20 industry associations send letter urging swift action on Competition Bill

Feb 16, 2022

As the administration and members of both parties continue to meet to bridge differences between the United States Innovation and Competition Act of 2021 (USICA) and the America COMPETES, industry leaders wrote to Congressional leaders, urging them to set aside their differences and quickly get legislation to the President’s desk that invests in American manufacturing, innovation, and supply chains.

Here is what 20 of the nation’s premier industry associations, including the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association, the National Defense Industrial Association, North America’s Building Trades Unions, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, are saying in their letter to Congressional leadership:

“With both the House and Senate having passed legislation to provide for funding of the CHIPS for America Act, the undersigned associations and labor organizations – representing major sectors of the American economy and millions of workers – urge you to take immediate action to reconcile the two bills and reach a bipartisan compromise on competitiveness legislation for signature by the president. In addition to critical funding for the CHIPS Act, we call on Congress to adopt a strengthened version of the investment tax credit set forth in the FABS Act for both semiconductor manufacturing and design.

“It has been over a year since Congress authorized the CHIPS Act in the FY2021 National Defense Authorization Act, and it is essential Congress act swiftly to provide funding to make this law a reality. Our global competitors are investing heavily in semiconductor manufacturing and research, and continued inaction by the U.S. risks placing our country further behind in the competition for economic growth, supply chain resilience, technology leadership, and strengthened national security. The current chip shortage continues, highlighting the critical role of semiconductors throughout the economy and the need to better position the U.S. to weather future supply chain disruptions.

“Now is the time to act on this important national priority. Funding for the CHIPS Act as part of a broader competitiveness package will help reinvigorate domestic semiconductor manufacturing and technology development needed to grow our economy and enhance our national security. Additionally, adoption of a strengthened FABS Act will ensure long term success in semiconductor manufacturing and design in the U.S. by incentivizing investment in new, expanded, and upgraded fabs, equipment production facilities, and chip design. We urge immediate action to commence negotiations and work towards a final compromise bill that can swiftly pass both chambers and send this vital legislation to the president’s desk.”

The letter was signed by the following associations – representing major sectors of the American economy and millions of workers:

AdvaMed

Alliance for Automotive Innovation

American Automotive Policy Council (AAPC)

Autos Drive America

Business Roundtable (BRT)

CTIA

Information Technology Industry Council (ITI)

IPC – Build Electronics Better

Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA)

National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA)

National Electrical Manufacturers Association