senate's passage of this key legislation sets our nation on a path to success while creating good-paying jobs at home, lowering costs on items Americans use every day, combating China's unfair economic manipulation and investing in innovation to ensure we continue to be a global leader," said Shaheen. "This bill also includes provisions I authored to enhance STEM education so we're building a more competitive workforce to succeed in the 21st century economy. I'm proud to support legislation that sends an unmistakable message that America will remain competitive on the global stage economically and militarily. Time is of the essence, and I look forward to swift passage of this legislation by the House so we can get this bill to the President's desk."

Specifically, the CHIPS and Science Act includes:

$52 billion in grants and incentives to attract chip companies to the United States and invest in research and development to boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing
Authorization of more than $80 billion in National Science Foundation funding for research and education, including to support critical research into areas of national priority and support Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education
This includes funding specifically dedicated to growing the American STEM workforce including key provisions from Shaheen's Supporting STEM Learning Opportunities Act and funding to improve access to STEM education opportunities for schools in rural areas.
Restrictions on companies that receive federal assistance and invest in China and Russia
$500 million for an international secure communications system
$200 million for training a chips workforce
$1.5 billion for innovation in public wireless supply chains
Authorization of $10 billion to establish 20 regional technology hubs through the Economic Development Administration (EDA)
Authorization of $1 billion to support economic development activities in economically distressed communities through EDA
Authorization of $10 billion for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for research and manufacturing partnerships
Authorization of $68 billion for the Office of Science and other science and innovation activities at the U.S. Department of Energy
Authorizations for key programs at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
And more.

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