GOP Calls On Trump To Repeal What?
On Wednesday, Republican lawmakers swiftly shot down President Trump’s suggestion that Congress should eliminate the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act, which allocated $52 billion to boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing. Many Republican senators believe the law is crucial for national security and economic stability, especially as the U.S. seeks to lessen its dependence on foreign-made chips, particularly from China and Taiwan.
While President Trump has expressed his opposition to the law, referring to it as wasteful, Republican senators have voiced strong support for the semiconductor industry incentives. They argue that the funding is necessary for securing the nation’s supply chains and technological infrastructure. The CHIPS Act aims to ensure the U.S. can maintain its edge in high-tech industries and safeguard defense capabilities, like the production of military-grade hardware.
Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), one of the Republicans who voted in favor of the law, emphasized the importance of rebuilding the domestic semiconductor industry for national security. He pointed out that disruptions in global chip production, especially in Taiwan, could lead to devastating consequences for both the U.S. economy and military capabilities. The chips produced in America are vital for everything from consumer electronics to advanced defense systems such as the F-35 fighter jet.
Despite President Trump’s calls to scrap the law, many Republicans believe that the law’s bipartisan support and the funds that have already been committed make any repeal unrealistic. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) pointed out that there simply aren’t enough votes in Congress to reverse the law, as it passed with broad support from both parties. The law has already resulted in significant private sector investment, making it an undeniable success for U.S. manufacturing.
Senator Todd Young (R-IN), who played a lead role in drafting the CHIPS Act, also expressed surprise at Trump’s comments. He noted that the law had received support from Trump’s administration in the past and had already led to billions of dollars in private investment. He added that he is open to refining the law over time but stressed that its foundational goals are essential for U.S. competitiveness.
The CHIPS Act has not only garnered praise from Republicans but has been hailed as one of the few legislative victories of the Biden administration. As many Republicans continue to back the initiative, they remain focused on bringing high-tech manufacturing back to American soil through policies that strengthen the nation’s economic and national security standing. As Senator John Thune (R-SD) put it, there’s strong bipartisan backing for the law, and efforts to dismantle it will likely be unsuccessful.
