Context. Congress authorized incentives for semiconductor manufacturing and investment in semiconductor research in the bipartisan Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) for America Act (H.R. 7178/ S. 3933), a version of which was included in the FY21 National Defense Authorization Act. The Act supports production incentives and research and design, including the creation of a National Semiconductor Technology Center.

Although Congress already authorized the incentives, it has not yet provided funding, and the amount to be appropriated is under debate. On February 24, 2021, President Biden pressed for $37 billion in funding: “I’m directing senior officials in my administration to work with industrial leaders to identify solutions to the semiconductor shortfall. . . . Congress has authorized a bill but they need . . . $37 billion to make sure that we have this capacity. I’ll push for that as well.” On March 31, 2021, he increased the amount to $50 billion. As stated in a White House press release: “The President also is calling on Congress to invest $50 billion in semiconductor manufacturing and research, as called for in the bipartisan CHIPS Act.”

As reported by the Wall Street Journal, while “supporters say the initiative could help the U.S. regain some of the ground it has lost to other countries, such as Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and China, in semiconductor manufacturing,” some conservatives think the U.S. semiconductor industry is strong and doesn’t need federal subsidies.

Data and resolution details. This question resolves based on a vote by Congress as reported on congress.gov. 

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