Legislation to boost U.S. computer chip production heads to Biden’s desk

The so-called “chips and science” bill now goes to President Joe Biden for his signature. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Congress has passed a $280 billion proposal designed to lift domestic semiconductor production – after chip shortages caused shutdowns at plants like West Point’s Kia campus – and boost the country’s competitiveness globally.

The bill was voted out of the House Thursday with a 243-187 vote, with two dozen Republicans supporting the proposal. Among Georgia’s delegation, Thursday’s vote fell along party lines. 

The measure, called the “chips and science” bill, includes about $52 billion in grants for computer chip production and will spend billions on science and technology innovation, including $81 billion for the National Science Foundation.