[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 25 (Tuesday, February 8, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E126-E127]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
BIOECONOMY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2021
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speech of
HON. DARREN SOTO
of florida
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, February 2, 2022
Mr. SOTO. Madam Speaker, I want to commend the authors of the America
COMPETES Act of 2022 for including $52 billion to incentivize private-
sector investments and continued American leadership in semiconductor
manufacturing to help address supply chain disruptions and ensure that
more semiconductors are produced here at home.
Within my central Florida district is the NeoCity technology campus
which is recognized as an emerging microelectronics and advanced
manufacturing hub, that has already made synergies with institutions of
higher education across Florida and key partnerships with the U.S.
Department of Defense and U.S. Department of Commerce. NeoCity is home
to BRIDG, a not-for-profit, public-private partnership specializing in
domestic semiconductor research, development, and manufacturing. Imec,
a world-renowned international research and development organization
active in semiconductor design and architecture. SUSS MicroTec, a
leading supplier of equipment and process solutions for the
semiconductor industry. And SkyWater Technology, the only U.S. owned
and operated pure play trusted foundry, that works on leading-edge
advanced packaging technology. They all work in collaboration out of
the Center for Neovation, one of the most state-of-the-art advanced
manufacturing facilities in the western hemisphere. As envisioned by
this important legislation, the facilities, and experts at BRIDG, imec,
SUSS MicroTec, and SkyWaterTechnology offer immediate capability to
accelerate U.S. production of critical semiconductor chips, strengthen
the domestic supply chain so chips are made in America, and turbocharge
our research capacity. Equally as important, the NeoCity Academy, a
public STEM magnet high school, is training the leaders of tomorrow's
science and technology workforce.
I am proud of the work being undertaken in my district to support
domestic semiconductor manufacturing technology development as they
work to address the supply chain. I look forward to working with the
Administration and the U.S. Department of Commerce on implementation of
the American Competes Act and the CHIPS for America Fund.
[[Page E127]]
I appreciate the inclusion of three amendments for consideration in
the final passage of the COMPETES Act:
CHIPS Funding to Non-Profits: Adds nonprofits to the definition of
``covered entities'' to expand the semiconductor incentive program to
include nonprofit entities. This clarifies that non-profit entities
like the 501(c) facilities in NeoCity are also eligible for funding
under the semiconductor incentive program.
AI JOBS Amendment (H.R. 6553): Directs the Department of Labor to
create a report analyzing the future of artificial intelligence and its
impact on the American Workforce. Specifically, the report would
collect data to analyze which industries are protected to have the most
growth through artificial intelligence, and the demographics which may
experience expanded career opportunities and those most vulnerable to
job displacement. This is an inclusion of the standalone bill H.R.
6553, the AI JOBS Act.
Blockchain & Crypto Specialist w/in OSTP: Requires the Director of
the Office of Science and Technology Policy to establish a blockchain
and cryptocurrencies advisory specialist position within the Office to
advise the President on matters related to blockchain and
cryptocurrencies. OSTP advises the President and others within the
Executive Office of the President on the scientific, engineering, and
technological aspects of the economy, national security, homeland
security, health, foreign relations, and the environment. it is
critical to create such a position within OSTP to ensure there is a
policy expert capable of advising the President and others within the
Executive Office on these issues of growing national importance.
The Restoring Resilient Reefs Act (RRRA) reauthorizes the Coral Reef
Conservation Act (CRCA), which expired nearly fifteen years ago. It
maintains the NOAA Coral Reef program, while also introducing overdue
improvements to coral management and restoration efforts and giving
innovative new tools to partners who are closest to this crisis:
states, territories, tribes, communities, and universities.
key provisions.
A 5-year authorization with an explicit focus on restoration
activities where natural disasters and human actives have degraded reef
ecosystems. This program is currently funded at $33M for 2021 but
without further direction by Congress.
Creates a block grant program where states and territories can
receive federal ``matching funds'' for the prior year's coral
expenditures, provided they have an action plan in place, which will
incentivize increased state and local investment of in coral reef
management capacity.
Intergovernmental partnerships are key for water infrastructure
upgrades, pollution mitigation efforts and regrowing reefs,
Allows for the formation of a public-private partnerships for coral
management, called ``Coral Stewardship Partnerships.''
Public-Private partnerships are critical for sharing researching.
Authorizes the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force, to ensure states,
territories, and other stakeholders continue to have a voice in U.S
coral reef management. Public feedback is essential.
Establishes of a single streamlined set of guidelines for ``action
plans'' to implement the national strategy, with maximum flexibility
given to state and local authorities. These action plans will focus
restoration efforts more effectively.
Allows for emergency grants and emergency funds for coral disasters.
This will assist with Hurricanes, typhoons, tsunamis, as well as oil
spills and other major pollution events.
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