Duval Times

WASHINGTON, DC – The Senate has unanimously passed bipartisan legislation led by Senator Rick Scott and Senators Gary Peters, Marsha Blackburn, and Jon Tester to strengthen federal efforts to expand domestic manufacturing of semiconductor chips. The senators' Securing Semiconductor Supply Chains Act aims to address the ongoing global shortage of semiconductor technologies that have disrupted various industries in recent years.

The legislation, which was approved by the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee in May, would direct the U.S. Department of Commerce's SelectUSA program, along with other federal agencies and state economic development organizations, to develop strategies that attract investment in U.S. semiconductor manufacturers and supply chains. The bill has also been passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in July.

Senator Rick Scott emphasized the need to boost domestic production in the face of China's growing influence in the semiconductor market. He stated, "Producing American-made semiconductors is essential... and our Securing Semiconductor Supply Chains Act is a good place to start."

Senator Gary Peters stressed the importance of U.S. production of semiconductor chips for the country's economic future. He said, "We must continue to build on the investments we made... to boost U.S. production of semiconductor chips... reducing our dependence on foreign producers for these critical technologies and creating good-paying jobs here at home."

Senator Marsha Blackburn highlighted the risks associated with the continued dependency on China for semiconductor production. She stated, "As long as the U.S. continues to depend on Communist China for semiconductor production, our supply chain, economy, and national security are all at risk."

Senator Jon Tester emphasized the benefits of the bipartisan legislation for rural America and the nation's economic power. He said, "We need to reverse the trend of outsourcing critical manufacturing to foreign countries like China... It'll bolster domestic production to jumpstart the domestic semiconductor industry in a way that helps secure our nation's economic future."

The legislation would direct the SelectUSA program to engage with state-level economic development organizations to attract foreign direct investment in onshore semiconductor manufacturing activities. The program would identify resource gaps and challenges faced by organizations in achieving this goal and develop strategies to increase investments in semiconductor manufacturing.

The Securing Semiconductor Supply Chains Act aims to strengthen domestic semiconductor manufacturing and reduce dependence on foreign producers. By attracting investment in U.S. semiconductor manufacturers and supply chains, the legislation seeks to address the ongoing global shortage of semiconductor technologies and secure America's economic future.

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To learn more, click on this link: https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2023/12/senate-unanimously-passes-sens-rick-scott-and-gary-peters-bipartisan-legislation-to-strengthen-domestic-semiconductor-manufacturing