Washington, D.C. – TechNet, the national, bipartisan network of innovation economy CEOs and senior executives, applauded today’s passage of the CHIPS and Science Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. The following statement can be attributed to TechNet President and CEO Linda Moore:

“The passage of the CHIPS and Science Act in the House marks the conclusion of a years-long effort to boost federal investment in innovation across America. Every step of the way, TechNet has worked with Congress to support and pass a bipartisan global competitiveness package that reclaims America’s global leadership in innovation. The CHIPS and Science Act does exactly that by increasing the domestic production of semiconductors, investing in regional technology hubs across the country, and enhancing STEM education and high-tech workforce training programs.

“Congress has now taken the bold action needed to accelerate a new era of innovation in this country that will power our economy forward in the years ahead and counter investments being made by our foreign rivals, including China. This legislation, along with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed last year, shows that when both parties work together toward a common goal – a stronger and more competitive America – that we can still accomplish great things.

“We applaud today’s bipartisan vote in the House and urge President Biden to sign the CHIPS and Science Act into law as soon as possible. Once law, we will continue to work with the White House and Congress to build on the foundation laid today to ensure America is the global leader in innovation.”

BACKGROUND:

TechNet was an early supporter of this legislation and has urged Congress to pass an innovation and competition package over the past three years:

  • In the 116th Congress, TechNet was quick to endorse the Endless Frontier Act, which served as the foundation for USICA and the CHIPS and Science Act.
  • TechNet applauded the Senate passage of USICA in 2021, and the introduction and passage of the America COMPETES Act in the House of Representatives earlier this year.
  • TechNet sent a letter to Congressional leaders addressing several priorities to consider as the Senate and House of Representatives began work to reconcile the differences between USICA and the America COMPETES Act.
  • As the Senate considered moving forward with funding for domestic semiconductor production only, TechNet encouraged the Senate to include provisions like regional technology hubs and enhanced STEM education programs. The Senate has since included many of the provisions TechNet advocated for in the CHIPS and Science Act.
  • TechNet applauded the Senate passage of the CHIPS and Science Act earlier this week.
  • Earlier this month, TechNet ran a six-figure advertising campaign in West Virginia, Mississippi, Indiana, Ohio, and Idaho urging Congress to pass an innovation and global competitiveness package.