SEMI, the industry association serving the global semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain, issued the following statement from Joe Stockunas, President of SEMI Americas. Stockunas commends a proposed legislative action by the United States Government to address the Notice of Funding Opportunity for CHIPS and Science Act support for the construction, modernization, or expansion of semiconductor research and development (R&D) facilities in the United States:
“As a result of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s decision to change course on issuing a third Notice of Funding Opportunity for commercial R&D under the CHIPS and Science Act, the program now faces a funding headwind to fully meet its mandate. The shift was necessitated by legislative actions directing a $3.5 billion investment in secure enclave. We strongly support a legislative solution to bridge this funding gap for the CHIPS Program Office. The Senate Commerce Committee will consider the solution – Section 602 of the Spectrum and National Security Act – this week.”
“As currently written, the proposed legislation would responsibly restore the full funding and enable the Department of Commerce to continue strengthening the domestic supply chain and reprioritize semiconductor commercial R&D projects as initially envisioned by the CHIPS and Science Act. SEMI applauds the vital work underway by the Senate Commerce Committee and looks forward to supporting the passage of the legislation on behalf of SEMI membership.”
Visit SEMI Global Advocacy to learn more about public policy efforts and developments, and SEMI Workforce Development for more information on efforts to address the microelectronics industry’s talent needs.