In February, Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) joined Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) as a co-sponsor of the Securing Semiconductor Supply Chains Act of 2023. Over 10 months later, the bill passed unanimously in the upper chamber.
According to Sen. Scott’s press release, the bill encourages the development of strategies that would “attract investment in U.S. semiconductor manufacturers and supply chains.” The bill directs the U.S. Department of Commerce’s SelectUSA program as well as other government agencies to facilitate the necessary innovation.
With the threat of semiconductor shortages worldwide, the senators’ bill could be incredibly influential down the road.
Sen. Scott mentioned that “it is beyond time” to focus and ramp up domestic production.
“As Communist China’s influence in the semiconductor market continues to grow, it is beyond time to boost domestic production,” said Sen. Scott. “It is clear more must be done to strengthen American manufacturers instead of propping up businesses in Communist China, and we must be laser-focused on keeping China out of our supply chains and economy. Producing American-made semiconductors is essential to that goal, and our Securing Semiconductor Supply Chains Act is a good place to start.”
Additionally, Sen. Peters stated that his bill would rein in America’s dependence on foreign semiconductor manufacturers.
“In order to remain a global economic powerhouse in the 21st century, we must continue to build on the investments we made in the CHIPS and Science Act to boost U.S. production of semiconductor chips, which we know will dictate the future of technology and innovation,” said Sen. Peters. “My bipartisan bill would do just that by strengthening our efforts to attract investment in American semiconductor manufacturers as well as their suppliers, reducing our dependence on foreign producers for these critical technologies and creating good-paying jobs here at home.”
Companion legislation was brought forth by Representatives Greg Pence (R-IN) and Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and passed in the House of Representatives a few months prior.
Rick Scott is running for a second term in the Senate. He is expected to face former Representative Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D-FL) in 2024.
