Arizona Senator Kelly wants microchip funding law as soon as possible

Senate to discuss bill this week

PHOENIX, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - On November 16, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly released a statement regarding the United States Innovation and Competition Act.

This bill includes billions in funding for microchip manufacturing towards the National Defense Authorization Act, which will be discussed by the Senate soon.

“Microchips are in everything we use, from phones and cars to the most sophisticated fighter jets, and right now the supply chain is largely out of our control and in some cases subject to influence by adversaries like China," began Senator Kelly. "In June, I worked with Republicans and Democrats to pass an agreement through the Senate to boost microchip manufacturing in Arizona and across the country. Since then, despite the ongoing microchip shortage that is straining supply chains and raising costs, the House has failed to take up this legislation.

The United States has seen a microchip shortage affecting supply chains. A recent report predicted a large scarcity of technology this holiday season, including video game consoles and smartphones.

“There is no more time to waste. In addition to being a job-creator, restoring microchip manufacturing to our shores is also a national security imperative. That’s why I am working with my colleagues to add the United States Innovation and Competition Act and its microchip provisions to the defense bill so that it can be signed into law as soon as possible," said Senator Kelly.