Ohio Now Has More Riding on Federal Chips Bill

A new federal report shows the U.S. is facing an “alarming” shortage of semiconductors, raising the prospect of further factory shutdowns. This is prompting more U.S. policymakers — including Ohio’s federal lawmakers — to call for congressional passage of the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act (USICA), which includes $52 billion to increase semiconductor production.

The U.S. Senate passed the USICA last June, but the measure has stalled in the House. House leaders this week introduced the America Competes Act, a $250 billion bill that includes USICA-level funding for domestic semiconductor production. (The National Association of Manufacturers supports the House bill, as well as the USICA.)

During last week’s announcement that Intel had selected Ohio for its new chip manufacturing site, Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger said passage of the USICA would ensure that the Ohio project is completed in a timely fashion. 1/24/2022