U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) voted the America Creating Opportunities for Manufacturing Pre-Eminence in Technology and Economic Strength (America COMPETES) Act of 2022 out of the House today to accelerate U.S. production of critical semiconductor chips, strengthen supply chains to make more goods in America, turbocharge our research capacity, and advance our global competitiveness with strong labor and human rights standards.  H.R. 4521 builds on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law with an eye towards economic resiliency and lessons learned in the global economic shakeup caused by the coronavirus pandemic. 

“Today, the House took action to lower costs and strengthen the economy through passage of the America COMPETES Act. This bill will boost domestic manufacturing, turbocharge American scientific and technological leadership, and give American workers and businesses a competitive edge in the global economy while addressing the growing costs of the climate crisis. At a time when our small businesses and neighbors need it most, we are laser-focused on detangling global supply chains, addressing the semiconductor shortage, and growing American manufacturing of chips, cars, trucks, solar panels, and new innovative technologies.

“America COMPETES is supported by a broad coalition of business, labor and consumer groups for good reason. We can seize this opportunity to Build Back Better by boldly investing in our nation’s future. All corners of our community will be served by passage of the America COMPETES Act – from lower costs at the store to the creation of good-paying jobs right here in Tampa Bay. I am hopeful that negotiations with the Senate happen quickly to deliver a final bill to President Biden’s desk, and to power the success of America’s workers, businesses and economy at home and position America to compete – and win – on the world stage,” Castor stated.

Provisions to support Tampa workers and businesses include:

• Creating the CHIPS for America Fund: Includes $52 billion for CHIPS for America Act which will incentivize private-sector investments and continued American leadership in semiconductor fabrication and will help address supply chain disruptions and ensure that more semiconductors are produced here at home
• Strengthening the Supply Chain & American Manufacturing: Authorizes $45 billion to improve our nation’s supply chains and strengthen our economy and national security by preventing shortages of critical goods and ensuring that more of these goods are made right here in the United States
• Advancing American Scientific Research, Technology & Innovation Excellence: Makes major new solutions-driven investments in every aspect of innovation and scientific research, making the kind of investments that will lead to breakthrough discoveries

• Strengthening solar manufacturing supply chains and enhancing grid resilience, including $3 billion to fund the establishment of a domestic solar manufacturing supply chain and $375 million to establish a Strategic Transformer Reserve and invest in critical equipment for the electric grid.
• Strengthening environmental standards to protect our ocean and wildlife, including $20 million annually to combat illegal fishing and up to $58.5 million annually to protect and recover coral reefs.
• Advancing U.S. innovation and competitiveness domestically and globally, including through technical and financial assistance for equitable economic development, workforce development, and alliances in support of workers and human rights.
• Bolstering climate diplomacy to serve U.S. national security and economic interests through a new Climate Security Strategy, Climate Change Officers in missions and a Climate Resilience Coordinator in the State Department, launching a new interagency Climate Impacts Task Force, and ensuring Chiefs of Mission address climate change in a whole-of-government response.