Congresswoman Gwen Moore Votes to Pass the America COMPETES Act of 2022
Washington,
February 2, 2022
Congresswoman Gwen Moore Votes to Pass the America COMPETES Act of 2022 Congresswoman Moore voted to pass the America Creating Opportunities for Manufacturing Pre-Eminence in Technology and Economic Strength (COMPETES) Act (H.R. 4521), which invests in Science, Technology, and Engineering, and Math (STEM) research, supports an increased production of semiconductor chips, strengthens American supply chains, manufacturing, and global competitiveness, and safeguards international alliances. In response, she released the following statement: “Serving on both the Ways and Means Committee and Science, Space, and Technology Committee, I am honored to help develop key portions of this crucial legislation and to bring the priorities of my constituents to the table. I am so proud that this comprehensive legislation includes my proposal from the Trade Adjustment Assistance Modernization Act of 2021, which provides a $2,000 childcare allowance for trade-impacted workers, so that they can access childcare and attend training that helps them access family-supporting careers. I am also thrilled that this legislation contains my initiatives from my work on the Science, Space, and Technology Committee to fund cutting-edge clean water research with the Department of Science, along with my legislation to increase this important research for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), community colleges, and minority-serving institutions, like Alverno College in Milwaukee. These proposals will ensure that our STEM workforce reflects America’s diversity. This legislation also protects our economic and national security by investing in a domestic semiconductor industry. Semiconductors are key to the production of cars, household appliances, electronic devices, among countess other products. The recent shortage in the supply of semiconductors has led U.S. manufacturers to slow down production and furlough workers. These funds will incentivize further private investment in such facilities in the U.S., create good jobs, keep America competitive in this sector, and help end the semiconductor shortage. Another economic challenge facing workers and families is that of supply chain disruptions and the rising prices of goods due to the pandemic. To respond to these problems, the COMPETES Act authorizes $45 billion to support the supply chain of critical goods and equipment, which will improve the reliability and cost of energy, stockpile medical equipment, and increase our food supplies. I know that families are feeling the squeeze because of higher food and gas prices, and this measure will address this problem head-on. The bill also includes key provisions to help ensure the U.S. is a leader on combatting climate change both at home and abroad, such as authorizing strong funding for annual U.S. contributions to the Green Climate Fund. The COMPETES Act of 2022 is legislation we need to build a 21st century economy and workforce. It will support American workers, invest in the STEM research needed to keep our nation economically competitive, address the inequality in STEM funding between institutions of higher education, provide opportunities for gainful employment to more people, and tackle supply chain interruptions. I look forward to continuing to work to improve this legislation as it now moves to conference with the Senate. ” Read more on the COMPETES Act here. |
