U.S. Senate committee leaders intend to propose spending $110 billion over five years on basic and advanced technology research and development in the United States and creating a new position of “White House Chief of Manufacturing” (CMO) to respond to growing competitive pressure from mainland China, according to documents.
According to a copy of the 131-page draft legislation obtained by Reuters, the Endless Frontier Act, which has bipartisan support, would authorize about $95 billion for basic and advanced technology research, commercialization, education and training programs in key technologies, including These areas include artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, quantum computing, advanced communications, biotechnology, advanced energy, and others.
The bill would also authorize the use of another $10 billion to establish at least ten regional technology centers and develop supply chain crisis response plans to address issues such as chip shortages. Reuters also obtained a letter showing that the U.S. auto industry lost 27,000 jobs in April due to the chip shortage, urging Congress to allocate funds to enhance chip production capacity.
The revised version of the bill, scheduled for debate on the 12th, will also create a new Senate-approved manufacturing director position, the official will serve in the Executive Office of the President, and will lead the newly established “Office of Manufacturing and Industrial Innovation Policy”.
The bill would prohibit Chinese companies from participating in the “Made in America” program unless a waiver is obtained. This program is a joint effort between the U.S. government and businesses to improve industrial competitiveness.
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