January 24, 2022

In response to the White House urging Congress to pass legislation—the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act (USICA)— to strengthen U.S. research, development, and manufacturing for critical supply chains, including semiconductors, National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) President and CEO Debra Phillips issued the following statement:

"The White House is rightly calling attention to the urgent need for bolstering U.S. semiconductor manufacturing and supply chain capabilities across the economy that enable essential functionality in connectivity, manufacturing, smart building, medical diagnostics, and mobility technologies. Semiconductors are essential to nearly every aspect of Americans' lives, and a reliable, resilient supply is required to achieve the shared infrastructure modernization goals of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act recently passed by Congress."

"The immediate passage of CHIPS for America Act as a part of USICA is an important step in solving domestic supply challenges." 

"Government policy should focus on the availability of all types of chips, including memory chips, microprocessors, standard chips, and chips with complex embedded software systems. Each plays a unique role in technologies and critical infrastructure across the economy."

"NEMA thanks the U.S. Senate for last year passing USICA in a bipartisan fashion. We look forward to working with the House of Representatives to ensure this crucial legislation is passed in both chambers."