Washington, D.C. – TechNet, the national, bipartisan network of innovation economy CEOs and senior executives, issued the following statement ahead of tomorrow’s expected Senate cloture vote on the CHIPS Acts of 2022, setting up the legislation for a vote on final passage later this week. The following can be attributed to TechNet President and CEO Linda Moore:

“This vote is a crucial step toward reclaiming America’s global leadership in innovation. Last week, we urged the Senate to not only increase the domestic production of semiconductors but to also invest in regional technology hubs across the country and enhance STEM education and high-tech workforce training programs in the CHIPS Act of 2022.

“We applaud the Senate for working together in a bipartisan manner to include these provisions in the final bill. This bold action is needed to usher in a new era of exploration and invention in America to win the 21st century.

“We will continue to work with Congress to ensure swift passage of the bill this week so it can be signed into law by President Biden as soon as possible.”

BACKGROUND:

 TechNet was an early supporter of this legislation and has urged Congress to pass an innovation and competition package every step of the way:

  • In the 116th Congress, TechNet was quick to endorse the Endless Frontier Act, which served as the foundation for USICA and the CHIPS Act of 2022.
  • 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 current version of the  CHIPS Act of 2022.
  • 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.