Chamber Issues Statement Supporting Legislation Aimed at Increasing Domestic Semiconductor Manufacturing

The Austin Chamber of Commerce has the following statement on legislation supporting the production of semiconductors in the United States. This statement can be attributed to Laura Huffman, President and CEO of the Austin Chamber of Commerce.

"It is a critical time to be investing in American manufacturing of semiconductor chips,” said Laura Huffman, President and CEO of the Austin Chamber of Commerce. “The lack of available chips has impacted American businesses and consumers. Our region is already a leader in semiconductor manufacturing. With additional federal incentives and investment, U.S. and Central Texas-based businesses and technologies can do even more to alleviate the global chip shortage, benefiting the entire tech sector and consumers.

“The Austin Chamber particularly appreciates our Central Texas Representatives in Washington, D.C., who are leading these efforts in Congress because the semiconductor technology and related industries are critical for Texas and U.S. economic and national security.

"The Austin Chamber urges Congressional consideration of the Facilitating American-Built Semiconductors (FABS) Act, introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives last week by Congressman Michael McCaul (TX-10) and a bipartisan group of representatives. We also urge the Senate to consider their version of the FABS Act, co-sponsored by Senator John Cornyn (TX) and a bipartisan group of senators, introduced in June 2021.

"We also urge both chambers of Congress to confer quickly to finally approve the CHIPS Act funding provisions included in the America COMPETES Act of 2022 and the United States Innovation and Competition Act (USICA). We appreciate Senator Cornyn, Congressman McCaul, Congressman Lloyd Doggett (TX-35), and others for their leadership and support for CHIPS Act funding.

"These important federal investments in semiconductor chip manufacturing in the United States are vital for our national security and will benefit consumers and businesses in Central Texas and across the country.”

Posted on 03/30/2022 by Bryce Bencivengo