Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2022

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I am excited to advance this legislation that will ensure our Nation's economic growth and security for generations to come. It is a major response to and a solution for inflation.

For over 30 years, our Nation's share of global semiconductor manufacturing has steadily declined--declined to dangerously low levels. This technology powers our cars, phones, and critical infrastructure like traffic lights and military communications. The global chip shortage is not only a national security concern, but it continues to drive inflation when industries cannot secure the chips necessary to get their products to market.

This CHIPS and Science Act tackles two pressing issues of the day: strengthening U.S. competitiveness and lowering costs for consumers.

I am proud of the role the House has played in the development of this legislation, the tireless work in the House that has secured meaningful guardrails that would prevent companies from investing in our overseas competitors and funds from being used for stock buybacks. These are very critical improvements.

I also thank Chair Johnson and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology for their work on division B of this package to support much-needed boosts to United States research and development. This includes the bipartisan Micro Act, which complements CHIPS funding by accelerating microelectronics research at the Department of Energy.

I recognize Ben Kallen of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology staff and Darian Harbeck of my staff for their hard work to develop and enact this critical legislation.

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 around the world. This transformative legislation will indeed ensure that America can out-compete any Nation for decades to come.

Let's fight inflation, let's grow jobs, let's make certain that we respond fully to the needs of the day.

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