The proposed legislation to boost semiconductor manufacturing
With a semiconductor shortage having a ripple effect across manufacturing since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, a proposed bill would help incentivize U.S. microchip production.
A semiconductor manufacturing bill in Washington offers more than $50 billion in government incentives to bolster microchip production. With Republicans warming to the legislation and the Biden Administration pushing for its approval, the bill could be signed into law before Congress enters a month-long August break.
The U.S. and other countries have seen a semiconductor shortage hold up production on things like cars and electronics, leading to higher costs and inflation.
“From 1990 when we manufactured 37% of America’s semiconductors here in the U.S. — that number is down to 12%.” — John Neuffer, Semiconductor Industry Association
John Neuffer is president and CEO of the Semiconductor Industry Association. He says while the United States once was a leader in microchip manufacturing, other countries began investing in the area decades ago.
“As a result,” says Neuffer, “from 1990 when we manufactured 37% of America’s semiconductors here in the U.S. — that number is down to 12%.”
Neuffer says the proposed legislation aims to remedy that shortcoming in two ways.
“One is in the form of $10’s of billions in grants,” says Neuffer, “and then also in an investment tax credit.”
Beyond reinforcing the country’s microchip manufacturing, Neuffer says, if signed into law, the bill could lead to hundreds of thousands of jobs.
Listen: John Neuffer discusses the proposed legislation to boost semiconductor manufacturing.
Trusted, accurate, up-to-date.
WDET strives to make our journalism accessible to everyone. As a public media institution, we maintain our journalistic integrity through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.
