Washington, January 25, 2022 House Committee on the Judiciary Press Release
Washington, D.C. – Today, the House posted text of the America Creating Opportunities for Manufacturing, Pre-Eminence in Technology and Economic Strength Act of 2022. The America COMPETES Act of 2022 includes a historic investment to surge production of American-made semiconductors, tackles supply chain vulnerabilities to make more goods in America, turbocharges America’s scientific research and technological leadership, and strengthens America’s economic and national security at home and abroad.
“The United States has long been a beacon of excellence in science and engineering,” said Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson. “If we’re going to continue to lead, the time is now to chart our own course. That’s what my colleagues and I in the House plan to do with the America COMPETES Act of 2022. I am so proud of the bipartisan Science Committee provisions that are included in this package. Our bills were built from the ground up with rigorous input from the scientific community on what they need most to succeed in the 21st century. They will bolster our nation’s competitiveness and reaffirm our global leadership in innovation and technology. These transformative investments in science and innovation will help us to revitalize our research infrastructure, create STEM opportunities for all, build clean energy solutions, address the climate crisis, reinforce our national security, enhance our semiconductor manufacturing capabilities, and so much more. By leveraging our scientific investments and talent to develop solutions that improve the lives of each and every American – including those in historically underserved communities – we help ensure the durability of our leadership. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate, Speaker Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Schumer, and President Biden as we come together to put America on a path to prosperity and leadership.”
“It’s beyond time for the U.S. to place itself on a path to compete at a global level in the modern era, and that includes creating long-term economic growth and quality jobs for the American people,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair Peter DeFazio. “I’m pleased the America COMPETES Act includes provisions from my committee that would authorize $4 billion in new grants to help communities that have historically been left behind finally get ahead and stay ahead in the 21st century economy.”
“The America COMPETES Act helps put us on course to lead the pack in creating the strongest and most advanced economy of the future,” Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr, said. “This legislation strengthens our nation’s supply chains so more critical goods are manufactured here in the United States instead of China. It also bolsters our Strategic National Stockpile and invests in the next generation of cutting-edge technology. This comprehensive legislation brings together many bills that have garnered strong bipartisan support in the past, and I’m hopeful it will pass with that same bipartisan spirit.”
“This legislation is more than just talk – it’s a bill with teeth that cracks down on China’s abuses of U.S. trade laws,” said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard E. Neal. “Strengthening our supply chains and combatting China’s trade practices that distort the global market are bipartisan priorities, and I know members on both sides of the aisle want to ensure American workers, manufacturers, and farmers have all the tools they need to succeed in the world economy. With key improvements to Trade Adjustment Assistance programs, this bill expands and modernizes the support available to workers and firms under strain due to international competition. The America COMPETES Act of 2022 is the boldest, best option we have to stand up to China’s harmful actions and support American workers.”
“Right now, China and other bad actors are threatening our national security and global financial stability,” said Financial Services Committee Chairwoman Maxine Waters. “This is why The America COMPETES Act is commonsense, long overdue legislation that will finally hold countries like China accountable for the ways that they engage in illicit or aggressive activity to harm our nation’s financial system. With this bill, our country and our allies will be stronger and better suited to compete and push back against these attacks. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to get this bill across the finish line.”
“As our nation competes to win the 21st century, Congress has a duty to invest in American workers and safeguard American innovation,” said Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler. “The strategic, bipartisan investments in this bill will enhance protections for consumers, promote competition in our economy, and strengthen scientific research and development for generations to come. Our nation will benefit greatly from this historic legislation, and I look forward to its swift passage by the House of Representatives.”
“To ensure U.S. innovation and global leadership in emerging technology, we must develop and foster programs within the federal government to attract top cyber talent,” said Oversight and Reform Committee Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney. “At the same time, we must protect the privacy and civil liberties of Americans as we explore new technological frontiers. The Oversight Committee’s provisions in the America COMPETES Act of 2022 will help our nation meet those challenges. I applaud Speaker Pelosi for bringing this comprehensive package to the House floor to codify these essential national security and economic priorities.”
“The success and competitiveness of the American economy depends on the strength of our nation’s workforce. The America COMPETES Act will connect our nation’s students and workers with the skills they need to succeed in high-tech industries while keeping our economy competitive in the years ahead. These investments will allow more K-12 schools to offer their students classes in computer sciences and create low-cost pathways for college STEM credits, and it builds on the bipartisan support for apprenticeships by expanding high-quality Registered Apprenticeship opportunities. Importantly, the jobs created by this legislation include protections to ensure workers are paid a decent wage. I am grateful to my colleagues for working together to produce a proposal that will secure a brighter future for our nation’s workers and the American economy,” said Education and Labor Committee Chairman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott.
“I am proud that the House has put together strong, bipartisan legislation to ensure America remains competitive in the world, while boosting our economic and national security,” said Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie G. Thompson. “Homeland security provisions in this bill will boost domestic sourcing of vital homeland security equipment and supplies, create new opportunities for small businesses, and improve the security of DHS’ supply chain. The House bill holds real promise to spur economic opportunity and warrants consideration in short order.”
“America COMPETES builds a foundation for America to succeed for decades to come, not just in our competition with the PRC, but in our fight for a more peaceful, prosperous, and just world. At home, it does so by investing in innovation in critical industries and bolstering our institutions. Through the inclusion of my bill, the EAGLE Act, America COMPETES will also ensure that America leads with diplomacy on the world stage to bring our partners and allies with us. It will elevate our leadership in international forums and on global issues to counter China’s efforts to undermine global rules. And it will ensure that the US Government stands up for our values by holding the PRC to account for its gross violation of human rights from Xinjiang, to Tibet, to Hong Kong. I praise the Speaker and my House colleagues for putting together a comprehensive strategy to tackle the China challenge,” said Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Gregory W. Meeks.
“I’m proud to sponsor this bill, which strengthens America’s legacy as a world leader in both environmental conservation and labor standards. These bipartisan provisions to protect our oceans and combat wildlife trafficking set us apart from Chinese government practices, help us hold bad actors accountable and secure America’s long term economic security,” said Natural Resources Committee Chairman Raúl M. Grijalva.