House Republicans query Raimondo on semiconductors and China trade ties.
House Republicans Push for American Interests in Technological Advancements
House Republicans are demanding reassurances from the Biden administration’s Commerce Department that American interests are being prioritized in dealing with technological advancements and the use of semiconductors in national defense technology.
In a recent hearing held by the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina M. Raimondo faced questioning from lawmakers regarding the Department of Commerce’s implementation of provisions related to semiconductors under the CHIPS and Science Act.
Rep. Michael Garcia (R-Calif.) initiated the discussion, emphasizing the importance of addressing ongoing trade disputes with China. He highlighted China’s status as the most significant threat to the United States and stressed the need for a fair and reciprocal trade agreement.
“China is currently the biggest threat to the United States as a pure adversary,” stated Mr. Garcia. “We must find a way to establish a reciprocal trade agreement… It’s crucial that we come together and work towards a fair and balanced agreement.”Ms. Raimondo echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for reciprocity with China. She pointed out disparities, such as Chinese companies operating in the United States while American companies face restrictions in China.
The commerce secretary expressed her determination to level the playing field in U.S.-China trade relations, stating that “enough is enough.”
During Ms. Raimondo’s opening statement, she emphasized her department’s commitment to national security in the CHIPS program. She highlighted efforts to prevent the misuse of research and innovation for the benefit of China’s military.Ms. Raimondo mentioned a proposed rule, “Preventing the Improper Use of CHIPS Act Funding,” which aims to limit semiconductor manufacturing in foreign countries of concern and restrict joint research or technology licensing with foreign entities of concern.
The commerce secretary intends to finalize the rule later this year.
The discussion also addressed the importance of aligning semiconductor chip production with defense requirements. Mr. Garcia expressed concerns about ensuring that the semiconductor industry supports defense needs.
Mr. Garcia emphasized the need to “port over the requirements list to the DoD applications” to avoid building semiconductor chips for non-essential purposes.
Ms. Raimondo provided assurance by mentioning a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Department of Commerce and the Department of Defense. The MOU facilitates information sharing and collaboration to ensure that semiconductor chip production aligns with defense needs.Russia Sanctions
The conversation briefly shifted to Russia sanctions, with Rep. Garcia seeking Ms. Raimondo’s views on the effectiveness of Treasury in enforcing sanctions against Russia, particularly concerning the conflict in Ukraine.Ms. Raimondo commended U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and her department for their efforts in challenging circumstances. She emphasized her focus on export controls and acknowledged the ongoing battle against Russian attempts to circumvent sanctions.
Ms. Raimondo highlighted the vigilance required to counter Russia’s efforts.
“The thing I’m focused on is the export controls,” Ms. Raimondo said. “I’ll be honest, it is a brutal day-to-day fight. Every time we find out that they’re going around or export controls. We come down on them, but it’s a little like a whack-a-mole.
“Russia has been putting these net global networks together for decades there. They’re good at getting around us. And I’d like to think we’re even better about stopping it.”
How do House Republicans view the issue of semiconductor manufacturing and its implications for national security?
Es, particularly China, to protect U.S. national security interests. The rule would require companies that receive CHIPS Act funding to ensure that their manufacturing facilities and equipment are not located in designated foreign countries, and that the resulting products do not pose a threat to U.S. national security.
House Republicans commended Ms. Raimondo for her efforts in addressing the issue of semiconductor manufacturing and its implications for national security. They expressed their support for measures that prioritize American interests and protect U.S. technological advancements from being exploited by potential adversaries.
Rep. Frank Lucas (R-Okla.) emphasized the importance of maintaining a competitive edge in technological advancements and the need for strong domestic semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. He stated, “The global semiconductor shortage has highlighted our overreliance on foreign sources for critical components. We must invest in domestic manufacturing and innovation to ensure our national security and economic prosperity.”
Furthermore, House Republicans raised concerns about the vulnerability of the U.S. supply chain in semiconductors and the potential for foreign adversaries to exploit this vulnerability. They stressed the need for a comprehensive strategy to secure the supply chain and protect critical technologies from
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