Speaker Pelosi Selects Rep. Bass To Conference Committee for America COMPETES Act

Statement

Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced the names of the Members of the House who will go to conference with the Senate over the House's America COMPETES Act of 2022, which makes crucial investments in the production of semiconductor chips, strengthening supply chains, and bolstering research and development.
"Today, we take another step toward sending to the President's desk a bipartisan, bicameral package to lower costs at home, make more goods in America and turbocharge our competitiveness in the world," Speaker Nancy Pelosi said. "America has long led the world in innovation and technology. Thanks to the leadership of Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, the House strengthens our preeminence with our America COMPETES Act: a data-driven, results-oriented package to lift up American families, workers and businesses."

"Under the leadership of our outstanding and experienced committee chairs and conferees, the House will champion key priorities with bipartisan support that will advance our families' financial security and our nations' economic security," Speaker Pelosi continued. "This includes investing $52 billion to produce more semiconductor chips in America and $45 billion to advance manufacturing at home -- which together will help address supply chain disruptions that increase costs for Americans. We will also fight to reinvigorate American innovation through research and development, diversify our STEM workforce, and promote American interests and values abroad. Making the COMPETES Act law will deliver a key victory for our workers and families, while ensuring America can outcompete any nation -- now and for decades to come."

The bill includes numerous provisions to strengthen and promote America's leadership around the globe, including in such areas as investing in partnerships and alliances, investing in standing up for America's values, expanding our investments in diplomacy, and promoting human rights. Rep. Bass was selected to find consensus on the aspects of the bill that pertain to foreign affairs.

"I want to thank Speaker Pelosi for this appointment," said Rep. Bass. "I look forward to working with both my colleagues in the House and the Senate on both sides of the aisle to deliver a bill that's best for the people of Los Angeles and for the people of this country."

The United States has long been a beacon of excellence in science and technology in the world. Since the last major investment in innovation and competitiveness, the original COMPETES Act, was passed nearly 15 years ago, America has fallen behind in terms of global science and innovation leadership. The need to reinvest in and reimagine our approach to science and innovation has become a national imperative. Now is the time to recommit to boldly and strategically investing in our nation's future -- to promote America's economic strength, the well-being of our communities, our national security and our leadership in the world. This transformative legislation will ensure that America can out-compete any nation, for decades to come.

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