Despite widespread bipartisan backing, some members of Congress expressed concerns about certain provisions, such as the level of government subsidies or the potential for the bill to benefit only a few large tech companies. Still, the majority of both Democrats and Republicans recognized the strategic importance of boosting semiconductor production on US soil.
A DoC spokesperson pointed to the “overwhelming bipartisan support” for the act’s more than $400 billion in total investments as well as projections it will create more than 125,000 jobs. “Our team continues to implement this bipartisan law in accordance with statute, including announcing more than $36 billion in proposed funding for manufacturing incentives and several key R&D components. We will have more announcements in the coming weeks,” the spokesman said.
TSMC declined comment on the act’s future. Intel, which completed building a new fab in New Mexico and is awaiting CHIPS Act funds for that, was promised a total of $8.5 billion to support investments for fabs, packaging facilities and R&D centers among four states, including Arizona, Oregon, and Ohio.