The U.S. House passed the America COMPETES Act on Friday, a bill aiming to increase American competitiveness with China.
A 222-210 vote officially passed the measure that calls for $52 billion in grants and subsidies to help the semiconductor industry, as well as $45 billion to strengthen supply chains and manufacturing of other critical goods.
Of Wisconsin’s eight Representatives, only Democrats Mark Pocan, Ron Kind, and Gwen Moore voted for the bill. All five Republicans, including Manitowoc Rep. Glenn Grothman, voted with the minority.
Republican Rep. Scott Fitzgerald of the state’s 5th district issued a Friday press release, criticizing the bill for not being tough enough on the Chinese Communist Party for what he called “rampant abuses” of climate change incentives, as well as failing to adequately investigate the origin of COVID-19.
Democratic Rep. Pocan of the state’s 2nd district stated on Twitter that he believes the bill’s investment in supply chains increases manufacturing capacity on American soil and strengthens the nation’s competitive position.
The U.S. Senate passed its own version of the bill, the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act, last June. Both chambers must reconcile any differences in the legislation before it heads to President Biden’s desk.
