On March 7, 2024, ahead of President Joe Biden's State of the Union address, Vice President Kamala Harris addressed remarks made by House Speaker Mike Johnson regarding the potential repeal of the CHIPS and Science Act. Speaking to reporters in Milwaukee, Harris expressed her concerns about Johnson's comments, which she saw as a reflection of former President Donald Trump's broader agenda, known as Project 2025.
Harris pointed out that this is not the first time GOP leadership has suggested dismantling key legislation, referencing their previous efforts to eliminate the Affordable Care Act. She pointed out that the CHIPS Act, passed with bipartisan support in 2022 , plays a vital role in supporting the U.S. semiconductor industry, a sector crucial to advances in areas such as artificial intelligence.
During a campaign event for Representative Brandon Williams in New York, Johnson indicated that the Republican Party might consider repealing the CHIPS Act if it regained control of Congress. Asked by a reporter about the GOP's plans, he said, “I expect we probably will, but we haven't developed that part of the agenda yet.”
The CHIPS Act was essential in securing nearly $53 billion in funding to bolster domestic semiconductor manufacturing. Since its enactment, the federal government has already committed more than $30 billion in investments, highlighting the law's importance to the economy and national security.
Harris emphasized the importance of investing in America's manufacturing sector, saying, “It is my plan and intention to continue to invest in America's manufacturing sector, in the work done by American workers who support and improve good union jobs.” He argued that such investments are key to maintaining competitiveness against economic rivals such as China.
Johnson's comments echoed sentiments expressed by Trump during a recent interview with Joe Rogan, in which the former president criticized the CHIPS Act. Trump accused Taiwan of undermining US chip production and suggested imposing tariffs on imported semiconductors. “The chip deal is bad,” Trump noted, saying that the funding allocated to semiconductor companies is not producing the desired results.
In response to Johnson's comments, Rep. Williams, whose district will benefit from a new Micron semiconductor manufacturing plant supported by the CHIPS Act, attempted to clarify the situation. He highlighted the positive impact of the CHIPS Act on local jobs and economic growth. Following Johnson's remarks, Williams said the President “profusely apologized” and indicated he had misunderstood the reporter's question.
As the political landscape heats up, with Democrats aiming to gain four additional House seats to regain control, the stakes are high. Polls indicate that the upcoming election will be highly competitive, with results appearing too close to announce.
In an attempt to mitigate the consequences of Johnson's statements, he later clarified that repealing the CHIPS Act is not part of the GOP's agenda. However, this clarification came just days before the November 5 elections, giving Democrats an opportunity to seize the moment.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized Johnson's remarks, suggesting they threaten the job security of thousands of construction workers involved in building the future of New York and the nation. In a social media post, Schumer said the president's comments conveyed a message that could jeopardize the livelihoods of industry workers.
As the political discourse continues to evolve, Harris' response and the broader implications of Johnson's comments highlight the ongoing tensions surrounding economic policy and job creation in the context of national competitiveness. The situation remains fluid as both parties prepare for crucial upcoming elections, with the fate of key legislation and the direction of the economy hanging in the balance.
