Schumer Directs Lawmakers to Draft Semiconductor Legislation to Counter China

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said he directed lawmakers this week to begin crafting legislation to strengthen the U.S. semiconductor industry to out-compete China. The legislation will include a bipartisan bill introduced by Schumer and other lawmakers last year that would increase U.S. investment in technology, research and high-tech manufacturing (see 2006010011), Schumer said, adding that the legislation will also include other semiconductor industry initiatives. Schumer said he plans to call for a vote on the legislation this spring. “[W]e need to get a bill like this to the president's desk quickly to protect America's long-term economic and national security,” Schumer said Feb. 23. The Semiconductor Industry Association applauded Schumer’s comments and said investing in U.S. innovation is “key” to out-competing China (see 2102180062). “We urge the Biden administration and Congress to invest boldly in domestic semiconductor manufacturing and research,” SIA President John Neuffer said.