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On March 7, 2024, ahead of President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address, Vice President Kamala Harris addressed remarks made by House Speaker Mike Johnson regarding the potential repeal of the CHIPS and Science Act. Speaking to reporters in Milwaukee, Harris expressed her concerns over Johnson’s comments, which she viewed as reflective of former President Donald Trump’s broader agenda, known as Project 2025.
Harris pointed out that this isn’t the first time the GOP leadership has suggested dismantling key legislation, referencing their previous efforts to eliminate the Affordable Care Act. She underscored that the CHIPS Act, which was passed with bipartisan support in 2022, plays a vital role in supporting the U.S. semiconductor industry—a sector crucial for advancements in areas like artificial intelligence.
During a campaign event for Representative Brandon Williams in New York, Johnson indicated that the Republican Party might consider repealing the CHIPS Act if they regain control of Congress. When questioned by a reporter about the GOP’s plans, he stated, “I expect we probably will, but we haven’t developed that part of the agenda yet.”
The CHIPS Act has proven essential in securing nearly $53 billion in funding aimed at bolstering domestic semiconductor production. Since its enactment, the federal government has already committed over $30 billion in investments, highlighting the law’s significance for the economy and national security.
Harris emphasized the importance of investing in American manufacturing, stating, “It is my plan and intention to continue to invest in America’s manufacturing sector, in the work done by American workers who support and improve good union jobs.” She argued that such investments are critical for maintaining competitiveness against economic rivals like China.
Johnson’s comments echoed sentiments expressed by Trump during a recent interview with Joe Rogan, where the former president criticized the CHIPS Act. Trump accused Taiwan of undermining U.S. chip manufacturing and suggested imposing tariffs on imported semiconductors. “That chip deal is bad,” Trump remarked, asserting that the funding set aside for semiconductor companies was not yielding the desired results.
In response to Johnson’s comments, Representative Williams, whose district stands to benefit from a new Micron semiconductor manufacturing facility backed by the CHIPS Act, attempted to clarify the situation. He noted the positive impact of the CHIPS Act on local employment and economic growth. Following Johnson’s remarks, Williams stated that the Speaker “profusely apologized” and indicated he had misunderstood the reporter’s question.
As the political landscape heats up, with Democrats aiming to gain four additional seats in the House to reclaim control, the stakes are high. Polling indicates that the upcoming elections are highly competitive, with outcomes appearing too close to call.
In a bid to mitigate the fallout from Johnson’s statements, he later clarified that repealing the CHIPS Act is not part of the GOP’s agenda. However, this clarification came just days before the November 5 elections, providing Democrats an opportunity to seize on the moment.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized Johnson’s remarks, suggesting that they threaten the job security of thousands of construction workers involved in building the future of New York and the nation. In a post on social media, Schumer asserted that the Speaker’s comments conveyed a message that could jeopardize the livelihoods of those in the industry.
As the political discourse continues to evolve, Harris’s response and the broader implications of Johnson’s comments highlight the ongoing tensions surrounding economic policy and job creation in the context of national competitiveness. The situation remains fluid as both parties prepare for the crucial upcoming elections, with the fate of key legislation and the direction of the economy hanging in the balance.
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