Trump scolds Congress over bipartisan CHIPS Act – Washington Examiner
During his recent joint address to Congress, former President Donald Trump called for the repeal of the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act, which had been enacted under President Joe Biden in 2022. This $280 billion legislation was designed to allocate $52 billion towards domestic semiconductor production and other scientific advancements, with an aim to enhance U.S. competitiveness and diminish reliance on China.
Trump criticized the CHIPS Act, labeling it a “horrible” initiative that he claimed provided companies with funds without ensuring economic benefits in return. He argued that rather of facilitating growth,the law encouraged companies to expect handouts as they sought to avoid tariffs imposed on foreign goods. In his address, Trump urged Congress to dismantle the act, suggesting that any remaining funds should be redirected to reduce national debt or other pressing needs.
The CHIPS and science Act was notable for receiving significant bipartisan support in congress, marking a major legislative success for the Biden governance just before Trump announced his return to the political arena for the 2024 elections. Despite the earlier support, trump’s remarks reflect a shift that may influence Republican party dynamics as they consider Trump’s stance on recent bipartisan efforts. His comments have already prompted reactions within the Republican leadership, as some members continue to back the CHIPS Act for its perceived strategic benefits.
Trump demands Congress repeal bipartisan CHIPS Act
President Donald Trump urged lawmakers Tuesday night during his first joint address to Congress of his second term to repeal the CHIPS and Science Act.
The $280 billion bill, passed with bipartisan support and signed into law by former President Joe Biden in 2022, provided $52 billion for U.S. companies to produce computer chips that were in critical demand, as well as tens of billions more to boost semiconductor manufacturing, advance scientific research, and combat China by strengthening U.S. competitiveness.
Trump, touting his recent tariffs levied against countries like Mexico, Canada, and China, suggested companies were using the law’s funding for a free handout without providing any economic return.
“Your CHIPS Act is a horrible, horrible thing. We give hundreds of billions of dollars and it doesn’t mean a thing. They take our money and they don’t spend it,” Trump said without citing specifics. “All that was important to them was they didn’t want to pay the tariffs, so they came in the building and many other companies are coming. We have to give them money. We just want to protect our businesses and our people. And they will come because they won’t have to pay tariffs if they build in America. So, it’s very amazing.”
Speaking to the hundreds of lawmakers who sat before him, Trump added, “You should get rid of the CHIPS Act and whatever is left over, Mr. Speaker, you should use it to reduce debt or any other reason you want to.”
The CHIPS and Science Act passed the House with the backing of 24 Republicans and the Senate with 17 Republicans, including conservative allies who argued it would fill gaps in the U.S. supply chain that presented national security threats and would counter reliance on China for certain goods.
WHICH ITEMS WOULD BE AFFECTED BY TRUMP’S PROPOSED TARIFFS ON CANADA AND MEXICO
But the bill’s passage marked a major bipartisan achievement for Biden that came just months before Trump announced his 2024 campaign.
Trump repeatedly railed against the CHIPS and Science Act on the campaign trail, prompting House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) to suggest just days before the November elections that his chamber may seek to repeal the law if Trump was elected. Johnson quickly walked back the comments amid backlash from a Republican lawmaker supportive of the law whom the speaker was campaigning for.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...