As the administration and members of both parties continue to meet to bridge differences between the United States Innovation and Competition Act of 2021 (USICA) and the America COMPETES, industry leaders wrote to Congressional leaders, urging them to set aside their differences and quickly get legislation to the President’s desk that invests in American manufacturing, innovation, and supply chains.
Here is what 20 of the nation’s premier industry associations, including the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association, the National Defense Industrial Association, North America’s Building Trades Unions, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, are saying in their letter to Congressional leadership:
“It has been over a year since Congress authorized the CHIPS Act in the FY2021 National Defense Authorization Act, and it is essential Congress act swiftly to provide funding to make this law a reality. Our global competitors are investing heavily in semiconductor manufacturing and research, and continued inaction by the U.S. risks placing our country further behind in the competition for economic growth, supply chain resilience, technology leadership, and strengthened national security. The current chip shortage continues, highlighting the critical role of semiconductors throughout the economy and the need to better position the U.S. to weather future supply chain disruptions.
“Now is the time to act on this important national priority. Funding for the CHIPS Act as part of a broader competitiveness package will help reinvigorate domestic semiconductor manufacturing and technology development needed to grow our economy and enhance our national security. Additionally, adoption of a strengthened FABS Act will ensure long term success in semiconductor manufacturing and design in the U.S. by incentivizing investment in new, expanded, and upgraded fabs, equipment production facilities, and chip design. We urge immediate action to commence negotiations and work towards a final compromise bill that can swiftly pass both chambers and send this vital legislation to the president’s desk.”
The letter was signed by the following associations – representing major sectors of the American economy and millions of workers:
AdvaMed
Alliance for Automotive Innovation
American Automotive Policy Council (AAPC)
Autos Drive America
Business Roundtable (BRT)
CTIA
Information Technology Industry Council (ITI)
IPC – Build Electronics Better
Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA)
National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA)
National Electrical Manufacturers Association
North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU)
SEMI
Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA)
Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA)
Tech CEO Council
TechNet
Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA)
Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA)
US Chamber of Commerce
USTelecom – The Broadband Association