Congress must act to make chipfabs more competitive

The article “Tonko, business leaders tout CHIPS Act,” June 22, is a clear demonstration of why a strong domestic semiconductor supply chain is crucial for the future of New York’s economy.

Robust U.S.-based production will not only create jobs and strengthen the state’s manufacturing capacity, but it will ensure the future of America’s tech leadership and national security. To make this happen, Congress must act now to pass competitiveness legislation that includes $52 billion in CHIPS Act funding as well as a FABS Act investment tax credit for semiconductor design and manufacturing.

Albany and New York state are home to inventive and forward-thinking companies that are poised to lead the future of American-grown innovation, which is built on semiconductors.

It currently costs, however, 25 percent to 50 percent more to build and maintain a fab in the United States than it does in other countries, as the governments of our global competitors continue to provide robust funding and incentives to support and grow their domestic semiconductor industries.

To keep the U.S. competitive, it’s imperative that Congress pass this critical legislation and funding to support our domestic chipmaking capabilities.

I commend Rep. Paul Tonko and Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer for their work championing this bill and urge others to follow. Investing in a strong, American semiconductor industry is investing in America’s future, and it can’t wait.

John Neuffer Washington, D.C. President and CEO, Semiconductor Industry

Association