Vice President Kamala Harris recently defended the CHIPS and Science Act in response to comments made by House Speaker Mike Johnson, who suggested that Republicans might attempt to repeal the law if they gain control of Congress. Harris, speaking to reporters in Milwaukee, expressed concern about Johnson’s remarks and linked them to broader Republican intentions under former President Donald Trump.
Context of the CHIPS Act
Passed in 2022 with bipartisan support, the CHIPS Act allocates nearly $53 billion to enhance domestic semiconductor manufacturing, which is vital for industries such as artificial intelligence. Harris emphasized the importance of this legislation during her address, stating, “It is my plan and intention to continue to invest in American manufacturing, the work being done by American workers upholding and lifting up good union jobs.” She believes that such investments are essential for competing with China in the 21st century.
Johnson’s Controversial Remarks
During a campaign event for vulnerable GOP candidate Brandon Williams, Johnson responded to a reporter’s question about whether the GOP would seek to repeal the CHIPS Act, saying, “I expect that we probably will, but we haven’t developed that part of the agenda yet.” His comments have drawn criticism and have since been walked back, with Johnson clarifying that repealing the CHIPS Act is not on the GOP agenda.
Johnson’s statements align with sentiments expressed by Trump, who has criticized the CHIPS Act and suggested imposing tariffs on imported semiconductors. Trump stated in a recent interview that the legislation is flawed, claiming, “We put up billions of dollars for rich companies to come in and borrow the money,” and expressed skepticism about their commitment to delivering quality products.
Political Ramifications
The fallout from Johnson’s comments has prompted swift reactions from Democrats, especially with the upcoming Nov. 5 elections. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized Johnson’s remarks, stating that they could jeopardize the jobs of construction workers involved in semiconductor projects. Williams, whose district stands to benefit from a new Micron semiconductor manufacturing plant linked to the CHIPS Act, also attempted to mitigate the situation, describing the law as “hugely impactful.”
With Democrats needing to gain just four additional House seats to retake control, polling indicates that the races are highly competitive. Johnson’s initial statement and subsequent clarifications have become a focal point for Democratic campaigns, showcasing the critical nature of manufacturing legislation in the current political landscape.
