Spanberger Votes to Send Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen American Competitiveness, Boost Homegrown Semiconductor Production to the President’s Desk

Congresswoman Calls Legislation “A Victory for Virginia’s Economy, Virginia’s Workforce, & Virginia’s Future”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger today voted with a bipartisan majority of the U.S. House to strengthen America’s semiconductor research, development, and production. The U.S. Senate voted yesterday to pass the bill, which now goes to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law.

The legislation would make $52 billion in funding available for semiconductor research and manufacturing — so that more chips can be made in America. Additionally, it would offer companies a tax credit for investments in domestic manufacturing facilities — rather than facilities overseas. Since arriving in Congress, Spanberger has heard directly from Virginia leaders, companies, and research institutions about the need for this additional investment.

“This vote is long overdue — but today’s progress represents a victory for Virginia’s economy, Virginia’s workforce, and Virginia’s future,” said Spanberger. “By investing in domestic semiconductor production and boosting homegrown innovation, we are leveling the playing field for American companies, including those currently in Virginia and those looking to relocate to our Commonwealth. Additionally, we are preventing future shortages of semiconductors, microchips, and the many consumer goods they power — from cars and tractors to cell phones and dishwashers.”

Spanberger continued,“ Today, I’m proud to vote in support of Virginia’s semiconductor industry, the many industries that rely on them, and the consumers who will see lower costs at the store. I’m also proud to vote to protect our national security in the face of increased competition and threats from the Chinese Communist Party. It is imperative that we win this competition, demonstrate our global leadership, and show the world the true dominance of American technology in the 21st century.”

“We are grateful for Rep. Spanberger’s efforts to win passage of the CHIPS Act, a critical measure for America’s economy and homeland security,” said Anthony J. Romanello, Executive Director, Henrico Economic Development Authority. “Henrico and the Commonwealth of Virginia have a long history of innovation in the semiconductor industry. With the federal support provided by the CHIPS Act, semiconductor manufacturers can take full advantage of Henrico and Virginia’s robust infrastructure, shovel ready sites, and talented workforce to ensure the domestic semiconductor industry can flourish immediately.”

Yesterday, Spanberger pressed U.S. House leadership for an immediate vote on this legislation, following its passage with a bipartisan vote in the U.S. Senate.

Earlier this year, Spanberger and U.S. Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) led the entire Virginia congressional delegation in calling on the U.S. Department of Commerce to consider Virginia for future locations of major semiconductor production and research facilities made possible through investments in the CHIPS Act.

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