WASHINGTON: A bipartisan group of lawmakers on Thursday introduced a measure aimed at strengthening chip manufacturing in the United States, adding to efforts to champion the sector and lure high tech supply chains back into the United States.
An additional US$5 billion would be allocated as grants to federal agencies to foment research and development in the sector. However, the bill will be introduced as a standalone on Monday as well to bolster its chances, a Senate aide said.While approval is far from guaranteed in politically gridlocked Washington, the amendment is part of a growing bipartisan campaign to fuel growth of U.S. chip foundries, as the industry's center of gravity has shifted to Asia.