Memphis Standard

The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed the Securing Semiconductor Supply Chains Act, a bipartisan legislation authored by Senators Marsha Blackburn and Gary Peters. This legislation aims to strengthen federal efforts in expanding domestic manufacturing of semiconductor chips.

Senator Blackburn expressed her satisfaction with the passage of the bill, stating, "The passage of this legislation in the U.S. Senate is a win for Tennessee manufacturers who rely on semiconductors to support local and global supply chains. As long as the U.S. continues to depend on Communist China for semiconductor production, our supply chain, economy, and national security are all at risk." She emphasized the need for economic development with local leaders to address challenges faced by businesses and ensure a secure supply chain.

Senator Peters highlighted the importance of boosting U.S. production of semiconductor chips to maintain the country's position as a global economic powerhouse. He said, "In order to remain a global economic powerhouse in the 21st century, we must continue to build on the investments we made...to boost U.S. production of semiconductor chips, which we know will dictate the future of technology and innovation." He further explained that the bipartisan bill would attract investment in American semiconductor manufacturers, reduce dependence on foreign producers, and create good-paying jobs domestically.

The Securing Semiconductor Supply Chains Act directs the U.S. Department of Commerce's SelectUSA program, in collaboration with federal agencies and state economic development organizations, to develop strategies to attract investment in U.S. semiconductor manufacturers and supply chains. The SelectUSA program, established in 2011, aims to improve federal efforts to attract job-creating business investments in the United States.

The bipartisan bill was introduced after the Biden Administration highlighted the potential of the SelectUSA program to strengthen private sector investments in the semiconductor manufacturing supply chain. It will engage with state-level economic development organizations to understand how they are attracting foreign direct investment and identify resource gaps or challenges they face in onshoring semiconductor manufacturing activities. The SelectUSA program will then develop strategies to increase investments in semiconductor manufacturing.

Senators Rick Scott and Jon Tester joined Senators Blackburn and Peters as cosponsors of the Securing Semiconductor Supply Chains Act. In the House of Representatives, Representative Greg Pence and Anna Eshoo introduced companion legislation.

With the unanimous support of the U.S. Senate, this bipartisan legislation aims to bolster domestic semiconductor manufacturing, reduce dependence on foreign producers, and enhance the country's economic and national security.

To find out more, go to this link: https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2023/12/passed-blackburn-peters-bipartisan-legislation-to-strengthen-domestic-semiconductor-manufacturing