The United States Congress is reportedly looking to boost semiconductor manufacturing and research in the country, for which it must work out the differences between the bills passed by the House and the Senate.

With a shortage in global computer chips, the manufacturing of cars, computers, and several other necessities has been severely affected.

Both lawmaking bodies are vying for public support with the bills ahead of the November elections by addressing the supply chain issues. For carrying out the negotiations between the two legislations, Congress has formed a committee whose members were recently announced.

With the semiconductor legislation a top priority, President Joe Biden will need the support of at least 10 Senate Republicans, or even more, to get the bill to his desk, as highlighted by the Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell. He stated that without major changes and concessions from the House of Democrats, the legislation will have no chance of becoming law.

Rep. Suzan DelBene, chair of the New Democrat Coalition, confirmed that the committee has a stronger bill in the House and that there are important points in it that should also be considered by the Senate. She added that inputs by everyone should be ensured during the negotiations.

While the Senate bill is anticipated increase expenditure by around $250 billion over the next 10 years, the House bill might increase expenditure by over $400 billion in the same period.

Some of the aspects in which both bills have similar points include the allotment for the research and production of semiconductors, the establishment of technology hubs, and giving the seed money to regional organizations rather than universities or communities that have already conducted a lot of tech research.

Another key difference is the priority of the research that will receive funding for the National Science Foundation. However, major differences are on provisions for climate change, trade, immigration, as well as supply chain issues, which the House has made in its bill, but the Senate has not.

Source credit: https://www.wagmtv.com/2022/04/18/congress-seeks-compromise-boost-computer-chip-industry/