Today, Congressman Andy Levin (D-Bloomfield Township) voted to send the CHIPS and Science Act to President Biden’s desk, a $280 billion package that includes $52 billion to incentivize the construction of domestic semiconductor factories, including $2 billion for ‘mature node’ chips, helping Michigan workers, consumers and industry alike, and a $100 billion authorization for the National Science Foundation. He released the following statement:
“I voted for the CHIPS and Science Act because I listened to my constituents in Southeast Michigan, including workers in the auto industry who understand that we need to make semiconductors right here in America. After the supply chain issues of the past year, it is clear we need to reverse the misguided trade policies that got us into this mess and start pursuing policies that promote domestic manufacturing.
“However, I must note that I am disappointed that we were not able to enact the House-passed version of this bill. In addition to worker- and environment-centered trade provisions, the House bill included my JOBS Act, which would ensure high-quality workforce development and job training opportunities are affordable and accessible to students and workers. If we want to remain globally competitive, we must invest in our workers and equip students with the tools and resources they need to succeed.
“I also worked until the very last minute to try to ensure the final bill included robust guardrails to make certain that companies receiving funds would be prevented from buying back their own stocks or requiring them to remain neutral when workers decide to pursue organizing a union. I am grateful that Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal was able to secure a commitment from Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo that the Commerce Department would give preference to firms that prohibit stock buybacks and payout dividends using taxpayer money. I firmly believe we need strong, industrial policy in America, including ensuring workers share in the prosperity they help produce.”
Original source can be found here.
