North Texas News

Today, Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), Chairman of the Rules Committee, addressed the House of Representatives regarding the Building Chips in America Act and issued a statement following its passage.

“The passage of the Building Chips in America Act on the House of Representatives floor today is a great first step in the investment of the semiconductor manufacturing industry in the United States,” said Chairman Burgess. “Currently there are more than 47 thousand semiconductor manufacturing jobs in Texas. This bill will expand job growth by thousands and keep Texas at the forefront of national resurgence in high-tech manufacturing. I would like to thank Senator Ted Cruz for collaborating with me on this important legislation as we reshore chip manufacturing and strengthen our nation’s economic and national security objectives.”

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 2228 - Building Chips in America Act. Last week, I joined my fellow members from the Texas Delegation in sending a letter to our leadership requesting we prioritize this crucial piece of legislation. I would like to thank Speaker Johnson and Majority Leader Scalise for considering bringing the Building Chips in America Act on the House floor this week.

Semiconductors are necessary for some of the most vital technology we have today – from the phone in our pockets to insulin pumps and advanced medical imaging. This bill will cut through bureaucratic tape and streamline the National Environmental Policy Act’s regulations for microchip manufacturing which otherwise would have taken years to ever cross the finish line.

Let me be clear, the NEPA process is valuable. The environmental impact assessments and reviews that are conducted in this country are a pragmatic symbol of the American people’s commitment to environmental conservation and land management. However, there is work to be done on the efficiency of the process as a whole.

Due to NEPA’s red tape, many semiconductor projects are delayed and manufacturers become discouraged in developing domestic manufacturing projects. Not only will this bill open job opportunities for thousands of people, but it also will empower our nation’s economic and national security goals. The Chips Act is an investment into domestic manufacturing projects.

This legislation is important to Texas as we remain at the forefront of national resurgence in high-tech manufacturing. Streamlining the NEPA process will help companies in the semiconductor supply chain bring great economic prosperity to our state. I urge members to support this bill, thank you and I yield back.