[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 199 (Tuesday, November 16, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S8216]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                   National Defense Authorization Act

  Mr. President, finally, on NDAA, last night, I took the first 
procedural step for the Senate to begin consideration of our annual 
national defense bill.
  Republicans have repeatedly said this legislation is urgent and needs 
to be taken up immediately. We have heard them say that. They have 
signed letters about it. With their cooperation, the Senate can start 
voting as early as today. We are ready to do that, and I hope 
Republicans can join in moving this legislation forward quickly.
  This year, it is my hope and intention to add to the NDAA the 
bipartisan legislation the Senate passed earlier this year to boost 
American manufacturing, scientific research and innovation, and U.S. 
competitiveness.
  The U.S. Innovation and Competition Act, USICA--formerly known as the 
Endless Frontier Act, which I championed with Senator Young and with 
great help from so many; among them, Senator Cantwell--would be one of 
the largest Federal investments in science, technology, and 
manufacturing in decades. It is an urgent and necessary step that will 
put more Americans to work in every corner of the country. It will 
fight inflation and relieve overburdened supply chains.
  Talking about supply chains, pass USICA. Nothing will do more over 
the next few years to reduce supply chain problems than this bill, and 
especially in the semiconductor industry.
  The chip shortage is not some abstract issue; it is impacting the 
daily lives of Americans. Cars, refrigerators, and other household 
appliances require chips. Supply shortages mean Americans are left 
waiting a long time for these essentials. We have legislation ready to 
go to fix this major chip crisis. Addressing this crisis cannot wait.
  A generation ago, we used to produce about a third of the world's 
chip supply. Now fewer than 12 percent are made in America while other 
countries have lapped us, particularly China. This hurts American 
workers, American consumers, American national security.
  We should pass USICA this year--and it is a bipartisan bill--so we 
can strengthen domestic chip production and drive new investment in the 
industry to help address this shortage. If we can pass the defense bill 
with USICA language included, I am hopeful that we will be able to work 
with the Speaker and our House colleagues to find a way to get this 
legislation enacted before the end of the year.
  Once again, before I yield the floor, my kudos, accolades, fondness, 
and love to the great Senator from Vermont, who will now speak.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Warnock). The Senator from Vermont.