July 28, 2022

Congressman Castro Votes to Pass CHIPS and Science Act to Tackle Semiconductor Shortage, Invest in American Manufacturing, and Lower Costs for Consumers

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) voted to pass the CHIPS and Science Act, bipartisan legislation that will expand production of American-made semiconductors, tackle supply chain vulnerabilities and lower costs, bolster America’s scientific research and technological leadership, and strengthen the nation’s economic and national security.

“Today’s passage of the CHIPS and Science Act is a powerful step forward to fight inflation, protect America’s role as a global innovation leader, and reinvest in working people,” said Congressman Castro. “In San Antonio, the CHIPS and Science Act will lower costs on everything from cars to cell phones, create good-paying STEM and manufacturing jobs, and support minority scientists and researchers at institutions like UTSA. This bill is an important investment in our economic growth and I look forward to seeing the opportunities it will create for our city.”

The CHIPS and Science Act includes provisions that will:

  • Dedicate more than $52 billion to build, modernize, or expand domestic facilities and equipment for semiconductor manufacturing, helping to lower costs for cars and a broad range of consumer electronics.
  • Diversify the nation’s STEM workforce to create new opportunities for scientists and researchers from underrepresented backgrounds.
  • Establish a $1 billion grant program for persistently distressed communities, creating good-paying jobs that meet local economic development needs.
  • Advance regional technology hubs to ensure that communities across the country can participate in research and development.

A full fact sheet on the CHIPS and Science Act can be found here.