Semiconductor Sector Needs Probed by Science Committee

As Congress weighs proposals to jumpstart the domestic semiconductor industry by providing billions of dollars for R&D and manufacturing incentives, the House Science Committee is taking a long view of the industry’s needs. Last week, the committee heard testimony on ways to expand the semiconductor workforce, building on a hearing in December that likewise underscored a need to train engineers and technicians in highly specialized skills if the U.S. is to successfully reverse the offshoring of chip fabrication.

At last week’s Science Committee hearing, Research and Technology Subcommittee Chair Haley Stevens (D-MI) remarked that the panel is “taking a higher-level look at challenges and opportunities to build and expand the semiconductor workforce,” saying the discussion at the hearing should go beyond the CHIPS Act. She expressed particular interest in ways Congress could support efforts to expand education and training and to raise awareness of semiconductor industry jobs among students and veterans.