Daines: Investing in American Semiconductor Production, Innovation, R&D Needed to Win Race Against China

Statement

U.S. Senator Steve Daines today issued the following statement after the "Chips and Science Act," a legislative package formerly known as the "U.S. Innovation and Competition Act" and the "Endless Frontiers Act," passed the U.S. Senate. The legislation, which includes three Daines bills, will help boost America's national security by investing in innovation and semiconductor manufacturing.

"Investing in American semiconductor production, innovation, STEM education and R&D is essential to strengthening our national security, reinforcing the United States' position as a global leader and winning the race against China," Daines said.

In 1990, the U.S. accounted for 37% of global semiconductor fabrication capacity. By 2020 our share had fallen to 12%. In contrast, China had no capacity to produce semiconductors in 1990, but by 2020 it had nearly 13% of production. The Chinese share of global manufacturing is projected to reach 24% by 2030, which would make it the world leader.

This bill will:

Boost national security by ensuring the U.S. stays on the cutting edge of semiconductor research, design and manufacturing
Invest in American innovation and technology to ensure the U.S. maintains its competitive edge over China
Promote high paying U.S. technology and manufacturing jobs
The bill includes Daines' "FABS Act," "Endless Frontier Act," and "National Science, Innovation and Technology Strategy Act." It also includes funding for "Chips for America Act" which Senator Daines championed in the NDAA.

Semiconductors are used in many everyday items including cars, televisions, phones, refrigerators, radios and computers as well as advanced technologies important for our national security.

Quotes of Support:

"Applied Materials applauds Senator Daines for his support of the CHIPS and Science Act. This critical legislation will bolster chip manufacturing and innovation, create jobs and strengthen the semiconductor supply chain in Montana and the United States -- all at a time when semiconductor leadership is more important than ever to the economy." - Gary E. Dickerson, President and CEO, Applied Materials, Inc.

"The Montana University System is grateful for Senator Daines' support of the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act, which directly benefits rural states such as Montana. Institutions like Montana State University and the University of Montana work every day to advance cutting edge research that supports vital state and national interests. This is a big win for Montana and for our state's growing innovation economy." - Clayton Christian, Montana Commissioner of Higher Education

Background:

On June 17, 2021 Daines introduced the Facilitating American-Built Semiconductors (FABS) Act to strengthen U.S. semiconductor supply chains by incentivizing domestic manufacturing of this critical technology.

On June 8, 2021, Daines' bipartisan bill to boost American innovation and combat China passed the U.S. Senate.

On April 21, 2021, Daines helped introduce a bipartisan bill, the "Endless Frontier Act," which is the leading proposal in the U.S. Senate to promote American tech jobs and American innovation, research and development in the race against China.

On December 11, 2020, Daines voted for the "National Defense Authorization Act" or the "NDAA," which created the CHIPS for America Fund and prioritized strategic competition with China and Russia.

Source