President Joe Biden has also called for $50 billion to boost semiconductor production and research.
Supporters of funding note the U.S. had a 37 percent share of semiconductors and microelectronics production in 1990; today just 12 percent of semiconductors are manufactured in the U.S.
“There is an urgent need for our economic and national security to provide funding to swiftly implement these critical programs. The Chinese Communist Party is aggressively investing over $150 billion in semiconductor manufacturing so they can control this key technology,” the summary says.
The measure would “support the rapid implementation of the semiconductor provisions” in the defense bill.
The draft summary says it would include $39 billion in production and R&D incentives and $10.5 billion to implement programs including the National Semiconductor Technology Center, National Advanced Packaging Manufacturing Program, and other R&D programs.
Meanwhile, executives from the Alliance for Automotive Innovation and the Semiconductor Industry Association said they are committed to resolving the global chip shortage “as quickly and efficiently as possible.”
The two associations held a joint industry workshop Friday to discuss the shortage. Participants included experts and executives from the automotive and semiconductor sectors. A full list of participants was not immediately available.
“To strengthen America’s chip supply chains over the long term, we believe it is critical for President Biden and Congress to fund the domestic semiconductor manufacturing incentives and research initiatives in the CHIPS for America Act,” John Bozzella, CEO of the alliance, said in a joint statement with John Neuffer, CEO of the Semiconductor Industry Association.
“Federal investments in domestic chip production and innovation will strengthen America’s economy and global competitiveness,” the executives said.
The alliance and other industry groups have urged the government to dedicate a portion of funding in the CHIPS for America Act to auto sector needs.
The Endless Frontier Act is a separate bill that could include funding for the CHIPS for America Act, which was part of the fiscal 2021 National Defense Authorization Act. The CHIPS Act still awaits congressional funding.
SIA, which represents major companies in the sector such as Intel Corp., said it favors boosting production across the board.
Audrey LaForest of Automotive News contributed to this report.
