Vice President Kamala Harris Criticizes House Speaker Mike Johnson Over CHIPS Act Comments

Vice President Kamala Harris spoke openly against the House Speaker, Mike Johnson while addressing a press conference in Milwaukee. She was responding to the remarks made by Mike, about the CHIPS and Science Act, which intends to boost semiconductor manufacturing in the United States. It is said to be a benchmark for the American technology sector besides the Job Creator Act. This law was passed in 2022 with the support of both the Republicans and the Congress.

“This is further evidence of everything I’ve been talking about for months now,” Harris said and further stressed upon the need to protect the legislation. She stated the above information in light of recent statements from former President Donald Trump regarding withdrawing important policies, impacting the American workers. Expressing her concerns about these statements at a Press conference in Milwaukee, she further said that Republicans could repeal the CHIPS Act, if and when they overrun Congress in the coming elections. This was after House Speaker, Johnson’s utterings regarding the same, reflecting actually, the broader agenda of Trump.

Explaining about the crucial issue, she said, “We’ve talked repeatedly about their intention to get rid of the Affordable Care Act. Now to get rid of the CHIPS Act.” According to her, commitment to the investment of American jobs was just to ensure that the country remains competitive in the semiconductor industry. Chips Act, she said in the same vein, was thus, more than just any other piece of legislation.

The House Speaker, Johnson while supporting Republicans in the midst of the election battle, made these remarks during an event of campaigning in Syracuse, New York. On being asked whether Republicans would repeal the CHIPS Act on regaining control, the House Speaker’s response was, “I expect that we probably will.” This was the reason for the controversy as the Act is expected to bring 115,000 new manufacturing and construction jobs by the end of 2024.

Republican Williams uncomfortable with the House Speaker

Being uncomfortable with the statement of House Speaker, Republican Brandon Williams defended the CHIPS Act and added” “The CHIPS Act is hugely impactful here,” vowing to “remind” Johnson “night and day” about the importance of the law. This made the situation somewhat uneasy and showed the visible divide within the Republican Party, as the CHIPs Act is very sensitive issue that may affect the chances of both parties in the upcoming elections.

BREAKING: I asked @SpeakerJohnson if he’ll try to repeal the CHIPS Act if Trump wins and they have control of Congress.

“I expect that we probably will.”@RepWilliams responds: “I will remind him night and day how important the CHIPS Act is.” #NY22 @CitrusTVNews 🚨 pic.twitter.com/tUGwZMNMJM

— Luke Radel (@lukeradel) November 1, 2024

After facing backlash, the House Speaker tried to clarify his position. He stated, “As I have further explained, I fully support Micron coming to Central NY, and the CHIPS Act is not on the agenda for repeal.” He suggested that instead of repealing it, there could be efforts to simplify the law and remove certain regulations. This is actually a complicated issue and clearly shows how precarious situation the House Speaker is in, as he has to keep a balance between supporting his party and retaining the support of the voters who benefit from the CHIPS Act.

Democrats quickly jumped on Johnson’s comments. Ian Sams, a spokesperson for Harris, took to social media to criticize him, stating, “Wow — Mike Johnson confirms he and Trump would repeal the CHIPS law, which is investing in new plants and manufacturing in PA, MI, NC, GA, AZ that is creating thousands of jobs.”

Chuck Schumer, Senate Majority leader emphasized about the negative impact these remarks could trigger amongst the construction workers, as they rely on the opportunities created by the CHIPS Act.

The CHIPS Act is set to bring a massive investment

This Act aims to bring semiconductor manufacturing back to the U.S., the Act is expected to generate an investment of about $200 billion over a period of five years. The possible advantage of the said Act lies in the prevention of supply chain disruptions and lowering costs. The CHIPS Act has enabled $53 billion in spending on semiconductors, a statement from the Commerce Department clarified while a staggering $30 billion has been attracted in private investment. This, the Department says brings about 115,000 new manufacturing and construction jobs by ending 2024.

In a way, The Republicans are trying to make a perception that while they are vehemently opposed to government spending and their ways but at the same time they want to show that they support the policies and laws that eventually benefit the general people. The CHIPS Act has been a big topic of discussion and a point of focus for both the rivals parties. Portraying the threats to this legislation as an attack on American jobs, the Democrats seem to be trying hard to highlight this.

The comments made by the House Speaker and the aftereffects of the campaigns throw light on the importance of this election. The Act like the CHIPS law will be crucial for the American elections where the common people expect clear communication and a commitment to support American jobs which will be a deciding factor in these elections.