WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) voted to pass the bipartisan Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) and Science Act, a comprehensive, strategic package that makes investments in American manufacturing, science, and innovation. Currently, only 12 percent of semiconductor chips are manufactured domestically, down from 37 percent in the 1990’s. Many foreign competitors are investing heavily to dominate this critical national security industry.
Congresswoman Hayes secured the inclusion of her bipartisan Supporting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Learning Opportunities Act to invest in engaging learning opportunities to strengthen the pipeline of students entering the STEM workforce, especially students from underrepresented groups including women and communities of color. The bill addresses shortages in STEM expertise and spurs economic development through early introduction and experiential learning.
“Manufacturing is the backbone of the U.S. economy. I have spoken with manufacturers in my district, and as the global landscape continues to evolve this industry must be modernized. The CHIPS and Science Act immediately makes critical investments to strengthen our competitiveness on the world stage and secures the resources necessary to build the next generation of researchers, workers, and innovators,” said Congresswoman Hayes. “After several months of negotiations, I am pleased to see my original legislation to equip young learners with hands-on STEM education included in the final package. This will ensure the pipeline of STEM workers is available and ready today, tomorrow, and beyond. The future of American science and innovation is bright, especially when we continue to build opportunities and support for all to participate.”
The CHIPS and Science Act makes robust investments in science and technology for American consumers and workers, including:
- 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 Research & Development – 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.
A detailed fact sheet of the package is available here.